Perfect For Honeymooning

March 14, 1954

Guantanamo, Cuba

Pirates of the Spanish Main – 1888 (Trading Cards) – Sir Henry Morgan

Hi Honey,

Honey, you should be where the apple of your eye is now. We are anchored in the bay off Cuba and it is nice right now. Earlier it was too hot (close to ninety) but now it's cooled off and really is swell.

There isn't much on the beach here but beauty. Ship board sailors can't go into town. They have a base here, but there is nothing on it but a beer hall and riding stables. I don't feel like riding a horse and in this weather, if I drank 4 cans of beer, I couldn't hit the ground if I feel out of a tree.

I played volley ball for a couple of hours this afternoon. I've been doing it every day to stay in shape. HA  I don't know what I'm staying in shape for, but maybe I'll need it some time. It doesn't take much exercise in this weather to lose weight. 

Hey gal, come to think of it, I haven't heard from you lately. How about writing once in a while.

I've just come to the conclusion that I'm not gonna like this place. We are going to operate just during the day and come in at night. I don't like that. I had rather stay out all the week and come in on weekends.

What are you doing this week? "Boy," if it's as nice there as it is here, you just can't stay home. "Boy," this is the kind of weather they write about. I do wish you & I were on vacation in a place like this. It's perfect for honeymooning. 

The guys on the air station here have a good life. They work from seven in the morning 'til noon and are off for the rest of the day. And their uniform is shorts without shirts. If I thought there was any chance of getting it, I would put in for shore duty here.

Have the amusement parks opened yet? "No," I don't suppose they have. It's a little early yet for them.

I see a boat out there that looks like a plane in the water. 

"Boy," what I wouldn't give for a boat. This is a perfect day for "cruising down the river." The water is green and real calm. I guess this must be the Caribbean Sea. I don't think there is anyplace in the Atlantic that the water is this smooth. On the way down here, we passed the Bahama Islands.  One of them (San Salvador) is the first place Christopher Columbus hit when he found this place. I think it's in the West Indies. Also, Sir Henry Morgan, the English pirate, used to be top dog in this part, if you are interested in history.

Sweetheart, I hope I'm not boring you with this stuff, but I feel like writing and I can't think of anything else to say.

I heard a joke I'll pass along. This girl had just got a job with a candy company passing out free sample boxes. On her way home the second day, she met a casual friend. The friend said, "Oh, Agnes, I hear you are getting married next month." Aggie said, "Yes." The friend asked, "And what are you doing in the meantime?" The sweet you thing replied, "Oh, nothing much. Just passing out free samples." 

Well, darling, I better sign off and get this in the mail. 

Answer soon.

I love you a lot,

Jim

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You Had Better Be Ready

[Editor's note: The envelope for this letter had two paperclips on it, Norma's notation that it held special significance.]

July 12, 1953

San Diego, Calif.

When Jim had money to call Norma, he would have looked
for a phone booth, like this one
Esso Gas Winston-Salem, NC 1956 by Hank Walker

Hi Angel Face,

I don't know how long it will take me to finish this. We have two "odd balls" up here, gabbing all the time. You should meet these two, they would drive you nuts.

Now they are singing. It's so funny. I'll have to stop for awhile. Needless to say, they are both about "three sheets on the yardarm." One of them is supposed to come to Detroit when we get leave and wants me to drive with him.

The other said if we would tell him the night we were going out, he would fly up all the way from Colorado just to go out with us. HA  Do you think it will be O.K. if I go out with them?

I suppose you are "shook up" at me (since I haven't had a letter from you in three days). 

And I guess you have every right to be.

I wrote you about three days ago but forgot to mail the letter. I just found it in my locker tonight and dropped it in the [mail] box.

Norm. I can't say what I want to say in a letter. I want to apologize for not calling you again, but by now you should know the reason. I feel a little guilty about getting out and raising "hell" like we did the first week in the States, but in a way I'm not sorry. I had to get away from this ship for a while. I was about to go crazy seeing and doing the same thing for so long.

I know a guy should put the girl he loves before anything else, but you were so far away and I was so disgusted with everything. I hope you will forgive me although I can't promise I won't do it again because under the same circumstances, I would probably be tempted.

