King Neptune

May 24, 1953

Triumph of Neptune standing on a chariot pulled by two sea horses
(Latin: hippocampes). Mosaïque d'Hadrumète (Sousse)
 the mid-third century AD. Musée archéologique de Sousse.

Hi Darling,

Today has been a rough one for me. I've been sightseeing. HA  We snapped some pictures and must have walked 20 miles.

That wasn't all I did. I mailed you a bed jacket. I don't know how long it will take to get there, probably 4 weeks. I bought it and had no place to put it on the ship, so I had to take a chance on the Japanese mailing service. I hope it gets there alright.

I bought a set of fishing tackle and sent it along. You can stick it back in the closet 'til I get home, or if you like to fish, use it.

If your "Pop" likes to fish, he can give it a dip.

"Boy," it sure has been hot the last couple of days. I guess I shouldn't complain after last winter's cold. Oh well, we won't be here much longer. Only about 5 or 6 more days to operate, then homeward bound. And just think, only nineteen more months to do in this outfit. 

This subject of "King Neptune" is getting to be a "short-timer." 

The way I figure it, if everything goes right, I'll have time to pull one cruise around Europe, then I'll be getting out. We are all looking forward to our European cruise. We have seen so much of the Orient, we are ready for a change. 

My time is up January 14th '55, but I'm hoping to get out just before Christmas of '54, if they see things my way.

Also, we will be in dry-dock in Norfolk this Christmas and, if I can get as much as 72 hours liberty, I'll come home. 

Honey, I'm running out of things to talk about, so I'll sign off for now.

Over and out.

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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Letter Of The Heart

[Editor's Note: On the front of the envelope Norma wrote, Letter of May 23, 1953, of the heart]

May 23, 1953

Valley Forge

Jim's stationery, May 1953

Hi Sweet Thing,

What's new with you? We are in port again, but not for long. We pull out the day after tomorrow. We will only operate 6 or 7 more days, then shove off for stateside. I think we leave Japan the twelfth of June.  Or maybe, the ninth. I don't know for sure. Anyway, we arrive in San Diego the 26th of June.

It was been raining here all day and is hot and "stuffy." Reminds me of Honolulu, which I don't like to be reminded of.  

I finally got to hear the song, "'Til I Waltz Again With You."  and is it beautiful.  A sixteen year old Japanese girl sang it and she is almost as good as Doris Day. 

Our relief carrier should pull in tomorrow. I hope so. I want to see her drop anchor. HA 

My buddy and I pulled one last night. We got so "high," we couldn't hit the ground if we had jumped out of an airplane. I think I've stopped drinking for sure.

Honey, I have a set of jackets, Japanese style. They are blue with white symbols on the back. Also, I bought a bed spread. It was so pretty I couldn't resist it. Also I have bought you a housecoat. It's pretty, I think. These damn mailing facilities here are so bad, I'm afraid to send them that way. I think I'll wait 'til I hit the States. I'm still looking for a pair of quilted pajamas, but no luck so far.

[Editor's Note: I vaguely remember blue silk bomber jackets that were hanging in the closet when I was a kid. I imagine both the jackets were worn out and are long gone. But the housecoat and the bedspread, along with a pair of black silk pajamas, are locked away in storage.]

"Ah," incidentally, the bedspread is for your mother for helping you fix those packages you sent to me.

So, the Valley Forge is making the papers, eh? Well, it's about time we got some publicity.

After all, aren't we the best ship in the fleet? Of course we are. HA 

If your boss knew you compared her running to the phone to a cow running in the pasture, you would probably get "deep-sixed." You better start being careful. HA 

Damn, it's so hot in this place my watch stopped telling time and started giving the temperature.

You should see the cherry trees here. This place is beautiful in the spring. With everything getting green and the kids playing in the streets, it reminds me of home. It also makes me think how basically the people of every country are the same. The kids want a place to play, a move to go to, or something to keep them busy all the time.

The adults want security, a job with a decent living, but most of all, the Japanese want to be left alone. Nothing would please them better than to pull all U.S. forces out of the Orient.  And I don't blame them. In their place, I would feel the same way.

I got carried away there for a minute. It happens to me sometimes.

