Two Paperclips

[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.] 

Dec. 31, 1952

Lost at sea

"Moon Over Seoul" © Mark Diebert Photography 

Hi Honey,

You should see the big, beautiful moon outside. It's the "biggest, brightest" moon I've seen since we were in Korea last year. It's the only thing this country has that is pretty. 

This job I have is getting a little tiresome. I sit on my "can" so much I'll have a flat one when we hit the States next time.

Tomorrow is the first day of '53. EXCUSE ME [Jim crossed out a thought and wrote over it.] I haven't made any resolutions yet. I can think of plenty I should make, but I can't think of any I would keep.

We flew a little today. 75 planes took off and 75 came back. Of course, they were just getting flight time, none of it was combat.

I wish you could have been with me watching the moon. I wouldn't care where we were as long as you were with me.

Oh, I forgot. I got a letter from you today. I got so carried away with the moon and you I didn't mention it. I'm trying to answer it now, if I ever get around to to re-reading it to make sure what it says. When I read it this morning, I was trying to receive messages and read at the same time. It didn't turn out very good. I guess I'll have to stick to one thing at a time.

I sure would like to have helped you decorate your Christmas tree. I like to do things like that.

McCurry was lucky to be home for Christmas. Wish I could pull off something like that sometime. 

"Yes," that Cathy-Durham affair could develop into something. I think both of them have the same intentions. By the way, don't tell them I said that. They might not like it.

Have you heard "High Noon" by Tex Ritter? I like it; we have the record on the ship.

I haven't heard "My Desire" yet. [Editor's Note: I can't find a recording by that title but there is a song released in 1952 by Louis Armstrong called "That's My Desire" and has the kind of lyrics Norma would have appreciated.]

I can't stand the song "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes." The damn thing drives me "nuts" and, besides, it doesn't make sense to me.

I'll be glad when '53 is over, then I'll only have one year to do in the service instead of two.

Then I'll be glad when '54 is over. I'll be out. "Oh, glorious thought." HA

I haven't heard "That's Me Without You," either. In fact, I never even heard of it.

Listen real close, honey, and you can hear me singing you to sleep now.

I've got to call it quits. Until next year.

Answer soon.

All my love,

Jim

Click on this link to read the next letter. 

Kiss Of Fire

December 26, 1952

Yokosuka, Japan

Front cover of William Wegman's version of the classic which
uses his Weimaraners as models. [The editor's favorite.]

Hi "sweet thing,"

'Twas the day after Christmas and all through the house

Everybody was feeling like "hell," including me.

[Editor's note: Years later, Jim would write an annual Christmas poem and often parodied the classics. This wasn't an auspicious beginning. Click here for a traditional version of "Twas The Night Before Christmas."]

Our party started at 10 in the morning and broke up at 11:30 last night. Just enough time for us to get to the ship by midnight. (That's when liberty expires.)

But no more like that one, that's too much for me. I quit. "Well," 'til New Year's anyway. HA 

You can tell me what you bowled no matter how low it was. I've done worse. The last two times have almost caused me to quit.

"Boy," it is cold here today. It snowed a little this morning but has stopped now.

By now you should have heard from me. I wrote you 4 or 5 times coming from Pearl Harbor to Yokosuka. Also, a couple of times since we got here.

No, I don't know Babe H____'s husband's name.

I danced to the song "Kiss Of Fire," about 20 times. The last time and every time, I thought of you. The only reason I didn't pass out was I kept moving by dancing all the time. I never have passed out and I'm too old to start over. 

"Boy," that trip to New York sounds O.K. Just stand by and we'll make it some day when I get out of this organization.

Speaking of "are you teasing me," you sure gave me a "fit" last night. I can't stand any girl, especially you, to tickle my leg above the knee. That gets my vinegar up in a hurry. 

Hey, did you hear this definition for "convenience"? It's something that hurts when everything else feels good.

I don't remember if I went back to T-town [Tijuana] anymore or not. I probably did.

I got a Christmas card from Norton L___. I wish you would remember to thank him for me, please.

Well, baby, I've got to sign off now.  Over and out.

Answer real soon.

I love you,

Jim 

[Editor's note: On the front of the envelope Norma wrote, "December 26, 1952 'I love you' first time."]

Click on this link to read the next letter.