Some Days, There's Just Nothing But Work

USS Valley Forge

Sept. 10, 1951

Hello Norma,

How's things at home?

This leaves me O.K.  This salty air seems to be doing me good.  HA! 

I know I haven't written you in a long time, but I've really been busy the last month.  We go out and stay all week and we work from 15 to 19 hours almost every day.  Today they let us off early.

Did Chuck and Hannah get married yet?  Tell him if they haven't, he had better hurry up things before I come home.  HA! 

I don't like San Diego at all.  It costs too much to pull a decent liberty.  

But it's supposed to be the worst liberty town in the U.S.

Did George S______ ever get called into the Army yet?  Also, John S____ and Jimmy L_____?

You should be out here with us and watch the planes land and take off.  It is a lot of fun, but's its beginning to get a little old.

I guess you had your vacation in Canada already.  I belt you had a lot of fun.

I think we'll be shoving off for Pearl Harbor in October.  Then from there, we go to the battle zone.  If those guys can hold on until we get there, we'll end it right away.  HA! 

During our battle training, just completed, we received a mark of good,  I think the "old man" (Captain) was pretty proud of us.

Well, kid, I had better sign off for now.

Answer soon.

Your buddy, 

Jim

There is no mail coming in or going off.  So, I don't know when I'll get to mail this.

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Oh, Jim...

USS Valley Forge

July 12, 1951

[Editor's Note: the envelope was postmarked August 15, 1951.]

U.S. Navy Bureau of Supplies and Accounts poster, 1944

Hello Norma,

I better write you today because next week I may not get a chance.  You'll have to excuse me a few minutes.  I got to go eat chow.

Well, kid, I stayed longer than I meant to.  I stayed a few minutes and three days.  I don't have any excuses to offer.  All I can say is I won't do it again.

"Boy," I'm a sore hillbilly.  I've been working out for football, but I think I'll quit.  It's been too long since I played.  That game is for young men.  

It sure is hot out here in the daytime, but at night it cools off some.

I'm going down into Mexico next weekend.  I want to see what Mexican girls look like.

The next time you see Dot H_____, tell her she can write me any month she wants to.

I hear Hannah B____ has gotten herself engaged.  I guess when I left it gave the other guys a chance, the way everyone is getting engaged since January.  I guess you would be engaged by now, but you've already been once, and it's your turn to stand by and watch all of the first timers.  

Well, kid, I've got to sign off.

Answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim

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Bringing Pilots On Board

USS Valley Forge

August 8, 1951

Hi ya kid,

How's tricks? 

This leaves me fine, except I'm a little dizzy but I don't know what causes it.  

Guess I'm seasick.

We just pulled into the Alameda (Calif.) Air Base for a two day stop.  We took on 9 airplanes and are they snappy looking jobs.  Makes me wish I had gone to school and become a pilot.  I'll bet I'd look good in a flying uniform with all the gold braid and medals.

So, Maureen M_____ is chasing men.  Well, I guess she will be.  She has a disease.  I think it's called Male Fever.  She even had a crush on me and she is almost old enough to be my mother.  Has she been married or not?  I've heard that she has, then someone told me she hasn't.

"Yeah," I know what company can do to the household routine.  We used to have relatives almost every week when I lived at home.  They come either invited or otherwise.

Day after tomorrow we should be in San Diego, then we will pick up the rest of our air group and bring pilots aboard.  Each pilot must make ten landings on the ship before he can qualify for a carrier flyer.  That will take about 4 days, then we can start getting ready to go back into the battle zone.

I hear George S______ gave Doris R______ an engagement ring.  I'm glad.  I think they are both hard to beat.

I also hear Chuck and Hannah are about to become engaged.  Guess everyone will be married before I get out of the Navy, then I won't have anyone to go chasing women with.

Well, gal, I've got to sign off.

Answer real soon.

Your mate, 

Jim

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From Somewhere In The Pacific

Somewhere in the Pacific

August 7, 1951

This photo of 100 Islands (of which Bangar Island is one) is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Hi ya Norma,

Well, believe it or not, I finally got a chance to write some letters.  We have been so busy the last weeks, I haven't done anything but work.

I think the last time I wrote you, we were on our way to Bangar Island to pick up ammo.  Well, we got there and stayed three days and did we work.  We were on duty eight hours, then off eight.  I suppose you can guess what I did when I was off duty.  I slept.