Norma, I've been sitting here thinking about things. About getting married, for one thing. You told me once that I was blunt. Well, maybe I am. I don't like to waste words. Anyway, I don't want to get married anytime soon. First, I want to be able to see my way to a good future for my wife and any children we might have. Don't misunderstand, this isn't a proposal. I want to be with you when I do. 

I want to know if you will wait for me until I get out of the service and maybe a while after. 'Til I can get "back on my feet." I know I will have to re-inhabit myself to civilian life. It won't be easy. I picked up a lot of habits that will be hard to get rid of, but with them, I wouldn't make a decent husband for any girl, especially one like you. I love you, darling, and with you, I think I could be a "damn" good civilian some day.

I gotta sign off and hit the sack. It has taken half the night to write this letter.

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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Indian Beef

May 11, 1953

At Sea

Front of cover the Western, "Indian Beef"

Hi Sweet Thing,

You had better appreciate this letter because I'm depriving myself of sleep to write it. HA I was kidding. I know you do the same thing for me and for you, I would lose a lot of sleep.

Tomorrow is refueling day but I have the watch and have to get up at 4 bells.

My section has the watch from 4:30 AM to 2:45 PM. I know I'm gonna have trouble getting some of the guys up. They all make a special effort to be sleepyheads on refueling day.

But I shouldn't complain. The guy who wakes me will probably have a "helluva" time, too. HA 

I just finished a western novel entitled "Indian Beef." Pretty good, I thought.  

I also read one of those sex novels, "Bodies in Bed." I've had quite a bit of time for reading lately. We've been in bad weather for four days now. About all we do is fly a weather hop two or three times a day. 

In two more days we go back into port. I wish we didn't have to come back anymore, but nine days isn't much. I can stand on my head that long.

"Excuse me," I just got into a friendly argument with my bunkmate. I'm always giving him a bad time. I tell him I'm a better lover than he is and it shakes him all up. HA 

Now he is in bed reading the Bible.

Honey, I better sign off and hit the feathers. 

Over and out.

Answer soon.

I love you, angel,

Jim 

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The Good Humor Man Is Coming Around

May 8, 1953

Vintage Good Humor Ice Cream truck and vendors,
image courtesy of Classic Concessions

Hi Honey Doll, 

I wrote you last night, but I got three letters from you today and I can't get as much behind as I did before.

This is one refueling day that I rested. I haven't done anything at all but sleep.

The boys in my section all call me "the old man" [Jim was 23 when he wrote this]. There are 7 of them and only one is over twenty. Just now, one of them walked up and gave me a book he said would be appropriate for me. The title was "Sex After Forty." HA 

One of the guys got a letter from his girl friend today. She sent him some real seductive pictures of herself. In one, she had nothing on but a pair of lace panties, but it isn't too revealing. In fact, she doesn't have very much to reveal. HA  He is sitting on his bunk, looking at them now and every so often he says, "Damn, I wish I was home."

Honey, if you sent me pictures like that, I would swim the Pacific getting home.

"No," I never read "Hamlet" in school. I read "Ivanhoe" and "Lady of the Lake." 

"Yeah," if the Good Humor man is going around, it is spring. I think that's what I'll be when I get out, a Good Humor man. HA 

If those damn Tigers don't start winning pretty soon, I'm gonna get razzed off this ship.  If they don't do better, I might refuse to see a game when I'm home. 

[Editor's Note: Jim shouldn't get his hopes up. The Tigers finished the season 40 games behind the Yankees who took the American League that year.]

So, you have been "swinging the swab," eh? Well, you have nothing on me. The "X.O." makes us wash bulkheads (walls) in our spare time.

We got good news today. The air officer got his orders. I don't know when he's leaving, but it won't be long.

Yesterday, we were putting on an air show for 48 big "wheels" that came aboard. The weather was too bad to fly strikes, but they flew off and came right back aboard. I asked one pilot why he wasn't flying.  He said he wasn't going up in bad weather for nobody, not this close to going home. And that pretty well sums up my feelings, too. I'm not gonna take any chances at all. If one of those birds spins in, I'm gonna run in the opposite direction.

That raise sounds good. Wish I could get one.

Well, darling, I've got to sign off. So answer soon.

With all my heart, I love you,

Jim

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The Third With Two Paper Clips

[Editor's Note: Norma had a system where she paper clipped the envelopes that held letters of special significance, mainly when she noted a "first" of some kind, but occasionally she put paperclips on envelopes that contained romantic thoughts. The envelope that held this letter had two paperclips.] 

