June 1, 1944 Postcard

Dearest Skip,

            Sorry I can’t write more. Put barracks ship shape-marched till chow-ate-fell out fo the grinder (drill field)-heard inservice lecture from 9-11—took out $10,000 insurance payable only upon my sojourn with “Davy Jones.” Hit the grinder (drill field) till dinner (12:00) and drilled after chow for 1 hour till we assembled to hear a lecture in the auditorium by our Regimental Commander-and hit the grinder for drill and calisthenics. Boy we really were wet through to the skin from perspiration-but the boys are looking more like “blue jackets.” Well today’s Tuesday and no mail yet although I imagined someone has written-got to march to chow now and practice more. As ever.

Paul 

May 30, 1944 2045 P.M. (8:45) Camp Decatur

Dear Harriet,

            We’re feeling great-stiff necks and writer’s cramp. As I told you yesterday we tested all day today. After putting our bunks ship shape and doing our cleanup detail (mine being still the skipper’s quarters) we fell out and marched over to Regimental Headquarters-from there we marched to a large warehouse sized classroom and I and about 2,000 more gobs took every test in the book from about 6:00 till dinner or chow as you’ve found we call it. Then we went back and took about 4 more hours of tests. I’ll still write when I can but it’s near impossible. I’ll get about 1 hour sleep before I have to get up—you see I have to stand Guard in the top deck Cubicle from 2200 till 2400 (ten till midnight). I imagine it’ll be an ordeal after that test-they’ll correct that test and give us an interview, between the two they’ll determine our future in the navy. Either a trade school or some excitement on the high seas. Well we sent every pair of pants and blouse we own over to the tailors today-4 whites, 3 whit blouses, dress blues, and two blue pants also 2 undress blue trousers. Talk to you after while my dear. Till I’m asleep—toodle oo.

Paul

May 29, 1944 17:30 Camp Decatur

Well my dear,
          Things are pretty good around here. Yesterday I saw Jim a few minutes after church. We marched to church and had services similar to those at home. It was sure a swell feeling and spirit-cause it seems like we been away from home for years. Not homesick-we haven’t time for that but I just miss you and the folks. At first I thought I was the only one so I just acted natural and never said anything but pretty soon Dick said he thought he’d go crazy if he didn’t see his girlfriend-that made me feel better cause I wasn’t the only one then. I hope you got the other letters and cards. I just found out this morning that the mail failed to go out the last day or so. Before I forget, please write when you have time or feel like it and don’t go by the bargain you set cause I’m telling you we don’t have time to think or hardly chew our food around here-what there is of it. Besides that a day here seems like two days put together home. But seriously I’ll try to write a card a day anyway more if I can possibly make it. I don’t even have time to read these letters over after I scribble them off.

            We had a big day today-about 05:30 “Junior” that’s what we call first mate to the skipper-he came in and hollered, “Ok you land lubbers hit the deck!!!!!” I imagine you could hear him over in Pleasant View. We call the Skipper (our Captain or C.O.) “the Old Man” not to his face of course. One kid just about got shot cause he addressed him accidentally “hey You.”

First things after putting our bunks ship we found our cleanup detail. The boys kidded me cause my job is doing the C.P.O room-that’s the room where all the officers sleep and stay. The skipper and his first mates the “Juniors” and the Platoon Commanders. The boys said, “rubbin elbows with the Officers huh?” I have to swab the deck there and dust a little. I guess I’m lucky cause I haven’t stood Guard yet-probably it’s just around the corner though.

We went over to R4 building at 13:15 (1 p.m.) to see a show. It was purely educational nothing entertaining-the asst. C.O’s walked up and down the aisle and the first man in a company who went to sleep had to stand up the rest of the show. The 2^nd man asleep and everybody in the Company stood up. Everybody who went to sleep soon got woke up by the gab next to him. The show was about different maneuvers in drilling and parading-such drills as right and left oblique, flank, colmn., reverses, dresses-etc, etc, etc… After the show we went out on the “Grinder” (drill field) and practiced (correction nearly committed suicide) boy I don’t know how many hours we were out there but it seemed more like days. Especially when some of the boys couldn’t dress the ranks to suit the “Old Man” and we all had to hold our arms out from our shoulders-try it for just five minutes and you’ll get the idea. I felt sorry for the kid next to me. He just about couldn’t take it.

Well tomorrow we have to take the G.C.O.T. a test that determines our future in the Navy after boot camp. I’ve taken tests that lasted a few hours but this one lasts all day. We have to have the barracks ship shape and report to regimental headquarters at 06:30 (6:30 p.m.). I haven’t heard from Utah since I left so write-tired-as ever-

Yours.

May 28, 1944 Came Decatur Co-44-332

 Dear Harriet,

            I hope you got my card from L.A. I wrote it over at the U.S.O. we ate in L.A. and took the 12:10 streamliner to San Diego. It’s about a 3 hr ride. If I ever get a few hours liberty I’ll go over to L.A. to see my aunt and Grandma at Hollywood. It’s sure funny how they marched us from one place to the other but we’re used to it now. When we got to Diego they crammed us in a bus and hauled us to the Base and dumped us out at the reception center. It was too late to do much so they bedded us down topside. We hit the deck at 4:50 then went to chow after we showered. After that we got a physical from stern to stern and 3 inoculations and a vaccination to boot-half the crew can’t raise their arm above their shoulder. Then they detached a generous portion of our wig what a laugh. Especially some of the boys with pretty black curly hair. After that they gave us a sea bag and sent us through a line where they threw clothes in mattress covers about 6 ft long. When we got through dragging it, it was filled about 4 ft up-with $137 worth of gear. (Navy for clothes, shoes, utensils, etc). We went from there to have it stenciled. They put our name and Co. on everything from shoes to hat-including belts and socks. We went from there to check to see if we had everything and then sent our “civvys” home. Then we boarded a truck that shipped us over to Camp Decatur along with our clothes and sea bag. We got out at our barrack and found our bunk-mine’s on the lower deck top bunk. We dumped them (clothes) out and straightened them up neatly in our sea bags and made our bunk ship shape-mattress cover with open end to the bulk head-pillow at one end and blankets folded correctly at the other end “ditty bag.” (that’s the one with shoe shining gear, comb, soap, and such stuff in) secured just so with towel folded just so for inspection and sea bag battened to the top end of our bunk. Then we put our boots on (that’s what they call legens in the Navy). Then we fell in for a bit of drill right and left face right and left column and half a million others. We marched to mess and ate our first chow at Camp Decatur. Each Company eats at a certain place at a certain time-our company has 177 men in it and there’s easy a dozen and a half company’s in Camp Decatur alone. If you see a Utah man good if you see an Ogden Boy very good. Dec Garner and Jr Taylor bunk topside in our Company and Walter Garner and I below.

