Marking Time In The USS Yacht Club

Vintage paper milk cartons. ProCon Historical Timeline, ca.1950

April 8, 1954

Guantanamo, Cuba

Hi Sweetheart,

How goes it with the sweetest gal I know? Boy, "let me tell you," it's so hot here that the women use ice for cooking fuel to keep from burning the food. And there's no sign of it getting any cooler. I can't picture it being cold in Detroit. Every time I think of home I think it should be hot there, too.

I sure am disgusted with this place. The war games are getting worse or maybe it's that I'm getting more tired of them. 

I think we leave here the 17th of this month. It can't come too soon to suit me.

Honey, if I don't hurry this up it won't get to the post office in time to leave the ship tonight. Then it will be Monday before it leaves.  We are going to Haiti for the weekend and it's a hole. Not even as good as Cuba. Those travel agencies that "ballyhoo" that place are a bunch of frauds. Anybody who can stand the smell must have sinus trouble. I have it, but not that bad.

"Boy," I have never heard of so damn many people getting married and having babies. It's almost a shame. HA  Ask Pinnegar if he is going to start increasing the population right away.

"Yes," I've drunk from those "new fangled" milk cartons. I think they are pretty sharp, too. 

Oh, yes, honey I got the birthday card. It was real nice. Thanks very much for sending it. I think you are wonderful, darling. I love you. I know I seldom tell you except at the end of a letter which doesn't mean an awful lot, but I do, dear. And when I don't say I love you, it's because I'm careless like most men. I guess we take too much for granted and I still intend to marry you when I get out of this yacht club. If you still want me.

Honey, I can think of lots more but I gotta get this letter in the mail.

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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The Pride of the Atlantic Fleet

March 28, 1954

Guantanamo, Cuba

USS Valley Forge, ca 1950

Hi Sweet Thing,

It's only the pride of the Atlantic fleet, so don't get excited. I should have written sooner but by now you have an idea of how busy we are. Maybe when this training cruise is over I can write more often.

I was glad to hear that Bob D_____ is out of it now. I know how glad I'll be to get out and it must go double for "brown baggers" (that's slang for married men). Just think, he didn't go in until after I did and is out already. Guess that goes to show us would-be-heroes don't make out.

And Pinnegar is getting married. I will be damned, but if the girl is the one I met, she is a nice kid. Tell him if he can get married, I'm gonna quit worrying. I know I still have a chance. HA Don't forget to tell him.

"Yes," very definitely I remember Oscar's. He served the best hamburgers in San Diego, but I didn't think  Bob T_____ would.

"No," I've never been to a Jewish wedding. In fact, I've only been to a couple of weddings in my life. I don't care to attend them. Weddings and funerals are the same to me. HA 

"No, doll," there isn't much chance for me to get home on a weekend and you are right about the wagging tongues. I wouldn't want you to be the brunt of that sort of gossip. And as for a place to stay, you would have to get a hotel room. I would like to see you, honey, but it won't be too long before I get out. Then we can be together all we like.

I can't think of anything else to write, so I'll sing off for this time. Answer real soon.

I love you,

Jim

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Symphony of Life

March 18, 1854

Guantanamo Cuba

Cover of a Dale Evans comic book, ca. 1954

Hi Honey,

I'll answer your letter I got today while I have time. We have been pretty busy the last week and it shows no signs of letting up.

I wish you had some of this hot weather in Detroit that we have here. "Boy," it's still miserable, but not as bad as it was.

I'm just sitting here thinking how silly this training we are doing here is. We play war all the time. We are doing in "make believe" here what we did in Japan and Korea (the real thing) and here they make us do it the hard way. Discipline for the sake of discipline, I suppose. "Oh, well," only four more weeks. I can stand it that long, especially if there is a chance of seeing you when it's over.

You asked how long we talked. It was ten minutes. Seemed like only 2 or 3 to me. 

So, Ginny S____made the grade, eh!! Good for Ginny. Looks like everyone is gonna be married pretty soon.

I've heard of the movie "Symphony of Life," but I've never seen it. I hear from reports it's pretty good. 

[Editor's note: There have been a couple of films entitled "Symphony of Life" and released prior to the date of this letter, but my money is on the one produced by Dale Evans, wife of singing cowboy Roy Rogers. Norma was a big fan.]

