If You Can't Stand The Heat, Get Out Of The Phone Booth

July 20, 1953

San Diego, Calif.

Sailors on liberty in Manhattan, ca 1950

Hi Darling,

Since this is the last day in port for awhile, I had better write.

As I told you on the phone this afternoon, we pull out tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock.

I'm really hot to get underway. I'm tired of this place.

I hear we will stop on the Pacific side of the [Panama] Canal for one day and on the Atlantic side for three days.

We arrive in Norfolk the 5th of August, leave again around the 10th for a cruise up to Nova Scotia to show those people how a good carrier operates and we go into dry dock the 5th of September.

"No," I didn't have the snapshots made yet. No excuses. I just didn't get around to it yet.

A guy gave me the keys to his locker when he went on leave. He came back this morning at 4 o'clock. He said when he first asked for his keys, I said, "Go away you 'so and so', I haven't got your keys." 

I don't remember saying that. About the third time he called me, I woke up.

Just goes to show that false teeth may come in handy when you start waking me up.

You asked about Lash. Well, "pore ole" Lash, he's "done been had." He came back from leave today a married man. 

I guess men will never learn, but he says married life is o.k. At least he didn't lose any weight.

Speaking of getting married while I'm on leave, "Honey," I would like to. In fact, I would like nothing better. But it wouldn't be any good for you. Or me, for that matter.

I would be away most of the time. If I had shore duty then you could live near the base and I could come home every night, but while I'm on a ship, I won't be in the States very much. 

That phone booth I was talking from this afternoon was the hottest place I've ever been in. I almost melted away while I was in there. 

I'm pretty tired tonight and have to get up pretty early tomorrow.

So 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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I Don't Ever Want To Read My Letters

July 7, 1953

San Diego, Calif.

American soldiers teach Korean children to
play baseball, ca. 1952

Hi Doll,

There is a guy sitting along side of me reading some of his old love letters. Some of them are pretty humorous. If my letters sound like the ones he has gotten, I don't ever want to read any of them. 

Honey, I have a confession to make. After I called you and you weren't home and I was waiting for your phone number, I went out a few times and now I'm broke, so I can't call until after the 15th, that's payday. HA 

[Editor's Note: At the time Jim wrote this letter, long distance phone calls were very expensive for the average consumer and the use of credit cards was rare.  Phone calls for someone in Jim's situation would have been placed from a "pay phone," a phone for public use that allowed callers to insert change in the main unit of the phone. An AT&T operator would tell the caller how much it cost to call from his location to another party, per minute. The operator had access to the unit to insure that the correct amount of change was placed for a specific number of minutes of use. If the caller didn't insert enough money to pay for the length of the call, the operator terminated the connection.  There were no answering machines in homes at this time, so people often made arrangements to be at a specific place in order to receive a call, especially if  they expected one from a loved one. Click on this link to a Wikipedia article that explains how phone calls have changed over time.]

If the fishing gear has arrived, your bed jacket should have been with it because I mailed them both at the same time. Also, I mailed a housecoat about two weeks later. You should be getting them pretty soon.

I sure hope so. I'm worried about them.

We have been practicing baseball a lot lately and we have three games this week, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. I hope to pitch one of the games. 

I've drunk about 4 cups of coffee while writing this letter and still can't think of anything to say.

How much notice do you have to give M.B.T. [Michigan Bell Telephone] before you go on vacation?

I want you to take it while I'm home, but I still don't know exactly when my leave will start.

"Oh, yes," I'll send the keys to the suitcase in this letter, if I don't forget it. If I do, I'll send them in the next one.

Guess what, as usual I had duty the 4th of July and couldn't even get off this tub and the way it stacks up, I'll have duty Christmas Day. I never make out at anything. 

I didn't mention it lately, but I love you, Norma, more every day.

That's why I want you to take a vacation while I'm home. I want to be with you all I can.

Sweet thing, us athletes - HA - must get our rest and it is close to midnight.

Answer soon.

I love you,

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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Happy Valley

June 25, 1953

San Diego

USS Valley Forge a.k.a "Happy Valley"

Hi Doll, 

Well!! We finally made it. I was beginning to wonder, but we did.

There were 7,600 people on the dock, the largest crowd that ever met a ship in "Dago," I think. I wish you had been one of them.

I have duty tonight and can't get ashore. Just my luck the first day in.

The "ole U.S.A." sure looks good. In fact, I can't think of anything better, although it seems only a short while ago that we pulled out.

I'll be glad when we leave here for Norfolk. I'm anxious to see that side.

Honey!! those things I bought in Japan will have to go. They say we must have them off the ship by the 14th of July. Some of it is yours and some it mine. So, if it is O.K., I'll mail it to you.