May 7, 1953

"At Sea"

The DMZ, "The Line"

Hello My Darling,

I have the same old excuse for not writing. I haven't had time. This has been the toughest period on the line this cruise. 

We have flown those damn planes 'til I can't understand how they still have wings left and I've sat on my tractor so much I have "housemaid's knee" on my bottom. 

But my troubles aren't yours, so I'll shut up. But sometimes I get so fed up with this outfit, I could jump overside. 

Honey, we got an extension over here, but it's only nine days, so it won't make any difference. Last year, it was six weeks, so I guess we are lucky this time.

Norma, you're a little doll. I was looking over some of your letters I haven't answered yet and you haven't missed a day writing to me in a long time even if I don't write. Every time I get a letter, I love you a little more. I love you, darling, and if you will let me, I'll tell you how much when I come home.

The sundress you bought looks pretty nice. You will wear it for me won't you, when I get home?

If you want to, doll, we will go over to our park every night. Only I'm afraid it will be autumn before I can get leave. I know it won't be until September and probably will be October. If you want to and can, you could come to Norfolk or wherever the ship goes in dry dock. I would like for you to be the first person I see when I hit the States. It's just a suggestion. I don't know if you would like to make the trip or not.

[Editor's Note: When I was a kid, one of Jim's nicknames for Norma was "Go Parker," because she never turned down a chance to go anywhere, so my guess is that Norma would have made every effort to meet the ship when it got to the States. But we'll have to see what happened as the letters unfold.]

This was supposed to be our last tour on the line, but since we got extended, we have to come out one more time, but for only six days.

You asked what position I play on the baseball team. This year, I'm playing outfield but some pretty good third baseman done joined the Navy to beat the draft and got stationed on the Valley Forge and he beat me out of my job. HA  We have a better team this year. I doubt if I will be able to hang on to my outfield job.

"Oh," I almost forgot, we won the first game, 8 to 5.

You're right, "glory bars" and campaign ribbons are the same thing. 

The cartoon was O.K., but I still like my own idea. I hide the keys in my shoe and tell you I lost them.

[Editor's Note: Huh. I never tried that shoe thing. Keys must have held a fashion for the Parkers because Jim wrote about them when he and Norma sold their house in Dearborn. Click on this link for his letter to the buyer and my story behind letter.]

Sweet thing, I've got to sign off now and hit the sack. 

Answer soon.

I love you, honey,

Jim 

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I'll Just Say I Love You

April 22, 1953

At Sea

Helicopters take off from the USS Valley Forge, ca. 1952

Hi Darling,

I was thinking about you and decided to write while I have time. We are going to be very busy for the next few days. Tomorrow, half of us have to get up at 3:30, but we are the late sleepers. HA  The other half get up at 1:00. That's one hour past midnight. HA  It will be about 10:00 tomorrow night when we stop flying. That's the way it will be for the rest of the time out here. I'm sure glad it is our last time on the line.

Before I started this, I thought of some nice phrases to tell you how much I love you, but now none of them sound any good. So, I'll just say I love you and hope you'll believe it.

I didn't have much fun in port this time. I'm so damned sick of Japan, nothing about it excites me anymore. Maybe the East Coast will be better, if we get there. 

Glad to hear about Janelle and Mort's engagement. I think they make a swell pair.

I would like to write more, but I had better hit the sack. 

Answer soon.

All my love,

Jim

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The Cherry Blossoms Are In Bloom Again

April 17, 1953

Yokosuka Japan

The grounds of the Hirosaki Castle in the Aomori Prefecture
have more than 50 varieties of cherry trees.

Hi Sweet Thing,

This is "newsman" Parker with more news and views from The Far East. HA 

Today at 1:00, we practiced baseball again and I have a "charley horse" and a splintered ankle to show for it. Tomorrow afternoon we are supposed to play a game against some other team. By then, I probably won't be able to move. HA 

It won't be long now. This cruise is about over. We leave here day after tomorrow for our last time on the line. I don't know exactly when we leave here for State side. Probably in five or six weeks.

I like that suggestion about a job with the fire department when I get out. In fact, I've thought about trying my luck at one of the airports in town. I'm almost certain the law requires them to have their own fire fighters and by now I should be an experienced crash fire fighter. HA I've run from enough of the "damn" things, I should know plenty about them. HA And I know a little about how a control tower works, but not very much.