Those two Banks boys you read about in the clipping are the same ones I know. Kendall is the one I pulled liberty with all the time. He was discharged last Friday. Charles is still here, He gets out just after I do. What is the name of your hometown? I'll see if they know where it is. They are from Whitesburg. They are brothers, in case the clipping didn't say.

"No," I haven't been sightseeing yet. I haven't had the time.

I gotta sign off now, doll. First "hop" goes out at 7:30 tomorrow, that means we get up at 5:30.

Answer soon.

I love you,

Jim

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The View From Providence

[Editor's note: Jim's envelope for this letter has the stamp turned upside down.]

March 1, 1954

Providence, R.I.

View aft across the flight deck of the U.S. Navy anti-submarine carrier USS Valley Forge
(CVS-45), during exercise "Tarmac" in 1954. 

Hello Sweetheart,

Nothing new here. What's new with you?

I hope your thumb is O.K. by now, but you have got to learn to keep it out of strange places. HA  Seriously, I hope it isn't mashed up very bad.

I was over in town today. It's like all the other seaport towns and I I don't care too much for what I've seen. Although it is better than Norfolk, Va., but what isn't.

Honey, each month I get two copies of "Daily Meditations For Busy People" from the church. One is addressed to "Jim Parker" and the other to "James Parker." The only thing I can figure is that two different people must be sending them and neither knows what the other is doing. So, how about you squaring them away on the subject, O.K.? I would appreciate it.

So, Polly and Jack when to Tennessee, eh? I didn't know anything about it. Also, I'm very glad to hear Danny doesn't have rheumatic fever, but just what has the kid got?

We get underway tomorrow for Norfolk, but we have 28 planes aboard, so we will have something to do besides "dilly dally" around. Then, we go to Cuba. I'll be glad when that run is over. (Cuba, I mean.)

Doll, I may as well sign off. I can't think of anything else to write. Say hello to everybody for me and answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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Dirty Jobs

July 14, 1953

San Diego, Calif.

A sailor's work is never done

Hi Doll,

What's cooking with the world's sweetest woman?

I'm tired. They have been working us pretty hard the last couple of days getting the ship cleaned up for the East Coast. Just think, only one more week before we shove off.

Well, I was interrupted for the moment. Some guy wanted to show me a picture of his dog who has just given birth to 8 puppies. Boy, we have some "beauties" in this Navy. 

I'm sitting here looking at the place where I have to work tomorrow. It's a gun tub that hangs over the side of the ship and we have to paint the bottom side of it. 

I sure am glad those things I mailed in Japan got there. Now maybe my brother and sister have gotten theirs and I can rest easy.

I had to stop [writing] last night when they turned the lights out, but I'm back again.

I'm glad you liked the things I sent and hope they fit as well as you said they did. I'm not much of a shopper, even for my own clothes. I don't care for the job.

There is a rumor that leave will start about the sixth of September on the East Coast, but it isn't official, so don't plan on it. I'll tell you as soon as I find out if it does. I'll take leave about the tenth of the month.

I know the lawyer slightly that you mentioned, Frank Hollis. Also, I think I know the girl. If I'm right, her name was Smith before she married. 

We have won 3 of 5 games since we hit the States. I'm playing the outfield. 

Yes, I was very serious about having duty on Christmas. I'm gonna try to get a few days leave, though, either Christmas or the New Year. If I can, do you think I could talk you into coming to Norfolk?

I must have the dirtiest job in the fleet. I'm sanding the overhang I mentioned before. I'll bet it hasn't been cleaned since the ship was commissioned. If I get it done this time, they will never get me back on it again.

Dot C____ should have told Dr. Parr the missing two weeks was the honeymoon. They were still acting like a couple of starry-eyed school kids.

Any plans you make are O.K. with me. It's been so long since I was home, I'll be like a lost duck in a snowstorm anyway.

And, as for having supper with the Cathys, I love to eat.

Don't forget that I have to go to Tennessee for a few days to see Mom & Pop.  You can go along, if you would like.

You are getting smart, letting your hair grow.

Only about five more days in this port and I'll sure be glad to leave here. 

I had better sign off for now before they turn the lights out on me again.

Answer soon.

All my love, 

Jim

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Even Tijuana Is Dead Boring

July 3, 1953

San Diego

Postcard for Tijuana, unknown date

Hi Sweet Thing,

What's cooking at home? You have probably guessed by now that I'm no mood to write. I just can't seem to do anything today.