I have the midwatch tonight. That is the midnight to 4 in the morning shift. I suppose there isn't much reason for me to go to bed. It must be 10 o'clock now. The watch is easy, but I don't like the hours.

Yes!! I think I'll get 30 days leave this time. If I don't, they will hear from me.

So, you are having trouble with the neighbors? My ex-landlady said they were, too. They are trying to sell their house, also. They live near Livernois and Joy Road.

Baby!! I had better sign off and try to get some sleep before I go on watch.

Answer soon.

I love you, Doll, 

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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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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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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In The MIddle Of It

October 1, 1952

San Diego, Calif.

Scan of Jim's stationery,
ca. 1952

Hi Norma,

Don't pay any attention to my "griping," but this place gets worse all the time. I'll sure be glad when we shove off for Japan. I wish our home port was "Frisco" or Seattle, any place besides here.

When I was home I asked Norman D_____ (Bob's cousin) where Bob was going. He said "to Austria." I remarked that he was lucky to be getting duty there. Norman said, "Whatta ya mean lucky? If a war starts over there, he will be in the middle of it." I didn't say anything, but I thought of the guys who have been in the middle of "it" for the last two years in Korea and most of them would give their right arms and eye teeth to get duty in Austria.

The name of that race track is Del Mar, but I didn't get to go back and the racing season is over now.

No, I've never been to Hollywood, but I've been to Los Angeles once and was only about 20 miles from Hollywood.

When I get away from "Dogo," I usually go to Long Beach. I have a few friends there. If you want to see the place, come on out, and I'll show you around. I don't know much about the place, but we could learn it together.

Tomorrow we go out for three weeks. We are taking 800 Marines and a bunch of Marine helicopters along to practice making invasions from carrier based air craft. 

Well, kid, I've got to sign off. 

Answer soon.

Love, 

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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Don't Wait Up, Mama

September 16, 1952

San Diego, Calif.

Michigan Central Station, in Detroit,
where Jim would have caught a train heading West

Hi Norma,

How's the kid?

I intended to write sooner, but as soon as I got back, we went out to sea for a week and as soon as we came back in, I transferred me to an atomic defense school. It only lasts one week, so I'll be back on the ship next Saturday.

It is real interesting. I would like to attend it for a couple of months. 

The next time I come home, I'll tell you all about the atom bomb. HA 

I was really tired from the train ride back, but I've almost recuperated now. And almost recuperated from those "heatings" you gave me, too.

Did your father come through his operation, O.K? I hope so.

[Editor's note: Norma's father, Clyde Cornett, had been diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent a successful colostomy, something that was rare when he had the surgery in 1952.] 

Last Thursday, we had a plane "pile up" and a real bad fire. One guy in my division was burned pretty bad getting the pilot out. They say he will be in the hospital from six to eight months. The pilot wasn't hurt very bad, just second degree burns on his face, but our boy had third degree burns from the waist down. The flesh was burned away and hanging loose from him body.

One of my buddies gets discharged tomorrow and we are going out to celebrate. So, "don't wait up, mama. I may be kinda late coming home." HA

Last Sunday, I went to my buddy's house for dinner. Afterwards, we wanted to go to Tijuana to see the bullfights, but his "old lady" wouldn't let us, so we wound up taking her bowling. 

That's married life for you. Not for me, I'm too young and inexperienced. 

Well, I've got to close. 

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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A Lost Calf In A Whirlwind

July 18, 1952

San Diego, Calif.

Bette Ford, an American, had a successful career as a
matador in Mexico during the mid1950s

Hi Norma,

What's cooking, chicken?

Whatta ya know, all my life I've loved baseball and always wanted to meet people concerned with the game and never had a chance, and you who a few months ago didn't know right field from "left out" go into the offices of one of the largest baseball companies in the world and see all the big wigs. Guess I was borned a few years too soon.

[Editor's note: For a woman with a modest demeanor, Norma had remarkable connections. When I was in college, I followed the Detroit Tigers and had a crush on one of the players, Steve Kemp. One Christmas morning, I opened a present "From Santa," to find a pair of ratty, old cleats tied together by the laces. Norma was snapping away on her instamatic and beaming like a madwoman.  "What? Why?" I sputtered as I held the shoes in the air. "They're Steve Kemp's! Merry Christmas!" As it happened, Norma worked with the father of the Tiger's batboy who was told about my crush and fished Kemp's cleats out of the garbage as a souvenir. An autographed baseball was also in the box. One of my favorite Christmas presents ever.]

"Yes," I've heard of Johnny McHale but he was too far before my time. I don't know much about him. 

Last Sunday I went down to Mexico. It was pretty nice down there, but I can't understand a word of Spanish. When I left Japan, with what little "Gook" I know and motions I make, I could get along pretty good as far as language was concerned. But in Mexico, I'm just a "lost calf in a whirlwind." 