Everywhere I go over here I see cherry trees in bloom. Even the taxis here have cherry blossoms pinned up all over the inside of them. 

Two of my buddies and myself went over a couple of nights.  Interesting to pull a nice, clean liberty and get back to the ship early.

The other two guys are both married, so I thought they would keep me out of trouble.

But I was wrong. They wanted to go to a night spot. So, I tagged along and before long we are getting with it and everybody is having a good time. I held up under the strain better than I expected. They didn't even have to carry me back to the ship. 

Josh and I were just talking about the "glory" bars we will wear when we get on the East Coast. They should help out over there, but on the West Coast, everybody has them, so they don't mean anything.

But over there, we'll try to show up those inland griping "sailors." HA 

I'm glad you like to write to me, honey. I know you don't like to write them any better than I like to read them. Norma, you're a sweet little doll and don't let anyone tell you different.

I really should sign off but I don't want to. I want to write a long letter.

I've sat here for ten minutes (by my watch) and can't think of anything else, so I'll close.

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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Riding Around In Circles

April 14, 1953

Yokosuka, Japan

Post card of rickshaw drivers in
Yokohama, Japan, date unknown

Hello Doll, 

How is my baby? Honey, two days ago I got an eighteen page letter from you. This is the first chance I've had to answer it. We just hit port yesterday.

It may take me all night, but I like letters like it and don't mind taking a lot of time in answering.

I was over a while last night and "got with it" a bit, but I didn't stay long. I was back aboard ship by eleven.

Today we held our first baseball practice. The team won't be as good as it was last year. Too many men getting discharged.

You asked about Lash*. Well, I'll tell you what I know about him. He's 23 and comes from Washington State. He's about 5'10 and weighs about 190, but he isn't fat. There is a lot of muscle on him. HA 

And when he gets out, he plans to go back to dairy farming.

[* Editor's Note: As complained previously, Jim's handwriting is just awful. "Lash" is my best guess at this friend's name. It could also be "Jash" or "Losh" or "Tosh" because Jim had a habit of giving people nicknames and some weren't common words, but derivatives of names, words or phrases.]

Last night, some Jap gave my buddy and me a card advertising a massage parlor in Yokohama. We didn't notice the Yokohama and thinking it was Yokosuka, we got a cab, gave him the card with the address in Japanese on it and started out for a massage. We got about halfway to Yokohama and we decided we had better ask him how far it was. Then he showed us the name on the card. We were so "shook up," we had him turn around and take us back to Yokosuka. In all, it cost us about five dollars just to ride around in circles.

I was sorry to hear you couldn't take the job with the doctor. It sounded pretty good, but you know what is best for you.

Thanks, darling, for the birthday cards. You are always doing something for me and I don't want you to think it is not appreciated. It is, honey, very much.

A guy just came by selling raffle tickets on an electric razor. I took three, maybe I'll win it so I can shave. HA 

I'm about to run out of anything to answer but I'll keep trying. I'm in the writing mood tonight.

I suppose Eddy's and Dot's wedding was quite a blow out. In Japan, they would say an "ichi-ban" affair. Congratulate them for me and wish all their troubles will be small, or something like that.

There is a guy in my division from Detroit who is getting married when we get home. I told him I wanted to come over to help him drink his whiskey and if he wasn't going to furnish it, I would bring my own. He said for me to bring my own and he would help me drink it. Not what I would call a charming host. HA 

One of the guys just brought me a sandwich and a pint of milk from the beach. It sure is good, want a bite?

Well, sweet thing, I gotta sign off for now.

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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My Heart Belongs To Only You

Sunday

April 5, 1953

At Sea

June Christy's song, "My Heart
Belongs To Only You" hit the
Billboard charts in March, 1953

Hi "Honey Doll," 

What's new with the sweetest gal I know?

Nothing much to talk about. It's still the same old routine out here, except we are having trouble with the executive officer again. HA  He doesn't like our division officer. In turn, he makes life pretty miserable for us sometimes. He says we are the best working division on the ship, but we aren't military enough. In my opinion, he is just a "so so" fighter pilot who has gotten too many good "breaks." During the war, I guess he had a good record for killing Jap planes. He was lucky and thinks his luck was skill. He hasn't got enough sense to realize that anyone who could get a plane "off deck" could make commander during World War Two. I hope the captain doesn't get knocked off and leave that "bum" in command. He isn't capable of being responsible for three men, not to mention three thousand.

