The Last Letter

April 25, 1954

Norfolk, Va.

Scan of the stationery box Norma kept with the letters

Hi Doll,

How's things with you? I got two letters from you today for a change. 

We hit Norfolk this morning and were supposed to have some sort of ceremonies for visitors, but we didn't rate a pier to tie up. We had to anchor out in the bay.

We have been shooting the "bull" here and I haven't written any for the last hour.

That meal you cooked up sure sounds good, wish I could have eaten my part of it. I'll come home if you will promise to cook me a meal like that.

Yes, dear, we will go to Florida when I get out. It is real pretty in Jacksonville and I hear it's even prettier around Miami. 

I got a kick out of what the [Detroit] Free Press said about the 25 "speedy" fighters from the "Saipan." The Saipan is a Jap carrier and I know what type of planes she has, about ten or twelve. Years ago they may have been fast, but now they are obsolete. HA They are about as fast as these anti-sub planes we have. They hit about 200 maybe in a dive. 

I've been talking again. It seems every time I write you I start gabbing and never finish it.

Oh, yes, you mention "mizpah" one more time without telling me what it means and heads will roll. I'm tired of trying to figure it out. 

The weather sounds pretty good at home now. Wish I were there to enjoy it. 

Yes, honey, I know what you mean, but we will see what "Uncle Sam" does with me first. "Hell," he might even decide to let me out early. HA 

From Norfolk, I think the ship is going to Brooklyn, N.Y., after that on to Halifax. 

I had better sign this off. I want to see the movie tonight. 

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

Editor's note: And that's how the story ends. At least from the USS Valley Forge.  I remember hearing stories that Jim was discharged earlier than he expected, so "Uncle Sam" did come through and shortened his time by six months or so. 

In the back of the last packet of letters, Norma kept a piece of the stationery box that Jim used with his initials in white ink. She also kept a playlist of songs:

• Somebody Loves You
• Am I Wasting My Time
• Our Honeymoon, Carl Smith
• Letters Know No Arms, Ernest Tubbs
• I Gotta Have You, Red Foley

It probably comes as a surprise to learn that Jim and Norma didn't get married immediately after his discharge, despite the discussion in Jim's letters. Norma told me once when I was a teenager that Jim had trouble adjusting to civilian life after nearly four years of being told what to do. She also described symptoms that sound a bit like PTSD: forgetfulness, difficulty focusing on tasks at hand, bouts of anger. As much as she wanted to get married, Norma decided that Jim needed time to acclimate to post-Navy life. 

After one date in the winter of 1954-55, Jim brought Norma back to her parents house. He was offered a cup of coffee and took off his jacket, which he draped across the back of a chair. He told Norma he forgot his cigarettes in his car and went to fetch them. 

"That's when I knew he was going to propose," Norma told me.

"How?" I asked skeptically.

"I noticed the cigarette box in the inside pocket of his jacket. He went back to get the ring."

Jim went all out, a diamond ring in a platinum setting, offered to Norma as he got down on one knee. There was never any doubt about her answer.

Jim and Norma, ca. 1995

Jim and Norma, in their first apartment on their
wedding day, June 4, 1955

Click on this link to read the first letter from Jim to Norma.

Click on this link to go to "Jim Parker's Corner," a blog that showcases Jim's newspaper columns and poetry.

Go Happy. Go HoJo.

April 23, 1954

"At Sea"

Howard Johnson’s restaurant and ice cream shoppe postcard – circa 1950’s

Hi Sweetheart,

What's cooking on the old homestead?

"Boy," this damn Yankee weather is about to get me down after those hot days in Cuba. We haven't been to Norfolk yet. We went to Rhode Island to drop off the air group and are on our way to Norfolk now. Wish you were going to be on the dock to meet me.

I got your Easter card today. It is very nice. Thank you, honey.

I'm trying to hurry along to finish this before the ballgame starts. After that, I doubt I will be able to write much. 

You will have to excuse me. I've been fighting Civil War again and neglected you for the moment. One thing for sure, when conversation lags mention the war and it immediately picks up.

Sounds like you people almost ate the Howard Johnson place out of chow. Wish I could have been there to help you. 

In the last hour I've written three lines. We have been talking baseball. 

These guys like to shoot the "bull" almost as well as I do.

So, John [Parker] has another Nash. I knew he wouldn't be without a big car for long. Sounds like it has everything on it but a clothesline. Does it make a bed? 

Tell Ruby [Turley Parker] I do remember when she showed me around the [Detroit] News.  I enjoyed it very much.

[Editor's note: Ruby Parker was one of the few women who worked for a newspaper setting type in the 50s. The profession was predominately male at the time and Ruby was widely considered to be excellent at her job.]

Honey, do you think you could get me a job singing with the "Glee Club?" I could really do with a deal like that? And if you and I were on TV together, they would probably sign us to a movie contract.