Next Sunday, I think I will go back and see the bull fights. 

I heard "Shepherd of My Heart." I really like it but I haven't heard "Full Time Job" as yet. 

Sometimes I wish we were back in Japan again. I kind of like it over there compared to sitting around here in San Diego. I sure do hate this place. 

You said Doris's being pregnant was becoming to her. That's the first time I ever heard that. It is probably true. It's just that I never thought about it that way. And if I remember right, Doris would be beautiful in any condition. 

We had another example of why men shouldn't be married in the service "come home to roost" today. One of the guys who went home the first day in port came back and told us his wife had been living with another guy. He didn't seem to give a "damn," but I think he was "acting," because he must have loved her. He was one of the few married men in our division who didn't go out with women in Japan. He sent all of him money home and stay aboard the ship most of the time.

I knew his wife. I met her in Seattle last summer. She seemed like a pretty nice gal. "Boy," it will be a cold day in "hell" when I marry while I'm in this outfit. 

And I guess the worst of it is, they have two kids. 

Well, honey, I've run out of stationery, so I'm forced to quit.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Bikinis Are Second Choice

July 5, 1952

San Diego, Calif.

Norma's senior picture, ca. 1949,
found in Jim's wallet after his death in 2000

Hi Norma,

Got two letters yesterday and was glad to hear from you.

The picture was very pretty. I like it very much.

Hey, kid, tell me something to say. I can't think of anything.

We played ball yesterday and got beat 8 to 3. I didn't even get on base. Guess I'm too old for the game.

Two years ago, I would have knocked the ball down the pitcher's throat, he wasn't very good. I guess that 9 months overseas must have slowed me down a bit.

That glamorized pose you were photographed in is pretty nice. 

And if you hadn't told me that was a slip, I would sworn it was a bra. "Yes, sir," I go for those plunging necklines. I think they are the best invention yet. HA And next to them comes bathing suits. (Bikini style, of course.) 

[Editor's note: Well, no surprise here, I can't find snapshots of my mother wearing only her slip in the family photo albums.]

When I'm teaching you to park, you should wear a bathing suit because I think much better when I haven't got my mind on what I'm doing. HA 

I have duty today and can't leave the ship. It sort of gripes me too, I would like to be on the beach (in town, to civilians).

I started this last night there wasn't any use of finishing it because I didn't have any stamps. I got some today.

My buddy and I went over for a while and fooled around. We saw "Captain China" and "Fort Worth." Both were pretty old, but pretty good.  We also bowled 4 games. We didn't do too bad for a couple of guys who hadn't bowled for nine months. My "high" was 171 and his was 173.

I wish Aug. 16 would come soon. I'm sort of anxious to get home. 

It must be real hot back there, out here it is just fine.

I got weighed today for the first time in 9 months and I'm down to 158. I weighted 185 when I left home. Pretty soon, I'll have to bend over to cast a shadow. 

Well, Norm, I've got to sign off. Answer soon.

Love,

Jim

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Fly Boys

April 24, 1952

Lost at sea

"The Bridges of Toko-ri," inspired by events on the Valley Forge

Hi Baby,

Tomorrow is refueling. Mail goes off and comes aboard, too. "Thank goodness!!" I've written you one letter this week already but it never hurts to write a cute girl two times in one week.

I'm so tired I can hardly keep my eyes open and once in a while I notice my hand start to shake. When I get like that its time for me to go to bed, but I can't until around 11:30. It's about 8:00 PM now.

In fact, the only things that keeps me awake are coffee and cigarettes. This stuff has got to cease pretty soon or they won't have any men left. 

We got 7 replacements last month for men who have been sent to hospitals or to stations where the duty is lighter, but they won't transfer me. I'm too dumb to do anything else, I guess. HA. 

"Well," another one of our pilots got the Purple Heart, a medal for bravery. He got hit in the canopy with shrapnel and it cut his face pretty bad, but he brought it in anyway, so therefore the Navy figures he is a brave man. Personally, I do, too. 

[Editor's note: the pilot Jim describes is listed in the Valley Forge Action Report incident dated 4-23 as "LCDR D.E. Brubaker VF 194." James Michener, who was a reporter stationed on the Valley Forge at the time, interviewed Brubaker and he is thought to have inspired the Brubaker character in Michener's book, "The Bridges at Toko-ri." I have long known that Jim thought James Michener was the best novelist of the 20th century, but I didn't realize that they were on the Valley Forge at the same time or that the novel is based on an incident that occurred while Jim was on the ship. Time for me to read the book.]

I wish I had the "guts" some of these "fly boys" have. It takes a lot of nerve to do what some of those guys do. 

