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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The Iron Mistress

February 7, 1953

Yokosuka, Japan

Jim's stationery, ca. 1953

Hi Angel,

I haven't heard from you in so long it isn't funny, but I may not have answered your last letter, so I'll try to write.

I can't think of anything to say, except we are pulling out tomorrow, going back out to the line. The next liberty port we hit will be Hong Kong and if they have any pajamas like you wanted, I'll get you a set or suit or pair (I don't know which). HA  They don't have any quilted ones in Japan. I've looked all over.

How would you like a silk jacket with an emblem on the back? I'm gonna get one for myself. I'll tell you more about it, it's waist length and very thin. The emblem consists of tigers, dragons, and suchlike. I like the look of them, but I don't suppose they are any good, except as a souvenir.  

Do you like rings and bracelets? If you do, tell me and I'll get you some.

I saw "The Iron Mistress" last night and thought it was great. The best movie I've seen in a long time.

Uh oh. They just brought one of the boys in and poured him in his bunk. One too many didn't do that. It took 4 or 5. HA

I'm back again. I took time out to eat a sandwich that my buddy brought from the beach. Ham & egg, it was pretty good, too, want a bite?

I suppose it is cold in Detroit. I can remember mornings in Detroit getting up at 4:30 to go to work. It makes me shiver, but I wish I was still doing it.

Honey, I wish I were home tonight. Know what we would do? Go to some quiet place and talk. I'm in the mood for some peaceful conversation, but not in a letter. I can't talk in a letter.

I've gotta go doll, so answer soon.

All my love,

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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Drink Coffee, Smoke Cigarettes, Tell Lies

December 19

Friday night

in Detroit it's Thursday morning

"Steel Beach Party," sailors working on their tans on deck
[possibly on the USS Philippine Sea]
during down time, ca. 1952

Hi "Sweet Thing,"

We are still moving on two screws but it is painfully slow. But if we don't have anymore trouble, we should still make Yokosuka on schedule. 

A diver will go down there to find out what is wrong. If it is very serious, we will have to go into dry-dock to fix it. That suits me. I like dry dock duty.

It's still dull out here. All we do is drink coffee, smoke cigarettes, and tell lies. If I could remember all the sea stories I've heard, I would write a book when I get out. HA 

The Navy has the reputation of being the BEG PARDON [crossed out spelling mistake] "cussing-est" men in the world. And it should hold the record most and biggest liars. 

I don't seem to be able to spell anything right tonight. 

One of the guy's wife is having a baby pretty soon and he says if it's a boy he is naming him after me. Tell me (I'm pretty dumb on such matters), does that make me the godfather or not?

I hope I have a letter from my mother when we get to Japan. I've only heard from her one time since I left the States. 

And my brother and sister never answer any of my letters, so I've stopped writing them completely. Oh, well, I guess they haven't got time to waste writing to a brother they haven't seen but two or three times in the last six years.

I hear we might be going to Hong Kong, China, in March for a few days. I hope we do. I want to see the place.

Well, Norm, I can't think of anything else to say, so I'll shut up.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Sweet Thing

December 13, 1952

Lost at sea

Hi Norma,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love, 

Jim

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One Kiss Per Lesson

April 21, 1952

Lost at sea

Scan of Jim's stationery for this letter

Hi Norma,

It looks like I started writing at the wrong time. The "sea apes" (men in the gunnery department) just started firing their 5 inch guns. Practice, of course, at least I hope. And they really jar this tub.

Norm, this letter will probably be pretty short. I'm so tired I can hardly sit up. In the last 4 days we've had about 16 hours of sleep and its about to catch up with me.

This captain of ours must be trying to win the war by himself. And the help of his crew, of course. I wish we had another "old man," one with a little more sense. 

We lost another pilot yesterday. A lieutenant named "Les" Workman. His plane was shot up pretty bad and went down in Wonsan Harbor. He bailed out, but his "chute" didn't open. So, that was all "she" wrote, he was a good guy, too. 

I've been reading a little bit about the telephone strike, but I don't know much about it. 

[Editor's note: after graduating from high school, Norma worked as a stenographer for "The Phone Company," as ATT was known at the time.]

So, Charlene and Norma R_____ are getting married, "eh?" Well, if they don't know any better, I guess it's alright. Personally, I can't see why anyone would want to get married nowadays. 

It really is spring over here now. I'm down to one pair of pants. HA  Before long, I should be down to none. "Oops," shouldn't have said that. HA  

I don't know if my six easy lessons [for learning how to park a car] include homework or not. It depends on the pupil. Of course, pretty often we get to park and talk over your mistakes, if any. My fee is one kiss per lesson, but if you want to throw in a few "tips," that's alright, too.