So much for my troubles. 

No, I haven't heard either of those records you mentioned. In fact, I've never even heard of June Christy, is she something new? 

I'm sure tired tonight and I've got to get up at 3:30 and go on watch. I don't know if I'll be able to stay awake or not.

The paper was right, we've been flying lots of planes off this thing for quite a while. Out of the last 72 hours, we've flown 54 hours. Everybody is worked to a "frazzle." HA 

Your class must be growing. I'm glad to hear it. Keep up the good work, but be careful swelling that chest up to size 52". You might "bust" a strap. HA 

"Darling," I've got to go to bed and get some sleep.

Answer real soon. 

I love you,

Jim

P.S. I'll write more tomorrow.

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Payday

March 30, 1953

"Payday" HA

U.S. Soldiers near "Old Baldy," west of
Chorwon, South Korea, March 1953

Hi Honey,

The upper right had corner says payday. I can't figure what good it does. We don't have any place to spend it.

I think we leave here the 14th of April and go to Japan. The rest of our cruise shouldn't be too rough.

But it would be if there was very much more of it. Yesterday morning we got up at 3:30, 5:00 this morning, and 1;30 tomorrow. A lot of that would get me down fast.

You remember I told you I didn't know anything about fighting a fire in a jet air craft? "Props" are the only ones I've been checked out on. Yesterday, we had a fire in a jet while starting it.

It was throwing flames about 8 feet behind it. I didn't know if I should run, try to put it out, or what. So, I kept giving the pilot the signal to "turn her up."

And that way, we blew the fire out. I was expecting the thing to blow up any time. They told me later that I did right, since that is the only way to put out the fire without ruining the engine.

All it did was add more "silver" to  my graying hair. HA 

We have a plane going to the beach tomorrow. I'm gonna try to get this letter on it, if I can. I don't know the pilot, but maybe I can find someone who does.

I suppose you have been reading about "Old Baldy" hill in Korea. I was talking with a pilot who was over it today. He says the place is tore  all to "hell." He was over giving the "Doggies" some close air support. 

Sweet thing, I've got to sign off and hit the "basket." 

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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My Lonely Heart Is Running Wild

March 28, 1953

"at sea"

Carl Smith's single, "My Lonely Heart Is Running Wild"
was on Billboard's Country Charts in Jan-Feb, 1953

Hi Angel,

Yeah, it's me again. The guy who likes to write but can never think of anything to say.

It has been boring here all day. We haven't done anything but sleep, but I hear we have to get up at 4 in the morning. I sure dread going back to work. HA 

"Honey," I wouldn't be a bit afraid to kiss you whether you have a cold or not.

I hope we make fools out of ourselves when we go dancing. That's the best way to have fun. Just let yourself go. HA 

That song, "My Lonely Heart Is Running Wild," I've never heard it. But it must be pretty good. 

Honey, you're a sweet girl for writing every day. I wait for your letters every mail call and don't feel right unless I get two or three from you, but if it is too much trouble, I'll understand. I would like to write you every day too, but some days I don't have the time.

"Darling," I've got to stop now and go to bed 'cause "four bells" comes pretty early. 

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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From Hong Kong To The Line

March 27, 1953

Hong Kong

Jim's stationery for this letter

Hi "Honey Doll,"

What's cooking with the sweetest gal I know?

We left Hong "Klong" yesterday for the line. We should be there the 29th or 30th. 

We sure had a good time there. It was the best liberty port I've been in for a long time. I don't know how it would be to be stationed there. Probably get "old" pretty quick.

Did you hear the one about "Ferdinand the Bull?" 

It seems Ferdinand was turned loose in a pasture next to a herd of cows.

Seeing them, he jumped the fence, then a surprised look crossed his face. He lowered his head and commenced munching grass. A young "heifer" walked over and said shyly, "Aren't you Ferdinand the Bull?" 

"No," he said. "I'm just Ferdinand now. I didn't see the top strand on that barbwire fence."

I thought it was pretty good. Whatta you think?

Well, I just got the "dope." We start flying again the day after tomorrow. Our vacation is over. HA 

But at least this time it shouldn't be so "damn" cold.