I didn't know there was as much ammo in the world as we took aboard.  When I went to bed, instead of counting sheep, I counted bombs and rockets.  

Then we came back to Seattle last Saturday and held Open House on the ship.  About six thousand people came aboard to see and be seen.  I had to stand a safety watch, but after I got off, I picked up a couple of sweet things and showed them around the ship.  After everyone had left, we had to load cars until midnight.  And believe me, the seat of my pants was dragging my tracks out when we knocked off.

We are on our way to San Diego now.  I think we will arrive there about the 11th of August.

"Boy," I never saw so much water.  I can't see land in any direction.  In fact, I don't think there is any land.  I think the world is all water. HA! 

And the worst part is, it aggravates my sinus glands. I have head aches almost all the time.

Well, pal, I better say so long for this time.  I'll write you again the first chance I get.

Answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim

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The Black Ball Ferry

USS Valley Forge

July 5, 1951

Ferry Kalakala along the Seattle waterfront, 1930s
Postcard courtesy Frances Bynum

Hi Norma,

I hope you're in a better place than I am, the mesquito's are about to eat me alive.  I don't know if I spelled the word right or not, but it's that little bug that goes zzzzzz and bites like heck.

Beginning next Tuesday, I will be a Sailor.  That's the day we go on our first trial run.  I don't know how long we will be out but probably not over 3 to 4 days. [Editor's Note: Jim's return address on his envelope lists his rank as "A.A.," or "Airman Apprentice."]

It sure is nice here tonight.  I'm out in the gun tub again watching the moon rise.  It's a big, beautiful moon.  It sort of gives me a romantic feeling, but there's nothing I can do about it. HA!  It sure is quiet here too.  Makes me feel like I'm the only person on this ship.

Did you ever hear the song called the "Black Ball Ferry?"  It's written about the ferry that runs from Seattle to Bremerton.  From where I sit, I just see it leave the dock going back to Seattle.  It is really a modern boat.  It looks like something from Mars.

I'm mailing all of these letters to Detroit, if you don't get home pretty soon there is going to be quite a pile waiting for you.

I got a letter from Norton L___ about a week ago.  He said he was getting out in October.  Maybe they will get this mess cleared up and all the boys that want to will be coming home.  If they do, that should make you girls happy since there is nothing left but the culls, all  the good men are in the Navy.  HA! 

"Boy," the higher the moon gets, the more romantic I get.  I would sure make some girl a nice date tonight.

Norma, it's dark.  I can't see what I'm doing, so I guess I'll knock off for this time.

Answer soon.

Your mate,

Jim

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Slow Days On The Valley Forge

USS Valley Forge

July 14, 1951

Parker "51" Fountain Pen magazine ad

Hi Norma,

I suppose you are still in New York having lots of fun, but by the time this letter arrives you will be home.

"Boy," this week sure has been slow for me, as far as mail in concerned.  I only got one letter besides the one I got from you.

I heard Joan M______ was home last weekend.  She was lucky to get stationed at Great Lakes.  I guess she could go home every weekend, if she wanted to.

My buddy and I are working hard this week.  We stood watches until 12:00 last night and we have to go on again at 4:30 this afternoon.  He is inside sleeping now, and from the way I feel I should be, but I can't sleep very well in the daytime.

We played ball again a couple of days ago.  As usual, we won.  12 to 9, not exactly a pitcher's battle.  [Editor's note: Jim was a pitcher.] 

I suppose there are lots of men around that resort where you are on vacation, but is there a good man, such as a sailor, there? HA!

I'm pretty darned disgusted, someone borrowed my pen and didn't return it, that was about a week ago.  Now, I just noticed someone borrowed my ink and didn't bring that back, either.

Tomorrow is my anniversary.  It makes my seventh month in the Navy.  I guess I'll have to celebrate by staying on board this ship.  I won't be able to get off.

Well, kid, better shut up for this time.

Answer soon.  

Your paint chipping & watch standing pal,

Jim

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Jim's First Car

USS Valley Forge

July 13, 1951

1949 Chevy 2 door sedan, © 1998-2014 American Dream Cars

Hi Norma,

Don't be surprised at anything in this letter.  Today is Friday, the 13th, and I'm a little scared because I should have stayed in bed, not that I'm superstitous (don't check with the dictionary on my spelling) or anything like that, but I don't like to take chances.