            Last night we made our bunks, washed up and lights out at 8:30 p.m. That’s 1630 Navy time. You see here from noon on instead of 1:00 p.m. it’s 13:00-2:00 p.m. 1400 and so on to midnight it’s 24 hundred and thirty for half past midnight. This morning we hit the deck at 5:30-Sunday other days 5:00 or before. We “swabbed the deck” and straightened the barracks ship shape and I marched to chow.

I’ve been getting a lineup on Jim and the boys ever since I been here. A couple of days ago I found out they were at Camp Decatur and last night after chow I found they were in Co. 326 so we moseyed over there and sure enough there was Jim, Judkins shupe –Vic and all the other boys. Boy it sure was swell to see them. This morning each boy goes to church according to his denomination: Catholic, Protestant, etc. at certain time. I’ve sure been busy since we got there. I’ll write-correction scribble off a few lines whenever I get a chance because I don’t think things will slow down any. We’ve got to get a 12 t0 14 week boat course done in 5 or 6 weeks.

            Well now maybe I can tell you a little about Navy talk, dress, and chow. The grub’s good but not quite enough of it. I’ve seen very little milk (1/2 glass since I been here). (I had 1 cup of lemonade) the rest of the time it’s coffee-water for me. You get your chow cafeteria style-a ladle of this and a ladle of that. As soon as you hit the curb coming to chow you fold your cap up and put in back of your neck by your collar. When you’re through eating you separate your knife, fork, and spoon and put them in separate boxes. You put your cup and bowl in one pan and wash your plate in a large tin one with dents in for different foods. Courses to you now about dress-we’ll probably be in dungarees most of quarantine that means about 3 weeks. That we’re restricted to our barracks expect when instructed otherwise. Then we have 3 suits of whites. Dress and undress 2 suits of undress blues and 1 dress blue which I expect we’ll see very little of. I couldn’t begin to tell you about all our sox, underwear, turtleneck sweaters and combs, toothbrush, etc. You’ll find a little about navy lingo in all my letters. In the Navy they got a name for everything and you have to get hep quick or you don’t know what they’re talking about.

            You don’t go upstairs o downstairs. You go topside or below on the ladder, not stairs. You swab the deck not mop the floor and the walls are bulkheads. Everybody’s “mate” or “mac” for short unless they’re your friend. The front end is the bow the back the sten. Last night I asked an old Navy man where I could get a rope to “baten” (tie) my sea bag to my bunk-he didn’t know what I was talking about. They call them lines in the Navy.

Well I’ll tell you more about the Navy after while. I’ve got to get on the line to go to church. Before I forget when you send my mail (which better be often) send it to:

Paul Hyer A.S.

Co. 44-331 U.S.N.T.C

San Diego 33 California

That is until I tell you different. After quarantine we’ll be shipped somewhere else. Some of these guys are the slowest, dumbest, most uncomprehending guys I ever had the displeasure of meeting. Some are sissies, some are mama’s boys, that I don’t expect did a day’s work in their life. But boy we’re changing, especially when some of them have to swab out the “crews head” (Lavatory to you). The kid who bunks aft of me is from Morgan and he knows Elaine-name’s Dick Thackery. He’s a swell kid-but what I was going to say was-he rolled over on his sore arm, the one with all the shots in and did he come to attention. He woke up so fast he sat straight up in bed. It was sure miserable sleeping. You had sore spots in every position.

            Well write soon or I’ll go craze (probably). As ever, your sweetheart.

Paul

p.s. If something seems to be screwy with this please overlook it. The way they run us around I been working on it about 10 different times.

Back in time...

Hello Readers!
When I started typing these letters written by my grandfather "Pablo," I thought the correspondence from 1944 was already completed. As I was going through the boxes of letters, I came across all of the 1944 letters from when my grandfather first went into the Navy, starting in June 1944. We're going to go back in time from where the letters started. The blog posts from here on out will contain the beginning of "Pablo's" Navy service. Enjoy!
Kristy

April 16, 1945 Monday

Darling,

                I don’t mind too much returning to my duties after spending a weekend like last.  It makes it a lot easier for a lad to be away from his woman and family-left behind you know.  Eases your mind and raises your hopes.  I received two most enjoyable letters-both Saturday.  It might sound funny but I knew I couldn’t answer until tonight so I saved one until today to open and read.  If you please, I’ll relate the weekend and take up the letters after.

                Saturday, I went up town (St. Louis is quite a ride) to a dance party the Mutual had.  Not a large crowd you know, just a few in the Branch, but oh I did enjoy playing those games and dancing the Virginia Reels.  I guess Mr. and Mrs. Russell knew the Base was far away and I didn’t have a place to go so they asked me to sack in at their home.  Seems I never worry about where I’ll sleep.  I can always find a phone booth somewhere.  I snoozed most enjoyably and Brother Russell and I had a bit of chow in the morn.  Good all home cooked oatmeal he made.  Say what kind a mush do you cook? Can you cook “Germ made?” (That’s what we call it home-don’t know its real name.  Kind of a cracked wheat cereal you cook).

                Naturally I enjoyed and was thankful I could attend Sunday School and Priesthood.  Then I was grateful I was able to eat some delicious chow at Brother and Sister Russel’s after.  You were telling me about the couple you went home with you so you can imagine what those people mean to one, especially so far from home and quite alone when it comes to good people to associate with. 

                Then, during the afternoon I did the fist piece of “lectric” transferring I’ve done since I left home. That is with home appliances-Sister Russel’s waffle iron had developed a few major faults so I dismantled and rewired it.  Sure enjoyed it.  I wasn’t fun-past that-it was enjoyable. Reminded me of how I used to putter with such things at home.

