Post #676 - June 26, 1945 Today, At Long Last, We Were Given Some Definite Information as to Where We Are Going and When

 

26 June 1945

Evie, my darling,

Yesterday (Sunday) being a day off, Klein and I made an early start and hitch-hiked to Walton-on-Naze. It was a beautiful day, and we took good advantage of it. We arrived at Walton, where we were greeted very cordially by our British buddies, and got into our swim trunks straightaway. Then, after a bite to eat, we went to the beach. I hadn't swum a stroke in the past three years, so when Sgt. Jim Montgomery suggested that we walk out on the breakwater, dive off, and swim back in, I was a bit leary, but rather than have him think I was incapable or afraid, I took him up on it. Once on the breakwater, it turned out that Jim wasn't as sure of himself as he first pretended, but I dived first to reassure him, and he followed right after. I'm in pretty poor shape, and I had all I could do to swim to where I could stand on the bottom. I only recall one other time when solid footing felt so good. That was when Jeanette once dared me to follow her at Almonesson Lake. She swam out
so far that I almost didn't make it back. (But that's another story) ~ We sunned ourselves on the beach ’til lunch time, when we went back to eat - still in our bathing suits. After lunch we had another swim and another laze on the beach. The beach was crowded with holiday-makers, but only a very small percentage went into the water at all. They were perfectly content to sit around on the beach (in their street clothes) and drink bottles of tea or lemonade. - And kids! millions of them! And cute! Some of the kids were sweet enough to eat, no kiddin'! - which reminds me that I took a picture of a smiling little boy who caught my eye last time we were up to Walton. The pictures incidentally, won't be ready for a coupla weeks yet. Service is very slow here, and films literally unobtainable. Anyhow, we didn't leave the beach ’til tea-time (4:30). After tea, feeling very fresh and clean for my nap and swim, I dressed and went down to the billiard room, where I beat the ears off Bill (50-17). We caught the 8:50 bus back to Colchester, and there caught the base truck back to camp, arriving at 11:30.

This morning was spent working on those everlasting "Forms 20", the afternoon in transcribing the squadron pay-roll at the Finance Office. Today has been another very sunny, but cool June day! Your V-mail of 15 June and Air Mails of 4 and 18 June arrived today together with that package of candy you mailed in April. Your letters asked if the package arrived, and urged me to make some snaps of myself. I think I've taken care of both. Thanks for the candy, honey. That box of "Lafond" chocolates is really delicious, and those large chocolate bars are always very welcome, especially since they've cut our food rations 20% and we are barely getting enough to eat these days. 

Your letters contained several items of interest, Sweet. Among them were the information that you raised the rent to $45. I can only say that that's about what it should have been from the first, and even if the others didn't appreciate the saving your Mom made possible for them and us, I certainly did. One thing I would like to know in this connection. How are the expenses being divided now ? You say something about wishing that I were home to help you with the punkin and that you'd like to see how I'd handle her. From this angle, honey, it's very hard for me to conceive just how I would handle her, although I must admit I have a hazy notion that I'd have her in my arms so much of the time that she'd hardly have any time

or freedom to act uр. At any rate, your wish that I were with her cannot possibly be more fervent than my own.— 

The description of those new summer dresses you bought recalled to me how I used to love to see you in a pretty new dress, and how I used to enjoy watching you take it off at night - whoa - I won't go into that now. But they do sound real cute, and I'd dearly love to see you in them. - Especially that blue-gray that you paid $13.00 for. I hope the price didn't bother you too much, Chippie. I assure you it wouldn't phase me if you'd told me you paid $50.00 for a dress. If I can manage to get a few pounds ahead, I'll pay for those dresses - and love doing it. That's not blarney, baby, it's the simple truth.

Glad to learn that Bob has finally bestirred himself to do something about that voice he's been wasting for so long. I predict we'll be hearing many favorable reports about him.

I wasn't surprised that Goldie came hustling back to Philly. It must have been very lonely for her without Harry.

In speaking of Lena's pregnancy, honey, you inject so much of repugnance in your words that I couldn’t help but feel disturbed by it. Please, Chippie, remember that I am well-acquainted with your aversion, so there is no need to write in that vein. As for that "deathly fear" you have of it (being pregnant), I think it sounds rather silly under the circumstances, don't you?