Honey, do you know what I would like more than anything right now? 

I would like to come home, marry you, and settle down. Now, it's nothing more than a daydream, but if you will let me, I'll make it come true. 

I'm tempted to ask you to marry me while I'm on leave but I know it's no good, not as long as I'm in the service. But when I get out, then I'm gonna ask you and you had better be ready.

I gotta sign off.

Answer soon

I love you, sweetheart,

Jim

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Hitting The Honolulu Beach

June 18, 1953

Honolulu

DeRussy Beach 1953

Hello Honey,

We hit Hawaii yesterday and I had five letters from you. It made me plenty happy.

It sure is hot here. Quite a contrast from what I've been used to and I'm having a pretty hard time getting accustomed to the change.

I'm not gonna answer your letters in order but just as I pick them up. I'm in kind of a hurry to hit the beach. HA  

Norma, I would like to be with you today. I can think of many things we could do. I love you, honey, and will be glad to get home to show you how much. 

That swimming and laughing on the beach sure sounds like fun. 

We had a division party yesterday. I didn't intend to go, but decided I had better. Now, I wish I hadn't. Too much beer, no good. HA  I couldn't hit the ground if I had fallen out of an airplane last night.

Oh, well, I'll quit doing things like that someday.

My mind won't function this morning. I must have been in worse shape yesterday than I thought I was and, from what they say, I was pretty far gone.

I think I'll go over today and see a movie.

Sweet thing, I better sign off before I pass out. HA 

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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Letter Of The Heart

[Editor's Note: On the front of the envelope Norma wrote, Letter of May 23, 1953, of the heart]

May 23, 1953

Valley Forge

Jim's stationery, May 1953

Hi Sweet Thing,

What's new with you? We are in port again, but not for long. We pull out the day after tomorrow. We will only operate 6 or 7 more days, then shove off for stateside. I think we leave Japan the twelfth of June.  Or maybe, the ninth. I don't know for sure. Anyway, we arrive in San Diego the 26th of June.

It was been raining here all day and is hot and "stuffy." Reminds me of Honolulu, which I don't like to be reminded of.  

I finally got to hear the song, "'Til I Waltz Again With You."  and is it beautiful.  A sixteen year old Japanese girl sang it and she is almost as good as Doris Day. 

Our relief carrier should pull in tomorrow. I hope so. I want to see her drop anchor. HA 

My buddy and I pulled one last night. We got so "high," we couldn't hit the ground if we had jumped out of an airplane. I think I've stopped drinking for sure.

Honey, I have a set of jackets, Japanese style. They are blue with white symbols on the back. Also, I bought a bed spread. It was so pretty I couldn't resist it. Also I have bought you a housecoat. It's pretty, I think. These damn mailing facilities here are so bad, I'm afraid to send them that way. I think I'll wait 'til I hit the States. I'm still looking for a pair of quilted pajamas, but no luck so far.

[Editor's Note: I vaguely remember blue silk bomber jackets that were hanging in the closet when I was a kid. I imagine both the jackets were worn out and are long gone. But the housecoat and the bedspread, along with a pair of black silk pajamas, are locked away in storage.]

"Ah," incidentally, the bedspread is for your mother for helping you fix those packages you sent to me.

So, the Valley Forge is making the papers, eh? Well, it's about time we got some publicity.

After all, aren't we the best ship in the fleet? Of course we are. HA 

If your boss knew you compared her running to the phone to a cow running in the pasture, you would probably get "deep-sixed." You better start being careful. HA 

Damn, it's so hot in this place my watch stopped telling time and started giving the temperature.

You should see the cherry trees here. This place is beautiful in the spring. With everything getting green and the kids playing in the streets, it reminds me of home. It also makes me think how basically the people of every country are the same. The kids want a place to play, a move to go to, or something to keep them busy all the time.

The adults want security, a job with a decent living, but most of all, the Japanese want to be left alone. Nothing would please them better than to pull all U.S. forces out of the Orient.  And I don't blame them. In their place, I would feel the same way.

I got carried away there for a minute. It happens to me sometimes.

