Post #693 - September 4, 1945 Sgt. Murphy Just Walked In With the News that We are Slated to Leave This Station 30 September—Possibly to a POE

 

4 Sep 1945

My Darling,

There's a USO show tonight in about an hour, and I want to see it, so I'm writing this in the interval. We had the heaviest rain-storm since we’ve been here last night and this morning. The noise the falling rain made on the metal outsides of our Nissen huts was almost deafening. Shortly after lunch the skies cleared, and the weather has been perfect since. We didn't start processing ’til 1:00 P.M., when we began with the 351st Fighter Sqdn. The last man went through the line at 3:50 P. M., when we were through for the day. It is monotonous, tiring work and when I got back to my hut (walking—my bike has a flat tire) I felt the need of a nap. I awoke at 6 P.M. This morning I was kept busy in the Orderly Room with Soldiers Deposits, PTT's, etc.

FLASH! Sgt. Murphy just walked in with the news that we are slated to leave this station 30 September—possibly to a POE! This is not a rumor! He received a letter from HQ 3d Air Division this afternoon setting forth the dates when each Group is scheduled to leave. The 440th Air Service Group is scheduled to leave 30 September. What do you think of that, Chippie? I'm all excited about the news—so much so, that I don't think I'll bother to go the USO show after all. It looks now like
your present hunch that I’ll be home within six to eight weeks may be the correct one. Gee, Ev, do you suppose that in a matter of four or five weeks from now—??

Your V-mail of 28 Aug was lying on my bunk waiting for me when I walked in this afternoon—and mighty good it looked, too! On reading the very first sentence, I thought to myself "Now that's service! Last night I asked you to please write to the Davieses. Today I get a letter saying you have done so! Thanks a million, honey, I knew you wouldn't let me down!—Reminds me that I forgot to mention that I got off a longie to Jack N. a few nights ago. You were about to go to the Broad with Em to see “Diamond Horseshoe.” I'll bet that brought some pleasant memories, huh? Very glad to hear that Eddie S. is back home. The best news contained in your letter, tho’, is the information that Adele was a very good girl that night. The next time she shows a tendency to be unmanageable, tell her for me that if she promises to be a good girl until I come home and keeps her promise, that I will get her a real, live puppy for her very own shortly after I return. (I've been contemplating it anyway, and if at all possible, I'll bring the pup with me—that is if you have no objection, honey)! Please advise.

But I’m so full of the good news—it's so wonderful to know something definite after two years of uncertainty—that I hardly have the patience to continue writing on. I can almost taste your lips, your throat, that "certain spot" behind your knees, the smell of your hair, your “baby” fragrance and—and—well, you know—all the things that I love about you. C’mon sumpin’!!

Forgive me if I seem over-wrought, darling, and if I must cut this short because I'm too “on edge” to continue.

It has been a long, maddening wait, so you can understand what this news means to me. I guess you'll feel pretty much the same when you read this, darling—

Keep your fingers crossed, sweetheart, and pray that it will be the POE we're going to at the end of this month—I adore you, my sweet—you'll find out how much just as soon as I get close enough to you to demonstrate—that's a promise—so you'd better count on it and act accordingly. I think it would be very considerate and clever of you if you could arrange to come to New York alone as soon as I call you from there, which will be only when I am free to be with you and to go home with you the following evening. Yes, I think that would be best. But right now I’m just brim-full of  all sorts of ideas, so if it doesn't sound practical to you—forget it! However, I do think it would be wonderful that way, don’t you, baby? Oh, to hold you in my arms once again!