         At night instead of going to church, Sister Russel, Sue and I went to the Kiel Auditorium to see on of the things I reckon I’ll long remember-my first Grand Opera.  This auditorium was one of the largest and most elaborate I’ve ever seen and the stage-oi yoi yoi a thing I dreamed of when I was stage manager.  Naturally I was probably most interested in the stage settings (magnificent), clarinet cadenza, violins, and French horns (perfect).  See, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra played the job and maybe you know better than me that it ranks among the top of the country’s symphonies.  I know you’d have been in the height of your glory if you could have seen it, and believe it or not, the girl-main female who the thing was pretty well built around-looked so very much like you.  Even when I looked through the Opera glasses and it didn’t seem at all fantastic for you to be up there yodeling like her.  Probably you’re more familiar with it than me but anyways it was the grand opera “Rigoletto.”

                Saw you at the Junior Prom Friday. You never paid any attention to me though and I pestered you all night.  This year, what I wouldn’t give to have your check by mine and listen to those records you spoke of.  Seems to me that “always” is almost sacred now.  Don’t ever hear it so much you grow tired of it, Hon.  Thank you an awful lot for the pictures.  They were a surprise to me and please know that I mean they are a couple of the best pictures I have of you.  That splicing pose you kids struck was really cute.  I got a big kick out of that and the lads here ribbed me about it.

                You know full well I don’t mind you being with the lad. Mostly because I know what a different it makes to have one of the opposite sex to associate with.  My thought is how the dang is this humble swab jockey going to compete with a polished college chap? Some pictures of the Army I spoke of.  Some are returned missionaries and every one oft hem have shipped out now. I guess it’s got to be though.  They’re swell lads-some of the best I’ve met or ever hope to meet.  Oh the crowded female picture-we didn’t know her.  Just saw her and a girlfriend taking pictures and decided she needed a little military background.  Naturally the Navy had to supervise this most enjoyable detail.  Don’t think the boys are wolfs.  They are far from that.  It’s just some of our mass foolishness. 

                Please send the snaps of Sue back.  Will comment more on your pictures.  Thanks morn’ I ‘n say.  Till then. “Always.”

Paul

April 14, 1945 *Roosevelt Died*

Dear Harriet,                                                                                                               April 14, 1945

                Right now, one thing that is on my mind is that I’m sorry our flag is half-mast and will be fore 30 days.  I heard just a while ago and believe this country lost one if it’s greatest men in history, and we boys in the service of the United States lost one of our greatest allies on the political front. Let no one say that he didn’t die for his country.  He left his home and family to go to the far corners of the earth many times and put in hours at his work that would try any man’s well being and he gave many years of his life for his country and finally the supreme sacrifice.  I think he would have gotten for us a better more bountiful peace that any other man I know of.  May his reward be great as he once again meets his Creator.  We’ll conduct special memorial services tomorrow.

                Really isn’t a thing to say.  It’s raining a lot here lately. Sure will bring the Mississippi up. Between you and me, I wish it would cover the Base.  If it did, we’d shift our gear to Jefferson barracks for a little vacation.  One year they had to evacuate some of the lads from here in a row boat.

                I hope things are ship shape at the campus and an even keel at the apartment and diplomatic relations are of their best in your little female circle.  Keep on the good course and when a little rough going’ comes, don’t let it jar your compass or get you fouled up. Think of yours now and then and please, a little prayer as to our mutual feeling.  Think I’ll shove off to St. Louis over the weekend.  Heard some noise about a mutual dance, so maybe no mail for a bit.  No excuse for you though my dear. 

All my love.

Paul

April 12, 1945 Thursday

Dear Harriet,

                Yesterday I got another of those Blue letters, but blue only in color.  Very cheerful otherwise.  It seemed that there was a lot more writing on that sheet than usual and I enjoy every word.  You said you weren’t lecturing me and I know you weren’t, but all the same, I had to smile.  First because I don’t deserve the worry if I may call it that.  But I do appreciate your thoughts for my welfare. Second, because I know that you’re quite sure I can handle things for the best and don’t really get in trouble.  I can’t get out of the same if not bettered.  I’m quite sure I’ll fare well on your cooking.  Never fear, it won’t b too long before I’ll be trying it as you mentioned-one of these years. 

Now for a few words on another subject.  You said you weren’t lecturing about me giving the Division Officer the word.  But I’m saying, this is going to be a short lecture-and not just to be different, because you need it, unless you’re teasing me. 

Susan Russell may be quite a girl but confound it, don’t get the idea that I’d never be satisfied with “a small Home town girl.”  In the first place, I’ve been around some and have never seen a girl you couldn’t give the stiffest competition and I don’t say that to make you feel good.  Like my mums said, “It’s better to be a big shot in a little town than a little shot in a big town.”  Take it for what it’s worth and don’t be too quick to forget it. My mother said the same thing-me not being satisfied with things back home.

About Navy College, it’s a blank-the Division Officer you know.  Say, I haven’t heard anything about M. Bowes-DeMille and Kaltenborn and the FBI.  Can you verify or give me anything else on that noise.  We’re lucky to have election lights out here-let along the news, though we do hear headlines like the Russian Jap noise.

                You’re certainly underway with activities-music and social and school.  You deserve it and more and it’ll be forthcoming.  All the luck I can muster or help I can ever offer.  Write soon and ask questions about anything. I’ll see you after while.  Day dreaming and nothing else.  All my love.

Pablo

p.s. Those cards have seen a bit of territory. They have been on my person almost all the time I’ve been gone.  I guess you know what those punch holes mean? Memories?

(Harriet Johns-invitation to all Weber county Ward, Stake, and Inter-Stake Budget Parties for the 1943-1944 Social Season; Weber High Student Body Card 1943-1944 for Paul and Harriet)

April 2, 1945 Monday Portage Des Sioux MO

Well my lovely land lubber.  I’m at the present-not a dry land sailor.  But never the less the sloppy weather never queered the deal for yours truly to have one elegant weekend that he’ll not soon forget.  I was able to navigate over to the Gold ‘n Green rat race and-oi yoi yoi, what a fiesta.  As you may have guessed, I was with Sue. We went over with Mr. and Mrs. Russel.