Norma, I've been sitting here thinking about things. About getting married, for one thing. You told me once that I was blunt. Well, maybe I am. I don't like to waste words. Anyway, I don't want to get married anytime soon. First, I want to be able to see my way to a good future for my wife and any children we might have. Don't misunderstand, this isn't a proposal. I want to be with you when I do. 

I want to know if you will wait for me until I get out of the service and maybe a while after. 'Til I can get "back on my feet." I know I will have to re-inhabit myself to civilian life. It won't be easy. I picked up a lot of habits that will be hard to get rid of, but with them, I wouldn't make a decent husband for any girl, especially one like you. I love you, darling, and with you, I think I could be a "damn" good civilian some day.

I gotta sign off and hit the sack. It has taken half the night to write this letter.

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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The Cherry Blossoms Are In Bloom Again

April 17, 1953

Yokosuka Japan

The grounds of the Hirosaki Castle in the Aomori Prefecture
have more than 50 varieties of cherry trees.

Hi Sweet Thing,

This is "newsman" Parker with more news and views from The Far East. HA 

Today at 1:00, we practiced baseball again and I have a "charley horse" and a splintered ankle to show for it. Tomorrow afternoon we are supposed to play a game against some other team. By then, I probably won't be able to move. HA 

It won't be long now. This cruise is about over. We leave here day after tomorrow for our last time on the line. I don't know exactly when we leave here for State side. Probably in five or six weeks.

I like that suggestion about a job with the fire department when I get out. In fact, I've thought about trying my luck at one of the airports in town. I'm almost certain the law requires them to have their own fire fighters and by now I should be an experienced crash fire fighter. HA I've run from enough of the "damn" things, I should know plenty about them. HA And I know a little about how a control tower works, but not very much.

Everywhere I go over here I see cherry trees in bloom. Even the taxis here have cherry blossoms pinned up all over the inside of them. 

Two of my buddies and myself went over a couple of nights.  Interesting to pull a nice, clean liberty and get back to the ship early.

The other two guys are both married, so I thought they would keep me out of trouble.

But I was wrong. They wanted to go to a night spot. So, I tagged along and before long we are getting with it and everybody is having a good time. I held up under the strain better than I expected. They didn't even have to carry me back to the ship. 

Josh and I were just talking about the "glory" bars we will wear when we get on the East Coast. They should help out over there, but on the West Coast, everybody has them, so they don't mean anything.

But over there, we'll try to show up those inland griping "sailors." HA 

I'm glad you like to write to me, honey. I know you don't like to write them any better than I like to read them. Norma, you're a sweet little doll and don't let anyone tell you different.

I really should sign off but I don't want to. I want to write a long letter.

I've sat here for ten minutes (by my watch) and can't think of anything else, so I'll close.

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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Riding Around In Circles

April 14, 1953

Yokosuka, Japan

Post card of rickshaw drivers in
Yokohama, Japan, date unknown

Hello Doll, 

How is my baby? Honey, two days ago I got an eighteen page letter from you. This is the first chance I've had to answer it. We just hit port yesterday.

It may take me all night, but I like letters like it and don't mind taking a lot of time in answering.

I was over a while last night and "got with it" a bit, but I didn't stay long. I was back aboard ship by eleven.

Today we held our first baseball practice. The team won't be as good as it was last year. Too many men getting discharged.

You asked about Lash*. Well, I'll tell you what I know about him. He's 23 and comes from Washington State. He's about 5'10 and weighs about 190, but he isn't fat. There is a lot of muscle on him. HA 

And when he gets out, he plans to go back to dairy farming.

[* Editor's Note: As complained previously, Jim's handwriting is just awful. "Lash" is my best guess at this friend's name. It could also be "Jash" or "Losh" or "Tosh" because Jim had a habit of giving people nicknames and some weren't common words, but derivatives of names, words or phrases.]

Last night, some Jap gave my buddy and me a card advertising a massage parlor in Yokohama. We didn't notice the Yokohama and thinking it was Yokosuka, we got a cab, gave him the card with the address in Japanese on it and started out for a massage. We got about halfway to Yokohama and we decided we had better ask him how far it was. Then he showed us the name on the card. We were so "shook up," we had him turn around and take us back to Yokosuka. In all, it cost us about five dollars just to ride around in circles.