It is beginning to look like we will be out here 30 days again this time. I was hoping we wouldn't stay so long, but it's official, Norm, we hit the States the 3rd of July. "Hurrah." We call it "Dogo" (San Diego Day) or "D" Day.

"Hey, Norm," what happened to the Tigers? The last time I saw the standings, they hadn't won a game and had lost 7. I guess they're missing my moral support. HA 

If I get home before the season is over, I won't do anything but see ball games. 

Norm, I'd better sign off for this time.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Going Back To Work

April 16, 1952

Lost at sea

USS Valley Forge, ca. 1950, with planes ready for duty

Hi Norma - you sweet thing,

How's the little girl tonight? I'm O.K. I guess the only thing wrong with me is I've got to go to work again tomorrow. We left port yesterday morning and that life in port was really good while it lasted.

The Navy loses money on us when we go in for a rest, none of us do anything. That is, the guys in the Air Dept. The guys like cooks and office workers work as much in port as they do at sea. We call them the "sissies" of the fleet. They envy us because we get all the glory when there is any to get.

We have to fly tomorrow to refresh the pilots. They haven't flown in more than two weeks and that's a long time for a carrier pilot to lay off. They should fly every day. Tomorrow they won't fly strikes. They will go up, circle the ship a few times, and land to get the "roll" of things again. 

If everything goes according to plan, we will be in San Diego in 79 days. That will be the first or second of July.

I think we must have hit the same storm over there that you did coming home from New York. It has rained here for two days and the wind, at times, was terrific. It looks as if you guys got out of the "Big Town"just in time.

You said you liked to stay in motels. I do, too. They are always outside of town and its quiet and peaceful. I always stayed in them when I went from Detroit to Tennessee and vice versa, that is, when I didn't drive non-stop.

Norma, honey, I've got to sign off. We start flying at 4:30 tomorrow, that means we get up at 3:30.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Down Mexico Way

USS Valley Forge

Sept. 16, 1951

Artwork from Jim's stationery, ca. 1951

Hi ya Norma,

Guess I'm behind a little in my letter writing, but I've been a pretty busy Sailor lately.

I lost the last letter I got from you.  I put it on my bunk and went away for a few minutes and when I came back, it was gone.

But I remember you said you took a shot for smallpox.  HA! Bet it's still sore.  Mine was for about two weeks.  I haven't gotten any since I came aboard ship, but I'll be getting them before long.

"Boy," things sure are dull around here.  There's isn't much for a Sailor to do in San Diego.  I've been in lots of towns on the west coast and Diego is the worst yet.  

I guess you're in church by now.  Sure wish I was there.  On the weekend is the only time I want to be home very bad.

I think I told you we were pulling out the last of September, but I don't think we will, now.  I think it will be the last of October.  

So, your girlfriend's husband got discharge, "eh?" The lucky swab. 

Today is my anniversary.  I've been in this Navy 8 months.  I've got 3 years & 4 months to go. Sounds like a long time, doesn't it?  Well, "by gosh," it is. HA. 

Do you ever hear anything about Larry T_____? Where he is stationed and what he is doing?  It seems I got a letter last week from someone in Detroit which said George S______ was being called in the 14th of September.   Do you know anything about that?  

I'm going to Mexico tomorrow night.  I haven't been there yet, so maybe I can tell you what the women look like when I get back.

Well, Little Mate, it's time for this old salt to sign off.

Answer soon.

Your sea-going pal, 

Jim

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Some Days, There's Just Nothing But Work

USS Valley Forge

Sept. 10, 1951

Hello Norma,

How's things at home?

This leaves me O.K.  This salty air seems to be doing me good.  HA! 

I know I haven't written you in a long time, but I've really been busy the last month.  We go out and stay all week and we work from 15 to 19 hours almost every day.  Today they let us off early.

Did Chuck and Hannah get married yet?  Tell him if they haven't, he had better hurry up things before I come home.  HA! 

I don't like San Diego at all.  It costs too much to pull a decent liberty.  

But it's supposed to be the worst liberty town in the U.S.

Did George S______ ever get called into the Army yet?  Also, John S____ and Jimmy L_____?

You should be out here with us and watch the planes land and take off.  It is a lot of fun, but's its beginning to get a little old.

I guess you had your vacation in Canada already.  I belt you had a lot of fun.

I think we'll be shoving off for Pearl Harbor in October.  Then from there, we go to the battle zone.  If those guys can hold on until we get there, we'll end it right away.  HA! 

During our battle training, just completed, we received a mark of good,  I think the "old man" (Captain) was pretty proud of us.

Well, kid, I had better sign off for now.

Answer soon.

Your buddy, 

Jim

There is no mail coming in or going off.  So, I don't know when I'll get to mail this.

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