Dear folks,

It’s about a half an hour before mess and I’m taking it easy now after cooling off in the creek so I’m in a good mood to write.  Occasionally a Jap will be found at the river, but we don’t worry much about it.  The day before yesterday we killed one.  He was in terrible shape and weighed probably about 65 pounds, probably had been living on coconuts and grass.  One more good Jap.

Well today and yesterday were occasions for a few small pleasures, as pleasures are measured over here.  Probably first on the list is the fact that we had steaks yesterday.  Pretty good, and the whole meal was excellent.  In conjunction we had butter that doesn’t melt —in other words fresh butter.  All meant a great deal.  And last nite we popped some corn that the Grove’s sent me and poured that good butter over it.  And also we got an issue of 12 bottles of beer and of course it went well with the corn.  Quite a treat.  And while I was munching away, I had three swell letters to read–two from Mom, one from Dad.  They were full of clippings which of course I always enjoy.  And the nite before that received a fat letter from Mona containing the Christmas Day pictures.  Boy they were really good—and I had to show them around.  I’m still looking at them often.  So yesterday was slightly memorable.  No packages have arrived yet and I want them plenty bad.  Surely they will come soon unless the boat they were on was sunk.

I was especially glad to hear Dad had gotten his Purina deal through and from all I can judge from where I am, it smacks of a good solid business.  Of course you are welcome to use my funds if you desire.

I know the car you bought will come in handy.  You know [it’s hard to believe] I will be home someday and I can find use for it.  With Phil’s, yours, this one and the ‘T’ you must have the place looking like a used car lot.

Well now I’m going to dig out your letters and see what I can write about.  First off church–it would seem just as good to me to enjoy the quiet atmosphere of our own church.  I never before realized the dignity and background of our church before, and the thoughts of what religion can be, really help me, especially in situations of this kind.  You can actually realize that there is something far greater than mortals.

And here in the middle of this page something good again, I’m really rating on the mail deal.  A letter from Dad and one from Mrs. Dick.  Her letters are a remarkable reflection of her life and her orderly ways.  At the end she quoted a very inspiring passage. Her letter was indeed a good one and that’s an understatement.

Well I just finished chow and now I can get back to writing.  A light meal but we have a ‘special’ planned for tonight.  Bananas and cream and sugar–how I’m looking forward to it.

Last nite slept pretty good but a damned Jap plane kept circling over so I had to keep one eye open.   More nuisance than anything else.

Thoughts of Johnny Hirasawa put me hot all over.  The guts of the guy to enjoy our privileges and then join the Jap army as an officer.  His guts will end up a grease spot for the vultures to have.

I’m glad the War Department sent you the picture of Dick.  My last letter from him indicated he was feeling better and enjoying himself as much as possible.

I especially liked the shot of the table with the candles and dishes.  Gee how wonderful it would have been to have enjoyed it together, but the longer I am away the greater our enjoyment will be at some future time.  I hope you will soon receive a telegram from me stating I’m homeward bound.  Although it’s bad to be unduly optimistic I feel the end of the European war will institute many changes.  Actually I hope I won’t get a furlough but will get back on rotation.  Furlough entails coming back while rotation will mean sometime in the states. The letter enclosed is an exaggeration, but nevertheless a glimmer of the truth of how we have developed army habits and how we must re-adapt.  Read it over—it should pull a laugh.

Our bridge games are no longer.  No players so I’m probably pretty rusty.  All these birds play is pinochle.

Every evening has meant a listen to the news and the remarkable Russian drive.  The last report I had was that they were 145 miles from Berlin.  Surely the Germans can not long resist these pushes.  We will soon be celebrating the end, although to us here, although it will be a great bit of news, it will just be another day.  Also heard tonight that we are 40 miles from Luzon.  Undoubtedly the Philippine campaign is being regarded as past, contemplating greater moves.

I just opened a beer and it is really good.  I must ration them to make them last.

Well I’m getting writer’s fatigue so I’m going to lick my chops and get ready for our tent.  I believe this letter will reflect our good spirits and we compensate for those that were the other way.  Keep my mail up-you are doing great.  I am especially awaiting the moccasins and the lighter.  They will feel good after taking off these heavy GI’s.  I guess this is all.  Believe what Mrs. Dick told you for I do myself and someday this will only be something for reflection and an inspiration to do all I can to avoid future debacles.

Love,