The way I hear it, we only have 25 or 30 more actual flying days to go. The rest of our time will be spent in port.

"Sweet thing," I sure would like to be with you tonight and tell you things I'm thinking. I can't put it on paper. 

We've known each other for a long time now and have been writing more than two years. Well, let's put it this way, You said if my plans don't include you when I come home, you would take your vacation another time. Darling, my plans definitely do include you. In fact, you just about are my plans. Of course, that is if it's alright with you. I'm very much looking forward to you taking your leave the same time I do. I love you, Norma, and hope that soon I can tell you that with you in my arms.

Honey, I've got to sign off and get in my sack before they turn the lights out.

All my love, 

Jim

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Touring Hong Kong

March 23, 1953

Hong Kong

Tai Fu Tai Mansion, built in 1865

Hi Angel,

What's cooking, state-side?

Honey, I got your package today and I don't know how to thank you. It was so "damn" nice. Darling, it was too much. You really must have put a lot of time and work into it. Most of it is gone now. These guys really loved it. You know how it is, when one gets a package, everyone gets one.

Josh said to tell you the cake and candy were the best he ever ate. And that goes for me, too. It really was wonderful, Norma. I thank you with all my heart.

I'm glad to hear you got back from Maryland O.K. I was a little worried with all that snow on the ground.

A British ship sent her boxing team over tonight to fight our team and the Valley Forge fighters won every bout, four by knock outs.

Boy, this town is really something to see. I wish you could see it with me. We could really have fun together. Everything goes here.

The mountains rise directly up from the sea, so as soon as we are ashore, we climb uphill and don't stop 'til we start back. We went way back up one mountain where there was a big house built like a castle. In fact, it may have been a castle.

The guide said it belonged to a Chinese who had fifteen wives, seventy-five children and five on the way. HA  I wonder if I'm that much of a man. I would like to try it sometime. HA 

And I saw Xavier Cugat, a bandleader, you know who I mean. He and some good looking American gal were shopping in one of the stores I was in. She called him "Cugie dear." I suppose he was buying her a wardrobe. HA  And one of the girls in his troupe is a cousin of one of the guys in my division.

So, he is over tonight, talking over old times and getting drunk with her. HA 

I wish I had lots of cash and a place to store the stuff. I would buy 3 or 4 suits.

So, you had a "Pink Lady," eh? It's a pretty good drink, I guess I like all of them. A "Singapore Sling" is good, too. Oh, I forgot. I had one yesterday. It didn't like "Gin & Tonic." It was "lousy." 

I saw that bomb go off on the "Oriskany." It caused a pretty big fire.

Well, "sweet thing," I've got to sign off and hit the sack.

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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Angel Face

March 20, 1953

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Skyline, Photo by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0

Hi Baby,

How's my sweet little bundle of curves?

I went over on the beach today. It isn't like Japan, the buildings are better and newer, also better kept. The people seem a little better off than the Japanese, but they are a little more obnoxious.

I saw the same blonde-haired girls there (probably British) and, "boy," did they look wonderful. Wish one of them could have been you.

I got your pajamas today, they aren't what you want, but they're all I could find.

I hope you aren't too disappointed in them. I'll mail then when we get back to Japan.

[Editor's note: Norma kept the pajamas in her closet until the day she died. And now her daughter has them.]

March 21, 1953

I was detained. I went to chow last night, then got involved in a card game and couldn't get back.

It is raining here today and kind of chilly, too.

I just saw an excursion boat go by loaded with people. Atop the stack were the letters, H.Y.T. I'm pretty sure it means "Hong Kong Youth Transit," a communist-backed group. It doesn't seem possible that only a few miles from here is "Red" China. They say it is no trouble to pass the guards going in, but they won't let you out. HA 

They are the same people we are fighting in Korea and there is nothing between them and us except a few British soldiers.

You asked how we could get in a trip to N.Y. on my leave. It won't be easy, but I think we could.

I'll have to go down South to see Mom and Dad and my little brother and sister, but I probably won't stay long.

We'll talk about it when I get home.

From the harbor at night, Hong Kong is the most beautiful city I've ever seen.

It's hard to describe it. All those lights look like a big 4th of July celebration. And it's a very clean town outwardly.

Well, "Angel Face," I've got to sign off now.

So answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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Two Paper Clips Redux

[Editor's Note: Norma had a system where she paper clipped the envelopes that held letters of special significance, mainly when she noted a "first" of some kind, but occasionally she put paperclips on envelopes that contained romantic thoughts. The envelope that held this letter is the second that had two paperclips.] 

March 19, 1953

Hong Kong

USS New Jersey arriving in Hong Kong, August 1953

Hi Honey Doll,

Well, kid, we finally hit Hong Kong today. The exotic orient, the gateway to crime and corruption in the Far East, as the magazines put it. It is an unusual city, at least what I've seen of it from a distance. It's all built on a hill, or shoaled hills, or mountains, they are pretty high. And it is modern looking, but the people (the Chinese) who came out in junks to beg for food and dive for the coins we tossed in the water didn't look very modern at all. 

My buddy and I were talking about it a little while ago. He said we could never describe it to folks back home. They wouldn't believe it anyway.

And I suppose he's right. I wouldn't have believed it either if I hadn't seen it.

A city with so "damn" many nice looking buildings and seemingly prosperous with so many people living in poverty. It just isn't right. These "damned" politicians are telling them about the brighter day tomorrow when they know "damn" well they are lying in their teeth.

I know we have the same thing in the States, but it isn't so bad. Americans can't be led very easy. But when a guy's hungry, he'll believe anything.

[Editor's note: This is Jim's political philosophy in a nutshell, a hybrid of traditional American reluctance to trust the establishment and a belief that the role of government is to provide a structure respects the dignity of its citizens and their basic needs.]

Thanks, honey, for listening. Every so often I get all wound up and have to let go.

But you're a good "taker" and I love you for it.

And another thing about this place, next to Lisbon, Portugal, it has the highest VD rate in the world, so Mrs. Parker's little boy is going to be a good kid in this town. 

[Editor's notes: As Mrs. Parker's granddaughter, I'm hoping he was a good kid in other towns, as well. 

[And, who knew Lisbon was a sex pit in the 50s?]

We got some good rumors going these days. The best one is that the ship is going to the East Coast when we get back to the States. This is pretty straight "dope," so don't tell anyone about it. It's supposed to be confidential. Anyway, we are supposed to arrive in Norfolk, Virginia about the first of August. Then we have to make a run down to Cuba or Bermuda for a month or so. That means I don't know when I'll get leave. Some time after August, anyway.

So, save one week of that vacation for me. I'm looking forward to it, O.K.?

I think we will have a mail call tomorrow and if I'm lucky I'll have a letter from you. 

Honey, I wish you were here with me, or better still, I were there with you. 

I can think of so much I want to tell you but I can't put my thoughts on paper. Guess that's why I'm the world's worst letter writer. 

You know, angel. I think you've kept me out of trouble this time over here.

Sounds silly, I know, but last year in Japan I got very drunk one night and got into a jam. I had to go up before the "old man" and he restricted me 72 days. And this time when I start getting a little drunk, I start thinking of you and quit drinking before I get too drunk. 

The one I pulled Christmas was the last time, except for a few social ones with the boys. I guess I'm holding back 'til you and I can celebrate together.

Well, sweet thing, I had better stop before this becomes a novel. 

Answer soon.

I love you, darling,

Jim

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She Must Think She Has Me Hooked

March 16, 1953

at sea, some more

Movie poster for "Elopement," ca. 1951

Hi Beautiful,

Honey, I just love you to pieces. You've written every day for the last 18 or 20 days. (I've forgotten which.) I love it, darling, keep it up.

And it's been three days since I've had a chance to write you. I'll try to answer all of them, but if I fail to answer a question you asked, have patience. I'll get it next time.

I wish I could get some more stationery. I'm getting tired of this, but it's all we have aboard the ship and we haven't been into port in 39 days. We are on our way to Hong Kong now, should be there about the 19th or 20th. I sure will be glad to get a rest. I wish I could get away from airplanes for about 20 years. In fact, I wish I never had to see another one. 

I don't think I'll go ashore as much in Hong Kong. I'll stay aboard and relax.

And day before yesterday, we lost another pilot. It just isn't worth it. 

I was just rereading some of your letters and wishing I could keep all of them but I don't have any place to put them. My locker is just barely large enough for my clothes and shaving gear. 