I was sorry to hear you couldn't take the job with the doctor. It sounded pretty good, but you know what is best for you.

Thanks, darling, for the birthday cards. You are always doing something for me and I don't want you to think it is not appreciated. It is, honey, very much.

A guy just came by selling raffle tickets on an electric razor. I took three, maybe I'll win it so I can shave. HA 

I'm about to run out of anything to answer but I'll keep trying. I'm in the writing mood tonight.

I suppose Eddy's and Dot's wedding was quite a blow out. In Japan, they would say an "ichi-ban" affair. Congratulate them for me and wish all their troubles will be small, or something like that.

There is a guy in my division from Detroit who is getting married when we get home. I told him I wanted to come over to help him drink his whiskey and if he wasn't going to furnish it, I would bring my own. He said for me to bring my own and he would help me drink it. Not what I would call a charming host. HA 

One of the guys just brought me a sandwich and a pint of milk from the beach. It sure is good, want a bite?

Well, sweet thing, I gotta sign off for now.

Answer soon.

I love you,

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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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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Tokyo Tourist

February 3 [1953]

Japan

Godzilla vs. The Diet Building, ca. 1953

Hi Honey,

I have been thinking of you all day and could think of no better time to write.

We are still in port. I think we will be pulling out Monday. Before I go any further, I want to tell you I went over earlier in the evening and had a few with the boys, so any mistakes I make can be blamed on that.

I went to Tokyo Sunday and, of all things, visited an art gallery. Of course, we did other things. We went to the "Diet" building. The "Diet" is the same thing as our Congress.

We went to the government library and it was beautiful. Also, we saw a Japanese opera. It was pretty good, I guess, but I didn't understand it. Then we wound up the day by doing the more "bawdy" spots in town.

I'm a "hell" of a guy, going off hunting with your uncle and not coming back, but I'm not like that in real life, only in dreams.

[Editor's note: Norma enjoyed recounting the details of her dreams, although she wasn't one for interpreting the symbolism in them, or other practices that are common with dream interpretation. It was almost as if she believed they were missives from something outside herself.]

The weather here is still pretty nice, a lot better than last year.

Don't let your hair be cut too short. I think real short hair makes a girl look "boyish." I like women who are all female.

If you don't know what to do with that second week's vacation you have coming, you can take it when I come home. I know we can find something to do. I still don't know when I'll get home. Probably the last of August.

Our bachelors' club hasn't picked up many members yet, but we're still struggling along. HA 

Speaking of dancing, I learned how to rumba a couple of nights ago. A little, that is. I can't dance much, but I like to try.

[Editor's note: That's news to me. I never saw him on a dance floor in my entire life. Must have been "dutch courage."]

Well, honey, I may as well sign off as I said before, I'm a little under the weather. 

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim 

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That Woozy Feeling

January 26, 1953

Japan

Print ad, The Snows of Kilimanjaro, ca. 1952

Hi angel,

I got 4 letters from you, two postmarked the 12th, one the 15th, and one the 19th. And I was really glad to get them. We stay at sea so much lately mail has a tough time catching up with us.

Honey, the next time a dog starts chasing you, bark at him louder than he does at you and he will go away. That is if you can muster up enough nerve to do it.

I know, Norm, sometimes things go wrong for us and we feel like just quitting, but if we just let things ride, they usually come out O.K. Right?

And anytime you want to tell me those things, I'm a good listener, if it helps you.

We've been in port for two days and I haven't even been to the beach. That must be some sort of a record, but baring mishaps, I'll go over tomorrow and get with it. But not near so much as I did at Christmas.

That sweater sounds pretty sharp. Does it have its finer points?

I got a letter from mom again today. I suppose she does know she has a son named "Jim," after all.

No, I didn't get to see "Snows of Kilimanjaro," but I sure would like to.

I've seen a couple of the '53 Chevrolets (pictures, that is). I'll bet it is nice. Grissom's is where I bought the "Chevy" I had in '49. 

I'm sorry, honey, that I didn't invite you to our party, but when I come home we will throw one that will make this one look like an old maid's convention.