                It was held in the Ball Room of the Hotel De Sota.  They had an excellent orchestra and really made with a decent mode of music.  Susan was last year’s queen so she crowned this year’s queen.  We lead the crowning procession down a long plush carpet the length of the ballroom-with everything dark but a spotlight.  Naturally, that made us feel so important we couldn’t get our Easter Bonnets on.  (Sailors changed from blue hats to white ones on Easter).

                There was then 5 soldiers with the Maid of Honor or what you call them and the queen.  It was over all too soon and then the Russels asked two soldiers and myself over Easter to a fine dinner and what with two exceptional Easter church programs it sure boosted this chap’s morals and made him feel glad.  Especially so when the people ask you to take part in things.  Like Bob Petty- a son of Dr. Petty of Ogden-who stuck my tooth in).  He’s a Navy Medical student here studying to be a doctor.  Really a swell lad.  He’s Sunday School supervisor.  He asked me to give the prayer Easter morning then in the evening meeting I sang with the chorus-a couple of pretty songs that you’d probably know if I could remember.

                Lately I’ve been stripping rocket gear from a plane from combat and standing more watches.  I’ve received some enjoyable letters from you lately.  A couple of 3 page ones with all the latest word.  One I carried a couple of days and read much.

                Well mama, “since when” gosh I bet that was swell being able to be home and get the alligator sandals and go to your Sunday church and shoot the breeze with your friends and have your birthday dinner home.  It please me lost to have you speak with my people.  They mentioned it in several letters and I know they enjoyed it.  I like to talk to Lila with you.  She probably enjoyed your company-more than you know.

                Say, did I ever tell you my dad worked at the American Can a few years back? It was when I was about 6 I believe.  Those birthday presents sounded nice and I hope mine won’t be too long from now. Unexpected deals make my blood boil.

                Say, that was quite an escapade-all the goodbye’s Marine and all.  I imagine you find Marines to be quite the boys.  I’ve gone to school with them you know.  The only regret is that such times don’t come often enough.  I got a kick out of that Diamond episode. 

                No more good turns daily.  Sue and I went roller-skating-including once when I skated on three points.  The soldier from Logan is Doyle Egan-Student Body President of South Cache-class of ’43 and one sell Joe.  That sleeping on watch we spoke about would probably mean a Court Martial.  I got caught and felt about as uneasy as I have felt for an awful long time.  The officer was swell and I got off easy.  It isn’t no joke and is a very serious manner.  I had 3 watches in 6 days and accidentally fell asleep.  I don’t think it will ever happen again.  Yes, that one Easter I was near you will always live within me. 

My love,

Paul

March 30, 1945 Friday

Dear Skippy,

                Hardly anything to say but that I think of you lost.  Last night on that 2000-2400 guard, I thought of you an awful lot. I’ve wondered often what the situation will be like when we meet again.  Where will we be? How will we find each other? Change a bit-but for the better or worse?

                Yesterday I tangled with my Division Officer.  It gave me self satisfaction but at my own expense because officers hold the upper hand even when they’re in the wrong which everyone agreed that he was.  I wanted to go to Navy College.  It’s been on my mind for quite a while. The reason why I never mentioned it is because I was sure of myself.  It was in my grasp and I had all the red tape squared away except one unimportant paper which the old man had to sign.  I steered clear of him as long as possible.  He’s a Navy Warrant Officer what has been in 20 some years-all of it spent on the beach and he’s authority conscious.  It’s been said many times that men here would remember him and if he ever shipped to sea, he’d be overboard pronto.  I’m serious Hon.  It’s been known to happen many times and will many more times.  People that are found to disappear just disappear over the side of the ship and no questions asked.  The guys aren’t really killers but you have to live as closely and constantly with your mates as in the Navy.  Even ashore, people like that make it too miserable.  He had no reason particular except that he tried to get a J.G. rating and they wouldn’t give it to him so he’s taking it out on us.  They wouldn’t give it to him because he has no sea duty.  He called me on the carpet 3 times in one day which would be usually equal to suicide, crucifixion, and a few others.  The 2 times I got used to his sorry line and I guess the third my Dutch came up so I “give him the word” in no uncertain terms. The lads patted me on the back for it but I expect the consequences will be my name on the next draft for Smart Field, en exile 40 miles out of the town-300 men, stiff discipline.  Some of the boys I shipped from Jax with are already there.  All I can do is wait.

                We’ve been working hard on the planes lately.  I’m tired again tonight and I’ve lost 10 pounds.  Don’t mention it to mom though.  I’ll get it back after while.  I’ll write again and tell you about the weekend I’ll’ spend starting tomorrow night.  For now, Love ‘n kisses ‘n stuff.

Paul                           

p.s. On the front of the station paper-truer words were never spoken

March 29, 1945 Thursday

Dearest,

                Probably not much tonight.  I’m not ashamed of the fact that I’m jogged out-a real full day.  The writing looks it I guess.  The 8-12 (20-2400) watch tonight won’t help much either.  I hit the bench last night.  I went with a girl I met at a dance Tuesday.  She reminds me a lot of you.  She’s not a Mormon but is a very fine girl.

                I can’t remember if I told you or not that Tuesday I saw another name Band over at Tune Town.  I heard Bobby Sherwood and he’s got a fine outfit.  Last night I saw a show-Olivin De Haveland and Jack Carson in “Roughly Speaking”  and Claudette Colbert and a good male (actor I forgot) in Practically Yours.  Both first class pictures.

                

Well I’ll write soon when I have more time and no watch and something to say and no wash soaking.  That isn’t going to help the condition of my physical being any either.  So-great muches of the best of the best and lots of affection.

Pablo                 

March 27, 1945

Darling Duchess,

                Don’t mind the queer salutation.  Every now and then I recall how the lads called me Dutch.  Still do in letters.  I kinda like it for boys too, but it never did appeal to me for females to call me by that handle.  It suggested something of a tough character-underground, ignorant, etc… On the other hand, a few letters “ess” can give the word a meaning of something like a lady-in every sense of the word, of gracious manners, good breeding, etc… We’ll agree that my definitions, if I may call them that, aren’t far from wrong.  “Dutch” being a questionable character which is indisputably me, and Duchess, a person of recognition, fineness, and usually a title.  You don’t have a title-literally, but as a figure of speech you have a title. Darling, sweetheart and many more and you are swell-fine lady and anything else the name suggests of an esteemed nature.  Don’t wonder at the strange way I started this letter.  I mean it every word, but I didn’t propose to write so when I broke out my writing gear.  There really isn’t much to say, so maybe it’s just as well.

