Sunday June 10, 1945

Dearest Kitten:

Forgive me for neglecting you so and for forgetting your birthday. It was not because you were not in my thoughts at all times.

As I write this I am sitting on the promenade deck of our ship that is taking us to an unknown destination. The wind is blowing very hard but I am sheltered by a boat that sits on deck. It is not too uncomfortable.

Below deck it is very hot & stuffy. Of course I am fortunate in having a private stateroom with a few hundred other men. We have perfected a system whereby we have enough room. Half the men inhale while the other half exhale. In that way no one is too cramped for room.

I have just returned from Rosary Services that was held on deck. The chaplain is Protestant and that is the reason for only Rosary Services.

My mess sergeant is in charge of feeding all troops aboard. My first day aboard was a nightmare that I hope I never have to go through again. I was chasing down KPs from all the units as naturally the mess sgt. came to me to help him out. I finally got him straightened out with the K.P.’s and went to bed at ten. Up until two in the morning I was awakened every ten minutes or so by someone wanting something.

I am well hidden at present and am not being asked the same questions over and over again by everyone that goes by. Was I bragging just now. Two men from the company just came up for some instructions on what they were to do on the detail I assigned them to.

Pardon my writing as it is quite difficult to write on my knee with the boat rocking and the wind blowing.

The ship we are on has seven jap planes to its credit. Of course they have shot down more but if more than one ship is firing at a plane and it is knocked down neither ship is given credit. Before a ship is credited with a plane, there must be no doubt about who shot it down.

By the way and before I forget it, add ten more points to my credit. I am now entitled to wear two bronze campaign stars on my South West Pacific ribbon. Do not be fooled by the point system because essential men are not released. A great many men with over a hundred points are still being held by the Army because they are essential and the Army will not discharge them until they can be replaced.

So far I have not been seasick and I doubt if I will. The first night underway it got quite rough and a lot of men were leaning over the rail. They were not fishing either. Except for a few, most of my men were O.K.

There are about six dogs aboard. Two of them do not get along and every time they meet there is a scrap. The men keep them separated pretty well but occasionally they get together.

C Company’s band played for us when we were boarding the ship and is going to play this afternoon on the forward deck. They do very well for the type of musicians some of them are. The two trumpeters are kind of sour and spoil the rest of the band. If they had one or two good trumpeters, they would be real good.

Well Sweetheart I must leave you but not before I tell you that I miss you very much. I have been too busy lately to be too lonesome but it is hell to be so far away from my darling wife, who I love with all my heart. I love you so much that I ache all over for the love of you.

Give my regards to everyone & kiss the babies for me. I love you Sweetheart.

Your Loving Devoted & Faithful Husband,

Bob