That story about my grabbing you out of Syd's arms when you were dancing with him doesn't sound just right to me. That's not the way I remember it. I wouldn't have thought anything of your dancing with him if it hadn't been for something you told me about him - some “phenomenon” that you evidently found remarkable, but which almost revolted me. As it was, I don't remember that I cut in on you at all. Seems to me you finished a dance with him (on the sun-porch), came and told me your little tale and then I danced with you. I only defend myself in this instance because I've always prided myself that I was pretty successful at masking my terrific jealousy of you. Please try to remember the circumstances, Sweet, and tell me if I'm not right. Will you, dear? And what do you mean you "stood up for me"? I'm curious to know just how you justified my “ill manners" in this case. As for “neglecting" you to play cards, I can only say it would have been downright rude of me to do otherwise when I knew darned well that Uncle Nish came over with every expectation of a card game. Right now, I can't conceive how I'll ever be able to tear myself away from you long enough to play cards! So much for your letters.—

There has been no further word about my transfer. The rumors today say that we'll be going home in August, that we'll be going home in November, and that we’ll be here 'til Xmas or later. The one thing that everyone is sure of is that the 440th Air Service Group is going home, because all the men that are coming into the outfit have more than 85 points. What we don't know, is who of us will still be with the Group when it does go back home. Here's hoping, sweetheart!

Just room and time enough to tell you, darling, that my constant prayer is that I will be with you at home - soon. November won't be too hard to take—I adore you, my Evie. A kiss and a hug for Adele. Tell her that Daddy said to be a good girl. Love to all.

Your Phil

26 June 1945

Dearest Darling,

Today, at long last, we were given some definite information as to where we are going and when, approximately. Now before you get all steamed up, Chippie, I must remind you that I'm still alerted for transfer, and if it comes thru (the transfer), circumstances will be entirely altered. The odds are that the transfer will come thru, I'm only hoping now that it don't. Now, a teletype from 3d Air Division Hq was posted on our squadron bulletin board. It said definitely that this Service Group would ship to the United States "on or about" November 1945. There is a strong possibility that the shipment will take place some six or seven weeks before that, because the transport of troops is that far ahead of schedule. So now you know how the situation stands, Sweet, except for the unknown factor of my transfer. I've already told you what it would mean if I were assigned to another unit at this stage of the game–a quick trip to the Pacific, or a billet someplace in Germany in the Air Force of Occupation. So you would do well, honey, to keep it all in mind.

Last night, before I wrote to you, Klein and I went to the early show to see "Hangover Square" with Laird Cregar, Linda Darnell and George Sanders. It was neither good nor bad—one of those so-so pictures. But Linda Darnell is some tomato. She is very beautiful, but there is something wicked and evil about that type of beauty - else I'm too impressionable.

Today again I spent my time on the Forms 20. The fellow who is supposed to replace me, 39 years old, a lantsman from New York, named Murray Magdol, was the merchandising manager of a Lerner store in New York in civilian life. I asked him what he could save me in the way of clothes bills for you. He said to come around sometime when we're both in civvie street and he'll give us an “in” with the wholesalers. I was only kidding, but maybe we'll take him up on it some day - huh, Chippie?

I just pulled a fast one on Klein. We walked down to the snack bar for a sandwich and coffee. When Klein, who happened to be very hungry (as per usual), picked up seven egg sandwiches and put them on his plate, I told him he was a pig, and ventured a guess that he wouldn't eat them all. He immediately became very indignant and offered to bet he would eat every bite. I told him to name the amount he wanted to bet. He said "half-a-buck". I said "it's a bet", reached over, took a bite out of one of his sandwiches and calmly informed him that he lost. Well, he didn't like the way I won, but he couldn't deny that he had lost the bet, either. I've been teasing him about it ever since. Some fun, hey, kid?

The weather today wasn't quite as nice as it had been, but it was nice and cool, and the clouds cleared in the evening. The days very long now - it doesn't get really dark ‘til about mid-night. We usually turn in about 11,0'clock, when the sun is just setting.