"Oh, yes," before I forget, you know that application for a date with a sailor I sent you? Well, one of the guys sent on to a girl in his hometown and did she get unstrung. She called him every kind of "cad." She asked him if he thought she was the type of girl who would consider answering such a thing. And signed off by asking him to never speak to her again. HA  I thought it was pretty funny. I hope you don't take yours that way.

I don't remember just what my lowest bowling score was, but it was pretty low. About the same as yours, I think.

If you want to when I come hime, we will take a tour up to N.Y. and you can show me the sights. 

Honey, write as often as you have time. Every night isn't too much for me to hear from you.

You didn't miss it much. We got to Yokosuka the 25 of January. You have our schedule worked out better than I have.

No, I'm not a spiritualist. I wear a pair of bottle tile phones.

You know, "honey," I wish I were with you tonight. I would squeeze you 'til you popped. Then I would kiss you on your sweet lips. You are the sweetest girl I know. I still say you're the reason they are saving front row seats in Heaven. 

The card you sent was real cute and I did appreciate the thought behind it. Thanks for it, darling.

I would have given my left arm and eyeteeth to have been at that party and danced with you.

I'm not much of a dancer when sober, but after 4 or 5 drinks, Fred Astaire is an amateur. HA 

I laughed when you said your legs had a "woozy" feeling. That's where it gets me, too. And, after that, it starts working on my brain. Then, I don't care what I do.

Well, "honey doll," I'll sign off for this time.

Over and out.

Answer soon.

I love you,

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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Are You Teasing Me

Michigan Bell Lobby, Detroit

November 2, 1952

San Diego, Calif.

Hi Norma,

I've had two letters from you since I've written to you, but when we hit port for just two days, I usually hit the beach.

It's late now. I've just returned from town. I quit drinking long enough to see "Ivanhoe." It's a good movie. If you get the chance, be sure to see it.

[Editor's note: "Ivanhoe," the novel by Sir Walter Scott, was one of Jim's favorites. Click on this link to access the ebook free from Project Gutenberg.]

Of course you are included in the "dearest girls." In fact, as far as I'm concerned, you are one of the better girls.

"Yes," I remember "are you teasing me" and it brings back the most pleasant memories.

I wish I were with you tonight. I would whisper in your ear and tell you how cute you are.

You had better stay out of those prisons. You might get raped. HA Which reminds me of a joke. Quote: "A girl stack of wheat went to bed with a boy stack of wheat. When she awoke, she found she was 'bread' and shouted, 'Ye Gods! I've been reaped!'" 

Do I consider you a woman?!! Gal! You're all woman from your shapely little toes to your cute blonde head. If you were any more woman, I don't think any man could keep you happy.

I'm like you, I hate to see winter coming. I know how cold it gets overseas.

Congratulations on your promotion. If you keep going, pretty soon you may be president of of M.B.T. [Michigan Bell Telephone]. 

"No," I fooled you. I haven't been to T. town [Tijuna] lately. I don't think I'll go anymore after we leave the States. And another thing, "honey," if I were home I would be having much more fun taking you out. There are no girls on the west coast who can take your place with me.

From now on, don't mention my middle name. I don't like it. I don't know why they had to hang it on me anyway.

[Editor's note: This is news to me. Norma used both their middle names to configure my name and I always hated it, too.]

I heard Cy A____ was out. I'm glad he has done his part. Now I suppose it's time for us to do ours. I don't know anything about their plans, if they have any.

[Editor's note: It seems that Dorothy, Jim's old girlfriend from the beginning of his correspondence with Norma, was seeing Cy. They eventually married.]

Hasn't Dot D_____ gotten married yet? "Damn," that gal has been chasing men since I can remember.

We leave for "Gook" Country the 20th of November, which is only 18 days away and I'll be glad to get away from this place when we go. In fact, I want to get over there and get this "damn" thing over with. 

Well, honey, I've got to sign off. 

Answer real soon.

Love, 

Jim 

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Moving Cows To Get A Seat

October 22, 1952

San Diego, Calif.