A couple of us went to Tijuana last night but things were dead there. We were back aboard by midnight. 

We have been working on the ship taking platforms and overhangs off the side of it to be able to get her through the locks of the Panama Canal. 

I heard today that it (the ship) is going into dry dock for a complete re-conversion. If so, it won't be out for two years. I suppose all of us will go to other carriers.

So, Pinnegar is out and driving a new car already, eh? By the time I get home, all of the guys will be out.  Oh, yes, tell Pinnegar "hello." 

Darling, the picture is wonderful. I'm so really proud of it. But, I hadn't forgotten what you look like. I know you'll be the same cute little doll you were when I saw you last. 

Yes, baby!! If you were on the beach, they couldn't keep me aboard. In fact, I might quit playing ball to be with you more. And, honey, for me that would be a sacrifice. HA 

Look, gal, don't have that hair cut too short or I'll get you a wig. And I'm not fooling.

Well, I may as well shut up.

So, answer soon.

All my love,

Jim 

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How Much Is That Doggie In The Window

June 27, 1953

San Diego

Sheet music cover for Patti Page's big hit
ca. 1952

Hi Doll,

Boy, has this been a long day. I have liberty, but I don't care to go ashore. This town seems to be worse each time we pull in.

I was over for a little while yesterday, but I came back early. The place was too dead even for an old "dead beat" like me. HA 

By now you are home from "Cinci" and I hope your uncle is better. 

I tried to call you this afternoon. I wanted to surprise you, but it didn't work out so well. It was my fault. I should have told you I was calling. I'll call again if you will send your phone number. I had a hard time getting through without it.

I was listening to a couple of married "swabs" talking about their troubles the first few months they were married. It doesn't make very good copy, but it is good listening. HA 

One of them said he was married four days before his wife would go to bed with him. I think if that happened to me, I would be beating my head against the wall.

I sure am sweating out the time until I go on leave. I wish we were at sea, time seems to go faster out there. 

Just think, when my leave is up, I'll only have 14 months to pull. I'll sure be glad when it's over. I called my sister in Detroit yesterday. It sure was good to hear her again. She talks with more of a southern drawl than your mother. But you better not tell your mom I said that. HA 

If I'm not mistaken, today is supposed to be Norton L___'s wedding day. Did it come off alright? The wedding, I mean.

Jim's stationery for this letter

I'm just like that sailor at the top of the page. I can't think of anything, either. And speaking of page, I heard Patti Page sing "Doggie In The Window" and is it pretty. I can't get enough of it.

[Editor's Note: That's a fact. I heard "How Much Is That Doggie In The Window" sung by Jim from the time time I was a child until the day I went to college.] 

At first, I thought you took a train to Cinci, but I was re-reading a letter and it seems that you were trying to park on a hill, so I guess you drove down.

I may as well sign off. I can't seem to think of anything more.

Answer soon.

I love you,

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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22 Months And 8 Days To Go

March 3, 1953

Crash of a U.S. Navy F4U-4 Corsair from fighter squadron VF-124,
Carrier Air Group 12 (CVG-12) on the aircraft carrier
USS Oriskany (CVA-34) on 6 March 1953.

Hi Honey Doll, 

I'm back again. I wrote last night but I got three letters from you today and had better answer them while I have time because I have a feeling I won't have much time for anything the next few days. We are supposed to fly 125 sorties tomorrow and for a carrier, that's a lot.

I haven't done anything today, that is, since early this morning. I worked from 4 AM 'til 7 AM, then went back to bed, but for the next three days we will probably be flying 18 or 20 hours each day, so "Uncle Sam" will get even with me for sleeping all day.

If the present kind of weather keeps up, we can't fly tomorrow. I just looked outside and it is snowing like "hell." 

I hope your cold is better now, and as for my catching it by kissing you, I don't think there is any danger. If I can go through this type of weather without getting a cold, I'm sure I can kiss a sweet little girl without getting anything.

Happy birthday, darling, I hope you have many more and that I can spend some of them with you. 

[Editor's note: Norma's birthday was February 20.]

You must be drinking that wine like water. I could sure use a shot of it, O.K?

Speaking of dancing, I think I should warn you that I have to be pretty "tight" before I will get on the floor and most of the time I make a fool of myself, but still I like to try.