Just hang on to those Patti Page and Doris Day records 'til I get home and I'll drive you "nuts" playing them so much. 

I want a wallet-size photo of you. If it's any bigger, I've got no place to keep it.

No, I wouldn't say that I'm bashful. Let's just say I'm a little shy around women. 

"Well," kid, I've got to sign off for now.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Hi Baby

April 10, 1952

Yokosuka, Japan

Hi Baby,

What's cookin'? By now you should be home recuperating from your New York tour. "Boy," I sure would have liked to have been with you on that trip.

Maybe someday we can take it together, "huh?"

I got the package you sent yesterday and it was wonderful, all of it. The cookies were the best I ever ate, bar none, and the cake was real good, too. The popcorn wasn't very fresh, but it helped to keep the other things fresh.

You should see the guys crowd around when one of us gets a package from home. Usually the one who gets it, gets less of what's in it than anyone else. But when someone else gets a package, I'm always there to get my part.

Thanks for it, Norm. I think you're the sweetest girl I know.

The weather here was real warm today. I did some baseball practice today. I threw some (I'm supposed to be a pitcher) and my arm didn't bother me at all, but my left leg did. Every time I threw a fast ball, it hurt in my hip. I guess it will work out when hot weather comes. If you don't understand baseball, you probably don't know what I'm talking about. If you don't, I'll teach you when I come home.

[Editor's note: Jim was a bit of a baseball legend in his hometown.  Nearly 20 years after he left for Detroit, I spent the summer of '67 with my grandmother. Some of the old timers happened to stop by for a chat with Mrs. Parker one afternoon and discovered I was Jim's kid.  "Let me tell you about your dad. He was the best," said one. "Oh, yeah," offered the other old guy. "We always went down to watch him play.  Threw faster and harder than anybody. Never saw anyone who could play like him."]

"Man," I can't get over all those places you've been. When I come home, you probably won't even look at me.

Honey, if you can get high on a Sloe Gin Fizz and Tom Collins, you won't be very expensive to go night clubbing with, but I sure would have like to have seen that. I almost "busted" just reading about it. HA Have you sobered up yet? HA 

No, I don't think you're terrible, you just let yourself loose a little. The trouble with some people is that they hold too tight a rein on themselves and never let go.

Guess I've been letting go too much lately.

Two buddies and I went over about a month ago. It was about 2:00 and the club wasn't open so we bought  two fifths of whiskey, they are about 4/5 of a quart each. We drank them and by this time all of us were pretty high. Then the place started opening up. We went to the "Grand Palace" cabaret, had some beer and mixed drinks, then I drank 3 shots of champagne and that was "it."  I had done been "had," as we say in the Navy. 

I don't pitch those kind very often, I guess it was the only once since we left the States.

That tap room where you celebrated looks pretty nice in the picture. Does it have a dance floor?

That sleeping until 11:00 sounds pretty good. Wish I could pull that stuff sometime.

We're back in port now, but we're leaving next Monday. We only had 9 days in port this time. No, I'm not very busy, now. In fact, in port we don't do anything but kill time. One of the guys said a sailor was nothing but a professional "time killer" and I guess that's about true, but at sea nothing is farther from the truth.

From the way you write, you did nothing on that trip but sightsee and sleep, but I suppose that's what you went for.

The trouble with me is that when I start sightseeing, I always wind up doing something else, usually drinking. If I don't stop, you're going to think I'm a "bum," but honest, I don't drink much when I'm home. There are too many other things to do and most of the people I go around with in Detroit don't drink much, but over here all the sailors drink. So when I go ashore, there isn't much else to do. 

Well, "honey," I've got to sign off. I've run out of things to say.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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The Wayfaring Beauty

April 8, 1952

Yokosuka, Japan

Times Square, 1952

Hi ya Norma,

So, my little girl's on another globe-trotting spree, "eh?" I'm gonna stop calling you Norma and start calling you the "Wayfaring Beauty." 

It sounds like you are having fun and, as for me being there with you, all I can do is wish I were there, too. I've always wanted to go to New York City and with a girl like you, it would be even more wonderful.

I don't know if I want to ride with you driving or not. What do you think you are, a hot rodder? HA Any woman driving over 40 mph used to scare me to death. But then maybe I scare some people with my driving, too.

Is Times Square as ritzy as I've always heard?