Atchison Topeka &Santa Fe trademark in the late 19th century

Hi Norma,

Your letter was postmarked in New Albany, Indiana, so I suppose you're enjoying another excursion. Wish I was there so we could do a little chasing around together. 

[Editor's note: Norma's love of travel didn't end when she married Jim. One of his nicknames for her was "Go Parker."]

The was you describe those buses you rode reminds me of the trains on the Santa Fe route. 

I had to move a cow to get a seat.

There were 250 big shots who came aboard today and we had to show them around. They are a lot of trouble and can ask some of the damnedest questions. 

I made out tonight. I got the 8 to 12 flight deck watch. I don't have much to do, but I had still rather sleep. 

Of course, honey, I would like you to snuggle up to me and if I had been on the bus, I wouldn't have let you get cold. I'm too much of a gentleman to let that happen to a lady. I would have given you my coat. HA  

It seems I've seen this "Club Rialto" going from Detroit to Tennessee. 

That floor show sounds like it was pretty good. I could go for something like that now. 

"Yes," I know what "zombies" are and I know that it can knock you on your "stem-shut." I drank a few of them. I bet you were "hot to go" after them. I've seen how they affected women before. Whiskey works on me the same way, but beer is just the opposite. When I drink beer I'm not much of a guy to be out with.

But with a few mixed drinks under my belt, I can make any woman happy.

Well, baby, I've got to sign off.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Sing Me To Sleep

October 20, 1952

San Diego, Calif.

Sheet music for "You Belong To Me,"
#1 on the Top Ten Billboard Charts for weeks in 1952
and one Jim and Norma's favorite songs

Hello Norma,

I'm back again. I got your letter today and thought I had better answer it while I have time. We will be going to sea pretty soon and I won't be able to write at all.

So, you are an elbow-bending baby, "eh?" HA I should be on the beach bending the elbow now, but I'm not, "dog gone it." "Oh, well," maybe tomorrow night. You know something? I haven't been drunk in quite a while. I guess I'm slipping. 

What do you like your drinks mixed with? "Gin" or something like that, huh? 

[Editor's note: When I was a teenager, Norma limited her drinking to weddings and always ordered what I came to call The Baptist Wedding Drink, gin and 7-up.]

I would like to go to Kentucky with you. We could have a wonderful time on those curves (the ones in the road, I mean). HA

Honey, tonight I need you to sing me to sleep. For some reason, I haven't been sleeping very well lately.

Last night, a couple of guys had a fight right next to my bunk. I think it was about 2 o'clock this morning. I had only been to sleep about an hour and they woke me up. I still haven't found out what started it all.

I can't think of anything to say tonight, so I guess I'll sign off.

Answer real soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Midnight

October 19, 1952

San Diego, Calif.

"Midnight" sheet music, ca. 1951

Hi Norm,

Here I am again. I didn't have any stamps and couldn't get any until yesterday.

"Nuttin'" new here, I went to Tijuana yesterday. But I didn't even have a beer. I went down with a buddy of mine who went to buy his wife a birthday present.

He just got married two or three weeks ago. 

He is the one I used to pull my wild liberties with, but the guy really has reformed since he married. If that's what married life does to a guy, I'm more afraid of it than ever. HA  An old, hard drinking guy like him suddenly stops drinking and chasing around with bad women. HA 

But I don't blame him. If I were married I would stay off the stuff myself.

You know, after being home and seeing decent girls, the things out here sure are disgusting, but they looked pretty good after an 8 month stay in Japan.

"No," we never get any mail when we're at sea except when we're overseas.

Honey, if I were there I would get you "warm," also myself. We might even go to bed?

So, them "damn" Red Wings started off bad already, "huh." "Oh, well," they will do better.

I've been hearing about the record "Back Street Affair." I've never heard it yet. 

"No," I haven't the one by Red Foley, either. [Editor's Note: It seems that Red Foley's hit, "Midnight," is the most likely song since it was released at about the same time as "Back Street Affair" and replaced it on the Top Ten Chart.]

"Yes," I'm gonna vote. My absentee ballot should be here any day now. Don't worry about not being able to vote. You're probably better off.