(Delayed)

March 6, 1953

Hi Kid,

I'm sorry I started this three days ago. I think before I expected the next three days to be rough, well, that's the understatement of the year. The only time we had was to eat and catch a couple of hours sleep once in a while. I repeat, I will be glad when this cruise is over.

A bomb went off on our partner carrier today, but no one was killed. A couple of guys got hurt a little, I think. It sure did cause a "hell" of a fire and tore the flight deck up pretty bad, so I hear.

[Editor's note: Jim seems to be describing an incident that occurred on the USS Oriskany on 6 March 1953. If that's the case, two crew members were killed and 13 others were injured.]

So, Johnny B______ is back in town, "eh?" I would like to see him. If I had gone into the army with him, I would be out now, instead of having twenty-two months and eight days to do.

By the way, the next time you see him, say "hello" for me.

Well, angel, I've got to close, or rather, "sign off."

Over and out.

Answer soon.

Love,

Jim

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Baby-san

March 2, 1953

at sea

Postcard featuring The Statler, ca. 1950

Hi Norma,

How's the world treating ya?

Today has been easy for us. We haven't flown a plane off the deck. Bad weather. But no snow, "thank goodness."

That Southern fried chicken at the Statler sounds pretty good. Also the drinks. I sure would like to go to a party like that. It's been a long time since I've been to anything.

I wish I could think of something to write. Last year, everything was new and usually I had something to talk about. But now, it's the same old stuff. 

Also, the pilots this time aren't "hot to go" like last year, so we don't have as many shot down. Also, they are better pilots. That may be the trouble. They are too "damn" good. We haven't had to fight a fire at all this cruise. 

I'm kinda sleepy. We got up this morning at three thirty and I just found out that I have to get up at four tomorrow morning. "Damn," we just can't win for losing.

If that brighter day don't get here pretty soon, I'm gonna quit looking. HA 

A little while ago the Captain got on the public address system and told us we were doing a fine job and that he was proud of us and all that sort of stuff. He said we should get into the States sometime in June, but no one know for sure yet.

Sure the offer to loan my coat still goes, but I had much rather keep you warm with my "Armstrong" heater, O.K? 

You mentioned Doris S______ which reminds me, George S______ should be home this month. 

A lot of the guys should be getting out right away. My two Tennessee buddies should be out soon. You don't know them, they are a couple of guys I grew up with. 

One of them got hit in Korea last year. The other is in Germany. Also, Bob D_____ should just about have his time in.

Excuse the change in [ink] color, but it's the best I can do.

No, I didn't say I wore a 13 sock. I wear 11 1/2. You're thinking of someone else, you know. HA  And the only colors I can wear are white or black.

I read "All The Ships At Sea." It is a good book. It's humorous all the way through. Tell that Lieut. Commander to come on back in. This Navy could use some good officers. 

Well, "baby-san," it's time I was signing off and hitting the hay. 

Answer soon.

All my love,

Jim 

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Short And Sweet

February 18, 1953

at sea

Scan of Jim's stationery for this letter

Hi "angel," 

This will have to be "short and sweet" because mail closes at midnight and it is pretty close to that now. Also, if I don't mail it tonight, it will be four days before I get another chance.

We are still flying day and night and it seems to get colder every day.

You asked if I thought I would make another cruise over here. "Yes," I suppose I will unless the war is over before next fall.

When I get out of the service, I don't know if I want to be a milkman or not. If I could find a job as a salesman for some company, I would like to give it a "whirl." But as far as I know now, I'll have to peddle milk for awhile, anyway.

So you read the "sex life of the american male," eh? I bet it was interesting. To a female, at least. 

I like the pictures real well. I don't want to send the one you wanted back unless I have to. Please, let me keep it, O.K?

I hear George S______ is due home in March, is that right? I suppose a lot of them will be coming home pretty soon.

Honey, I've got to sing off and mail this.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Front Row Seats In Heaven

January 11, 1953

At Sea

The gun captain prepares for his job of de-icing the gun on carrier
USS Oriskany (CVA-34) off the coast of Korea; January 1953

Hi "angel," 

Finally we had mail call. Yesterday it was. I only got one letter from you, but I guess there are some more held up some place.

We have hit bad weather again. It is raining outside and the sea is getting rough. The barometer (that's a device that forecasts bad weather) has been dropping since noon. It's now 6 or 7 in the evening and it is still falling. It looks like we're in for a bad one.