Baby, if you kiss me once for each year, it will take quite a while. I'm getting pretty old. 'Tis a nice thought, at that. [Jim's 24th birthday was March 31.]

Gal, it's been two hours since I wrote a line. I've been talking over our part of the war with a guy who was on another ship in Korea. He was talking about a bomb hit they got on their flight deck. I remember seeing it go off. We were operating with them in task force 68 at the time. I guess it killed several guys and hurt some more. This guy I was talking with was a crash crewman on the ship. He said they had a "hell" of a fire.

We were at sea all day Easter Sunday. We were on our way to Mayport, Florida. The captain wished us all a happy Easter, then tried to get the ship docked that afternoon so we could go ashore, but they wouldn't let us in the harbor.  

"Oh, yeah," did I tell you the air department got an excellent on the training cruise and the "V-1" division got an outstanding on most of the operations. 

The air department officer was really proud of V-1. He was slapping all of us on the back. They he bought ice cream and cookies for us. 

I had better sign this off before it becomes a book.

Answer soon.

All my love,

Jim 

Greetings From The Canoe Club

April 19, 1954

Mayport, Fla.

Sailors Fishing (date unknown) 

Hi Sweet Thing,

Look at me, honey, just finished eating supper and I feel fine. We had the first fresh milk I've drunk since we left the States six weeks ago. I must have gained give pounds. "Oh, yes," we had strawberry shortcake, also.

Some of the guys are fishing just outside the hatch. I was out there awhile, but didn't catch anything. Since I came in, they have caught five catfish. One will go about 2 pounds. The others are just little guys.

Honey, this Florida is the prettiest harbor I've ever pulled in. The climate is just right. It is about 65 degrees now. Everything is ideal for a vacation. I sure would like to come down here for a couple of weeks when I get out of this canoe club. 

I got a letter from JoAn [Parker Oxford] today. She heard that you were coming to Cuba while the ship was down there. HA I can't figure what starts those rumors.

I wonder if John [Parker] and Ruby [Turley Parker] are coming down here on vacation this year. I don't wonder at them liking it so well. No more of it than I've seen. I like it as well as any place I've seen. And that takes in a lot of country because I've really been around, haven't I? HA 

I'm just sitting here thinking, eight months and I'll be out (if they don't extend). That's all I do anymore. That and play volleyball.

I'm out of ink, so I'll sign off for now. 

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim 

Click on this link to read the next letter.

Off The Coast of Mayport

April 18, 1954

Easter Sunday

Naval Station Mapyport, ca. 1950

Hi Sweet Heart,

Happy Easter, honey. I wish I were there to help you show off your new Easter outfit. I suppose everybody was at church today. On Easter, everyone who never goes to church any other day always shows up. I didn't go. I haven't had a chance to buy a new suit. HA 

We are only 50 miles off Mayport Florida now and the captain tried to get permission to dock this morning so we could go ashore today, but they didn't have any tugs to tie the ship up. 

I think the skipper was pretty "shook up" about it. He's the best captain we've had and he gets transferred in June.

I heard tonight we have two carriers off Indochina in a stand-by status. I don't think they have launched any strikes yet.

I'll be glad when we get to Norfolk. I think the schedule has been changed and we have two weeks in there to rest and recuperate.

Honey, I haven't said much, but I better sign off and get this in the mail.

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

Click here to read the next letter.

The Life of a Horse Trader

April 17, 1954

"High Seas"

Florida Keys

Hi Darling,

How's my baby tonight? I feel pretty good. A little tired maybe, but we played volleyball from 3:30 this afternoon 'til 7:30.

The training cruise is over and we are on our way state-side. Wish you were going to be in Norfolk when the tub docks. One look at you is all I need to make me feel perfect.

We passed the final exams with a pretty good mark. We got an excellent, nobody got any better and a lot of people got worse. So, I suppose we are battle worthy. HA  We should be after two years in the Pacific. The air officer was very pleased. He bought ice cream and cookies for the whole damn bunch in this department.

Did I tell you I'm a trader now? I must be. I bought a watch last night for $25.00 and sold it tonight for $35.00. Guess I would make a pretty good horse trader. I think that's what I'll do when I get out. How would you like to be on a farm and feed the horses while I'm away on a buying trip?

It seems to be getting cooler. We must be getting close to Florida. In fact, I think we passed some of the Keys today. 

I've been thinking, honey, if this mess in Indochina gets any worse, they might be sending some carriers in there and, if they do, I will be extended for a year anyway. If I do get extended, I'll put in for a carrier that is going there if this doesn't go. I'll feel more like I'm going some good if I'm with the Indochina fleet.