Look, little angel, if you will save your vacation or at least part of it 'til I come home, we will do anything you want to. If you want to go to N.Y., we'll go, or any place else. I should have 25 days at least and possibly 30, but I still don't know when I will get it. 

I've never heard the song "That's Me Without You" by Webb Pierce, but I'll bet it is pretty.

If I were home and Carl Smith was singing "Are You Teasing Me" and you didn't tickle my leg, I would spank your "stem shunt."

I went to the movie tonight but got to thinking of you and left to write you a letter. The movie was "Elopement" with Clifton Webb. 

My buddy Lash got a letter from his girl friend. She has bought her wedding dress. He said, and I quote, "She must think she has me hooked! HA. HA." And she pretty well has, too.

Well, sweet thing, I have to close and write my mother. 

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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Rocking And Rolling Tonight

March 10, 1953

at sea

Ann Sothern and Don Porter in a still
from their sitcom, "Private Secretary,"ca. 1953

Hi "angel,"

I'm back again and this is the first time I've had a chance to write in 3 days.

We have some guys who write letters while they are supposed to be working, but I can't do that. If anyone else is working, I can't sit and let them do my share while I read or play cards or, in lots of cases, write letters home.

We have been "weathered in" most of today. About all we have flown is anti-submarine patrol. 

I don't think my job change is either a promotion or a demotion. I'm still with the same outfit, drawing the same pay. 

I'm pretty tired tonight. We got up at three this morning. It's about nine now. We worked 18 or 19 hours today.

It sure is dark out tonight and the sea is rough. Just a little while ago they passed the word "prepare for rough weather." So, I guess this tub will do a lot of rocking and rolling tonight.

You know, honey, I wish we were together tonight. I would hold you real close and whisper in your cute little ear and tell you how I love you.

Hey, one of the boys just told me a joke. The secretary said to her boss, "Sir, I have found a new position." The boss said, "Good. Pull down the shades."

He told me another one but it's too long to write, also, too "shady."

Well, honey, I've got to sign off and mail this before the mail closes.

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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22 Months And 8 Days To Go

March 3, 1953

Crash of a U.S. Navy F4U-4 Corsair from fighter squadron VF-124,
Carrier Air Group 12 (CVG-12) on the aircraft carrier
USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on 6 March 1953.

Hi Honey Doll, 

I'm back again. I wrote last night but I got three letters from you today and had better answer them while I have time because I have a feeling I won't have much time for anything the next few days. We are supposed to fly 125 sorties tomorrow and for a carrier, that's a lot.

I haven't done anything today, that is, since early this morning. I worked from 4 AM 'til 7 AM, then went back to bed, but for the next three days we will probably be flying 18 or 20 hours each day, so "Uncle Sam" will get even with me for sleeping all day.

If the present kind of weather keeps up, we can't fly tomorrow. I just looked outside and it is snowing like "hell." 

I hope your cold is better now, and as for my catching it by kissing you, I don't think there is any danger. If I can go through this type of weather without getting a cold, I'm sure I can kiss a sweet little girl without getting anything.

Happy birthday, darling, I hope you have many more and that I can spend some of them with you. 

[Editor's note: Norma's birthday was February 20.]

You must be drinking that wine like water. I could sure use a shot of it, O.K?

Speaking of dancing, I think I should warn you that I have to be pretty "tight" before I will get on the floor and most of the time I make a fool of myself, but still I like to try.

(Delayed)

March 6, 1953

Hi Kid,

I'm sorry I started this three days ago. I think before I expected the next three days to be rough, well, that's the understatement of the year. The only time we had was to eat and catch a couple of hours sleep once in a while. I repeat, I will be glad when this cruise is over.

A bomb went off on our partner carrier today, but no one was killed. A couple of guys got hurt a little, I think. It sure did cause a "hell" of a fire and tore the flight deck up pretty bad, so I hear.

[Editor's note: Jim seems to be describing an incident that occurred on the USS Oriskany on 6 March 1953. If that's the case, two crew members were killed and 13 others were injured.]

So, Johnny B______ is back in town, "eh?" I would like to see him. If I had gone into the army with him, I would be out now, instead of having twenty-two months and eight days to do.

By the way, the next time you see him, say "hello" for me.

Well, angel, I've got to close, or rather, "sign off."

Over and out.

Answer soon.

Love,

Jim

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