That's about all I have to say tonight, sweetheart, so I’ll bid you still another fond adieu, kiss you full and lingeringly on your sweet lips, squeeze your exciting body as close to mine as I possibly can, and whisper the thing my heart is full to bursting
with ~ I adore you, my Evie ~ Kiss our punkin for me. My love to all.

Ever,
Your Phil

Post #675 - June 22, 1945 For My Money, Though, the Points System Isn't Worth a Damn

 

22 June 1945

My Darling,

There was no mail either today or yesterday. Once more, subject matter for a letter is scarce, but I'll probably think of something before long - I usually do.

The orders for my transfer haven't come through yet. I have a sneaking hunch that Wing has cancelled the transfer. Don't ask me if I'll be sorry if such is the case, ’cause I don't know what the change would mean. The suspense is terrific, though, and I do wish they'd let me know something, one way or the other.

Went with Klein this evening to the base theater to see "Sharyn Moffett in "My Pal Wolf", a sentimental little story about a little girl and a dog. Sharyn is a sweet kid, and a swell little actress and made the picture worth while. I couldn't help thinking that our own punkin will be pretty close to her age and size (maybe) by the time I get to see her.

We're having lovely June weather, for a change; believe it or not, Sweet, it didn’t rain once today. I think that's some kind of record for this part of England.

Did I tell you that by my furlough has been snafued by my being alerted? I had planned to take my old top-kick, Sgt. Murphy, a likeable young Irishmen, up to meet the Davies' on 1 July. If my transfer is cancelled and nothing prevents, we may do so yet.

The "Stars & Stripes" said yesterday that the final critical score will be "over 70". I figure if it were to be between 75 and 80, the paper would have said "over 75". Sounds to me like it'll be about 74, which is just 5 points more than I have to my credit. A margin of 3 days deprived of that 70th point I thought I had. Which reminds me, honey, that you couldn't have thought very much about the fairness of getting points for my Enlisted Reserve time. You seemed to think the Army had done me an injustice by not giving points for the time I was home and working at my job. Would you put me in the same category as the guys who served actively all that time? No, Chippie, although I would give every penny we have in the world to have those 12 points, I can't, in all honesty, feel that I'm entitled to them. For my money, though, the points system isn't worth a damn. It has only served to cause a lot of hard feeling between certain sections of soldiers, and against the dim-wits who were responsible for the plan—but I better "get off it", as the Limeys say, before I blow a fuze. Every time I think of that "BP awards" deal I burn to a crisp, no kiddin'!

You may have noticed, honey, that I'm not my usual “sparkling self” tonight. I’ve been forced to the desperate expedient of “small talk” to fill in the white space tonight. (Isn't there a lot of that white space tonight, though!) (When I talk about the weather, Chippie, it's a sure sign I have darned little to write about.)"

~ Which all brings me down to the part where I try convey to you, my lovely lovely (that's no mistake - merely an inspiration) just how much you mean to me. I say “try", because as long as I've been writing on the subject I still can't feel that I've been able to express fully my ever-growing love for you, my darling. There just aren't words enough, or of the right significance to describe what I feel about you. I’m constantly plagued by the thought that perhaps you don't really know the extent of my love for you. Maybe some day soon I’ll get another opportunity to convey all that is within me to you - first hand. After all, love has a very special language of its own - remember? A kiss for Adele and love for all from 

Your Phil


22 June 1945

Dearest,

I've given up hope of ever finding the time to type “The Love of Mike", so I've decided to send it on you as is. Hope you like it, honey, but in case you don't, I assure you that I can and will do better some day—

‘Night, baby—I adore you—

Love from
Your Phil

Post #674 - June 20, 1945 Now That I've Been “Alerted” for a Move, I'm Kinda Tapering Off Work

20 June 1945

Darling Evie,

Just got back from the movies, where I saw that oldie "Roaring Twenties" with Cagney, Bogart, P. Lane, G. George, Frank McHugh, etc., etc. I didn't see it before so I rather enjoyed it.