"Boy," you sure are a lucky gal, on vacation in New York.  Some people get all the luck.  No fooling, though, I'm glad you got the chance to go but you're missing the best vacation spot in the country. That's out here.

The picture you sent is real nice.  Pretty, too.  I've never seen you in a pair of shorts before.  

There was a slight interruption in this letter just now.  I was lying in my bunk writing and I'm not supposed to be since this is working hours and along comes a chief petty officer, so now I'm sitting out on a catwalk.  Ha.  I told you I should have stayed in bed.

My car was a '49 Chevy 2 door sedan.  No, it wasn't hydra-matic, they didn't make that in '49.  If they did, I would have had it.  I would almost give my left arm if I still had that car.  If I had known we were going to stay in the States this long, I would have kept it.  

Every day it gets hotter out here.  If it doesn't cool off pretty soon, things out here are going to melt.  

Tell Eleanor I think of two wise remarks for every one she thinks of.

I'm really going to get the work thrown at me this weekend.  I've got to work tonight and probably 16 hours on Saturday.  Then Sunday, I'll probably be on duty again.  

Those pictures will be made Monday or Tuesday.  

Well, kid, I've got to shut up.  This catwalk is getting uncomfortable.

Answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim

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"What's In It For You?"

USS Valley Forge

July 11, 1951

"What's In It For You?" 1951 Ford Motor Co. magazine ad

Hi Norma,

Well, today is my day off and that's what I mean.  I get the day off but I have to work tonight and since this is about the only chance I get to write, I thought I had better write you.  You are first on my list when I write and I always think of you.

We played ball last night and won 11 to 6.  I hit a home run and a triple.  We have a good team. We've only lost one or two games.  The team [that we played] last night looked good in practice, but we cooled them off when the game started.  

Did you go to the game (All Star game, that is) yesterday?  If I had been home, they couldn't have kept me away.  [Editor's Note: The 1951 Major League Baseball All Star Game was played at Briggs Stadium in Detroit, not far from where Norma lived.]

Norma, old pal, there isn't much to talk about from here.  Ah, yes, there is one thing for sure.  We're pulling out of here on the 24th of July and the sooner, the better.  I like this country OK, but I just want to get away.

I suppose you are still working every day but if you aren't, I wouldn't blame you.  I don't like to work in the summertime, myself.

Did you get that cabin in Canada?  

A friend of mine from Texas just came off leave with a '51 Ford Convertible, pretty "shek" job.

Well, Norma, I might as well shut up.  I don't know anything else to write.

I'll try again pretty soon.

Your buddy,

Jim

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Celebrating The 4th

USS Valley Forge

July 7, 1951

Scan of theatrical poster for the Warner Bros' film, "Fort Worth" 

Hi ya, Norma,

Just got your letter this morning and was real glad to hear from you.

Well, this is another Saturday.  I don't know why I'm aboard, but I just haven't gotten around to going ashore yet.

I went bowling last night, then after that I went to a movie.  I saw "Fort Worth*" with "Randy" Scott. It was pretty good, but not as good as most of his pictures.  

So, the gang pulled a big picnic the 4th, "eh."  I did too, I worked all day but not very hard.  We sure had a good dinner that day.  Turkey, ham, shrimp cocktails, and strawberry shortcake, a lots of other things too numerous to name.

Yes, I remember Brother H__ (I can't spell his first name) and I believe he is right.  I can't explain why in a letter, but I could if I was talking to you.  Besides, what you've been taught don't make it right.  For example, I was taught to feel superior to colored people, but I don't.  

I think we are leaving here the last of the month.  I hope so, I'm tired of being in one place.  I was hoping to see more country.

I received a letter from Billie Sue T_____.  She says she got over her operation swell.  

My buddy who, so far, has always said he wouldn't get married while he was in the Navy, called his girl friend in Chicago last night and I think he has about changed his mind.  I bet when he gets his next leave, he comes back a married man.

Well, Norm, I hear the outside calling, so I had better sign off and go in town and see what I can dig up.

Answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim

*Editor's Note: Although Jim's letter is dated July 7 and he refers to seeing "Fort Worth" the night before, IMDb lists the film's official release date as July 14, 1951.  