My dearest love to the punkin and all. Here's a coupla thousand kisses, Chippie, to hold you until—

Your Phil

Sept. 4, 1945

Dear Evelyn:

I have received quite a few of your letters since I wrote you last, which I know myself was quite some time ago, but I’m sure you will forgive me, as I just would not write many letters while we were on the move so much.  I am feeling fine, & hope this letter finds you all the same. The mail have been rather slow coming in the past few days, but maybe it will pick up soon. It sure was a happy day for us when this war ended, & I can’t explain how we felt myself in writing. Since the war ended we moved again, but we are still somewhere on the same Island, (Mindanao). I also can’t say too much about the type of work we are doing now, but I can say, though, that we are collecting up all of the Jap prisoners that are turning in to us here. They still censor our mail but maybe soon we will be able to write what we please. The quicker these Japs turn in the sooner we will get back somewhere and set up in a good area, instead of out here in these jungles. We can’t complain too much, though, for we are having it pretty easy for the present time. Another fellow and myself live in a small tent, & we have plenty of room to ourselves. We have cots to sleep on, & we have shelves built over them to put our clothes, & equipment on. I sent home a Jap flag yesterday that I got off a Jap Officer before the war ended, & it sure makes a nice souvenir. The folks will show it to you when they receive it. We are eating a little better now & we had fresh eggs twice since we have been here. There surely is no reason why we should not be eating good now. Well, Evelyn, that about winds up the news for now. Give my regards to all, & I’ll write again soon.

Sincerely,

Milt

Post #692 - September 3, 1945 We are Losing Personnel So Fast That Very Soon We Won’t Have Anyone Left to Do the Packing

 

3 Sep 1945

Dearest Chippie,

Couldn't write last night because we worked til 11 P.M. completing the records of 37 more of our men who are shipping out. This leaves us only 82 men out of a squadron that numbered 219 on activation on 18 April '45. These fellows have from 45 to 59 points, and it looks like they are scheduled to replace high-point men in the states, who are being discharged. All we have left now, but for a few exceptions, are men with ASR scores of 60 to 74 points, who are under the critical score necessary to qualify for discharge, but who will be eligible shortly. Today we heard on the radio that we will add on 8 points (from VE to VJ), that the critical score is now 80 points, and that men over 35 years of age will be discharged. The added points will run my score up to 77, still three short, but I'm not worrying, 'cause I know the score will be dropping swiftly from now on. It must, if they expect to get great numbers of men out of the Army. In short, I'm positive now that I'll be heading straight for the separation center when I step off the gang-plank. What's more, Sweet, you will be happy to learn, I think, that things are really beginning to hum around here. We are bending every effort to get our planes, trucks, tools and all our equipment turned in to the depots, and everyone is packing feverishly, because we are losing personnel so fast that very soon we won’t have anyone left to do the packing. For the same reason, while we still have clerks enough to do the job, we are starting tomorrow to process the records of every man on the station. We figure it will take about four days to accomplish this. Nine of us will be working on  a “production line" basis, like we did in May. Although we haven't been told anything definite, almost everyone is convinced we will be off this station some time this month. However, the same guys who insist this is the straight dope won't venture to say whether we will be going straight to POE from here, or whether we'll “sweat out” a ship at some other base. I'm rather inclined to think that the latter is the more probable. But I can't help getting the impression from the way things are happening that those of us who are left will be homeward-bound some time in October. How does that suit you, honey? It suits me fine, ’cause then I would certainly be out of the Army in plenty of time for the punkin's birthday. That, incidentally, is what I am hoping for right now. I know you are hoping that, too, baby.–So much for the way the sityayshun now stands—

Before I go about answering your “longie” of 25 Aug and your V-mail of 27 Aug., both of which arrived today, I wanted to answer your query of a few weeks ago, which it just occurred to me today I had failed to do. It concerns your question about buying a watch for you thru our PX. Sorry, honey, but they just don't have that item. Maybe they have it in the PX's in the States. If so, we'll see what we can do when I get back. As for the watch I ordered, it hasn't come in yet, and I'm very much afraid I've "had it” as far as a watch is concerned. Frankly, I'm not going to feel too badly about it, ’cause I still find myself reluctant to lay out $30.00 for something that isn't a necessity—even if it does mean “saving" $30.00 in the long run. Either way, I won't have any regrets.

