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

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War In A Cold Climate

December 30, 1952

Debbie Reynolds, '53 Pin Up Girl

Hi angel,

I haven't heard from you in quite a while, but I'll try to write anyway.

We are on our way from Japan to Korea, but we only have twenty days out this time as compared to forty-five last year.

I'm glad to get out there and get it all over. I'm tired of this kind of duty. I want some of that shore duty they talk about at requesting stations. HA  Not that I'll ever get it, but I can dream, can't I?

I guess it's about time for L.C. P_______, George S______, and all those other guys who got drafted when they did to get out, isn't it? I'm glad to see them get out. I know what it's like.

I hope maybe if I can get through this one, they won't send me back anymore.  

I never have been able to understand why this "damn" country can't start wars in warm climates. If the next one is in a cold country, I'll refuse to go. HA 

It's probably real cold in Detroit now, too, but I hope it isn't too bad.

Are you going to have a big blow-out New Year's? I guess I won't be able to do any bottle popping after all. Oh, well, I'll celebrate when we hit port again.

Tomorrow, we are going to fly some to get the pilots used to the cold weather and the lay of the country. Our first strikes will be about the 3rd or 4th of January. 

Well, kid, I might as well sign off. I can't think of anything to say. 

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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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."]

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Why Don't You Believe Me?

December 24, 1952

Christmas Eve

Yokosuka, Japan

"Hollywood Goes to the Troops," soldiers at one of
Bob Hope's USO shows, ca. 1952

Hi Norma,

Merry Christmas, honey. I really hope you have a nice Christmas. Wish I could be with you, but that's impossible, so I'll say have a good time all day but think of me once in a while during the day.

The radio is playing Christmas carols now. They are beautiful. This is the only time of the year I like to be home. The other holidays don't mean anything to me, but Christmas always makes me feel homesick.

I suppose it's because of what Christmas stands for.

It looks like you have been having some good church services. I like to hear that, even though I never go to church.

About that box, Norm, it would be nice, of course, but it would be a lot of trouble to you, so don't bother with it.

I've heard "Don't Let The Stars Get In Your Eyes," but I still like "Back Street Affair" better. 

I like "Boogie Woogie Flying Cloud," too. Also, "Why Don't You Believe Me" is my current favorite. 

Last night a bunch of us went out and threw a little party. We had a good time.

I got a little "tight," but not as bad as some of them. A few had to be carried back to the ship.

Tell you what, Norm, I'm gonna send you a snapshot of myself that isn't so good, but it's the best I can produce. HA 

Tell Ed C____ to get well fast, otherwise, he will miss the New Year's celebration!

I've been getting Christmas cards from people I don't even know. I got one from a Mrs. Mark P____. If you know her, thank her for me.

Getting back to Japan, it hasn't changed much. They let military personnel wear civilian clothes now, but I don't have any, so I'll wear the Navy blue.

It isn't too cold over here now. Maybe 40° and no snow at all. I like that.

I guess I had better sign off for this time.

So, answer soon.

Love, 

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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Still At Sea

December 15, 1952

"Still at sea"

The USS Valley Forge's  missions in the 50s took them into
areas of the Pacific Theater that had been critical
10 years prior during WWII

Hi Norma,

It's me again. We are still on our way to Japan. It will take us ten days to get there when we could make it in seven or less, but I guess the "old man" is in no hurry.

He is no good for anything, so I suppose we couldn't expect anything good from him. When they gave us a captain this time, they must have scraped the bottom of the barrel. And the executive officer (second on command) is not better. If anything, he's worse. So that, among other things, points to a not so pleasant cruise.

I suppose to you this is boring, but it's all I can think to write about. 

The weather is still hot. I think we are about half way between Pearl Harbor and Midway Island. It will start getting cold after we pass Midway.

I'll be glad to get to Japan. I don't mind being at sea when there's something to do, but now there is no work to be done. All we have to do is kill time.

Glad to hear your father is able to go back to work. I know what it's like to be sick for weeks at a time and I don't like it.

[Editor's note: In September, Norma's father had a successful colostomy and was one of the first people to survive the surgery, which was considered revolutionary at the time. It's also remarkable that Clyde went back to work less than three months later and may be attributable to his strong work ethic. It was something Norma inherited from him. As for Jim illness that kept him out of commission for weeks, the only incident I know of is a back injury while playing high school football, which created ongoing problems that he would need to address for the rest of his life, but wasn't serious enough to for a military deferment.]

I got a Christmas card from Tom L___'s class [at Gilead Baptist Church]. Did your mother have anything to do with that? Tell her it was appreciated. Also, the rest of the class.