You may be an old maid before we get around to getting married if we wait 'til I get out and if you are still willing, we could get married this summer if they do decide to keep me. At least it's something to think about while we are waiting to find out what they are going to do with me. 

I was going to tell you about Haiti tonight, but I've written more than usual already and my arm is getting tired.

So, I'll close for now.

Answer soon.

I love you, Doll,

Jim

Click on this link to read the next letter.

Telling Sea Stories to the Boats

April 15, 1954

"Pay Day"

Postcard from Haiti, ca. 1954

Hi Honey,

What's new with you? Nothing new here except we got paid, which is a change. Did I tell you about Haiti? If I didn't, remind me of it some time, it's quite a place.

Doll, it seems every time I write I have to hurry. This time is no different. Mail closes tomorrow morning, as we leave here tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow is the last day of this "cruise" down here, but we have a rough day in front of us. I'm tired tonight. We brought aboard some "dud" airplanes today. I was on the barge rigging slings on them all day. I hope they don't expect too much from me tomorrow.

Have you been listening to ball games since the season started? I heard part of the Tiger/Cleveland game today, but I don't know who won.

Look!! sweet thing, you don't have to worry about me taking care of myself. I'm doing pretty good at that. The closer my discharge date gets, the more afraid of these airplanes I get. From now on, I'm gonna act like a short-timer. All I'm going to do is drink coffee and tell sea stories to the boats.

You mentioned the letters I wrote you from overseas. Honey, some day I would like to read a couple of them to see how "gung ho" I was, but I was really "hot to trot," especially in '51 and '52. HA 

Gal, you must have the M.B.T. [Michigan Bell Telephone] snowed, but congratulations. I'm glad they like you.

I'm gonna close now, have a cup of coffee and go to bed.

Say "hi" to everyone for me and answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

Click on this link to read the next letter.

Marking Time In The USS Yacht Club

Vintage paper milk cartons. ProCon Historical Timeline, ca.1950

April 8, 1954

Guantanamo, Cuba

Hi Sweetheart,

How goes it with the sweetest gal I know? Boy, "let me tell you," it's so hot here that the women use ice for cooking fuel to keep from burning the food. And there's no sign of it getting any cooler. I can't picture it being cold in Detroit. Every time I think of home I think it should be hot there, too.

I sure am disgusted with this place. The war games are getting worse or maybe it's that I'm getting more tired of them. 

I think we leave here the 17th of this month. It can't come too soon to suit me.

Honey, if I don't hurry this up it won't get to the post office in time to leave the ship tonight. Then it will be Monday before it leaves.  We are going to Haiti for the weekend and it's a hole. Not even as good as Cuba. Those travel agencies that "ballyhoo" that place are a bunch of frauds. Anybody who can stand the smell must have sinus trouble. I have it, but not that bad.

"Boy," I have never heard of so damn many people getting married and having babies. It's almost a shame. HA  Ask Pinnegar if he is going to start increasing the population right away.

"Yes," I've drunk from those "new fangled" milk cartons. I think they are pretty sharp, too. 

Oh, yes, honey I got the birthday card. It was real nice. Thanks very much for sending it. I think you are wonderful, darling. I love you. I know I seldom tell you except at the end of a letter which doesn't mean an awful lot, but I do, dear. And when I don't say I love you, it's because I'm careless like most men. I guess we take too much for granted and I still intend to marry you when I get out of this yacht club. If you still want me.

Honey, I can think of lots more but I gotta get this letter in the mail.

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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War Games

USS Valley Forge, center, during exercises in the Atlantic, ca. 1959

March 30, 1954

Guantanamo, Cuba

Hi Honey, 

It's me again. How is the gal I love doing these days? Guess what!! It's still hot. In fact, it's very hot. And there is no indication of the weather getting any cooler. I have a real good sun tan on my face and arms, but I'm afraid I'll burn if I take my shirt off to sun the back.

We are having one "helluva" time down here. We left the States with twenty-eight planes. Now we have twenty-four left and only half of them will fly, if that many. Last night was an exciting evening. It started out with smooth water, clear skies and all that sort of stuff. We started launching at seven o'clock. The fourth plane to take off went into the water. We finally fished the guys out and then everything went O.K. 'til they started landing. That's when the fun began. The second plane hit the fence and our hot suit man was injured pulling the pilot out. Then one of the "best" flyers hit the fence and did a complete flip, landing on his back. One of the worst pile-ups I've ever seen. The plane was demolished, but the pilot wasn't hurt very bad. I finally got to bed about midnight. "Boy," one more night like that and I'll turn in my fireman boots.

If I can get them, I'll send you a couple of pictures of the crash. They should be worth looking at. Being shot at night will give them a more gruesome look. HA 

I'll sure be glad when this training cruise is over. I would prefer a combat cruise anytime. These people over here are teaching by the book, too, which the guys (like me) who made the Korean runs can't get used to. Before they always told us to respond as the situation demanded, but here there is a rule for all occasions. And a lot of the rules, I've never even heard of. "Oh, well," I suppose I can put up with it for two more weeks.