Now for your letters - I could write another “longie” about the way you answered my protest about my added weight. But I am weary to death of the subject, so I will just answer two of your statements as briefly as I know how: (1) "Phil, do my feelings mean nothing to you?" You must know the answer, but since you choose to ask ambiguous questions - Yes, they mean everything to me - that's why you wound me so when they are against me! (2) "You shouldn't really take such exception with me right now because I can't see for myself.” Now, that's downright unreasonable, Chippie! The obvious retort, of course, is - why do you criticize before you see me? Perhaps, as you yourself admit, I won’t be quite as repulsive as Eddie and Harry have led you to believe. - (I could shoot them both for starting all this). At any rate, let this be the end of it - we shall see what we shall see—

Sorry the front door key isn't “working,” but send it along anyhow, will you, Sweet? It'll fulfill a long-cherished hope—You understand—

It was sweet of you, baby, to take the time and trouble to make out that list of clothes I'll need, but you're way off the beam, if you think I'm going to spend that kind of money on my wardrobe, even over a period of time. What, for instance, would I do with 18 pairs of socks, or 12 pairs of underwear, or 18 hankies (I've got 25 right now)? And what makes you think I'd ever spend $50.00 for a “dress coat" - I presume you mean a top-coat? Or $24.00 for 3 sport shirts (whatever they are). On the other hand, I still think I'll need another hat (for wear during the week), if I'm to save that  "good-looking” hat for going out on week-ends. (Can you imagine the kick I get out of just discussing this, Chippie?) The prices I quoted were, of course, pre-war, and I still think that by the time we go shopping, I'll be able to get all the items I mentioned at the prices I quoted. Altogether, Chippie, I still think my list is the more practical one, as I'll one day prove to you. I'm saving both lists against that day. One thing more - I was grateful for your generosity, honey - even tho’ it was misplaced.

You start your letter of 27 Aug by reminding me of another 27 Aug (was it really six years ago? (not hence?). Of course I remember it! I even remember how I almost made a hole where there wasn't any - if’n you know what I mean! Was it that night (afterwards) that I got into your panties for the first time? Do you know I still often wonder if you enjoyed the first few times, or if it were more pain than pleasure for you? And if it were the latter, why you submitted? Would you care to enlighten me baby? I still thrill at the mere memory of those glorious nights when your girlish charms put me all on fire, and you so generously satisfied my every desire. I hope, my darling, that it was every bit as wonderful for you, - that you, too, can still thrill to the memory of precious days and nights and all that followed - that you are looking forward to the resumption of our sexual relations with the same consuming eagerness and impatience that I am feeling with increasing intensity as the day draws nearer— 

Sorry to hear of Yale's recurring pleurisy. I do hope he pulls through O.K. Keep me posted, will you, Sweet?

I always knew that Bob would make a name for himself if he could overcome his backwardness about singing in public. What's all this about his going to Hollywood? Has he had an offer? Your suggestion about writing a "hit tune" (flatterer!) was duly noted, and, given the opportunity I might take a whack at it, but I don't expect the opportunity to present itself for some time yet. However - remind me some time, honey - remind me—By the way, did you ever submit either of my manuscripts? And did you order that two-year subscription for Mrs. Davies? If you haven't, I wish you would tend to it right away, baby. I'll reimburse you just as soon as you inform me that you have taken care of it. And please, pretty please, won't you try to write to them soon? 

Well, sweetheart, I've been writing more than two hours, and I'm pretty tired, and it's almost time for lights out, you'll excuse me, I know, if I conclude this now.

How's my daughter these days? You barely mentioned her in your last three letters. Give her a big hug and kiss for daddy. I'll give you the same for hubby. I want you very, very much my little "buckaroo" (look, I can't even spell it !) I adore you, my Evie—Give my love to all.—And be very sure that you will soon have all of

Your Phil

Post #691 - August 31, 1945 We’ll Never Feel the Same About This and That's All There Is To It!