I didn't do much of anything today. You see, Sweet, now that I've been “alerted” for a move, I'm kinda tapering off work. I spent most of the day going through the accumulation of junk in my barracks bags and locker, discarding stuff I no longer have use for and packing the things I want to take with me. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't have gone in to work at all if the First Sergeant hadn't come looking for me in the afternoon. There were some locator cards on the new arrivals he wanted me to type. I worked on them about an hour, and when I finished, returned to barracks and resumed my packing. I'm just about set to go now, but the orders haven't come down yet, so I guess I won't be leaving ’til the week-end.

Incidentally, while going through my locker, I ran across those studio pictures of Eddie's that he gave me a long time ago to send home for him. I was really surprised ’cause I was under the impression I had mailed them long since. I'll do so within the next coupla days. Forgot to mention yesterday that I included all the framed pictures of yourself and the punkin in the two packages of correspondence I sent home yesterday. I was afraid I'd ruin them if I jammed them into my barracks bags. However, I still have a few large (5x7) pictures of Adele and all the snapshots you ever sent. These I'll hold on to until~

(Just listened to "Tico-Tico" on the radio played by Ethel Smith on the organ. I just love that number!)

Your V-mail of 14 June arrived this afternoon, but it contained little more than your routine activities for the day.

Well, honey, that just about brings me up to date. I would like to fill the rest of this page with talk about when I expect to be home, what we'll do when I do come back, etc., etc. Unfortunately, I have no concrete information as to what the immediate future holds for me, so I am unable to tell you what to expect. We can only continue to hope that things will break our way - for a change. One thing I am very sure of ~ whatever happens in the next few months can have no bearing on that eventual and inevitable happy ending for us. At the very worst, I will be shipped directly to the Pacific Theater, but I can't conceive that I'll be there more than a year, even if the japs aren't licked by then. I know that the prospect of my having to sweat out another year in the Army overseas must be appalling to you, Sweet, as it is to me, but we must constantly keep in mind that whatever I am called on to do, or wherever I am asked to go, it is none of our choice. Nor is it within our province to change, so the sensible thing to do is to accept whatever comes with the best grace possible. Remember, too, honey, that at this stage of the game, when everything is in a state of flux, anything can happen. For instance, I may wind up in the Air Force of Occupation in Germany. There has been some talk in WD circles about allowing married men in the AFOO to bring their families over. I understand that the facilities at the Air Bases are superb, that there are swimming pools, tennis courts and such, and very comfortable quarters. Southwest Germany (near Munich) is beautiful country, too, with excellent weather. I never thought I'd consider bringing you and the punkin over, but under suitable conditions, and if you were willing, I might just be weak enough to be talked into it.

But what's the sense of guessing and wondering, we'll soon know what's to be, so let's be patient yet a while longer, huh, Chippie?. My best love to Adele. Keep punchin’, darling, - for me, will you? You know I adore you, and that I will never despair for anything as long as I am

Your Phil

Post #673 - June 18, 1945 Mailed All Your Letters Back Today, Honey - and How I Wished I Could Accompany Them!

 