A couple of days ago we had a "pile-up." A jet caught a wire with his tail hook. It broke, then he caught another and it broke, too. So, he came on up the deck and hit the barriers. But the funny thing was a corpsman and a chief petty officer were chasing each other in circles around me. They are both new aboard ship and haven't seen many crashes, especially a bad one like that. They got tangled up in each other's legs and fell over the deck. 

I was laughing so hard I couldn't make any report of what was happening outside to the commander. He was yelling like hell, trying to find out what was going on, but as far as I know, he still doesn't know.

"Yes," I think we did make Japan the 22nd. I don't remember exactly.

You asked about the catapults and arresting gear. The "cats" are O.K., but the "A.G." is still on the "blink."

I don't know what Vera Ellen looks like in the movies. I never saw her in one. No, "the drunk swabbie" wasn't me. I wasn't quite "that" drunk. 

[Editor's Note: I am Norma's daughter, because I read the letter the same way and thought Jim was the "drunk swabbie" hitting on Vera Ellen, too.]

 I was still sober enough so that the guy she was with looked big and tough to me.

That "damn" shorthand is still confusing. If you ever want to "chew me out," that's a good way. I wouldn't know what you are saying.

[Editor's Note: Norma's shorthand skills were pretty good and she practiced them throughout her life. Especially at Christmas, when she tortured Jim and me by leaving her shopping lists around the house in plain view. The lists would show each of our names, in English, followed by a list of presents, in shorthand.]

Now, don't misunderstand me, I'm not a die-hard Republican. I voted that way this time, but it depends on circumstances how I vote. The next time I might vote Democratic. 

"No thanks," I wouldn't try to write 23 pages in one letter. I couldn't do it and even if I could, it would be too much trouble.

So, if I go to West Point, only in the Navy the place is Annapolis, you will serve under me, "eh?" If you will be a good junior officer, I'll give it a try. HA You know, honey, I could never be anything but nice to you. You are the reason they are saving front row seats in Heaven.

I told Lash what you said. He said I was a hopeless case, that nobody could have any influence on me. HA 

I was very sorry to hear about Cathy's father dying. I didn't know him but judging by the rest of them, he must have been a good "Joe." 

I've sat on the deck writing this letter and my "can" has gone to sleep. Hurts, too. HA 

I just got some bad news. I have to help set out the chairs for the movie tonight.

I didn't know that Cathy and Durham were engaged. Give them both my blessings and heartfelt congratulations.

Well, I have to sign off for now. Over and out.

Answer real soon, honey.

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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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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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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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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Port-Ward Bound

May 14, 1952

Port-ward Bound

Mt. Clemens (MI) racing legend, Dan Arena, with his boat, Miss Great Lakes II, ca. 1952

Hi Baby,

I started a letter to you last night, but I didn't get to finish it. So, I'll start a new one.

The last two days we were out here, we flew 24 hours a day. One time I was up 37 hours without a break.

So, I guess you know why I'm looking forward to our next rest period in port. 

A few more days of that and the only place for me would be the psych ward. HA.

We lost a couple more guys the last two days. If it keeps up, we'll come back to the States with nothing but a skeleton crew. 

Honey, I can't think of anything to write. We do the same thing almost every day, but we haven't got much longer to do it over here, about a month. 

"Oh, yes," I could tell you about the crack-up we had. A plane came in without landing gear (wheels) and really piled up and, as usual, we had a fire to put out. When I get [out, I'm going to get] a job with the Fire Department. I have enough experience. HA  "I'm a real gone little fire eater."

[Editor's note: Several years after leaving the Navy, Jim did work as a fireman for the Great Lakes Steel Company. The hours were terrible, the conditions were dreadful and the pay was almost as bad as the Navy.]

No, I didn't know that Char and Norma R_____'s husbands were Catholic, but I can't see where that should make a lot of difference. One of my buddies, a guy I pull liberty with a lot, is Catholic and he is a real good guy. 

We go out and get "tight" together and have a lot of fun. But I guess being married to one might be different.

In the Navy religion, race and creed don't make much difference. We figure the bullet that kills a Catholic can kill me just as dead, so everyone is the same. 

[Editor's note: Jim's comments make more sense if taken in light of the questions the Democratic party had in 1960 about whether John F. Kennedy was a viable president candidate given the fact that he was not Protestant. Kennedy's religion was very much a part of the public debate with people openly expressing fear that he could not govern without consulting the Pope and other concerns that look rather silly in hindsight.  