So you had a fine trip from Logan and are enjoying the stay home.  Not now you aren’t, but you did.  That was a good deal for you to get off early, but I can’t visualize you to acting screwy on the trolley.   I’d like to have helped you tend the young one and I’ll be around Saturday for the get together you mentioned.  It’s swell that Zelma will be with Howard.  They both deserve it.

So, you talked to mama on the telephone.  I can see you two shooting the breeze like a couple of gossips.  And I’m glad to hear Lila is looking and feeling well.  I’m going to try to write her soon.  It seems like the writing situation is always way ahead of me.

Thank your mom for writing too.  I’ll try also to acknowledge that soon. Did you read the poem she sent? I gotta shove off for the Hangar soon.

Love,

Paul

March 24, 1945 Saturday

Dear Harriet,

                Two letters to answer and most enjoyable letters too.  Hope you’re enjoying your time home. Probably you’re fixin to scamper back to the campus when you get this.  This will probably be a disconnected note.  I just got off of 4 more hours of that-ground duty and I’m awful sleepy and tired, etc…I’ve been putting in an ultra violet fluorescent light in one of the Navy’s fastest patrol planes and I’ve been standing on my head and every other position you can think of.

                Tonight when I was on guard, I sat down to take it easy on the sly a bit and I fell asleep and started falling.  Come near getting on the deck but I thought-well last night I couldn’t write and the day before it was just a card so I better try anyways.

                Last night, I and this Student Body President from Scott Field-he’s shipping out so we decided we’d have a bit of a time before he shoved off.  We and a couple of girls from the Branch went to see Glen Grays outfit over at tune town and enjoyed the evening very much.

                You were asking about this civilian that I’ve been gone with now and again.  He’s Sue’s girlfriend’s boyfriend.  We had a double date a time ago.  Now if I remember right, what I meant when I said on the phone call, “By the way you talked your feeling wasn’t natural which is natural.” Well if it was one of those frequent calls like when we lived close together there wouldn’t be any occasion for excitement or quickening of the heart.  But I hadn’t talked to you for a long time so it’s only natural that you didn’t sound as usual-no deep meaning, just the odd way I say things.  I’ve noticed it before, but I guess it’s a habit.

                Your physiology teacher has a right bit of philosophy there.  You won’t have a worry coming though because you sack hours, from the sound of things, is fairly late. Yah I saw “Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo” at the Base in Jax.  There are few of the best ones that I have missed as you are probably aware. As I said once before, if I reap nothing more from this experience I’ll be a movie critic.

                As I also said, it would have been well if Zelma could have seen Howard as he moved through. Tell me he’s not bad off is he-he’ll be ok? Awhile ago the boys brought the mail to me and I read what you had to say concerning our friend Lila.  Of deeper concern probably than we can fathom because that girl has seem more at her early age than many people see in a lifetime.  Perhaps she is stronger than most of us.  I can’t remember if I told you or not that Lila wrote me about her baby several weeks ago so it was no surprise.  In many ways, it’s best this way, in many ways, not.  It could surely complicate her life in time to come but it could occupy the many lonely hours to end. Give her great more cause to carry on.  I wish I could have got this letter to you while you were home so you could give Lila the word for me.  Last night I started this letter but had to give up and hit the sack so that’s why I finished as I’m doing so now.  I guess it’s like I always said, “I was born tired and I’ll die tired and always be so.”

                I worked this morning (Sunday) and they secured us for the rest of the day so I’m caulking off for awhile and have to muster for a watch at 1500 though-another 1700-2100 guard.  2 days in a row now and my blood’s a boiling.  The winds a blowing and it’s raining out at that. We had some fine noon chow-breaded chicken, cranberry sauce, potatoes, gravy, ice cream, etc… I chugged a bottle of milk and have it sitting outside of the window here by my sack to keep it cold.  Before I go on watch I’ll have a delicious swig of milk and a couple of the best cupcakes that the folks sent me in an Easter box.  Apples, fudge, etc.  Oh yes, a bottle of native currant jam too.  Really swell of them.  Too bad we’re not feasting on it up in the meadows of South Fork. Well toodle-oo my sweet and write soon.

Paul

March 21, 1945 Wednesday

Dear One,

I’m still kicking mostly about the guard duty.  Last time (Monday night) was another 12-4. It wouldn’t be too bad getting out of the sack at midnight if it was decent weather, but this noise of standing on a landing strip full of planes that are just about floating off with the rain has got to come to a screeching halt.

 I waded around for awhile and felt like screaming every other minute “Man the pumps.  We’re taking on water.” After awhile when the big breeze came, I relaxed the military a bit and climbed into some British sea plane standing on the ramp but I guess I never kept quite a good eye out because when I was caught flat footed by the OD (Officer of the Day), I figured here’s where Mrs. Hyer’s little vagabond is up the proverbial creek and better brush up on the smooth vocabulary.  So I started off with a fine salute and what do you know, but that’s all it took.  It left me shaking a little other than Ma Nature’s cold shoulder but such is life.  I went to mutual last night and that’s really all I can think of to shoot the breeze about. 

So much affection.

Pablo

March 19, 1945 Monday

Dear Harriet,

                You’re probably wondering if I got fouled up or something.  Nope, I’m still on the turf but I’ve been on the beach quite a bit lately so I wasn’t where I could get the word to you.  Friday night the Bankers of St. Louis gave a big shin dig over at the DeSoto Hotel so I went over at that and while I was there, some Joe gave me a piece of paper that I could go down and get anything I wanted to eat.  It was in a big swanky chow hall on the Bottom Deck of the hotel and boy what chow.  I had some things with a French name on it.  What it really amounted to was an omelet of about four eggs with shrimp sauce all over and a couple of dishes of vegetables and a few other dishes of this and that. I’m stuffed.