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Ridge Runners and Hillbillies

USS Valley Forge

July 2, 1951

Raid on a moonshine still in Boyd County, Kentucky, ca. 1928. Note the row of bottles at the mouth of the rock shelter.
Ohio River Portrait Collection contributed by Harry Boone Nicholson Sr. Kentucky Historical Society Collections.

Hi Norma,

How's the kid?

I just received two letters from you this morning and they were most welcome, "believe me!"  I wrote you two letters, one Saturday and one Sunday, but went out on the beach and forgot to mail them, so I threw them in the can and am writing again.  If you want to get mad at me this time, I promise not to do it again.

I didn't go any place this weekend.  I was slightly broke, but today was payday, so I'll start all over again.

I hope you kids get that cabin in Canada and if I was home I would like to go with you.  I could use a short vacation.

Tell your cousin I know that everyone from Kentucky is a hillbilly.  Worse than that, they are ridge-runners and that she can't deny it.

"Boy," is it hot here, in fact, it is the hottest its been out here in a long time, according to the old timers out here.

I tried taking some snapshots to send you, but none of them turned out any good, so right away, I'm going into town to get some made at a studio over there, something I won't be ashamed to send you.  

Pretty soon, I guess, we will be pulling out of here for San Diego to pick up our air group, then if they get things cleared up in Korea, we might not have to go back there.  

I hope they do end it, not because I don't want to go, but because of the Marines who are getting shot up there.

Well, kid, I've got to go up on the flight deck now and it is almost time to go to work.

So answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim

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Twenty Bucks And Pulling A Liberty

USS Valley Forge

June 23, 1951

Service members hit the floor in 1944 at a USO dance in Hertford, North Carolina. The club offered entertainment for those serving at the Harvey Point Naval Auxiliary Air Station. (Courtesy of the Museum of the Albemarle)

Hello Norma,

I just received your letter this afternoon.  I hope this finds you real swell but I'm not going to say how I feel.  Not after last night.

We had a ship's dance in town last night.  (I think I told you about it before.)  Anyway, it was quite an affair.  I left early and went some place else, otherwise someone might have had to carry me home.

It was about 1:30 when I did get home.  I went on watch at 7:30 this morning and just got off about an hour ago, but the worst part is that I've got to go back on two hours from now.  "Ah, yes," it is 5:00 now.

My buddy's mother sent him twenty dollars to buy his father a birthday gift, but instead we pulled a liberty last night and still have enough left to pull another one.  

"Ah, well," we will buy him something payday, but he will never know how much we appreciated that twenty bucks.

I can't send those pictures this time because I don't have any, but I will as soon as I get some made.

It's too bad you don't get a vacation this year.  If you did maybe you could talk your mom & pop into coming out here.  They could never find a better vacation place than this.  

Tell your cousin from Kentucky "hello" for me.  Also, ask her how the rest of the hillbillies are getting along.

"Oh, yes," two of our boys came in from the dance last night pretty well loaded.  Some of the guys put them in bed and a little while later both of them fell out of their bunks.  The bunks they sleep in are about 5 feet from the deck.  One of them was bruised pretty bad.

Well, "Norm," I better close.  I want to write my brother and I don't have much time before I go on watch.

Answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim

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In The Sweet By and By

USS Valley Forge

June 20, 1951

Motorola print ad, ca. 1951

Hi Norma,

I got your letter today and was real glad to hear from you.

I think I need one of those guides you have, then maybe I could write straight.

I know what you mean by being lonesome some times, but don't let it get you down, "kid."  There are better days coming "by and by."  At least if there aren't, I'm in a heck of a shape.  I would hate to stay in the Navy all of my life. [Editor's note: There are many versions of "In the Sweet By and By" available on YouTube from Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson, to name a few.  This version by the Hee Haw Gospel Quartet is at the tempo that Jim used when he sang it around the house and at church, he took on the baritone part with gusto.]

I just came off fire-watch but "nuttin'" exciting happened while I was on.  I had a short one this time, only 4 hours.  Usually I stand 8.  

It is a swell day out here.  I mean it was a swell day, the day is over now.  It's about a quarter past nine.

And I was thinking what I would be doing if I was home.  As soon as I finished work I would drive out to some pool or lake and go for a swim.  But I guess those things will have to wait.  I wish they would start a good war or win this little one quick.  This "dilly dallying" around doesn't appeal to me.  And if you keep up on the news, I don't have to tell you that it looks like they are about to start one in Iran.

