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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Nothing But Hard Work

February 14 [1953]

at sea

Valley Forge crew on deck from the 53 Cruise Book,

Hi "honey,"

What's cooking at home, on the home front, that is? 

Mail leaves the ship tomorrow, also comes aboard.

We have been out here about seven days, but already it seems like a long time. I sure will be glad when this cruise is over. I wish I could think of something to say, but my super brain won't function.

We are still having it a little better than last year. We still get up at 2:30 in the morning, but usually knock off around 7:00 or 8:00 in evening instead of 10:00 or 11:00.

Well, it looks like my soft life is over. They are taking me off the Communications job and putting me out on deck driving tractors and stuff life that, but I don't mind. I'm tired of wearing a set of telephones all day.

We sure have been lucky this trip. We haven't had any "pile-ups" at all except for a couple of minor ones. I hope it stays that way. 

Tomorrow I'm going to the library for some more books on salesmanship. I'm gonna be a salesman or "bust." I'll probably "bust," but I really want to be a salesman when I get out.

[Editor's note: Jim did become an insurance salesman when he got out of the Navy, back in the days when they used to go door-to-door and, being naturally chatty, he was successful at it. When I was a teenager and had just finished reading "Death of a Salesman" with images of Willy Loman floating in my brain, I asked him once why on earth he liked selling. For Jim, selling was like playing chess, it was all about strategies.]

The boys are talking about what they are going to do in Hong Kong. Some are going shopping, some are sightseeing, and some others are calling home (Transatlantic). But the rest of them will just be sailors and get drunk. HA  I don't know what I will do. Probably the latter along with the old salts.

Honey, I'm real tired, so I'm gonna sign off. I hope you don't mind me always being tired, but I always am at sea. As some guy said, war isn't romantic to the guy in it; it's nothing but hard work.

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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The Iron Mistress

February 7, 1953

Yokosuka, Japan

Jim's stationery, ca. 1953

Hi Angel,

I haven't heard from you in so long it isn't funny, but I may not have answered your last letter, so I'll try to write.

I can't think of anything to say, except we are pulling out tomorrow, going back out to the line. The next liberty port we hit will be Hong Kong and if they have any pajamas like you wanted, I'll get you a set or suit or pair (I don't know which). HA  They don't have any quilted ones in Japan. I've looked all over.

How would you like a silk jacket with an emblem on the back? I'm gonna get one for myself. I'll tell you more about it, it's waist length and very thin. The emblem consists of tigers, dragons, and suchlike. I like the look of them, but I don't suppose they are any good, except as a souvenir.  

Do you like rings and bracelets? If you do, tell me and I'll get you some.

I saw "The Iron Mistress" last night and thought it was great. The best movie I've seen in a long time.

Uh oh. They just brought one of the boys in and poured him in his bunk. One too many didn't do that. It took 4 or 5. HA

I'm back again. I took time out to eat a sandwich that my buddy brought from the beach. Ham & egg, it was pretty good, too, want a bite?

I suppose it is cold in Detroit. I can remember mornings in Detroit getting up at 4:30 to go to work. It makes me shiver, but I wish I was still doing it.

Honey, I wish I were home tonight. Know what we would do? Go to some quiet place and talk. I'm in the mood for some peaceful conversation, but not in a letter. I can't talk in a letter.

I've gotta go doll, so answer soon.

All my love,

Jim

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Till I Waltz Again With You

January 23, 1953

"At Sea"

Cover sleeve for Teresa Brewer's hit single, ca 1952

Hi Honey,

We are on our way to port now for a few day's rest and it didn't come any too soon for me. I was beginning to get tired.

They made me work today, helping clean our spaces, but about all I did was rearrange the dust.

We clean up one day and the next day it's just as bad as before we started.

Of course you are forgiven for not writing. I know how it is.

I started this letter yesterday but didn't quite finish it. We are in port now. That is, we are anchored out in the stream and since I don't like to ride the liberty boat, I'm not going ashore until we pull into the dock, which should be no more than a day or two at most.

I was just kidding my buddy. He's reading a story on the "sex life of the American woman." 

I asked him what he was learning. He said not anything, except a husband had to stay home every night to keep them happy. HA  ("Them" meaning the wife.)

When these sailors are at sea, they read up on sex. And when they hit port, they try to put it into practice. HA 

I've concluded that a sailor is the most unemployable person there is. A sailor sees a lot of a few things, but a "swab" sees a little of a lot of things and therefore becomes a "jack of all trades and a master of none." HA 

Look, "Baby Doll," when I start lying to you it will be a cold day in "hell," so don't worry about that any.

"Yes," I finally got a letter from mom and everything was O.K.

I think we are still going to Hong Kong. The reason we are going there, I suppose, is since it is a British owned colony with "Red" Chinese all around it, we can scare them a little if we send a few carriers in there to let them get a look at our sea power.

China doesn't appeal to me at all. It will be nice to see it, but I hope we don't stay more than a couple of weeks as scheduled.

Thank you, honey, for thinking of me at Christmas. I guess you are the only one who did and I meant I would like to be in Detroit with you.

Thanks for mentioning Teresa Brewer's name. I had been trying to think who the girl was who recorded "Rhode Island Redhead" and "I Don't Care." It was her. I liked both of those.

No, I haven't heard "Till I Waltz Again With You."

A "level bolt" is just a place to attach a hoist or platform for working on the plane.

No, I don't get it ready for the pilot. I work with a fire fighting unit. We fight crash fires and clear wreckage. We have all been to fire fighting school and they sent me on to a phone talker's school. When we have a crash, I go out with my phone and tell the commander the extent of the damage, how long it will take to repair it and any other things I think he should know.

Woman, if you don't send me some of those pictures, I'll slap you on you on your "stem shuts" for sure. No fooling, honey, I want some of those. I want to see how you look as a little "fly girl."

I don't know just what you mean by "in action," but we were bombing gooks for three weeks already, if that's what you meant. The only action for us is dodging "prop" blades and runaway airplanes.

Okay, kid, it's a date to celebrate when I get home and as far as that wedding, I'm all for them, too. In fact, anything you say is O.K. with me.

Well, honey, I've got to sign off for now.

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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Drink Coffee, Smoke Cigarettes, Tell Lies

December 19

Friday night

in Detroit it's Thursday morning

"Steel Beach Party," sailors working on their tans on deck
[possibly on the USS Philippine Sea]
during down time, ca. 1952

Hi "Sweet Thing,"

We are still moving on two screws but it is painfully slow. But if we don't have anymore trouble, we should still make Yokosuka on schedule. 

A diver will go down there to find out what is wrong. If it is very serious, we will have to go into dry-dock to fix it. That suits me. I like dry dock duty.

It's still dull out here. All we do is drink coffee, smoke cigarettes, and tell lies. If I could remember all the sea stories I've heard, I would write a book when I get out. HA 

The Navy has the reputation of being the BEG PARDON [crossed out spelling mistake] "cussing-est" men in the world. And it should hold the record most and biggest liars. 

I don't seem to be able to spell anything right tonight. 

One of the guy's wife is having a baby pretty soon and he says if it's a boy he is naming him after me. Tell me (I'm pretty dumb on such matters), does that make me the godfather or not?

I hope I have a letter from my mother when we get to Japan. I've only heard from her one time since I left the States. 

And my brother and sister never answer any of my letters, so I've stopped writing them completely. Oh, well, I guess they haven't got time to waste writing to a brother they haven't seen but two or three times in the last six years.

I hear we might be going to Hong Kong, China, in March for a few days. I hope we do. I want to see the place.

Well, Norm, I can't think of anything else to say, so I'll shut up.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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