                When the affair was secured, I ran across a fellow electrician-an instructor out here and he was so drunk he couldn’t even stand up without capsizing.  He is about as old as my father and sure was disgusting, although a bit comical.  I figured he’d get fouled up some way if I didn’t take care of him and get a captains mast or something so I helped him navigate back to the Base and didn’t get in until night onto 0200.

                Saturday I rated the weekend as Susan Russel, whom you’ve heard about, and I sailed over to the “arena” and went skating.  I had more fun than for a long time and only got scuttled once.  Sunday a Mormon soldier from Logan and I hiked around together.  We shot some pool and ping pong at the U.S.O. after church and then saw “The Keys of the Kingdom” and “A Soldier Came to Dinner.”  Both very good.  It seems to me you saw the first. It was a religious picture of the hardships of a Christian missionary in China-very inspirational.

                When I came back to the Base, I had a 3 page letter that sure made me feel good.  It was well worded and I enjoyed it more than usual.  I guess I read it for an hour.  The call I made Station to Station and only took near a half an hour to get through.  I really haven’t much time.  I’ve got to get some sleep-a 12-4 watch tonight so if this is a bit disconnected, don’t mind too much.

                That certainly was a good deal for Donna’s boyfriend to ship back to the States and it made me so glad to hear in a later letter that Howard is back.  I know what that will mean for he and Zelma alike.  Now he can get acquainted with his young-un.  Say, you’ve sure had clear sailing lately.  The Gold and Green Ball and getting the Radio and then that lengthy vacation serves you right for being my good girl.  Can you imagine us weathering it out together.

                I’m sure sorry I got fouled up on the birthday hon.  I guess though it’s a man’s well exercised right-to forget dates.  I’ve started already.  I just as well tell you that what I’m making for your birth commemoration will not get there on time.  I haven’t even got it finished, let alone mailed.  I hope you’ll understand.  It’s taken quite a little time to shape things up and I’m sorry it won’t make the 27^th.  Yah you a better man than me my unhappy even was the 2^nd of the 6^th month.  2 from 6 leaves 4-the day we’ll always remember as our merging.  Thanks for giving me the word on the home love angle.  I heard a rendition of “My Task” Skip, quite a song.  That was funny, us seeing that show “I’ll Be Seeing You” almost the same time.  Well sweet dreams, my thoughts Darling.

Paul

March 14, 1945 Wednesday

Dear Cap’n,

                I’m in somewhat of a mood tonight.  I won’t explain it because I know you know that feeling better than I can explain.  The reason is because I saw “I’ll Be Seeing You”-Joseph Cotton, Ginger Rodgers, Shirley Temple.  Fine show about a soldier on a furlough.  How they danced on New Years and had dinner at home on Christmas and hiked or walked like we did on Easter and just so many things that use to be ours.  The men who make the movies do good work because they can make the feeling come up in a lad fitten to make his heart beat right through.  Just like I’d care for to squeeze you into a tantrum,  I’ll let it go at that.  Just so I’ve made the fact known that my mind is full of memories and thoughts and my heart full of feelings.

                In some ways, I’ll be glad when my relief comes and these weeks of temporary duty is up and I can go back to the Hanger.  I’ll miss all this sack time though, working from 0800 in the morning until 1000, 3 hours off for chow and in the afternoon from 13 til 1500 5 hrs-the rest sack duty.  I spend it writing to a lot of people I wouldn’t otherwise-my uncle Ace in Germany, etc… Then reading that 700 page book.  Most reading since I’ve been in the Navy.  Sure like to read.  Wish I could do more.  Well sweetheart I’ll get this squared away now.  As ever,

Paul

Tell the gang hello.

March 13, 1945 Tuesday

Dear Harriet,

                I’ve got an idea.  This letter will be another stingy one.  Maybe I can explain why you don’t get mail on a weekend sometimes.  See we go ashore Saturday afternoon and don’t get to write that night because it’s so far back to the Base that I just stay over to the YMCA.  Then I don’t get back until Sunday night and write Monday.  It goes out Tuesday so that’s quite a stretch and no eloping.  It’s against my constitution.

                It sounded like you were a little bitter about that game with BYU.  Don’t know as I blame you.  That was rugged duty. So you got P.T. by tap dancing what? You teach that class good so you can give me the word and teach me when I wander back to the Home Port.  And I imagine how you’re eager for the next quarter. Something like when we’re wondering about our next Base.  Only finish off this quarter and get it squared away ok.  Not by sluffing, just because you like the weather.  All the snow’s gone here and almost all the mud too.  I’ve been in short sleeves for quite awhile.  You give me the word on the Gold and Green Ball.  Only wish I was going too.  Maybe I can to the one here the 31^st, if so it’ll be the first church dance for a long, long time. I’ll leave my love.

Paul

March 13, 1945 Tuesday

Dear Skip,

                I want to be where you is instead of where I be.  Because I are where you is not and it ain’t no place for me.  I used to think the world was great but now I think it isn’t for I have gone where you is not and left you where I isn’t.  Kid stuff darling? Thoughts ‘n Love.

Paul

March 12, 1945

My Dear,
       The only thing mentionable other than a fine, enjoyable letter is that I hit the beach for awhile.  I was with a civilian near my age, in first year college but is going into the Navy soon. A swell kid-with a wreck of his own to run around in just as we used to.  He’s a bit on the innocent and delicate side if you catch me.  Or else that it’s just that I’ve seen a lot since I’ve “been in” and he just seems naïve.  Just as you said awhile ago that “you’ve learned an awful lot since you turned 18.”
        Yep, there’s an awful lot of things you can’t explain or write about.  At this rate it won’t be long before I can quote the old line-“I’ve seen everything now.”  But the Navy will change this kid.  He won’t be as innocent or delicate after awhile.  In some ways it’s good and some bad.  It uses where you find one, the other is lurking close at hand.