I guess that's enough of my gripes. Let's talk about something else. Are you still working for M.B.T. [Michigan Bell Telephone]? I haven't heard you mention them in so long I was beginning to wonder. 

Have you seen my sister and brother lately? Say "hi" for me when you do.

Honey, I gotta sign off now. I'm on watch and I'm not supposed to be writing.

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

Click on this link to read the next letter.

The Pride of the Atlantic Fleet

March 28, 1954

Guantanamo, Cuba

USS Valley Forge, ca 1950

Hi Sweet Thing,

It's only the pride of the Atlantic fleet, so don't get excited. I should have written sooner but by now you have an idea of how busy we are. Maybe when this training cruise is over I can write more often.

I was glad to hear that Bob D_____ is out of it now. I know how glad I'll be to get out and it must go double for "brown baggers" (that's slang for married men). Just think, he didn't go in until after I did and is out already. Guess that goes to show us would-be-heroes don't make out.

And Pinnegar is getting married. I will be damned, but if the girl is the one I met, she is a nice kid. Tell him if he can get married, I'm gonna quit worrying. I know I still have a chance. HA Don't forget to tell him.

"Yes," very definitely I remember Oscar's. He served the best hamburgers in San Diego, but I didn't think  Bob T_____ would.

"No," I've never been to a Jewish wedding. In fact, I've only been to a couple of weddings in my life. I don't care to attend them. Weddings and funerals are the same to me. HA 

"No, doll," there isn't much chance for me to get home on a weekend and you are right about the wagging tongues. I wouldn't want you to be the brunt of that sort of gossip. And as for a place to stay, you would have to get a hotel room. I would like to see you, honey, but it won't be too long before I get out. Then we can be together all we like.

I can't think of anything else to write, so I'll sing off for this time. Answer real soon.

I love you,

Jim

Click on this link to read the next letter.

Symphony of Life

March 18, 1854

Guantanamo Cuba

Cover of a Dale Evans comic book, ca. 1954

Hi Honey,

I'll answer your letter I got today while I have time. We have been pretty busy the last week and it shows no signs of letting up.

I wish you had some of this hot weather in Detroit that we have here. "Boy," it's still miserable, but not as bad as it was.

I'm just sitting here thinking how silly this training we are doing here is. We play war all the time. We are doing in "make believe" here what we did in Japan and Korea (the real thing) and here they make us do it the hard way. Discipline for the sake of discipline, I suppose. "Oh, well," only four more weeks. I can stand it that long, especially if there is a chance of seeing you when it's over.

You asked how long we talked. It was ten minutes. Seemed like only 2 or 3 to me. 

So, Ginny S____made the grade, eh!! Good for Ginny. Looks like everyone is gonna be married pretty soon.

I've heard of the movie "Symphony of Life," but I've never seen it. I hear from reports it's pretty good. 

[Editor's note: There have been a couple of films entitled "Symphony of Life" and released prior to the date of this letter, but my money is on the one produced by Dale Evans, wife of singing cowboy Roy Rogers. Norma was a big fan.]

Those two Banks boys you read about in the clipping are the same ones I know. Kendall is the one I pulled liberty with all the time. He was discharged last Friday. Charles is still here, He gets out just after I do. What is the name of your hometown? I'll see if they know where it is. They are from Whitesburg. They are brothers, in case the clipping didn't say.

"No," I haven't been sightseeing yet. I haven't had the time.

I gotta sign off now, doll. First "hop" goes out at 7:30 tomorrow, that means we get up at 5:30.

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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Perfect For Honeymooning

March 14, 1954

Guantanamo, Cuba

Pirates of the Spanish Main – 1888 (Trading Cards) – Sir Henry Morgan

Hi Honey,

Honey, you should be where the apple of your eye is now. We are anchored in the bay off Cuba and it is nice right now. Earlier it was too hot (close to ninety) but now it's cooled off and really is swell.

There isn't much on the beach here but beauty. Ship board sailors can't go into town. They have a base here, but there is nothing on it but a beer hall and riding stables. I don't feel like riding a horse and in this weather, if I drank 4 cans of beer, I couldn't hit the ground if I feel out of a tree.

I played volley ball for a couple of hours this afternoon. I've been doing it every day to stay in shape. HA  I don't know what I'm staying in shape for, but maybe I'll need it some time. It doesn't take much exercise in this weather to lose weight. 

Hey gal, come to think of it, I haven't heard from you lately. How about writing once in a while.

I've just come to the conclusion that I'm not gonna like this place. We are going to operate just during the day and come in at night. I don't like that. I had rather stay out all the week and come in on weekends.