You had better be careful when you go into that bathroom that connects the two bedrooms. The wrong one of them might be in there. Or if it was the wrong one, you could scream and I would come running. HA Or, swimming. 

"Oh," by the way, do the springs on the bed squeak? You remember the bed you slept in on vacation in Syracuse, New York last year had squeaky springs.

This carrier is a C.V. Class, so if Marie's husband is a sailor, he should know what it is. It is next to the largest the U.S. has.

Yes, I've seen the French uniforms. To me, they look more peculiar than anything else. 

All navy's uniforms are something similar to each other. The first county to have a navy used uniforms something like these, so every other country copied it. The reason the Navy (U.S., that is) hasn't changed uniforms before is that it is tradition and the Navy doesn't like to break tradition. 

Well, "honey," I've got to sign off for now.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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"Just A Little Lovin' (Will Go A Long Way)"

April 2, 1952

Lost at sea

Sheet music cover, "Just A Little Lovin'," ca. 1948

Hello Norma, 

How's the sweetest, most lovable girl I know? 

Well, guess what, we're on our way into port again and believe me I'm ready. We've been out for thirty days this time and that's too much for me. And none of that "wild side of life" for me this time in. I'm gonna rest. I'm tired of them "Gooks" anyway.

Still nothing new over here, always the same old routine.

Before I forget, I want to thank you for those clippings you sent. I like to keep up with baseball and hockey and even if the news is a few days old it's better than nothing.

I haven't written you for almost a week now, but I'll write more often while we're in port. 

I got caught in a jet blast yesterday, that's the exhaust of a jet plane and it is powerful, believe me. It almost blew my clothes off me. HA

So now you're comparing me with that guy in the Fibber McGee and Molly show, "eh." I used to listen to them when I was a kid back on the farm in Tennessee, but I haven't heard them in a long time. No, I don't mind my new nickname. You can call me anything as long as you don't call me too late for chow. HA

I "sorta" envy you getting to sleep all day. I think when I come home I won't do anything but sleep. But I know when I come home I'll sleep less than I do now.

I started this last night but I didn't get to finish it. We had an easy day today. When we're on our way to Yokosuka, Japan, we don't do anything at all. This morning I worked for maybe thirty minutes and this afternoon I didn't do "nuttin". 

And the weather is lots warmer down here. We're off the coast of the Japanese home islands. It is a lot farther south than the operating zone we just left. 

If you look on a map, you will see Yokohoma Japan is only 35 miles from Yokosuka. Yokosuka maybe not be on the map, it's pretty small. Between Japan and Korea, you will see the Sea of Japan, that's where we're operating, north of the 38th parallel. 

[Editor's note: Jim was fascinated by geography. Growing up we had a hefty atlas kept at the ready for dinner discussions of current events and one of Jim's favorite Christmas presents from Norma was a globe. He kept it next to his favorite chair in the living room for easy and frequent perusal.]

I think Eddy Arnold is the best "hillbilly singer there is. I also like Hank Snow. 

[Editor's note: As long as I can remember, people have remarked on the physical resemblance between Jim and Eddy Arnold, but I never saw it. I asked him once if he thought he looked like Eddy Arnold. He just grinned and said, "Nope."]

Well, kid, I've got to sign off. I'll try to write again tomorrow.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

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Love From Now On

March 2, 1952

Yokosuka, Japan

Rayve print ad featuring Sally Forrest, ca. 1951

Hi Norma,

I just got your letter today and was real glad to hear from you. And if I don't answer it tonight, I don't know when I'll get a chance. We are pulling out tomorrow and I have a feeling this will be the roughest trip of all. With the weather beginning to break, we will probably start some sort of spring offensive and we will be flying day and night.

I will write every chance I get but I can't promise how often that will be.

I went to a movie tonight. We saw "Bannerline" with Sally Forrest. "Boy," is she a looker. I don't even remember who the male lead was. [Editor's note: It was Keefe Brasselle and who can blame Jim.]

"Honey," you don't wish I was home any more than I do. In fact, I would give my left arm and eye teeth to be there. HA. I think we are supposed to come home in June. That is only three months, not very long.

"Hey," you called yourself a "woman." I remember you as a girl, not a little girl, but one just before she becomes a woman. 

But maybe I've been gone longer than it seems to me.

If I had been at that banquet there wouldn't have been anything left. You should see me eat when we come into port. 

When they hear the Valley Forge is in town, all the restaurant owners take on a new supply of food just for me. 

Norma, they just sounded "taps," so I've got to sign off. I'll try to write again tomorrow.