 

31 August 1945
4:30 P.M.

Darling Evie,

Have a half-hour to kill before quitting time, so I thought I'd avail myself of the opportunity to type this letter to you. The Commanding General talked to us as scheduled this afternoon, but he left us not very much wiser than we were before. The gist of his speech was that the high point men would get home before the low point men (as if we didn't know), and while the bulk of this command would be here a few months yet, we all almost certainly will be home by Xmas. Which, I think, is just about what I had led you to expect - . However, if all goes well, it's just possible that we may all be home sometime in October, or November. As far as yours very lovingly is concerned, there is a good possibility that because my 69 points as of 12 May and soon, I understand, to be increased by 13 more, which will give me a total of 82, and which figure represents the very top bracket (after we get rid of our present 85-pointers, which will be next week, I may get home much sooner than many of the others, but almost certainly not before mid-October. Altogether, then, it means waiting about 8 weeks more. After sweating it out for two years, that shouldn't be too hard to take, but as I pointed out the other day, the time is starting to drag, and 8 weeks seems a very long time indeed. I hope, dearest, that you aren't as impatient for my return as I am, because I'd hate to feel that you are all keyed up over it to the extent that it becomes annoying. The one factor that makes it all bearable is the thought that I'll almost certainly be eligible for discharge from the Army when I hit the States.

Your V-mail of 22 August arrived this afternoon, but aside from one controversial item (what again? Yes again!) it was your usual routine letter. The item I am taking exception to is this: "I'm wondering how I'd work out a 30-day vacation when you are on furlough, but I'm afraid it is almost impossible for me to have the entire thirty days off". That tears it, it really does. Do you for one minute, Chippie, really believe I’d permit you to go to work while I was home on furlough - even if I had to return to camp afterward? Not on your life! The chances are - I'll be a civilian the next time you see me, because I'll probably be separated from the service within 48 hours after I get off the boat, but even if I'm stuck in the Army a few months after I get home, I most certainly expect you to give me all your time when I come in for my furlough - even if it means quitting your job, which I think it's high time you did anyway. But your intention of continuing to work even after I come home is downright preposterous, and you had better make up your mind to do as I ask, 'cause I just won't stand for it any other way. I hope I have made myself sufficiently plain. You can prate all you like about the extra money you could save, that it would be better to continue working until I am earning a "decent income", and all the other arguments you have used on other occasions - the answer is still an unequivocal NO! I'm amazed and disappointed that you put your job before spending my furlough with me. When I said some days ago that your sense of values was all cock-eyed, I knew what I was talking about. But little did I think that you would so quickly offer the proof of my statement! I don't think you'll be foolish enough to persist in your attitude, Sweet, but if you even attempt to, then I must warn you that you needn't count on me for anything at all. If you don't consider that I'm entitled to a wife (in the fullest sense of the word) after more than two years away from her, I do! What's more, I mean to have her or else! I'll leave the "or else" to your own conscience and imagination. Further, I'm not at all flattered that you could even consider the course you have seemed to take for granted, much less advocating it! God, Chippie, will your eagerness for money and material benefits always blind you to the other important things in life? Or is nothing else important without it? Oh, Hell, what's the use, we’ll never feel the same about this and that's all there is to it! I'm too upset about this to write rationally any more, so I'll say what I have always said and meant and what I will say and mean as long as you let me - I love you. My dearest love to Adele. Love to all from

Your Phil

Post #690 - August 27, 1945 I Signed My Discharge This Evening

 

Wednesday, Aug. 27, [1945]

8 P.M.

My Sweet,

This letter is destined to make you very, very happy, For in it you will learn that I signed my discharge this evening. I was called into the Orderly Room about 6 P.M. and told to sign the precious paper. That, my dear, is what I call a "labor of love." All that remains now is for it to be signed up at Division H.Q. where it is being sent tonite. I anticipate no drawback from that source, and I should be a completely happy man very shortly. Maybe within two weeks. How do you like those apples, Baby? I'm writing with Sam's pen and it’s no damn good. But nothing phases me now, and I'll write if I have to squeeze the ink out. Glad to hear you are all well even if money is scarce. That can be remedied - and will be. I just got paid $16.00. They took $2.00 off for laundry and $3.00 for the few days remaining in August, which we'll get next pay. I'm sending $14 with Sam. You'll probably get it before you read this. Pay Mom what you owe her and buy yourself a new car with the rest. Seriously though, honey, I'm sorry it couldn't be more - but I really couldn't spare any more. After I paid a few petty debts which amounted to 60¢ I only have $1.50 left. I'll stretch it as far as I can, hoping I run out of here before I run out of money. Sorry to hear Yale got such a rotten break, but I rather expected something of the sort. We Strongins aren't any too lucky. The weather here is wonderful. Sunny, cool, and breezy - an  ideal combination. The work today wasn't too hard, either. Outside of the preceding, I have no news to divulge, so I'll  just say good night ’til tomorrow. My love to all, of course. And to you, my lovely, pleasant dreams - and may I be included in them, for I love you dearly.

