June 7, 1945

Air Mail From Dip

June 7, 1945

Philippines

Dear Mom & Dad –

We’ve been fighting all day – with this darn irrigation ditch around our tent. We dig it deep enough when the sun is out. Then when the waters start to run down from the hills they bring all the silt & mud down with ‘em and fill up our nice ditch. Of course the result is a tremendous overflow which tumbles down into & thru our hole of a home. Luckily we have had the foresight to provide an outlet which is a lifesaver. All we can do is climb up on our cots & wait for the water-line to recede. What a life!

Outside of this, life for me has been quite peaceful of late. Two days ago I paid-off the men in the battery & then had to take a trip back to the rear to turn in the payrolls. It’s always nice to go to the rear where they live above ground like human beings. While back there I stopped in and had a fried chicken dinner with Denny at Service Btry. In the meantime it started to pour and continued for so long that my driver & I had to stay overnight. It was a break for we got to see a movie – the first since coming on the island. You see Service Btry. is back behind the “light-line” so they can have such luxuries.

We don’t do much shooting of the howitzers these days, so I’m not too busy. Tony & I sit around & read or play gin-rummy most of the time. Of course there are the usual duties & chores to keep an eye on ‘round the Btry. but on the whole it’s very peaceful here.

This morning we had a Court Martial case over at Hdqs. I had to be present as Asst. T.J.A., but didn’t have to try the case because the T.J.A. was present. Thank goodness.

I got a few pictures back from the army processors this week, and they turned out quite well. I’ll pick out a few and send them along with this letter. I have one favorite – the one of the howitzer & crew. I believe it has all the requisites of a good photo – not posed, good composition, sharp, and well exposed. I’d like you to send me about a dozen copy or contact prints of it and 2 5x7 enlargements. I’m anxious to see how well it will come out. I think Eastman will do the best job. Send my original print with the others because it has the army censor’s OK stamped on the back. Several of the boys here want copies; that’s why I’d like a dozen. Naturally keep one for yourself. Thanks. Maybe they’ll mask it as it’s marked on the print.

Lt. Pichette who’s in a couple of the pictures was our btry. executive but developed a stomach ulcer and was evacuated. When he left we all moved up a notch making me Exec. he’ll probably be discharged – the lucky so & so.

Well thass all for now – hope all is OK at home and continues that way. G’by.

Love, Dorance

PS: 2 negatives & 12 prints enclosed. 1 clipping.

PSS: I imagine Virgy’s tickled pink

PSSS: Yes, I’ve received the films from Dot & Arlo & have written & thanked them long ago.

PSSSS: Wish I could sleep on that front porch you cleaned up so nice.

PSSSSS: I got both fruit cakes.

PSSSSSS: So Long! Feel Swell.