Coming Home

June 14, 1953

"Coming Home"

MSC vs. Oregon State, Spartan Gridiron News,
October 31, 1953

Hi Darling,

The old war weary aren't far from stateside now. We make Pearl Harbor next Wednesday. Today we crossed the International Date Line, so tomorrow will be Sunday also. Today we didn't have to work, but I don't know if we get tomorrow off or not.

We have been on the edge of a typhoon since we left Japan. It hasn't been blowing any but it's foggy and has rained all the way.

I'm pretty positive I can start my leave the first of October. So would you like to see Michigan State play football? I hope you like the idea because I want to see a game while I'm home. 

About four years ago I saw MSC play Notre Dame and just the ceremonies are something to see.

[Editor's Note: At the time, the college was called Michigan State College. It's now Michigan State University.]

Two years ago when we came through Hawaii, I saw "H.U." play a team from stateside. It was a good game but it didn't have the same bands and "bally-ho" as the large US schools have. 

[Editor's Note: The paragraph above has odd phrasing for contemporary readers, comparing the University of Hawaiia's football games to those of "stateside" colleges. Hawaii became a state in 1959. At the time Jim wrote this letter, Hawaii was a territory.]

We have an assembly line here tonight. There are about six guys on model planes and autos. But I doubt any of them will run when they are through.

It sure seems funny to only work eight hours a day now. I have so much spare time I don't know what to do with myself. 

But I don't mind too bad. HA 

Speaking of working with colored people, we have one in our division who is one of the best guys here. He is always cracking some sort of a corny joke. Everybody likes him, even the dyed in the wool southerners. 

I just found out we don't have to work tomorrow. Two days in succession off. What's our X.O. coming to?

Just a couple of days ago he came into our repair locker with a cup of coffee and told us sea tales about his naval career. I suppose he isn't such a bad guy, except he is afraid this ship won't be the best one in the fleet.

Honey, I might as well sign off since I can't think of anything else to write about.

Answer soon.

I love you, Doll, 

Jim

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When Heaven Is Silent

[Editor's Note: On the front of this envelope, Norma wrote the title of a book, "When Heaven Is Silent" by Ronald Dunn. 

January 3, 1953

KOREA

Vols v. Longhorns, '53.
It wasn't pretty.

Hi "honey," 

Since mail goes off tomorrow, I had better write while I have a chance. Please excuse the mistakes. I haven't slept very much in the last 48 hours so I'm having trouble keeping my hand steady. Today we have flown 98 sorties. That means 98 planes took off loaded with bombs. More than that took off but some were just photo planes and two didn't come back. 

Two days of combat flying and two planes gone. I guess that's pretty good, one plane per day.

A plane went in the water yesterday and the pilot was picked up by a helicopter. He was unconscious and couldn't be pulled inside the 'copter, so they left him to hang outside in a sling and flew him hanging outside ten miles to the ship. When we brought him aboard, there was ice on his hands and face, but he's O.K. now.

Still a little shocked, but otherwise alright.

[Editor's Note: The action report from the Valley Forge captain lists two planes that were abandoned after being shot down, both pilots were recovered.]

Excuse me while I get a cup of coffee. I've got to stay awake some way.

Tomorrow is refueling day. Maybe we can sleep a little. We operate over here with three carriers instead of two. I thought that would make it easier, but it doesn't.

That's enough about that stuff. How are things at home? You, in particular? I never thought "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes" would ever make the hit parade. I can't stand the song. But I guess that's what I get for doing my own thinking.

Tonight is Friday night at home. What do you do on weekends now? I sure could go for some of Westwood's Ice Cream right now. 

Let's drive out for some, O.K.? 

I read about Tennessee losing to Texas in the Sugar Bowl. That almost broke my heart. HA 

Norma, I'm so tired, I can't think so I'll sign off.

Answer real soon.

Love,

Jim


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