Because Of You

November 25, 1951

Sunday evening

Doris Day in a still shot from the movie, "Move Over Darling."

Hello Norma,

How are things around Detroit?  This leaves me O.K.

I should be on the beach today, but since it will be at least a week before I get a chance to write to you again, I thought I had better stay aboard and do it.

We shove off tomorrow for Japan.  We could make it in four or five days, but we're just going to fool around so it will take about eight days.

Some buddies and myself went out last night.  We went swimming, then stopped in for a drink and flirt with the women.  Some of the "gooks" didn't like the way we acted but there were too many of us (about seven) and the natives over here won't start any trouble unless they've got 2 to 1 odds.  So now I'm glad we're pulling out.  HA!  Those people are like elephants, they never forget a face.

I heard that bunch of draft-dodging basketball players from Gilead lost their first game, in fact, the first one of the season.  Those guys should get on a winning team, say the U.S. Navy, for instance.

Norma, you shouldn't have gone to the trouble of fixing a box for me, but don't think I won't appreciate it because I will.  It makes me think you're about the most wonderful gal I know.  Thanks a lot.

You said something about driving to Dot H_____'s house, have you got yourself a car already, or are you still driving your pop's?

If I'm out of the Navy by the time you learn to knit a pair of sox, I hope you learn fast because I sure would like to get out.   "Ah, yes," I wear a size 9 plus 2.  HA! Big, "eh?"

I like that song "Because of You" real well, too.  I think the record we have of it is by Doris Day. [Editor's note: Jim may have been referring to the recording by Gloria DeHaven and Guy Lombardo. I couldn't find any record of the song being recorded by Doris Day.]  There is a new hillbilly record out I like real well, too.  The name of it is "Travelers Blues." I just heard an "oldie" I like a lot, "My Darling," by Doris Day, I think.  [Editor's note: The title is actually "My Darling, My Darling" and was recorded by Doris Day and Buddy Clark.]

We just finished our inspection to see if we were ready to go overseas and our mark was "excellent," the best of any carrier in the fleet.  My department (the air dept.) got the best mark of any of the departments.  We landed planes, respotted them, and launched them faster than any other air dept. of any carrier this year.  I like to watch the boys of my division work.  We have really got teamwork.

I finally made a new rate.  I'm airman now, it's the same as corporal in the army.

No, I didn't know Eddie C__________, but I know Eddie C____ and I don't think he ever will get married.

Well, kid, I got to sign off now.

Answer real soon.

Your pal,

Jim

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Refighting The Civil War In Honolulu

Nov. 11, 1951
Sunday night

Movie poster for "Saddle Tramp," ca. 1951

Hello Norma,

I got your letter today and was real glad to hear from you.

The weather doesn't get any cooler here, but it hasn't rained any today.  I guess that is one consolation.

Right now we're in port.  When the ship is tied-up the air department doesn't anything but sleep and stand watch once in awhile.  But we have it coming, because at sea we do more than anyone else. 

"Look, kid," don't worry about me.  There isn't enough peda over here to get me. HA! 

When you learn to knit, you can make me a pair of socks; when we get to Japan it's gonna be real cold.

We're having a "hell" of a big argument about who won the Civil War, so if I put in something wrong, don't pay any attention to it.

Well, I just quit writing and finished the fuss, so all is quiet & peaceful again.

If you can save 20 bucks per week, that's pretty good.  I'm not even saving 20 cents per week.

I was over in Honolulu for awhile yesterday.  I went to a movie, "Saddle Tramp."  That's about all there is to do over there.  I don't like the place very much.

There are lots of girls over there, but they don't have nothing to do with Sailors.  

I'm beginning to think a Sailor has a bad reputation everywhere.  

"Whew," we've started fighting the Civil War again.  It looks like we're gonna start shooting before it's over.  HA! 

Well, kid, I better sign off before the shooting starts.  I might get a hole shot in the paper.

Answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim

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Fighting The War In Paradise

USS Valley Forge

Nov. 9, 1951

Bird of Paradise Theatrical Half Sheet, ca. 1951

Hello Norma,

I got your letter a couple of days ago and was real glad to hear from you.

I'm still in the Hawaiian islands and it gets hotter all the time.  The only time it ever cools down is when it rains which is about every other day at this time of year.

You asked if I was working hard.  Not hard, just lots.  One day we worked 23 hours without knocking off and believe me, I was tired.

Last week, we lost two pilots and five planes.  

I always wondered how it would be to watch a man die, so now I know.

If you will excuse me the expression, it sort of reminds me of killing hogs back home.  I think everything has a right to live, but if someone has to die, better him than me.  And we can't let those things bother us.  If we did, we would go "nuts."  Within a couple of days after it happened (the crack up), we had forgotten about the whole thing.

Did you see the movie "Bird of Paradise?"  I went to the place where it was filmed.  It is a beautiful place with lots of volcanoes around.  [Editor's note: there are two films entitled "Bird of Paradise." One was filmed in 1931 and stars Joel McCrea, but I think Jim is referring to the version released a few months before this letter and starring Jeff Chandler.]

It's hard to explain what I do.  I could be truthful and say "nothing," but I am supposed to repair tow-bars, the ones we use to pull planes around on the deck.  There isn't much work, it's the hours that get us down.

Norma, anytime you want to use strong language in your letters, go ahead.  I like for people to tell me what they think and, besides, I'm a good listener.

I got an invitation to Hannah and Chuck's wedding, but I don't think I'll be able to make it.  HA! 

Tell them I wish them all the luck in the world.  

No, I never hear from Phyllis (M______ is her last name).  She may be married for all I know.  I don't know and care much less.  

Well, kid, I'll sign off.

Answer real soon.

Your mate,

Jim.

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