Sweet Thing

Dec. 25, 1951

Christmas Day

Wesson Oil print ad, ca. 1951. 

Hi Norma,

You sweet thing, how're things with you?

Your package arrived last week and it was the best one, by far, that has come to my division so far.  I only got a small piece of the fruitcake.  The guys took the rest from me, but the piece I did get was the best I ever ate.

The cookies went like a snowball in NEVERMIND.  I wish we had chow like that every day.  This Navy wouldn't be too bad if we did.  

My buddy from Kentucky sitting beside me said to tell you "hello" and that he liked the cookies, too. He is coming to Detroit with me the next time we get home.  He has relatives living there.

Well, kid, today is Christmas and I guess we are a little lucky.  We aren't launching any planes, we're refueling, so the Air Dept. gets to rest.  "Boy," the way we've been killing those "gooks" the first three weeks, I don't see how they can hold on much longer.

If them "doggies" (soldiers) will quit fooling around waiting for those truce talks to be over and do some fighting, we would wind this thing up in a little while. 

I sure wish I were home today to go out with you kids to have fun singing Christmas carols. A guy doesn't know how to appreciate those things until he leaves home.

There isn't any of that "peace on earth"  "good will towards men" over here.  In fact, there is very little Christmas spirit of any kind.  But maybe by next Christmas we can all be home.

Well, kid, I've got to close now.

Thank you for the box and God bless you.

Answer soon.

Your buddy,

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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