18 June 1945

Dearest Darling,

In spite of my best intentions I didn't get around to writing while on pass. I was kept busy practically all the time of the three days I spent at Walton-on-Naze. Klein had been going up work on some guns for the British garrison stationed there, and he was treated royally by them. He prevailed upon me to go along with him, and because I had met his British friends at the 2nd Anniversary party and liked them, and because the prospect of lolling on a beach at the seashore appealed to me, I thought I'd give it a try for a day, thinking I’d go on to London if there wasn't anything much doing! Walton is 30 miles from here, but when Klein called them on the phone and told them we were coming up they sent a truck down to pick us up and take us there. And that's how it was all the time - they just couldn't seem to do enough for us. We were made to feel right at home right off the bat. Each morning, the cook brought us a cup of tea before we even got out of bed. The guys were as friendly as you could possibly wish for. Fellows I didn't even know gave me a big, warm smile and a "hello, Phil" in passing. The guys who wrote the text books saying that the English are a cold and reserved people should have met this bunch of guys. A short, fat, ginger-headed Irishman by the name of Michael Garrity and a big, burly fighter from Liverpool were our constant companions. We spent most of the day on the beach (only Klein was brave enough to go swimming, tho’ - it was that cold), and the evenings in the pub playing darts, singing, and drinking beer. Friday evening we went to a dance in Frinton-on-Sea, another town on the coast about 3 miles away. I wish, Chippie, you could see the Limey dances known as the "Palais Glide" and the "Hokey Pokey", they're really something. Our British friends have a community spirit that is evidenced in all their activities, be it dancing, drinking, or singing. You'd have to see it to appreciate it. Anyway, I was having so good a time that I forgot all about going to London. The three days passed all too quickly, and we came back to base via bus on Sunday evening. Almost forgot to tell you that we took two rolls of film, that I played billiards, and went fishing one morning off the end of the pier with Garrity. No, we didn’t catch anything. And, oh yes, Garrity and I went for a row in the boat the guys made out of a metal wing-tank, and I raised a lovely blister. I won't say what Klein was doing all this time. Suffice it to say that he had a “girl friend.” When we got back to base things were really popping. It seems the "readjustment” phase is starting. Numbers of men are being transferred out of this Group. The rumor is that they are headed for Germany and the Air Force of Occupation. Some others, myself included, are going to 66th Fighter Wing Headquarters. I don't know whether this is a good break or not. It depends on where the Wing Hq is going from here. It will be one of two places - either home for further readjustment, or straight to the Pacific. You can well imagine, Sweet, how I'm “sweating it out". My orders haven't come thru yet, but at most it's only a matter of a few days before I'll be on my way to Wing Hq, which is at Sawston Hall, a suburb of London.

That's about all the news for now, honey, and because it is almost time for lights out, I'll say my usual fond "good-night, darling". I love you so much, Ev—A big hug and kiss for my adored punkin. Love to all from

Your Phil

P.S. Forgot to say that I received your letters of 6, 9, 11 June, but aside from the fact that everyone is leaving for the summer, and your good luck in the matter of Adele's shoes, there isn't much to discuss.

P.P.S. Mailed all your letters back today, honey - and how I wished I could accompany them! I'm looking forward to the day when we will read them together. In the meantime, Sweet, whatever happens from here on in, you can do us both the most good by keeping the ole chin up. Can I depend on you for that? I adore you, Eve

P.P.P.S. Haven't had a chance to type "The Love of Mike" yet.

Post #672 - June 11, 1945 Tony Was Almost Killed Just Before Getting a Furlough from Germany to England and I Never Had More Cause for Optimism Than I Have at Present

 

June 11, 1945

Dearest Phil,

Last night after I had written to you, Anne called me and said, "I'm bored to tears. How's about comin' over?" I had just taken my clothes off and gotten into something more comfortable, my brunch coat, and since it was pouring pitchforks I declined. She promised to come over when Richy fell asleep, which turned out to be 10:15. We spent the evening, or what was left of it, chatting about one thing and another and when she was ready to go home it was pouring much too hard for her to leave. So it was that I was up till 12;30, at which time it let up sufficiently to allow her to go home. We had some tea and crackers with jelly and she told me how Tony was almost killed just before getting a furlough from Germany to England. While in England he visited his mother's sister, who hadn't seen any of her American relatives in 37 years. She was simply thrilled and so was he.

I was up bright and early, although I felt more like sleeping. We had our first taste of summer weather today. It was really hot in the sun, but it was cool indoors. I stopped at Geuting’s for Adele's shoes before going into work. I have an appointment with Dr. Lefkoe this coming Friday at 8:45; at which time he will examine & fit Adele's new shoes.

Did I tell you that Al is unemployed again. He was working for Budd's, but they had to let him go when an order came through to lay men off. He was well liked & they hated to let him go, but that's how it is. In spite of it, they took the bungalow at Browns Mills for the summer - at a cost of $400.00. No mail from you since Thursday so you must be on furlough. I love you so much, baby.—