We saw “Since You Went Away”-3 times for me but I liked it.  You remember it with Claudette Colbert and Shirley Temple, Bob Walker, etc…
     Say but that winter carnival did sound good.  I could just see you and the gang mauling around in the snow.  Say it was well that you could talk to your folks the other night.  That would most surely make you happier.  I guess you know I’m a hoping I can get through to you tomorrow.  Maybe I’ve changed since I went away but I hope you don’t judge me by my conversation on the phone.  I won’t say much more-or I’ll tell you-I won’t secure this now.  I’ll wait and see if I stir anything up to talk about for another half a page.  For now-
       Say Hon, you remember a bit ago when you wrote me the words of the song, “My Task” I believe-not sure.  Anyway, I heard a very pretty duet sang on it the other night in church and liked it much.
     I’ll add just a bit more by saying I just got back from the auditorium.  You’ve heard of that radio program where they give away money and candy bars called “Dr. I.Q.”  It was quite a program for a change.  I’ll wish you pleasant dreams if they were only true. Also some love,
Paul

        

My Task Lyrics Tennessee Ernie Ford                         

To love someone more dearly ev'ry day
To help a wand'ring child to find his way

To ponder o'er a noble tho't and pray
And smile when evening falls
And smile when evening falls
This is my task
To follow truth as blind me long for light
To do my best from dawn of day till night
To keep my heart fit for His holy sight
And answer when He calls
And answer when He calls
This is my task
And then my Savior by and by to meet
When faith hath made her task on earth complete
And lay my homage at the Master's feet
Within the jasper walls
Within the jasper walls
This crowns my task

March 12, 1945

My Dear,

       The only thing mentionable other than a fine, enjoyable letter is that I hit the beach for awhile.  I was with a civilian near my age, in first year college but is going into the Navy soon. A swell kid-with a wreck of his own to run around in just as we used to.  He’s a bit on the innocent and delicate side if you catch me.  Or else that it’s just that I’ve seen a lot since I’ve “been in” and he just seems naïve.  Just as you said awhile ago that “you’ve learned an awful lot since you turned 18.”

        Yep, there’s an awful lot of things you can’t explain or write about.  At this rate it won’t be long before I can quote the old line-“I’ve seen everything now.”  But the Navy will change this kid.  He won’t be as innocent or delicate after awhile.  In some ways it’s good and some bad.  It uses where you find one, the other is lurking close at hand.

We saw “Since You Went Away”-3 times for me but I liked it.  You remember it with Claudette Colbert and Shirley Temple, Bob Walker, etc…

     Say but that winter carnival did sound good.  I could just see you and the gang mauling around in the snow.  Say it was well that you could talk to your folks the other night.  That would most surely make you happier.  I guess you know I’m a hoping I can get through to you tomorrow.  Maybe I’ve changed since I went away but I hope you don’t judge me by my conversation on the phone.  I won’t say much more-or I’ll tell you-I won’t secure this now.  I’ll wait and see if I stir anything up to talk about for another half a page.  For now-

       Say Hon, you remember a bit ago when you wrote me the words of the song, “My Task” I believe-not sure.  Anyway, I heard a very pretty duet sang on it the other night in church and liked it much.

     I’ll add just a bit more by saying I just got back from the auditorium.  You’ve heard of that radio program where they give away money and candy bars called “Dr. I.Q.”  It was quite a program for a change.  I’ll wish you pleasant dreams if they were only true. Also some love,

Paul

        

My Task Lyrics Tennessee Ernie Ford                         

To love someone more dearly ev'ry day

To help a wand'ring child to find his way

To ponder o'er a noble tho't and pray

And smile when evening falls

And smile when evening falls

This is my task

To follow truth as blind me long for light

To do my best from dawn of day till night

To keep my heart fit for His holy sight

And answer when He calls

And answer when He calls

This is my task

And then my Savior by and by to meet

When faith hath made her task on earth complete

And lay my homage at the Master's feet

Within the jasper walls

Within the jasper walls

This crowns my task

March 11, 1945 Sunday

Dear One,

                A little while ago I talked to you on the phone and didn’t have much to say.  Right now I’m on guard duty and also writing a letter with not much to say either. Probably at times like long distance phone calls it isn’t so much what you say anyway-more what you feel.  By the way you talked, your feeling wasn’t natural which is natural.  I guess it’s one of those feelings you can’t explain maybe something like the feeling you get before you get on the speaking platform in front of a big mob, or when you get something you want bad and don’t know how to act or what to say.  Those feelings and quite a few more all mixed in.

                It’s sure funny-it’s a fine spring weather we’re having outside.  When it’s snow and ice I have a nice watch out in it, and when a day comes along that it would be nice to be out, the Hyer boy has to sit at a desk and play executive. I’ll close for awhile.

Paul

March 9, 1945 Friday

Well Katy ma Darlin,

                Same noise, snafu and all that.  Right now it’s from 0400 this morning until 0800.  This old noise of getting out of a warm sack in the middle of the night has got to come to a screeching halt.  Haven’t been doing much lately.  Started reading a book-saw the show a long time ago and thought it would be good.  It’s named a “King’s Plow.” You may have heard of it. It was a best seller once.  I see why now.  Quite the book.

                You know I don’t know why I started a book when there’s as much else to do-letters, wash, etc… and I always did like to read.  Just got back from chow.  Tasted pretty fair this morning-eggs, bacon, grapefruit, biscuit, all-bran, milk, etc… This Base is really ok for  milk.  I get a small bottle every morning and usually two and that’s something.

                I hope all’s well and ship shape at your quarters.  That school’s being squared away ok.  A little excitement and romance a stirring.  A scrawny letter but nothing’s stirring.  I’m going to hit the beach tonight.  May have something tomorrow.

Toodle-oo Darling,

Pablo

March 8, 1945 Thursday

Dear One,

                In that last communication, I’m awful sorry I never explained a question which I imagine has bothered you some.  Why didn’t’ that Dutchman call, especially when he said he would? Well, I haven’t any excuse or alibi but I do have a reason.  It seems that Sunday fell on the 4^th of the month-the 5^th being payday.  From that we might conclude that on the 4^th this humble lad was financially embarrassed and also I was ashore at church and there being a great distance between church and the Base.  By the time I docked back, the telephone exchange was secured, even if I did borrow some mazooma to speak with you.  I hope you won’t let your temper dwell too long on my blundering plans and arrangements.  But this coming Sunday I will have the needed finances and also I’ll be confined to the Base so I have a very hopeful outlook as to my being able to make good on my promise.