With the church a ship's gray now, when I come home I'll be flying model planes off the pulpit. HA 

I know Kirk and his girlfriend were supposed to get married, but I didn't know when. He is another one who should be looking around the country instead of increasing the population.

And as for going to a seminary, that's fine, but I think he would make a better minister if he went out and looked at the world first. Of course, that's just my opinion and doesn't mean much.

I don't know if you can write a letter at five in the morning. At that time, my mind is a total blank.

I heard something about Doris S______'s "young-un." I don't know what it is (what sex, I mean.)

Well, little doll, I've got to sign off. So "over and out."

Answer soon.

Love,

Jim

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Sweet Thing

December 13, 1952

Lost at sea

Hi Norma,

From left: Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen, Bing Crosby,
"White Christmas," ca. 1954

It will be at least a week before I can mail this, but I was thinking about you and decided to write anyway.

We are two days out of Honolulu, going to Yokosuka, Japan. We are supposed to arrive there the 22nd of December.

I probably told you already, but they worked the hell out of us in Pearl Harbor and on the inspection there, we got a "Good." I don't know just how good that is.

We haven't had any trouble with our catapults and arresting gear for about two weeks now. Maybe we won't have any more. I hope so. 

Did I tell you, I saw Vera Ellen (the actress) in a night spot in Honolulu? Not exactly Honolulu, a town called Pearl City, just outside Honolulu. 

I suppose she went there to avoid the crowds. A drunk swab (sailor) kept going over to her table and telling her how beautiful she was, also how he would like to take her out. At first, she was getting a kick out of him, but finally she got tired of it. Then the bouncer tossed the swab out. She was with some big, good-looking guy I've never seen or heard of. In fact, I didn't even learn his name. It might have been her body guard. 

[Editor's note: Curious phrasing in the paragraph above and it makes me wonder if Jim was the drunken swab making a play for Vera Ellen or if he was drinking with the "swab." If there was no interaction between Jim and Vera Ellen, how would he be in a position to learn her companion's name?]

It looks like we will be in Japan for Christmas. Oh well, as I said before, it beats Korea.

"Oh," I almost forgot, we haven't had any pile-ups since you started writing again. I think you bring good luck.

I heard on the radio about that guy, Delmore, dying. That's tough. I used to like to hear them sing.

From now on Norm, when I tell you something that concerns me, you believe me, not something that someone else tells you, O.K.?

It seems some people are trying to take care of me. Every time I go out with a girl a few times, someone is getting me married. Even my mother (the dear, old soul) gave me a mother to son talk on the subject of matrimony while I was home. HA  She thinks I should marry before I get out of the service or immediately after. HA  I'm not the marrying type. I'll take that back. Every guy wants to get married some time, but I'm in no hurry. I'm only twenty-two, so I've got lots of time left. I can't see those guys who marry at 18 to 20. They spend time taking care of a wife and kids that should be spent out looking around the country, getting a practical education. 

I didn't even finish high school, but I think I know as much as a college graduate who hasn't been out of the States.

And when I've seen enough and been around enough, so that I can make a good living for a woman and make her an interesting as well as good husband, then I'll get married. You may not agree with me, but that's the way I look at it.

And another thing, if a tourist went to Japan, he would go see things like the shrines in Tokyo, or the abbeys in Yokohama, or the remains of the atom bomb in Nagasaki. Those things don't interest me. I like to be with the people in the middle class, people like myself who work for a living. I like to sit and sip sake with them and talk. Of course, we have trouble understanding each other, but we manage. That way I learn their habits and customs and ways of doing things that are simpler than the way I previously did the thing. That, to me, is an education that surpasses anything a college could offer.

"Boy," I got all wound up here and can't seem to stop. Hope you don't mind.

Glad to hear you are taking piano lessons now. You can play for me. I really love to hear a piano.

That damn shorthand confuses me. I guess that's one thing I can't learn traveling around.

And Merry Christmas to you, honey. I hope yours is better than mine.

The election suited me O.K. That's the way I voted.  [Editor's note: Eisenhower defeated Stevenson in the presidential race.]

I'm losing some weight, but not much as yet, but I will this winter.

Your bowling is improving, keep at it, it is good exercise, if nothing else.

Well, "beautiful," I've "yapped" long enough for a while. Sometimes I get in a mood that I could write all night and this is one of them.

But I've got to sign off. So, answer soon, "sweet thing." 

Love, 

Jim

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The Land of Cherry Blossoms

[Editor's Note: This letter is chronologically out of sequence, but it was wrapped in Norma's package of letters after the one dated December 17, which leads me to think that she arranged them in the order in which they were received. The letters hint at the notorious US mail delivery problem that plagued all the branches of service for decades (centuries?).]