Your Eve

11 June 1945

My Darling,

It has been a very full and busy day for me. - Looks like I’ll never get caught up with my work! Otherwise, there is nothing new or interesting to report. Just finished re-reading the letters which accumulated during my stay in hospital with an eye to any questions which require answering. Surprisingly, I noted only two queries in that category: (1) About the violin case. (2) About the points system. Well, Chippie, before I go any further, let's get that cleared up - (1) The violin case was never locked - I never had a key for it. In order to open it, you push the knob to your right, hold it there and lift the top. Simple, wasn’t it? (2) You're right, honey, about the Army's intention to lower the “critical score” in July, but the reductions won't be great enough to affect my status in any way - besides, the Air Corps critical score, which will be announced about the same time, will be higher than the critical score for other services, so I wouldn't be surprised if we'll be "sweating out” 85 points or more after the adjustment. No, Chippie, unless the WD wises up and authorizes the Service Gps that served with the Air Corps the same battle participation awards, the points I have don't mean a thing (not for the next 8-12 months, anyway). When I think of the deal we got on those BP awards, I burn up. Just think, I'd have 90 points if the WD had acted fairly in the matter. I'm sending along a clipping from" Yank", which is the letter that was sent in by our Group and signed by 454 men (me, too). You'll get a faint idea from this why we are so browned off at the way we're being kicked around. I might say one more word on the subject - although I'm far short of the number of points required for discharge, my total of 70 points is some 20 above the average for the Service Group. Soon, we will be readjusted on a basis of our scores, and the men with the highest number of points will be placed in “category IV” units, which are scheduled for return to the States. I hope to wind up in one of those lucky units. I'm more convinced than ever that I'll be coming home in a few months - even if I remain in my present outfit.

12 June 1945

Sorry, darling, but I was suddenly too restless to continue last night, so I decided to take a page out of your book and continue this today. (Shouldn't teach me bad habits!) Today was another very busy one for me, but I really got a lot done, and the day simply flew. I'm so thankful for that! The time never drags during the day ’cause I'm constantly working against time, trying to get as much as possible done. It's always the evenings that “get” me—

After three mail-less days, I received your longie of 2-3 June and your V-mail of 6 June. The former contained Jack's letter telling of his discharge from the Army - lucky guy! He's the one guy I've heard about who got more out of the Army than they got out of him. 

You've asked me a few times in your most recent letters to write to Mom & H + G about moving. Well, Chippie, I haven't done so for two reasons: First, I haven't had the time. Second, I'm not so sure it's a good idea right now. I know that you wouldn't want to leave 4906 if my homecoming were only a matter of weeks. Something I learned today gives me a great hope that it is a possibility, so I'd like you to maintain the status quo until 1 Aug. If I'm not home by then & I see no definite sign that I won't be shortly thereafter, I'll write that letter - O.K.?

You misunderstood my admonition about taking your cue from me in writing to Jack N. I didn’t mean to coax you to write to him. You know I have no right to do that since I write so infrequently to him. What I meant was that you shouldn't air any of your disappointment or displeasure about his marriage. I meant you to read what I had written and to adopt a similar attitude. Really, Sweet, I'm surprised you could misunderstand me so completely—

In your “P.S.” you asked a series of questions. Here are the answers: We embarked on 7 Aug 43 at Manhattan, N.Y. about 9 P.M. We were jammed in like sardines. The ship was the “Athlone Castle", not very big, but trim and fast. When we woke on the morning of 8 Aug., we were already far at sea—all alone—and that's the way we crossed the Atlantic - not in convoy. The first inkling we got of our destination was a little later that day, when we were given pamphlets about England - its customs, people and monetary system. I really enjoyed the trip across on those days when the sea was rough. No, honey, I didn't have even a trace of sea-sickness all the way across. There were no incidents and we arrived at Liverpool on 17 Aug. We went straight from the ship to a waiting train, which we boarded about 9 P.M. We rode all night across England (sleeping in our seats) and pulled into a little town called Harleston next morning. There we boarded trucks which took us to our base at Metfield, which is about 15 miles S.W. of Norwich and about 130 miles North of London. On 14 Apr. 44 we moved to the larger and nicer base at Raydon, which is just 8 miles south of Ipswich and 60 miles North of London. I think that answers just about all your questions. When I see you, darling, I'll tell you all the details.