Your constant beau-friend
Phil

P.S. This was my last stamp.

Post #689 - August 9, 1945 We've Been Cheered No End By the Great News of the Atom Bomb

 

9 August 1945

My Darling,

I'm terribly sorry, honey, that this will have to be a "shortie” after not writing since the 6th, but I really couldn't help myself as I've been working steadily for the past three days from 8:30 A.M. to 10:30 and 11:00 P.M., with hardly a break except for eating. It is 11 o'clock now, and I'm dead beat, but I just had to drop you a few lines before hitting the hay today. The reason we're so busy in the Orderly Room is that we're transferring our men out of the Sqdn., sending home those men with over 85 points, and transferring in men with over 85 points, who are scheduled to go home shortly for discharge. Most of the fellows of the old outfit have shipped out either direct to the Pacific Theater, or to Germany for AFO. (I'm still burning at the rotten deal our boys got). As the situation stands now, Chippie, I'll be coming home in six or eight weeks - IF they don't ship me to Germany in the meantime. They won't send me to the Pacific - of that I'm almost positive. I hate to put you on tenter-hooks this way, Sweet, realizing that I have led you to believe that I am certainly coming home soon, but I thought I ought to tell you about these latest developments to prepare you for any eventuality. We've been cheered no end by the great news of the atom bomb (and somewhat frightened, too, that it might get into the wrong hands), and Russia's declaration of war against the dirty japs. In the meantime, yours very lovingly is immersed in a veritable sea of paper-work, and the end is not yet in sight! I have four of your letters (29, 30, 31, 1) to answer yet, but I'm afraid it will have to wail for tomorrow. I hope to be able to write at length then.

Keep the ole chin up a while longer yet, baby, and never forget that I love you above all. Here's a sweet good-night kiss for you, another for my punkin for keeping daddy's place next to you occupied ’til I come home, and love to all.

Always,
Your Phil

Post #688 - August 2, 1945 I am Writing This Just a Few Days Short of Two Years Since We Last Saw Each Other

 

2 August 1945

Darling Wife,

When you note the date above you will probably be thinking what I am thinking now —that I am writing this just a few days short of two years since we last saw each other. It has been intolerably long, Sweet, but I can almost feel cheerful about it all because I know it will only be a comparatively short time 'til we meet again—and what a reunion that will be!! Though we have been apart from each other these two years, darling, it hasn't been like that at all. You have lived in my heart and thoughts every instant of all that time, believe me—

Your V-mail of 25 July, arrived today, expresses the wish that I might give you more definite information as to my date of arrival in the good ole States. Sorry, honey, but I know no more now than I did on the 31 July, when I told you that the "dope" says sometime in October. You say something about wanting to meet the boat. I agree with you, Chippie, that it would be next to impossible for us to find each other in the mob (even if I could let you know when and where we'll disembark, which I won't be able to do), but, if the idea appeals to you, I could call you from New York as soon as we get in, and you could join me there as soon as I would be free to meet you. We could have that week together in “1777" before going home, although I do think I'd be sorely tempted to take the first train to Philly to get to my punkin. I know you've thought about it, darling; suppose you tell me how your would prefer my homecoming to be—