There is going to be a dance for all the crew of the Valley Forge in Bremerton, Washington Friday night.  I can't dance but I'm going anyway.  Maybe I can make them believe I can.

I find it hard to believe, but I've been in the Navy 6 months.  If the next three and one half years go by as quick as this, it won't be too bad.

So you got yourself a new portable.  I wish is was there to listen to it.

Hey, how come you're so disgusted with the opposite sex (meaning males)?  You shouldn't be.  Men are what makes the world go "round," at least that's what we say in here.  Of course, some people might think differently.

If Betty K___ married who I think she did, he was a boy from my home town.  I used to go to school with him.

It looks like everyone is getting "hitched," but don't envy anyone who is.  Just feel sorry for them.  

I used to think I wanted to get married but since I came in the Navy, I wouldn't marry the Queen of Sheba.  I've just started to live.  I wasted too much of my life on girls who didn't care anyway.  I get a kick out of you "thinking" I was never serious.  Lots of people think I was just joking when I really wasn't.

I bought my first car three years ago today.  I was just thinking what a nice "old wreck" it was.  But I sure did have some wonderful times in it.

I still haven't forgotten those pictures.  I'll send you some soon.

Well, kid, by the time I take a shower and shave, it will be time for "taps," so I'll close for now.

Answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim

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Apache Drums

USS Valley Forge

June 19, 1951

Apache Drums Theatrical Release Poster, 1951* 

Hi Norma,

How's the girl?

I'm sorry I haven't written sooner, but I've been out of town.

A buddy from Chicago and I hitchhiked to Tacoma this weekend and then hitched back to Seattle and finally back to the ship.  We got back at midnight Sunday, but I didn't have any stationery and couldn't get any until today.  And if I'm forgiven, I'll not let it happen again.

We sure had a swell time on our trip and the best part of it was that the transportation didn't cost us anything.  We stayed Friday night in Tacoma and almost got to Mt. Rainier but not quite.  I think Mt. Rainier is the highest mountain in North America.  

Tacoma isn't a very good liberty town, it's too quiet.  We came back to Seattle and met some people.  They invited us out to their home and, boy, was it nice.  The house was built on one of the many bays that go to make Puget Sound.  We drove through hills for a little ways, then we came down onto a wide, grassy beach.  Their house was so cool and always had a little breeze blowing.  The swimming was real swell.   They invited me to come back any time I could and I think I will take them up on it.

Enough of that.  What have you been doing to keep busy?  About all I do is kill time.  I'll be glad when we pull out of here and really go to work.  It gets too dull just doing nothing.  I sure was glad to get those letters from you.  You were the only person I heard from all weekend.  In fact, you're the only one of the old bunch who writes me very often.  

I'm going to a movie tomorrow night to see "Apache Drums."  Has it come to Detroit yet?  

I would like hear those records you have.  They sound pretty good.

I guess I had better close for now.  I can't think of anything else to write about.  I'll write again the first chance I get.

Answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim

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*The poster art copyright is believed to belong to the distributor of the film, Universal Pictures, the publisher of the film or the graphic artist.  The image may be found at http://www.amazon.com/Apache-Drums-Poster-Movie-27x40/dp/B000OL61MG.  The copy is of sufficient resolution for commentary and identification but lower resolution than the original poster. Copies made from it will be of inferior quality, unsuitable as counterfeit artwork, pirate versions or for uses that would compete with the commercial purpose of the original artwork.

More Musings On The Banks Of Puget Sound

USS Valley Forge

June 10, 1951

Boats in Puget Sound, ca. 1970, General Subjects Photograph Collection, 1845-2005, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives,http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov, June 16, 2015. 

Hi ya Norma,

Today I'm sitting in a gun-tub on the port side of the ship.  The scenery over here is more beautiful than on the starboard side.  In case you wondered, the port side is the left side and starboard is the right.

On this side of Puget Sound the hills aren't so high and there are more trees.  And there are fewer houses.  

I had a good sleep last night.  I went to bed at midnight and got up at 10:30 this morning, but I had it coming.  I had been on watch for 24 hours, but of course, I had a chance to sleep a little while on watch.  

Well, what have you been doing? Still chasing around with Pat and that other girl (I forgot her name)?

Of course, I meant besides chasing boys.  That comes first in any girl's life.