Right now it's time to hit the hay, so I'll cut this short. In closing, let me say, sweetheart, that I never had more cause for optimism than I have at present. Keep your fingers crossed, baby, and pray for “us.” I adore you, Ev - I wish I knew the words to tell you how much. Here's a kiss to hold you until ~ and another for my beautiful bambina, our own Adele. Love to all from

Your Phil

Post #671 - June 10, 1945 l Understand the Points are Being Lowered and They Don't Seem to Be in Any Particular Hurry to Move Us Anyplace at the Moment

 

June 10, 1945

My dearest,

Goldie & Diana left early this morning & l can't tell you how much of a relief it is to me to see them leave. This, in itself, will be a vacation for me. Mom & I cleaned the house & Ed & my dad put the living room rug in the dining room & vice versa (at my request). The living room rug is worn threadbare in one spot & looked bad, hence the change. I like the change - it’s definitely much nicer this way. Ethel took the bungalow in Browns Mills & will be leaving in two weeks, & I think Mom will join her then or a week later.

We had the Browns (Tante, Unc, Syd, Bea, Miriam & little Anita) & H. Weinman for dinner & it was quite nice. Harry W. had to leave at 7 to catch his bus back to camp so Syd took him down to the station & Ruth, Miriam, Adele & I went along for the ride. It poured all day till late afternoon. Harry went to N.Y. with Goldie & Mr. Silver met them there and drove Goldie & Diana on to Poughkeepsie, while Harry returned to Philly. l understand the points are being lowered - think you might stand a chance now? I love you, baby - so much

Your

Eve

10 June 1945

Dearest Darling,

This is the first free time I've had since I got back to Base to write to you. We had an administrative inspection yesterday, and it was necessary for me to work day and night in order to get my records ready for it. I won't apologize for not writing, since you have said that you're not interested in my apologies. I can only say then, darling, that I regret most sincerely that it was quite impossible for me to do so. From the moment I got back ’til yesterday afternoon I was really rushed to death. I could have used another pair of hands and a lot more time. Happily, I managed to get a good bit of work done on the “Forms 20", and the inspection went off very well. The first thing I did on my return, naturally, was to pick up my mail. However, I couldn't take time out to read it ’til late that night. There were about 15 of your letters, one from Dot, a big, fat one from Jackie N., and 3 midget Bulletins. What a haul! You can imagine how impatient I was to get at them while I worked. I was conscious of the bundle of mail in my back pocket every minute, making it almost impossible for me to concentrate on what I was doing. Your letters covered a period from 12 May to 30 May, with only a few dates missing. I want you to know, Sweet, that I'm grateful for the consistency with which you are sending the mail along. I only feel badly that I am unable to do as well. You realize, of course, baby, that it is next to impossible for me to answer all your letters individually (not that I wouldn't love to), but we'll have to be content with some general remarks dealing with the things I want most to talk about — Your typewritten letter of 12 May, enclosed those pictures of the punkin and Diana and the family. I'll try to tell you just how they impressed me. To begin with, I think Adele never looked prettier. I've tried hard to remember when or where I ever saw a sweeter-looking little girl, and recalled only one prettier and one who was just in the same class. The former was Shirley Temple, the latter, Barbara.