What are you doing this week? "Boy," if it's as nice there as it is here, you just can't stay home. "Boy," this is the kind of weather they write about. I do wish you & I were on vacation in a place like this. It's perfect for honeymooning. 

The guys on the air station here have a good life. They work from seven in the morning 'til noon and are off for the rest of the day. And their uniform is shorts without shirts. If I thought there was any chance of getting it, I would put in for shore duty here.

Have the amusement parks opened yet? "No," I don't suppose they have. It's a little early yet for them.

I see a boat out there that looks like a plane in the water. 

"Boy," what I wouldn't give for a boat. This is a perfect day for "cruising down the river." The water is green and real calm. I guess this must be the Caribbean Sea. I don't think there is anyplace in the Atlantic that the water is this smooth. On the way down here, we passed the Bahama Islands.  One of them (San Salvador) is the first place Christopher Columbus hit when he found this place. I think it's in the West Indies. Also, Sir Henry Morgan, the English pirate, used to be top dog in this part, if you are interested in history.

Sweetheart, I hope I'm not boring you with this stuff, but I feel like writing and I can't think of anything else to say.

I heard a joke I'll pass along. This girl had just got a job with a candy company passing out free sample boxes. On her way home the second day, she met a casual friend. The friend said, "Oh, Agnes, I hear you are getting married next month." Aggie said, "Yes." The friend asked, "And what are you doing in the meantime?" The sweet you thing replied, "Oh, nothing much. Just passing out free samples." 

Well, darling, I better sign off and get this in the mail. 

Answer soon.

I love you a lot,

Jim

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Somewhere Near Cuba

March 11, 1954

Somewhere near Cuba

Gitmo, circa 1954

Hi Sweet thing,

How's the world treating the one I love?

I should have answered your letter sooner, but we have been at sea all the time so you wouldn't have gotten it any sooner. And we have been working pretty hard with this new air group.

Today is the first day we didn't fly. I played volleyball all afternoon and I'm pooped out. 

We had a nice fire yesterday. One [plane] piled up and caught fire but no one was hurt and the day before a plane hit the drink just off the ship but the "copter" fished out all three of the crew, so I guess we have been pretty lucky after all.

Honey, the weather sure is nice here, especially at night, real cool, just right for sleeping. Wish you were here to help me enjoy it. Maybe someday if we get a vacation, we could come down here for a couple of days. But not to where we are going, our port will be Guantanamo Bay, which is no good. But they say Havana is a nice town. I don't know for sure about Havana. There's always a good chance of getting killed in a revolt in that place. And I can think of better ways to die. 

[Editor's note: Fidel Castro's Cuban Revolution began in July, 1953, only eight months before Jim wrote this letter and Castro's success was not a forgone conclusion by any means.]

Gosh, doll, we were discussing my going to Europe. I don't know if we will go or not. When I find out, I'll let you know. Either way, I would like to see you before we shove off again. And if you can come out here (and I know you can), please do. You will only be able to stay for a couple or three days, but that would be better than not seeing you at all.

Well, gal, I gotta sign off for this time. Answer real soon. 

Your loving seaman,

Jim

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The View From Providence

[Editor's note: Jim's envelope for this letter has the stamp turned upside down.]

March 1, 1954

Providence, R.I.

View aft across the flight deck of the U.S. Navy anti-submarine carrier USS Valley Forge
(CVS-45), during exercise "Tarmac" in 1954. 

Hello Sweetheart,

Nothing new here. What's new with you?

I hope your thumb is O.K. by now, but you have got to learn to keep it out of strange places. HA  Seriously, I hope it isn't mashed up very bad.

I was over in town today. It's like all the other seaport towns and I I don't care too much for what I've seen. Although it is better than Norfolk, Va., but what isn't.

Honey, each month I get two copies of "Daily Meditations For Busy People" from the church. One is addressed to "Jim Parker" and the other to "James Parker." The only thing I can figure is that two different people must be sending them and neither knows what the other is doing. So, how about you squaring them away on the subject, O.K.? I would appreciate it.

So, Polly and Jack when to Tennessee, eh? I didn't know anything about it. Also, I'm very glad to hear Danny doesn't have rheumatic fever, but just what has the kid got?

We get underway tomorrow for Norfolk, but we have 28 planes aboard, so we will have something to do besides "dilly dally" around. Then, we go to Cuba. I'll be glad when that run is over. (Cuba, I mean.)

Doll, I may as well sign off. I can't think of anything else to write. Say hello to everybody for me and answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

Click on this link to read the next letter.

Ye Olde Happy Valley

February 19, 1954

Portsmouth, Va.

Jim's next stop on Happy Valley

Hi Doll,

How's the world treating you?

I'm O.K. except for a little homesickness as usual, but I'll get over that.