[Norma was a regular member of Gilead Baptist Church where a significant percentage of the group believed that the Catholic Church practiced idolatry when praying to saints for intercession. Placing statues of saints in churches was seen as installing "graven images," and, consequently, a violation of one of ten commandments.  Norma ended her engagement with her fiance at the beginning of her correspondence with Jim not because she hoped for a romance with him, but because her fiance was Catholic and she didn't want to raise her children in the Church. Being a good middle class girl of the time, she thought she needed to practice the same religion as her husband and would not have considered asking him to convert to her religion. When I was a teenager, I asked Norma what David, the fiance, thought about the whole children/religion issue and she said she had never discussed it with him. She assumed that religion would be a problem and returned his ring. 

[Ironically, I converted to Catholicism when I was in my 20s. I called Norma from New York City to tell her my decision and the brat in me couldn't resist asking her if she regretted dumping poor David now that her efforts to avoid Catholic children had come to naught. By that time, Norma had mellowed significantly and she knew I had inherited a bit too much of Jim's sense of humor. For my confirmation, she sent a rosary made of rubies.]

Tell me what's going on at home so I'll know what we can do when I come home and what you like to do. Personally, I like sports, all kinds of them. I would like to see the boat races on the Detroit River if I'm home while they're running. I haven't seen any water races since we left Seattle last year. 

Well, Norm, I've got to sign off for now. I'll write again tomorrow night.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Short And Sweet

March 18, 1952

Sea of Japan

Bob-Lo Island, a Detroit-area amusement park and summer tradition for nearly 100 years

Hi Norma,

How's the cutest, most lovable gal I know?

We're refueling today and I got a letter from you written March 4th. I got three the last refueling day written the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of March, so it looks like you're writing more than me, but believe me, I would write more if I had time. 

I got lucky a couple of days ago. I bought a chance on a raffle and won a rifle. I don't know what to do it with it. I don't need a gun over here, so I guess I'll raffle it off myself. HA  

So, the Red Wings are still in first place, "eh?" I would give almost anything to see them play. Also, I would like to see the Tigers play baseball.  [Editor's note: Maybe not. The Detroit Tigers' 1952 season would be one for the record books: the worst losing season in the franchise history (50-104).  It was a record that stood for more than 50 years and was finally broken in 2003 (43-119).]

I hear that Harold T______ is getting married or, in fact, I guess he is already married. Do you know him? I don't know his wife but I hear she is pretty good looking.

I guess it won't be much longer until all the beaches and amusement parks will be open. I hope I get home before they close. I always have more fun at an amusement park than just about anyplace else.

Well, good looking, this one is short and sweet, but I've got to stop anyway.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

P.S. I almost forgot, I'm sending some pictures we took on the flight deck. 

[Editor's note: Knowing that Norma saved Jim's letters for more than 50 years, divided in packets by year, arranged in chronological order, and each year bound with a silk ribbon, it's probably not hard to take a leap and assume Norma saved a lot. She had the heart of an archivist and carried an Instamatic or a Polaroid or a Point and Shoot with her as long as I can remember.  After Norma died and I was faced with sorting through her things, I found a bedroom dresser drawer filled to the top with snapshots. It was daunting. Going through those photographs and cataloging them is a longterm project of mine since I've inherited the Archivist Gene (and am a librarian by trade).

I have a vague memory from elementary school days of rummaging through snapshots of my dad's ship, the Valley Forge, and these were probably the pictures Jim sent to Norma in this letter. I have yet to come across them in the boxes of files from their house that are stored in my basement, waiting for me to excavate.  Like Norma, Jim never threw out a piece of paper on which he had scribbled a random poem or an idea for an editorial.

All of this to say that the librarian in me would love to include Jim's actual pictures (primary source documents, in my lingo) but they're not available.  At least, not yet.]

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Sodas At The Westwood

March 4, 1952

Off the coast of Korea

Drugstore soda fountain, Detroit. ©Robert Frank 1955.

Hi Norma,

"Whatcha got cookin'?"  

Well, I promised I would write some more tonight, so here goes.

We're back in Korea again, and, thank goodness, the weather is warmer but now it rains all the time. But one good thing, we don't have to shovel rain off the flight deck.