Yesterday was busy one for me. In the evening, I played poker, as is my custom the day after pay-day. However, this time I was plain unlucky, and barely managed to get out with my shirt. For a while there it looked very much like I'd lose that, too. Just before the game broke up, though, I took a few pots, which leaves me a few pounds to go on pass with tomorrow, Sorry I couldn't win, honey, 'cause I wanted

very much to send you some money this month. Besides, I wanted to send something along for Mom, as I feel I've been neglecting her. Don’t think for a minute, Chippie, that I might have done so, had I not played cards, 'cause I only lost four pounds ($16.00), which wasn't enough, but which might have made me enough -fershtay? [understand?] Out of the £12 which was my pay, I had to leave myself at least £8, because I've ordered a wrist-watch from the PX, which will cost about £7-10 ($30.00), but which retails for about ($70.00). Ordinarily, I wouldn't think of buying a wrist-watch at this time (especially since the one your Mom gave me is still

keeping perfect time), but the PX gets them for us at little more than cost, so I figured I’d be a fool to pass up such an opportunity.

Klein left on furlough, I've seen the picture at the station theater, and things are pretty quiet around here this evening. I'll turn in early tonight.

Also received Dot's letter of 24 July today. As usual, it is written in her usual manner—friendly and affectionate, and, as usual, there was a warm glow inside me when I finished. I did mean to answer her tonight, but this has taken me longer than I thought it would, so it looks like she'll have to wait 'til I get back from London. I'm going there tomorrow afternoon, Sweet, for 3 days, during which time I'll probably amuse myself as I have been wont to do—at the movies, concerts, etc. I had intended to go up to Yorkshire, but I have no stomach for the long and wearisome trip - maybe next time. Incidentally, baby, I hope you have written to the Davieses by now. Certainly you know what to say to them - you did so very nicely the other times. 

Just room enough to send along hugs and kisses to our punkin, my dearest love to you, my darling, and love to all.

Ever,
Your Phil

Post #687 - July 31, 1945 I Think of Hardly Anything Anymore But How It Will Be to Hold You in My Arms Once Again

 

31 July 1945

My Darling,

Today, pay-day, was a busy one for me. Near the end of it, tho’, I was rewarded for my industry by your nice, long letter of 23, 24 July. It was, except for its more tender interludes, a “routine" letter. However, I was surprised to learn that Eddie is “acting up" on occasion. I can't believe that his occasional fits of bad temper have any foundation in his experiences overseas, as you imply, tho’! Rather, I'm inclined to think he's being his natural, normal self, which, if I remember correctly, was ever high-strung and nervous. 

Yesterday, Klein and I and Sinneway had another session down at the gym. I beat Klein two games, and Sinneway one. Then Sinneway tried to show me how to punch a light bag, but it's tricky, and will take a lot of practise. Then we had a “go" at badminton, which I had never played before, and which will also take a lot of learning. Then we come back to barracks, where I played with the idea of writing to you, but finally decided to hit the hay ’cause I was over-tired. Before turning in I showered, and made up my laundry to send in today.

The weather threatened rain all day, but except for a few drops of rain it merely threatened. After work, Klein and I went to the gym. I was still tired from yesterday, but Klein was insistent, so I went along more to oblige him than because I felt like playing. Klein, the young squirt, has enough energy for three men, but that wasn't enough, ’cause I beat him again in a grueling game that went to 21-18, The sonovagun made shots I thought he couldn't touch and ran me ragged, but my greater experience told in the end.

The one game left me almost exhausted, so we rode to the Snack Bar for a bite to eat and a coupla cakes, and then back to barracks, where, we both lay down for a nap. Tired as I was tho’, I couldn't sleep. It may have been the thought that I was due to write today that was bothering me. At any rate, after tossing about for a half-hour, I decided it was no go, so I got up and commenced this.

—Which brings me right up to the minute. And right at this particular minute I'm missing you acutely, darling. While I'm in no particular hurry to get back to the States (for reasons which I explained in my last) I am most dreadfully impatient to come home to you - torn between two fires - as it were— Baby, I'm finding it very difficult to curb my impatience these days. I think of hardly anything anymore but how it will be to hold you in my arms once again. My need for you is acute beyond description, honey. You wouldn't believe how unimportant life is to me without you. I just can't get interested for long in anything!

But I’m knocking my head against a stone wall again, so I’ll save you the distressing spectacle by signing off right here and now. I adore you, my Evie—Love and kisses to our punkin. Love to all.

Constantly—
Your Phil