I thought yesterday I was gonna be transferred, but I guess not. They were supposed to let me know today and I didn't hear any more about it, so it looks like I'll pull another cruise on "ye olde Happy Valley." 

I'll be glad when my hitch is up and I can get off this tub. Do you realize I have 34 months aboard here and it looks like by the time I get out, it will be 44.

We leave here Tuesday for Quonset Point, Rhode Island to pick up an air group. I don't think there will be more than 30 or 40 planes. I hope not, the fewer planes, the less work.

"Yes," honey, if we could see each other we could work this thing out but I won't be able to get home until I get out, which won't be too much longer. I would like so much to hold you in my arms again and kiss your lips, then whisper how much I love you. But that's not possible. We are so far apart. The worst was when I was home. Not seeing you while I was on leave just didn't seem right, and still doesn't, for that matter.

Angel, I gotta sign off now and get ready to hit the sack. Taps will go pretty shortly.

Answer soon.

I love you, sweetheart, 

Jim

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Five Months Later

[Editor's note: After months of consistently placing the stamp for each letter upside down, signaling "I love you," the stamp on the envelope for this letter is right side up.  In all of the previous letters, Jim's handwriting has been consistently difficult to decipher. However, in this letter it is clear with well defined margins and precise lines on unruled stationery.]

February 14, 1954

Norfolk, Va.

Jim's family photographed by Norma in Patton Park, Detroit, September, '53
while Jim was home on leave. Front row, from left John Wyly Parker, Bertha
Sterling Parker, Larry Ray Parker. Second row from left: John Moses Parker,
Walter Wayne Parker, Polly Ann Parker Sparks, James Connie Parker, JoAnn Parker Oxford

Hi Norma,

This may come as a surprise to you, then maybe it won't be a surprise at all. I don't know how to say what I want to. It's like you said, if we could only see each other for just a little while, but that's pretty near impossible, I guess.

It wouldn't have been last week. I was home for 4 days but I didn't have the time or money to come to Detroit. I thought of calling and asking you if you could come down here for the weekend but I decided against it. I guess I was a little too ashamed to do a thing like that.

You were right, "honey," I guess we still love each other. At least I can speak for myself. I can't apologize for the last letter I wrote*. I wouldn't know how. I'll just say I'm sorry if it hurt you, but I doubt if it hurt you as much as it has me. 

Norma, if you think I deserve an answer, please write right away. If you don't, I have no one to blame but myself.

All my love,

Jim

*Norma may not have saved the letter that Jim refers to as "the last." The last letter in the collection is #136 and is hardly controversial. 

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This Time Is Different

September 12, 1953

Norfolk, Va.

Map of the Willow Run Airfield and Yankee Air Museum,
as it looks today

Hello Honey,

Just a couple of lines to let you know when my leave starts and when I will be home.

Leave starts at four o'clock Wednesday the 16th in the afternoon. The plane leaves at six (two hours later) and will land at Willow Run at 10:30 in the same evening. I tried to get a train but their schedules are so fouled up it would take about 30 to 40 hours to get home.

This is the first time I've ever looked forward to coming home. The other times I would just as soon go somewhere else as long as I was getting away from the ship. But this time is different.

Well Doll, I might as well sign off. 

I love you, honey, and in four days I'll show you how much.

Jim

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Don't Get Any Other Ideas

September 7, 1953

Norfolk, Va.

The historic Willow Run bomber plant; at the likely
time of this image, is producing autos for Kaiser or
(from 1953) Hydramatic transmissions for GM.

Hi Doll,

How is the sweetest girl I know? 

Today is "labor" day. What did you do to celebrate? It would be a good day for picnicking here. Just the right temperature. I wish I could have been home so we could have done whatever you did together.

I've stayed aboard all day. I don't like to go to the beach in this town. 

My brother called me this morning to "shoot the bull" a while. He said they [John and Ruby Parker] just bought a home in Royal Oak [Michigan] and wants me to help him move in while I'm home. He plans to move either the second or third week of October. I'm looking forward to seeing his new home. For a long time I've been trying to get him to move out of the neighborhood he is living in now.

Honey, only eight more days to go, although it will seem longer.

Even though it's only a been a month since you were here, I miss you a lot already.

If I fly home, I'll land at Willow Run Airport at 2:30 in the morning. Think you can get up that early to meet me?

I love you, Norma. Don't get any other ideas.

I'm tired tonight from doing nothing. In fact, I haven't done anything since we came back from Halifax. 

We are pulling out in the stream Wednesday to off load the "ammo." That will take three or four days. We will come back on Friday night or Saturday morning.

Well, honey, I may as well sign off. 

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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Just A Matter Of Days

September 4

Norfolk, Va.