December 4

Thursday

Hi Norma,

ITO, Yuhan (1882-1951). Castle and Cherry Blossoms.
Original woodblock print, Japan, c.1930.

Long time no hear from you. Also, long time since you heard from me.

Here is my excuse. We left San Diego the 20th of November and just got to Pearl Harbor yesterday. We were qualifying pilots on the way over and one had a miserable time of it. We've had more crack-ups than we've had in a long time. In one day, we demolished three planes.

The gear that stops the plane when he landed on deck tore up. We repaired it at sea, but the catapults tore up so we had to pull into port to fix them. That's why we are here now.

I suppose we will be here about one more week, then we go on to Japan. 

I hear we are spending Christmas in the Land of Cherry Blossoms. I hope so. I've pulled too many holidays at sea to suit me.

No, Dot H_____ and I do not write to each other and your guess about whether she and Cy are going together is as good as mine. Probably better, you are home, you can see what's going on. And as for EXCUSE PLEASE [Jim scribbled out a spelling mistake] congratulating me, you won't have to as far as she is concerned.

So, you can stop all rumors to that effect. In fact, I would consider it a favor if you did.

No, thanks, I wasn't interested in Dot D_____ that way. I was just wondering if she ever hooked a husband.

I hope you don't have to have your glasses changed. I suppose that is a lot of bother.

Neither Pearl Harbor nor Honolulu have changed much. Still just like they were last year and I don't like them any better. It seems the people here hate "Valley Forge" sailors worse than any other ship. Every time any of us go ashore, someone starts trouble with us. Oh, well, it's a tough life but someone has to live it.

Well, honey, I better sign off now.

Answer soon.

Love,

Jim

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#1 On My Prayer List

[Editor's Note: Norma tucked her letter inside the envelope of Jim's letter. They were both dated December 17, 1952.]

December 17, 1952 

Vintage Christmas card, date and country unknown

Dear Jim:

Just a little note to enclose with your Christmas card.

If you read the verse then you will know my Christmas wish for you. Because wishes, happy thoughts and pleasant memories go out to you every day and in every letter.

Maybe it's not in very good taste to wish you a "Merry Christmas" with you so far from home. So, I'll save that for next Christmas when you should be stationed in the States. You know what I'm trying to say, don't you? Sometimes, I just can't express in words what I feel.

I do want you to know that I do pray for your safety each night. I'm not saying that boastfully, but as a fact. To me, prayer is a wonderful thing for it is talking to God and with Him. That's why you are #1 on my Prayer List and have been since you went to Korea in 1951. Please don't think that I'm corny or acting silly. Right now I'm very serious and everything that is being written is sincere.

[Editor's note: The letter is unsigned and, obviously, unsent. I suspect it was a rough draft for the letter she put in the Christmas card she sent. Whether she edited the final version only slightly or went in a completely different direction, I have no idea. What I do know is that prayer and her faith were important aspects of who she was and she taught me that prayer can work miracles. Norma believed prayer was an active, not passive, practice. However, she would have been careful about discussing her beliefs until she felt secure that she would not be ridiculed and, as noted in previous posts, Jim could have a sharp tongue.]

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All My Love

December 17, 1952

Still at sea

Hi Norma,

Here I am again. This trip is getting more boring all the time. Every day we have less to do.

The ship is having troubles. Two days ago one screw went out (that's what drives her through the water). We have four. So, they had to cut one off on the opposite side to keep her on even keel. Now they think another one might go out. If it does, we're dead in the water. 

Map showing the IDL, courtesy of Time and Date.com

[Editor's note: I think the "screw" referenced in the paragraph above is slang for one of the four turbines or shafts on the ship.]

And sitting "dead" out in the middle of nowhere isn't the best place I can think of to be.

Oh, well, maybe it won't go out. If it does, there's always a brighter day tomorrow.

We lost Tuesday this week.  We crossed the International Date Line last night and, suddenly, it was Wednesday, but we will pick it up when we come back across.

It still hasn't started to get cold yet. I can't figure it. We should be past Midway Island already. They must be having a warm winter in these parts.

I see my buddy Gerry Lash sitting on his bunk writing his girlfriend. He really must love her. No matter how long we work or how tired he is when we quit flying, he always writes her. Never misses a day. 

I started growing a mustache, but after 5 or 6 days, I shaved it off. I didn't like it. I looked too much like Clark Gable. HA

I had better sign off. It's time to when I start talking about myself. 

Answer real soon.

All my love, 

Jim

[Editor's note: On the front of the envelope Norma wrote, "Dec. 17, 1952 'All my love' first time."]

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