                Maybe you’d be interested to know that my duties have been changed for approximately 2 weeks.  See my dear, we can’t take care of our work and barracks too so all hands take their turn at “compartment cleaning.”  We just spend the day making the barracks look ship shape.  It’s a detail that’s very popular though-you might even call is a pension.  We turn to at 8 and work until 10 (in the shop we’d work until 12) then we have sack time until 1 (in the shop we’d have to be back at 12:30 about), then we work until 3 and we are secured for the day (otherwise working until 5).  Then we only get a watch every 4^th night (otherwise almost every other night).  We can hit the beach 3 nights out of four and that makes the married men happy and I’ll be able to go to mutual again tonight if things blow right.

                But it sounds like you don’t get so much sack time what with that assembly-practices, meeting, programs and such-and like the M-men and Gleaner Dance you mentioned today, I hope you tell me more about it in the next letter.  I imagine those few hours do mean a lot that you’re able to have the kids over and play a few records and shoot the breeze and such things.  You find some enjoyment in as leading the singing as over to Sunday School lately.

                You mentioned Washington’s birthday and I thought yours is the 24^th of the month right? I was also thinking that Sunday was the 4^th another day of meaning and gosh but I would have liked to have called you. I’ll close now my darling with an awful lot of love for you.

Paul

March 7, 1945 Wednesday

Darling Cap’n,

                Snafu and all that noise.  The only thing commemorable I did lately was going to mutual last night to a civilian meeting-mutual for nigh onto a year now.  Yep Chris took lots with the Army about a month ago.  He’s in Texas getting the rugged staff Prod and I got in boots.  I used to think Lois was taking Chris for a ride too but it appears to be that it matured and Chris gave me the outline of their understanding-very similar to ours.  It surprised me especially after the Graves vs. Peble deal which we studied in the making and breaking. 

                I hope you’ll keep writing some of those things that are hard to say and sometimes don’t understand.  Just do as you have been in writing as much as you understand.  In your phrases and knowing you, I feel many of those things and we’ll agree then, that we really are missing the time of our life being separated.  Maybe I won’t die for my country but I am giving part of my life because you-now are my life and it’s logical to say that the time I spend away from you is not much different from time taken out of my life.  For now my thoughts and love.

Paul

March 6, 1945 Tuesday

Dear Skip,

                I honestly wish I weren’t writing this letter.  The song, “Three o-clock in the Morning” isn’t so funny, enjoyable or anything else anymore.  I’m as usual-on watch-and it’s just before three.  I cam on at 2400 and I’ll be on until 0400.  Matters could be worse, of course I could be out in the weather at the north gate sentry post or the prefabricated huts.  The weather is moisture in frequent and bountiful quantities. As it is I’m in the Master at Arms shack in a chair, doing a bit of office work but confound it It’s the principle of the thing.  Getting a lad out of the sack in the middle of the night to sit around for 4 hours! Besides, I had a big wash tonight and you know how I love that. But I reckon as how it’s just counterbalancing the past weekend I had.

                Maybe I said that Friday night I played a bit of basketball with the staff men.  Saturday night I had one fine enjoyable time, in fact, the best for quite some time. I was over to a fireside chat.  The mutual takes that here and we shot the breeze awhile and played different games and even danced some.  I’m wondering if I’ll ever get on to the idea of scrubbing my feet around the deck again.  The females are quite patient though which helps.  Then we had some tasty chow-ice cream, cake and the likes.

                Sunday I made it in good time to church and really digested mentally a fine Sunday School and testimonial.  The smallness of the Branch and the scattered location of the members by no means hampers their activities here.  They really do commendable work.  After church I latched onto 4 Army boys and we had some fine noon chow-french fried shrimp.  Do you like shrimp? Then we latched onto some bicycles and had one time all afternoon.  (Today my stern is the worse off).  We played tag and rode around in the zoo and in the paths through the park-one of the best and largest I’ve seen.

                After while the tag game got a bit rugged-the Army bent a pedal and almost a car and put a little skin on the deck so we gave it up in preference to the more conservative sport of eating a couple of pints of ice cream and riding the trolley to the U.S.O. A bit of pool and then to evening meeting then back to the noise I was griping about in the first of this word.  Same as usual though.

Paul

February 28, 1945 Wednesday

My Harriet,

                I may not get far but I’ll try starting.  It’s getting near taps. Me and some of the staff men played a bit of basketball tonight.  I really most thoroughly enjoyed the airmail letter today.  You must have felt generous.  It made my blood boil in a way though.  What I mean is that the reason I never phoned over

Sunday is because I never got the word that it was ok.  Now I find out it would have been.  I stood around Sunday and wondered and figured etc etc for a long time, finally I said well I’ll call anyway so I even had my Dungaree jacket on and started for the door but one of the boys said I wouldn’t call if I were you.  It cost too much to take a chance on so I figured well maybe he’s right-haste makes waste.  But I will call this Sunday unless something goes wrong.  I’m going ashore to church if possible but I’ll try to be back to call.  I figure on making it through the telephone exchange on the Base here.  I sure am sorry though my dear to make you sit around in a suspense that never profited.  You said around 7:00 p.m. your time or earlier.  I’m sorry, but it will probably be later if anything. I still have two chocolates left as you know I’m quite conservative with candy.

                Oh yes I’m a thinking those be pretty fair grades you’re getting.  That was a fine sounding shin dig you had over there.  If you were with a sailor though it was you not he who was jilted.  I don’t understand though, love why you ever think of this moth eaten swab jockey at times like that.  Seriously Harriet, it’s one of my pet dreads that of you getting a misconception of me.  This is something I’ve found quite true-when a person leaves another that means something to them, that person builds them up more than they really are.  I’m afraid you may be forgetting my bad traits and weak parts and making of me a person that fits your own ideals and wishes.  I hope not, but I saw it happen with a girl named Anna and a boy who went away as a missionary.  But as you say-when I get on that phone I might seem pretty stupid but after all, we’ll deal in principles and say it’s not the words but the feeling and thoughts.

                I got a letter from Lila-a very fine one. I think she has a wonderful attitude and I only hope her child will be ok.  She’s had too much grief now and as you know may even have more in store.  But we know God will be with her.  Well stay on the boat young-un.  Luck, love and more,

Pablo