Jim's stationery for this letter

Hi Doll,

How is the sweetest girl I know? We just got in this afternoon from Halifax. We had a real good time there. The people were the nicest and most considerate I've met since I've been in the service. 

We didn't get any mail while we were gone and I got six or seven [letters] from you today.  I'm not going to try to answer all your letters. I don't have enough stationery and I must write my mom tonight.

I sure did miss you on our cruise to Nova Scotia since you came out here. I love you more than ever. And miss you more.

Darling, only twelve more days 'til my leave starts. Remember when we were counting months? Then weeks. Now, it's just a matter of days.

We got our new captain aboard. He seems like a real nice "swab," much better than the one he relieved. 

This weekend he gave everyone but the duty section a long (72 hours) pass. 

I called you tonight but you were out, so I told them to tell you I would call back tomorrow.

No, I'm not surprised at Millie G___ "making out" and I suppose you also know how she managed it. 

Sweet thing, I'm gonna sing off for now.

Answer soon.

I love you, Doll, 

Jim

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The Unfinished Letter

Thursday, August 13

Norfolk, Va.

Corsair on Approach by Stan Stokes

Hi Darling,

I'll write as long as this pen does but if it keeps fouling up, I'm gonna throw it over side.

We are having a storm here now. This afternoon we landed aircraft and right away pulled out into the stream so we can maneuver when the worst part of the storm hits. Tomorrow morning at 6:00 we are supposed to have winds up to 65 miles per hour, but I think it will blow out before it hits here.

If the winds die down we will go back into port tomorrow and I'll call you, but if they don't, of course, I can't.

I'm glad you made the trip home alright.

I wish this Canadian cruise was over so I could come home. I miss you already.  What

[Editor's Note: The letter ends mid sentence.]

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Dreams of Decent Food, Clean Places, and Other Things

July 28, 1953

Panama

USS Valley Forge going through the Panama Canal, ca. 1953

Hi Angel,

Well, we finally made Panama. We got here at 2 o'clock yesterday afternoon. We are still on the Pacific side. Tomorrow we go through the canal into the Atlantic side.

I was over in Panama City last night. It's just like all the other ports, except a little hotter.

They have a lot of Oriental merchandise for sale here, the same stuff we bought in Japan, but the prices are a lot higher.

Honey, that's a pretty good idea, taking the first and last week of my leave for your vacation, if you can get it that way. Some companies don't like to split vacations.

It sure will be nice to get home again. I think a leave will set me up for the rest of my time, unless I can get a few days at Christmas, I probably won't take any more leave.

Now, I guess you will know better than to put a blanket over a light bulb in our house. You might burn the "damn place down." HA 

We will be gone from Norfolk from about the 17th of August to the 6th of September, at least. Most of the time we will be qualifying air groups. We will only be in Nova Scotia about 3 or 4 days.

Yes, Darling, that apartment with you to come home to every night sounds good, but it won't be easy for me to get shore duty. In fact, to get it, I would have to extend for a year in the outfit and I don't want to do that. Four years in here is enough.

I would like to get married now and start raising our baseball team.

I dream of coming home to a sweet little wife like you having a place to sit down and someone to make love to and talk with. 

Also, some decent food and a clean well kept place. But those things aren't easy. I know as much as we love each other we could make it work, but I would like to make is as easy for you as possible, and in here, I can't.

The first thing I'll say to you the first morning you wake me up will probably be, "Go 'way woman and let me sleep another week." 

I never used to sleep so much, but since I've been a sailor, all I do is sleep when we are not operating.

I think we talked about 6 or 7 minutes when I called. I will call you again when we get to Norfolk. 

That dream you had sounds nice. Dreaming is something I seldom do. Guess I sleep too soundly.

Doll, we will talk more of getting married when I get home.

Norm, I gotta sign off.

Answer real soon.

I love you, angel,

Jim

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Wishing For Some Ice And Snow

July 23, 1953

"At Sea"

USS Valley Forge in the Panama Canal, ca. 1951-53

Hello Darling,

I have an apology to make to the West Coast. I thought it was the hottest place in the world, but it isn't. We are someplace below Mexico now and it is so hot we can hardly breathe. I'll be glad when this trip is over.

Some joker just came up and predicted hot weather in a couple of days. HA 

Maybe Nova Scotia will be cooler. I hope so.

I talked to my Division Officer about starting leave on the tenth of September. He doesn't know of any reason why I couldn't, so I guess that's when it will be.

We have a tough operating schedule on the cruise to Nova Scotia, but I don't mind. Time passes faster that way.

Honey, it's too hot to write. I'm now wishing for some of that ice and snow we had in Korea last winter.

Just think, I'll probably never go back to that place again. Not that I want to, but I kind of miss Japan. It seems funny leaving San Diego and going some other place.