Answer soon.

Love, 

Jim

[Editor's note: On the front of the envelope, Norma wrote "Love from now on," and "Honey."] 

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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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You Bundle Of Beauty

Feb. 23, 1952

Sat. night

Poster for the film, "Flame of Araby," ca. 1951

Hi Norma, you bundle of beauty,

I received your letter yesterday. It was the first one in about ten days. 

I was beginning to wonder why you didn't write, but I found out when I read your letter. I don't know why you haven't heard from me in 3 weeks because I've been writing at least every 4th day. You will probably get them all at the same time.

It takes about two weeks for an air mail letter to get here and three weeks for a regular letter.  And sometimes, like a couple of weeks ago, we go 8 or 10 days without having mail-call.  Then some letters I get are mailed a month before I get them. 

Yes, I've heard of Joan Caulfield. In fact, a picture that she is in is playing, or rather soon will be playing, at the base theatre here in Yokosuka. I saw it advertised tonight, but I've forgotten the name of it.

I saw the "Flame of Araby" tonight. It had Maureen O'Hara and Jeff Chandler. Pretty good, too.  

I don't know how you [can stand] that spaghetti (if I didn't spell that right don't blame me, I copied yours). That is one food I can't stand. When we have it on ship, I don't go to chow.

In fact, we haven't had a good meal on this tub in months.

So, you think you're a pretty good driver, "eh?" Well, wait until I come home and I'll give you some pointers. That is, if I can still drive myself. It's been so long since I drove a car, I may have forgotten.

I heard that Eddie C____ got hurt at the roller skating party. Do you know anything about it? Maybe he was trying to make time with some girl and one time too many.

You must be a pretty good skater. I wish I cold skate. I can stand up O.K. but I have to run into the wall or something to stay up.

Well, in case you haven't guessed already, we're back in port again and it is really nice. Mostly to rest. When we're at sea, operating there just isn't any rest for us.

We got in at noon yesterday. Some of the guys went over and came back all fouled up, so drunk they couldn't walk. Some of them were beat up and passed out. One had gotten into a fight and the other guy thought he was a steak and carved on him a little with a knife.

The Doctor put 13 stitches in one wound on his back. I guess I can't criticize them because I "get tight" sometimes myself, but I never get in trouble and I always get back under my own "steam."

No, Norma, I don't think you need my prayers. I don't think they would help anyone right now, but I hope for you the best of luck. 

"Oh oh," the baby of the division just came in from Yokohama a little drunk. He told me all about the "Club St. Louis" up there. It must be a pretty good place. This guy (the baby we call him) joined the Navy at 16. He is 17 now and looks more like 14. HA

I'm glad Doris finally got George. She chased him until he caught her, I guess, but I don't know why he got married knowing that he will be going overseas as soon as his leave is up. I can't "see" that. He doesn't know how long he will be gone or where he is going, but I have a pretty good idea that we won't be too far apart. Just a few miles of water. 

No, that isn't the life for me. When I get married I want to live with my wife. And when I'm in a place like this, I like to be single so I can go out with these girls without a guilty conscience. 

Oh, well, I guess it's O.K. if they love each other enough. 

Well, Norm, I guess I've "yapped" enough, so I'll sign off now.

Answer soon.

Your sea-going mate, 

Jim


[Editor's note: On the back of the envelope, Norma listed the following, which was The Billboard Music Popularity List for March 8, 1952:

7. Shrimp Boats
6. Please Mr. Sun
5. Tell Me Why
4. Cloud [The Little White Cloud That Cried]
3. Any Time
2. Slow Poke
1. Cry]

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Thinking Of You On Valentine's Day

February 14, 1952

Thursday night

Whitman's Sampler print ad, ca. 1952, featuring Elizabeth Taylor

Hi ya Norma,

How's the cutest little girl in all Detroit? I didn't get a letter from you last mail-call day, but I was wondering what you are doing tonight and decided to write you.

"Boy," we've been lucky the last three days. Day before yesterday, the weather was real bad over the target area and we didn't launch a plane. Yesterday, we refueled and couldn't fly and today we launched one strike this morning, then the "ceiling moved in" (weather got bad) and we didn't fly at all this afternoon. We landed the morning strike in a snowstorm and one of them cracked-up, but it wasn't very bad, thank goodness.

Did I tell you about one of our heroes who sat on a burning gasoline tank to put it out? The guy can't sit down yet. He said, "Sitting on a burning gas tank was alright at first, but it will get you in the 'end'." 