Truly, Sweet, she is adorable in every way, and a daughter we may both be inordinately and justifiably proud of. I couldn't resist the urge to show the pictures to my buddies, and, to a man, they were of the opinion that a lovelier little girl would be very hard to find. Most of them were frankly envious, and puzzled that she could be so pretty and still bear so striking a resemblance to me. How do like that? - They were kidding, of course!?? What I wouldn't give to - oh, well - what's the use - you must know how I crave to hold that precious bundle - our Adele - Just as deeply as you, Sweet, do I regret that I am being cheated out of knowing her in these years of her babyhood, but I guess we have to pay in some manner for such a blessing. I feel that no sacrifice I could make for the future security of my beloved girls could be too great. That thought saves me much in the way of heartache, believe me. Still - God knows it's plenty hard to take with equanimity! (I'll never get done at this rate!) To continue, I want to say that Diana Jean is a very well-formed kid, and shows great promise of being a darkly beautiful girl some day. I think she bears a striking resemblance to brother Jack as a baby, and, yes, I do believe she resembles my father, may he rest in Peace! The table and chairs set is very nice, and solidly constructed. I imagine it's a great help in keeping the Strongin girls from roaming about the house too much. Altogether, it is a wonderfully edifying picture, and one of my favorites. The family picture is only a shade "flat"; but a very good picture nevertheless. Reading from left to right - You, my adored Evie, look not one whit different from the girl I remember, which means that to see you is to want to hold you and kiss you. Although your hair is, unfortunately, photographed against the dark background of Glo's dress, it is still easily distinguishable, and I don't remember that it ever looked better. Your adored face set in that well-remembered and heart-warming smile is just the face that I love so much - what more could I say? I'm not overly fond of that "cape-sleeve" you asked me about, but it's not entirely unattractive either. In a word, I like very much, indeed, the way you looked in this picture. I have only one fault to find - somehow, I always feel cheated when your legs don't show in a picture. Remember that, will you, baby? The punkin seems to be engrossed in something off to a side, but she is very sweet-looking in this one, too. Mom, bless her, looks younger than ever, in spite of the increasing (but attractive) gray in her hair. I believe I see your handwork in that coiffure, Ev, and very nice it is, too! Goldie appears to have lost some weight and looks very well. Diana Jean looks tinier and younger than in the other picture. Mickey, who was always a very pretty gal, for my money, looks better than ever, and her hair-do is most becoming. She drew some very flattering comment from the boys, it may please her to know. Yes, I noticed right away that Harry had put on still more weight. [Just between you and me, honey, I hope he doesn't lose any of it - I'll look that much slimmer by comparison]. Ruthie is as pretty as you said a long time ago she would one day be. Gloria looks the same as ever, though I suspect the picture doesn't flatter her. Too, she seems to have put on some weight - right?

Well, honey, it seems I've used up this evening just discussing the pictures. There are so many of your questions that will have to remain unanswered for the time being, that I feel a little guilty that I can't continue. Then, there is much that I would like to tell you about our 2d Anniversary party that started yesterday afternoon and is still continuing. But that, of necessity, will have to wait another opportunity, possibly when I next see you, and it begins to look that it may be some months yet, as we don't seem to be particularly "hot" at present. We haven't been told a thing yet, but I'm almost sure we'll go home before we go to the other theater, if we ever do, which, just between us, I don't believe we'll do. However, as I've said, they don't seem to be in any particular hurry to move us anyplace at the moment. I'll keep you posted, baby. Tomorrow, I'll try to answer some of your letters. I'm sending along a program. Ask about it some day, and I'll tell you things you'll find it difficult to believe - no kidding!

Good-night for now, my sweet ~ The more I see of other girls, the more I admire and love you. I kiss you now, my dearest Evie. A kiss for Adele. Love to all. 

Your adoring 

Phil

Post #670 - June 9, 1945 I Do So Hope That You Will Get Home Sometime During the Summer So That We Can Be Alone Together Before Fate Again Takes Over

 

June 9, 1945

Dearest Phil,

Am starting this at work and will continue on it at home. After this Saturday we will have only three more Saturdays to work. After July 4th we will work only five days a week. It will be a pleasure to have two whole days in which it will not be necessary to rush and watch the clock to be on time. There will also be a large cut in my pay, but it will be worth it to have some weekends to myself. We will start working on Saturdays again after Labor Day, so that only gives us nine weekends, to be exact.

I have to go to Lits and Gimbels to pay bills for my mother and then will go straight home. I'm not in a position to do any shopping this week as I will need the money for several things: I'm going to give Diana $5 for her first birthday, which will be June 14th, I owe Clara $7.20 for another bottle of 500 Combevita pills that I ordered and I owe Dot $7 for the two dresses I bought while out in West Philly.

The weather is beginning to warm up a bit, but at that, it's still very much like spring. In all probability we'll get a heat wave overnight. Did I tell you that both Mom and Goldie had vivid dreams that you came home? I’m sure they are right, because I feel it myself.

Back home again. Mom informs me that Ethel expects to take a bungalow in Browns Mills & she (Mom) will spend the summer there. If such is the case we will have the telephone temporarily disconnected & if perchance your should come home during the summer you will be able to call me at my mothers, the number (in case you had forgotten) is MIC 8207. In all probability that's how it will be. I will eat dinner at my mother's & Harry will eat out. I do so hope that you will get home sometime during the summer so that we can be alone together before fate again takes over. I love you so much, my darling, and here's a kiss from 

Your Eve