We have a boy on here that I feel sorry for. A week or so ago, he showed me a letter from his wife. It didn't read like a letter from a wife to her husband. It was more like some friend to friend letter; that was what had him worried. And today, he got a letter from one of his buddies telling him his wife was chasing around with just about every man in town. 

Now the kid is all "shook-up." He can't work or keep his mind on anything but his troubles at home. They just had a baby a couple of weeks before he left the States, too.

That's why I couldn't be married while I'm in the service. "Oh," well, it's nothing to me, but I still "feel" for the guy. 

There just isn't anything to talk about out here, but airplanes and I guess you're tired of hearing about them. When I come home, if anyone mentions airplanes to me, I'll kick their teeth in. At first I thought it would be really something to tell the folks back home about what went on over here, but if anybody tries to talk to me about this place, I'll tell them to read the newspapers. HA. 

Do you kids still go to Westwood pretty often? [Editor's note: It was an ice cream parlor located on Schaeffer Road near the Dearborn/Detroit border.] I used to go there at least once or twice a week. I liked the place. I got so familiar out there, I used to mix my very own sodas. 

Are you going to Canada again this summer? If you're there when I come home, I'll accept that invitation you gave me last summer and come up, but don't be running around in New York or some place like that. That's too far.

Did the Fletcher girls get O.K? I hope they did.

Norma, when I start writing short sentences like that, it's time to shut up.

Answer real soon.

Love, 

Jim

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A Man Without A Woman Is Like A Ship Without A Sail

Feb. 26, 1952

Yokosuka, Japan

"Yokosuka 1951 B," photo used courtesy of Edward P. McNally. 

Hi Norma,

How's the sweetest little girl I know? 

This leaves me O.K. enough. I'm tired. I went on the beach last night. Went to a night club called the "Palace Cabaret." It was almost like state-side, only the girls looked different.

There were two orchestras that played American music all the time. 

They also had a floor show. It was pretty good, but nothing to write home about. There was a little boy (about 6 or 7 years old) who did a tap dance routine. He was the best of the bunch.

And today I've got a headache. Some day I'm gonna quit that "stuff." It's fun while you're drinking but it's bad the next day.

"Boy," I could go for some of that ham and trimmings. It's been a long time since I ate a real good meal.

So you are going to New York, "eh?" That's one place I hope to go while I'm in the Navy, but it looks like I'll never go any place but the Orient. And I'm getting pretty tired of these dirty, rotten places.

I've been listening to hillbilly records and some popular [music] this afternoon. We have some pretty good ones and when I stay aboard ship, that's about all there is to do.

So, you heard I was going steady with Mary L______, "eh?" Well, who could have thought of that. Don't congratulate me, because I'm not engaged to anyone, but don't blame Dot H______. Maybe someone told her I was. I don't think she would have made that up, someone must have told her. Maybe Mary L_____ did, I don't know. But as far as me going steady with someone, I'm not.

I'm too young to think of those things. HA And besides, who would go steady with me, anyway?

I hope Pat & Dot F_______ are better by now. It must have been a nasty accident.

By the way, are Dot H_______ and Janell P_____ the same as the Associated Press around there? They must go miles out of their way to dig up headlines.

I liked the Valentine real well. Sorry I couldn't send you one, but there just aren't any over here.

I miss you more than the Valentine says you miss me. I wish I were home now. I would take the trip to New York with you, that is, if I were invited.

In New York, we could have some fun. You probably know the town (you've been there enough) and know the good places to go. And what I don't know, I can learn fast.

So Nort L___ is getting out, "eh?" It is about time. He was one of those unlucky guys who got extended when the war started.

So, Charlene & Norma R_____ are getting married. Tell me, Norma, why is everybody getting married? Are they tired of living or something? HA All kidding aside, I can't see why they want to do things like that.

No, I didn't exactly go crazy when I saw the Japanese gals. Some of them look pretty good, but most of them would stop an eight day clock. And I think if I ever do get married, I would prefer a hillbilly.

The surprise was that liberty started at 12:00 noon instead of 4:00 in the afternoon while we're in port. I think we're the first ship to get that.

So, a man without a woman is like a ship without a sail, "eh?" It seems I've heard something like that before. I don't know about me having a motor HA. That was pretty good.

Well, Norma, I've got to sign off for this time. This is the longest letter I've written in a long time.

Answer soon.

Your Admiral,

Jim

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