[Editor's note: For years, Jim and Norma had a running joke that their votes cancelled each other out and it was important that they both vote to maintain the balance. He was a loyal member of the Democratic Party; she never voted anything but Republican.]

My bowling average used to be 160. I don't know what it is now. I went last night and shot a 168 and a 194. 

Well, Norm, it's chow time, so I've gotta close.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Baby, You Can Trust Me Anywhere

October 14 1952

San Diego, Calif.

Ronson print ad, Life Magazine issue 3/24/52.

Hi Norma,

I got a "charge" out of the way you asked what "elbow-bending baby" was. HA 

Did you ever sit at a bar on a stool and drink beer or whiskey? Or sit and drink anywhere, for that matter? If so, you always bend your elbow when you take a swallow, don't you? That's what we call "bending the elbow."

I'm glad our last two weeks of operating are over. We had all those Marines along. There weren't bad guys, but there were so many they got in the way and their helicopters were a lot of trouble, too.

Two of my buddies wanted me to go over with them last night and I'm glad I didn't go because they came back "soaked to the tonsils," if you will excuse the expression. 

The night we were celebrating, we were drinking everything from straight whiskey to beer. Mixing it like that was one reason I got so "high." No, I never have a very bad hangover. I never do unless I drink a lot of beer and most of the time I stay away from that stuff completely. Only one time I had one to any extent. In Japan, I got drunk on a little beer and a lot of Japanese wine. I was "shaky" and had a bad stomach for three days but I never did vomit.

You signed off saying you were sleepy. If I were there, I would take you in my arms and sing you to sleep and then I would put you to bed, tuck you in and fall asleep with you.

You asked if you could trust me out here. Baby, you can trust me anywhere. I'm the most trustworthy fellow I know of. HA

It looks like I left everything I own in your car. By the way, did I leave a small Ronson cigarette lighter with my initials on it there?

Your bowling was real good for a new bowler. It took me a long time to do that well.

Honey, how am I supposed to send you a kiss? My lips don't leave "foot-prints." 

I've got to close now and write my little sister before she eats me out for not answering her letter.

Answer soon.

Your admiral,

Jim

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Kiss, Cuddle Up, Then Kiss Some More

September 28, 1952

San Diego, Calif.

Dancer in Nightclub, Tijuna, Mexico, ca. 1962,
photographed by Robert Doisneau

Hi Norma,

How's my elbow-bending baby? I'm O.K. We just got in from a week of very hectic training operations. We were qualifying some "green" jet pilots and, believe me, those guys are dangerous.

They were piling them up one after the other all week. Another week like this and I'll be beating my head against the wall. 

Speaking of cool weather, it has gotten quite a bit cooler here. I never thought I would see anything but heat in San Diego. 

"Gal," let me tell you, I was "looped" that night my buddy got discharged. "I ain't never been so drunk."

I like to drink some, but it will be a long time before I get that "high" again.

You would like Tijuana. You know something about Monroe Street in Chicago, I guess. Well, T-town is like that all over, all night spots.

Their burlesque shows aren't very artistic, but they don't leave much to imagination. They get old after awhile and the girls you find there are the same way. Well, to be truthful about it, I like a little more peaceful atmosphere. I'm a little tired of dodging beer bottles. 

But it's the only place to go around here except "Dogo" and there you've got to have quite a bit of money to have any fun. And no sailor is very well "heeled." 

That wedding sounds like it was a pretty gay affair. I would have liked to have gone to that with you. We cold have gotten "silly" together. If I'm right, you will be twenty-one the next time I'm home, so we'll work things out. 

[Editor's note: In 1952, the age of majority in Michigan was 21.  I'll leave the rest to your imagination.]

That "Singapore Sling" sounds like a pretty potent drink. I think I could use one right now. 

Tell me, Norm, how do you get in those places under age? Out here, they check everybody (girls, especially) when they enter the door. And they used to check me most of the time I was in Detroit. 

You had better be careful with that Ford or you might get hurt and we wouldn't want that to happen. 

The card you sent was real nice, honey, and it expresses my feelings right now. I would like to be there with you. We would kiss, cuddle up, then kiss some more. 

Well, gal, I've got to sign off. So, over and out.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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