In case you haven't noticed, my pen isn't writing so "pretty good."  So, you can't blame it all on me.

"Boy," is it ever quiet out here.  No sound except water pouring out of the escape valves on the this side of the ship.  

You never did tell me who told you about Dot and me, did you?

Not that it matters, but I'll tell you something that I told you already, I think.  I asked Dot to wait for me while I was home and about two months ago I wrote her to forget I ever asked her to wait, which she probably had already.  And she didn't answer.  I didn't want her to stop writing, but I guess she has.  But I suppose that doesn't matter, either.  

I finally got a letter from Riva G________, it sure was about time.

Well, "kid," I better sign off for this time.  I'll write you again first chance I get.  

Answer soon.

Your buddy, 

Jim

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Summer In The City

USS Valley Forge

June 6, 1951

A beach on Belle Isle, one of Norma's favorite places, circa 1950s. Image credit: Detroit Historical Society

Hi Norma,

I got your letter yesterday and was real glad to hear from you.

I'll send you some pictures when I get some made.  We made some about a week ago, but they turned out bad.

And your letters certainly don't bore me.  I love to get letters from you and I always answer back, don't I?

They are trying to make us work now.  Instead of 4 hour watches, we have to stand 8 hour watches now.  I was on last night from 4:30 to 12:30 and I'm a little tired this morning.  Tonight, I'm going out with a guy I met from Florida.  We are going to some club that he belongs to, then we are going to church to hear some evangelist.  

Well, what have you been doing lately?  Going out with men, I guess.  Or going out to the lake on weekends and working during the week.  I sure would like to go to the beach some time and get a good sun tan.  

If this letter sounds "goofy," don't pay any attention to it.  There is a lot of good-natured kidding and "cursing" going on.

Well, kid, I better sign off now.  Next time, I'll go up on the flight deck where there is peace and quiet.  

Answer soon.

Your Rear Admiral,

Jim

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Standing Watch In A Spud Locker

USS Valley Forge

June 2, 1951

Scan of Jim's stationery, circa 1951

Hi Norma,

Got your letter today.  I was real glad to hear from you.

This leaves me O.K.  Hoping you're the same.

Well, another weekend rolls around but I can't go any place this time.  I've got duty.  Guess I can catch up on sleep and shoe shining.  HA.

The captain held an inspection today, but I didn't have to stand it.  I was on watch down in the spud locker (potato bin, to you).*

You asked me what my duties were.  Well, to be honest, I don't know.  Right now I'm pulling fire watch and there is nothing to it.

But when we get out to sea, I'll be working on the flight deck helping to land planes and to catapult them.  

Norma, I started this note about one hour ago but we started fighting the Civil War over again and I had to knock off to fire a few shots.  And it ain't over yet.

You asked me why Phyllis and I broke up.  Well, I guess you will have to ask her because she did it all.  I'm glad she did now, but then wasn't so glad.  "Ah, well," forget about her and talk about more pleasant subjects.

But now I've run out of subjects to talk about.

I'm not sitting out in a gun-tub now, so I've got nothing to inspire me.  And taps have been sounded already, so lights out pretty soon.  So for the time, I'll sign off.

Answer soon.

Your admiral,

Jim

*Editor's note: One story Jim told on himself was that when he was a kid, he wasn't too good with following directions.  Early on at Boot Camp, he took a multiple choice intelligence test with others who recently entered the service.  Because he wasn't paying attention to the sergeant explaining the test and didn't read the directions, Jim used the space for the "Sample" question at the top of the answer sheet to enter his answer to the first question. The test took hours.  When the sergeant announced time was up, Jim circled his answer to the last test question and noticed that he had an extra space at the bottom of his answer sheet. That's when he realized throughout the entire test, each answer was off by one. Jim pleaded with the sergeant, told him what he had done and asked to take the test over.  That didn't happen.  

While the results of the intelligence test weren't routinely distributed to the men, Jim was mortified to learn from one of his officers that he had the second lowest score on the intelligence test.  Depending on which family member was telling the story, it was either the second lowest score in the history of the test, or it was the second lowest score of all men serving in the Navy at that time.  Regardless, the test score followed him everywhere for the entire time that he was in the service.  When reporting for each new assignment, each new officer would greet him with, "Parker, huh?," glance down at their clipboard, grimace, and shake their head.  Then he would be given an assignment that the officer believed could cause the least possible damage to the crew, the ship and himself, such as watch duty in a potato bin.  