July 26, 1953

Hi Sweetheart,

I started this three days ago, but didn't finish it, as you can see.

It's still hot out here but not quite as bad as before. We should hit Panama tomorrow, but we won't start through the canal until Thursday. We stay in Panama until Saturday the 31st of July, then go on to Norfolk. Day after tomorrow, we become East Coast sailors.

Hey, honey, tell me something to write. I'm stuck already.

I could tell you I love you, but you know that. So, I'll tell you anyway, I love you, darling.

Boy, it's gonna be good to get home. This waiting for a leave to begin is the toughest part of the Navy, but it's only a little more than a month now.

I think the Cruise to Nova Scotia will go pretty fast. We will be flying a lot. And if we have to be at sea, I had rather be flying than "dilly dallying" around like we are doing now.

Well, Doll, I may as well sign off for now. 

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

P.S. Notice change in address. [APO in New York City instead of San Diego]

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If You Can't Stand The Heat, Get Out Of The Phone Booth

July 20, 1953

San Diego, Calif.

Sailors on liberty in Manhattan, ca 1950

Hi Darling,

Since this is the last day in port for awhile, I had better write.

As I told you on the phone this afternoon, we pull out tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.

I'm really hot to get underway. I'm tired of this place.

I hear we will stop on the Pacific side of the [Panama] Canal for one day and on the Atlantic side for three days.

We arrive in Norfolk the 5th of August, leave again around the 10th for a cruise up to Nova Scotia to show those people how a good carrier operates and we go into dry dock the 5th of September.

"No," I didn't have the snapshots made yet. No excuses. I just didn't get around to it yet.

A guy gave me the keys to his locker when he went on leave. He came back this morning at 4 o'clock. He said when he first asked for his keys, I said, "Go away you 'so and so', I haven't got your keys." 

I don't remember saying that. About the third time he called me, I woke up.

Just goes to show that false teeth may come in handy when you start waking me up.

You asked about Lash. Well, "pore ole" Lash, he's "done been had." He came back from leave today a married man. 

I guess men will never learn, but he says married life is o.k. At least he didn't lose any weight.

Speaking of getting married while I'm on leave, "Honey," I would like to. In fact, I would like nothing better. But it wouldn't be any good for you. Or me, for that matter.

I would be away most of the time. If I had shore duty then you could live near the base and I could come home every night, but while I'm on a ship, I won't be in the States very much. 

That phone booth I was talking from this afternoon was the hottest place I've ever been in. I almost melted away while I was in there. 

I'm pretty tired tonight and have to get up pretty early tomorrow.

So answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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Dirty Jobs

July 14, 1953

San Diego, Calif.

A sailor's work is never done

Hi Doll,

What's cooking with the world's sweetest woman?

I'm tired. They have been working us pretty hard the last couple of days getting the ship cleaned up for the East Coast. Just think, only one more week before we shove off.

Well, I was interrupted for the moment. Some guy wanted to show me a picture of his dog who has just given birth to 8 puppies. Boy, we have some "beauties" in this Navy. 

I'm sitting here looking at the place where I have to work tomorrow. It's a gun tub that hangs over the side of the ship and we have to paint the bottom side of it. 

I sure am glad those things I mailed in Japan got there. Now maybe my brother and sister have gotten theirs and I can rest easy.

I had to stop [writing] last night when they turned the lights out, but I'm back again.

I'm glad you liked the things I sent and hope they fit as well as you said they did. I'm not much of a shopper, even for my own clothes. I don't care for the job.

There is a rumor that leave will start about the sixth of September on the East Coast, but it isn't official, so don't plan on it. I'll tell you as soon as I find out if it does. I'll take leave about the tenth of the month.

I know the lawyer slightly that you mentioned, Frank Hollis. Also, I think I know the girl. If I'm right, her name was Smith before she married. 

We have won 3 of 5 games since we hit the States. I'm playing the outfield. 

Yes, I was very serious about having duty on Christmas. I'm gonna try to get a few days leave, though, either Christmas or the New Year. If I can, do you think I could talk you into coming to Norfolk?

I must have the dirtiest job in the fleet. I'm sanding the overhang I mentioned before. I'll bet it hasn't been cleaned since the ship was commissioned. If I get it done this time, they will never get me back on it again.

Dot C____ should have told Dr. Parr the missing two weeks was the honeymoon. They were still acting like a couple of starry-eyed school kids.

Any plans you make are O.K. with me. It's been so long since I was home, I'll be like a lost duck in a snowstorm anyway.

And, as for having supper with the Cathys, I love to eat.

Don't forget that I have to go to Tennessee for a few days to see Mom & Pop.  You can go along, if you would like.

You are getting smart, letting your hair grow.

Only about five more days in this port and I'll sure be glad to leave here. 

I had better sign off for now before they turn the lights out on me again.

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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