Do you ever hear any "Hank Williams" records (he is a hillbilly singer)? [Editor's note: this link goes to Hank's "Hey, Good Lookin'," a song Jim used to sing around the house.] I used to like him when I was home. Well, anyway, I read in a newspaper (from the States) that his wife had divorced him and had sued for almost a half million "bucks." I didn't know hill billy singers made that kind of money. When I get out I think I'll get a guitar and start singing. I'll be able to retire when I'm thirty.

Tomorrow is my anniversary again. I've been in the Navy 13 months. In one way it doesn't seem very long and in another way, it seems like years.

I've got 35 months more to do and I hope I don't have to do much more of it over here.

I wish I could think of something to write about, but out here it's the same old routine all the time. Nothing ever happens very exciting. Those crack-ups used to be, but now they are nothing but all in the day's work. In fact, they are a nuisance.

There is a guy sitting right below me playing a steel guitar. He is pretty good with it.

We're going back to Yokosuka in about a week, but this time I don't think I'll go ashore very much. Those "gook" towns all smell alike and I don't like the stink.

Well, Norm, I got to sign off now.

Answer soon.

Your pal,

Jim (Gym)

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Rudolph The Red Nose Sailor

January 14, 1952

Monday night

Stock photo from "A Face in the Crowd," Rod Brasfield's biggest movie role (Beanie).
That's him in the second row, center
If you've never seen the movie, you don't know Andy Griffith.  

Hi ya Norma,

I received the letter you wrote while you were sick.  I'm real glad to know you're better now.

You mentioned your red nose.  You should see all our faces.  The wind has beat them so, we look like walking neon signs.

One of our guys has a big nose.  It is so red we call him "Rudolph," you know, the red-nosed reindeer.

You know I sort of envy you getting to lay in bed all the time.  It's been so long since we had a real good night's sleep.  I don't remember what it's like.

And tomorrow we've got to get up at 2:00, I think.  Maybe earlier.

The name of that town is Yokosuka, pronounced YA-KUS-KA.  It is pretty small compared to Yokohoma and Tokyo.

No, I didn't make any New Year's resolutions.  If I had made one it would have been to come home real soon and I know I would have broken that one.

Charlene R_____'s boyfriend got out, "eh." I wish I could find something wrong with me, but I'm not that lucky. HA 

Keeping writing about those song hits.  I like to keep up on them and over here I never get to listen to any music. I used to listen to the hillbilly shows, except the "Grand Ole Opry." The only part I liked about it was Rod Brasfield. Did you know he married a girl I went to school with? She used to be a good-looking thing, but I haven't seen her in years. I don't know what married life has done to her. 

[Editor's Note: Rod Brasfield's online biographies list only one marriage, in 1931, which would have made Jim's schoolmate 1 year old at the time.  The biographies list very little of Brasfield's personal life and note that he was reluctant to give interviews. However, Jim had a remarkable memory and a love of gossip, so I suspect he is repeating what he had understood to the be the truth and there may have been a girl from his hometown who had a relationship with Brasfield, especially given the proximity of Martin (the town in which Brasfield died) and Camden (Jim's hometown).  See this link for a scan of "Lewis County Tennessee Est 1843, which provides the most details about Rod Brasfield's life currently available online.]

We had the funniest kind of an accident a couple of days ago. The mechanics were racing the motor of one place as fast as it would go, when the ropes with which it was tied down broke. The plane raced over and cut the tail of the plane parked in front of it. It also put a hole through the flight deck.

I never expected an accident of that sort. That wouldn't happen but once in a lifetime.

So you read where we lost more men, "huh." I didn't write anything about it because I didn't know if the Navy Dept. had released it to the newspapers or not. They were shot down over Korea. I don't know how many we lost, not too many. Yes, I'm a member of the Crew.

Look, kid, don't worry about me. There aren't enough "gooks" over here to get me.  I want to come home too bad.

Things aren't very bad over here.  Maybe the newspaper just played it up to make a story.

We're going back into Yokosuka around the 19th of this month. "Boy," will I be glad to get back and get my feet on land. I guess I'll have to learn to walk all over again on land, instead of "rolling" with the ship.

Those Japanese girls better stay inside when this boat gets in, because the guys are liable to go wild when they see a woman (me, included).

The Captain said he had a surprise for us that he would announce about the 18th and right away someone started the rumor that we were coming back to the States. I hope we don't, we have 6 months to do over here.  We might as well do it now and get it over with.

Well, Norm, I've got to sign off now and hit the sack.

Answer soon.

Your mate,

Jim

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