I always wondered if Jim got the second lowest score, who got the lowest?

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The Pride Of Omaha Street

USS Valley Forge

May 27, 1951

Miss Norma Cornett

1____ Omaha Street

Detroit (25) Mich.

Norma (right) with her cousin, Eula, on Omaha Street, circa 1950.

Hi Norma,

How's the pride of Omaha Street?  

It is a cold, gloomy day in Washington.  I meant to go out but my pea coat is dirty so I guess I'll stay aboard.

I sure would like to be home with you people today.  I bet I could really have fun in Detroit now.  I feel just in the mood for it.  

It looks like we may be leaving this place sooner than I expected.  Tomorrow we are moving out of dry-dock to a pier.  I don't know what the difference is either, but there is still lots of work to do on this tub.  

I didn't do much on my weekend off.  I went fishing but didn't catch anything.  Then, I went gal-chasing, didn't catch anything there, either.  Guess I use the wrong kind of bait.  I was listening to the ball game, but it was rained out.  That's all there is to the weather out here, "rain." 

You kids must be out on a wiener roast this afternoon.  If you're not, you should be.  I bet the weather is nice in Detroit.

I would like to go out with the bunch again.  Sundays like this bring back fond memories.  Sometimes I wish I had stayed eighteen years old, the age I was when I came to Detroit.  "Gee," did we have fun then.  Now, I'm old and have to go win a war.  HA!  "Oh, well, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy." 

Don't answer that. 

Well, kid, I've got to knock off now.  I can't think of anything else to ruminate about.  Answer real soon.

Your admiral,

Jim

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On Love, On The Banks of Puget Sound

USS Valley Forge

May 26, (I think) 1951

Puget Sound and Mount Rainier, 1940-1960, Charles R. Laidlaw, State Library Photograph Collection, 1851-1990, Washington State Archives, Digital Archives,http://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov, June 4, 2015. 

Hello Norma,

How's the kid?  Fine, I hope and this leaves me splendid.  (I don't know what the word means, either.)

I'm glad you think my [hand]writing has improved.  I really appreciate you saying that.  It is almost the best compliment you could have paid me.  

I'm sitting out in a gun-tub on the star-board side of the ship writing this.  There are six small caliber anti-aircraft guns mounted in this tub.  They are vicious looking things, but also they look protecting.  Out in front of me is the aircraft carrier, "Bunker Hill."  Right now it is in moth balls, but not for long I don't think.  

And above Puget Sound I can see beautiful, wooded hills rising in the distance.  I could go on, but you must be bored by now and besides I've almost given up on the idea of being a writer. HA.  All joking aside, this is pretty country and I'll tell you about it when I get home.

You mentioned your girl friend's husband being in Korea.  You can tell her that you know a guy who will be there pretty soon.  We will probably shove off the last of July.  

And you want to know if I'm in love with Dot H______.  I don't know myself for sure.  And for "gosh sake" keep what I say under your hat.  The girl I referred to in another letter as being the only one I ever cared about was Phyllis M______.  I know you remember her.  I still had memories of her when I came in the navy.  I said I didn't ever love her, but I did.  I might as well admit it.  But not anymore.   I saw her when I was home and we talked for a while and all the love I ever had for that woman is gone.  To put it bluntly, "I wouldn't give her hay if she was a cow in a concrete pasture." 

But getting back to the subject.  There is no one I respect more than Dorothy.  I would like to see her the happiest woman in the world and that's more than I could give her.  Dot deserves a better man than I can hope be and anything she asked of me, I would do my best to do for her.  But now is no time for me to worry about things like that. 

I've got four years to put in this outfit, then maybe I'll have time for gold bands and the like.  

I still would like to know who told you.  I don't think it was Willie G___ or Norma or Charlene R______.  I think it was Dorothy herself.  

If I'm wrong, please correct me.  

I've been out with lots of girls in my life and cared nothing for any of them but Phyllis and Dot.  

And now Phyllis is out and it's hard to explain how I feel about her.  I guess you would call it love turned to hate, and it's not a very nice feeling either.  

Ah, well, enough of that stuff.  I've got to sign off anyway.

So, until next time, answer soon.

Your admiral,

Jim

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