Friday, July 17, 1942
Dear Mums and Dad, Well here goes a letter, but gee what will I write, er. Ah means, what can I write? Saw a friend of mine and he knows that Slip is back here again. But I never see him, but then there are so many, one can”™t tell ”˜em apart. You ask me what my salary is. Well here is how the Army puts It. Base pay $90, foreign service $18, subsistence $21, Total $129 -so there she blows.
Johnny and I went on a picnic. Don”™t know who enjoyed it more, the ants or we victims. Anyhow I got a slight sunburn just sitting in the shade, which is a new one on me. I sent in for your Mid Pacific Paper, you will get it two times a month (ah hope.)
Johnnie bought an anchor with USN on it and decorated Dopey, my is he proud. They are having an amateur contest on the radio and boy oh boy. A boy by the name of Smith from Texas is singing “When Irish Eyes are Smilin” and if he can murder the Japs like he is the song, the war will be over soon. And the funny part about it, he just won the contest. Well most anything can happen anymore I guess. Oh say, Mom, instead of the powder you ask about I would rather have some bras, white, size 36. You know we can”™t get them. I really don”™t understand it. Anyhow two will do. Sure glad when the Midway Battle was past, ”˜cause then we could breathe again. How do you find the gas rationing? Well do write. I went on duty today for the first time since being in the hospital, but boy tonight she hurts. But who cares as long as I”™m working again.
Hugs and Kisses ”“ AraBelle
PS -Included are pictures of the Jap subs.