March 29, 1945

Air Mail From Dip

Philippines

March 29, ‘45

Dear Mom & Pop –

The fighting son has nothing very interesting to report this time. I’m still OK & feeling very fit these days. Of course I’ve been doing lots of hiking up and down these confounded mts., so I should be in some kind of shape.

We’re still battling those stubborn Nips and, if anything, the resistance is getting stiffer. Of course that’s just incidental – it’s not going to slow us down for long. Too much power on our side for those guys to hold us up for long. The old air force is working overtime supporting our advance. Can’t figure out why those Japs don’t suddenly develop an inferiority complex with all the bombs & artillery falling down their necks.

I’m back at the guns again as I write this letter – at the moment I’m enjoying a cool bottle of Ruppert’s beer. We also have a fair stock of soft drinks – Coke, root beer, Pepsi Cola, etc.

Today we had fresh meat for dinner & best of all – real butter. It’s amazing how well they keep the combat troops supplied now-a-days. Of course don’t get the wrong impression – I speak of the rear-eschelon. The poor doughfeet who are actually facing the Nips are still existing on K & C rations – as often as the native safari parties can get to them.

Well Easter Sunday is almost here I see by the date on my letter. Didn’t realize it was so soon. Certainly wish I could be with you this time – we’d take a ride down to hear Rev. Raines at Henn. Methodist. I’d give a lot just to sit there & listen to that beautiful organ music. We’ll no doubt have our regular Sunday service out under the shade of some tree or palm leaf. We have a very fine chaplin – he’s an excellent speaker and a very original & interesting person. A good mixer too – even drinks beer with us now and then.

I received a long letter from Bob Coll this week. Gee but he’s a lucky guy! He’s got an office job where he can sit back & read about the European War. He didn’t go into much detail but he claims it’s strictly a civilian set-up somewhere in Belgium. He has servants & “resides” in some ex-counts castle. Some class, eh?

I’ve received your letters of March 11th & 14th. You mentioned seeing the picture “Doughgirls,” and you said it was silly. Well, I saw the play, you know, when I was in Frisco. Also saw the picture in New Cal. & thought the same as you. The play, however, was much more enjoyable. Of course at the play I had a sweet little gal at my elbow – that would make anything more enjoyable – eh Dad?

Say the news from the other side certainly sounds great right now. I’m actually starting to anticipate an early end. Maybe – two more months – I hope. It would surely help the morale over here – and it needs a boost.

I’m sure glad to hear that everyone & everything is OK at home. As long as that continues I have no kicks coming. Don’t worry about me – I know how to take care of myself.

I’ll say so long for now - & Happy Easter.

Love, Dorance

Philippines

March 29, ‘45

Dear Marion –

Well – there’s not a lot to report from the battle-grounds right now, Marion. ‘Sept that I still have all my appendages, and am in excellent health.

We’re still fighting those stubborn Nips for all we’re worth – I might add that the resistance, if anything, is becoming stiffer. Of course that isn’t going to stop the 25th for long. We’ve just got too much for them. The old air force is really working overtime in direct support of our advance. Wonder why those guys don’t suddenly develop an inferiority complex with all that stuff dropping down their necks? Guess they’re like you women – can’t figure ‘em out.

Today was a red-letter day on the eating front. We had real fresh meat & (get set) real dairy fresh butter! Now close your mouth, Marion, you’re dribbling all over the rug. It’s amazing tho how well they keep combat troops supplied these days. Of course don’t get me wrong – the poor doughboys on the line are still existing on C & K rations, when the native safari’s can get to them.

At long last I heard from Coll – what a fortunate son of a gun he is! He’s living in some ex-counts castle in Belgium – complete with servants. Don’t know the details but it’s some kind of civilian set up, where he can sit back & read about the latest antics of Patton & the boys over there.

Incidentally – doesn’t the European war look good these days – they are certainly going by leaps & bounds. I’m looking forward to an early end – about 2 months shall we say? It would definitely help the morale over on this side.

Your letter of M. 12th is before me & the pics. Thanks for sending ‘em – but gosh did you make me homesick? I wanna go home so bad I can taste it. That snow looks good enuff to eat. Hmm – not to mention the girls!

With April just around the corner I guess you’ll be out on the tee soon trying out your new technique. Don’t be discouraged if you dub the first few. That always happens to me. Keep trying the new stance & grip and it’ll finally pay dividends.

What’s new with Lee & Mick these days? Are they still home knockin’ around, or are they now on their merry way to Georgia? I’m sure happy for those two kids they must be happy as larks. And they certainly deserve all the fun they’re having. Hope maybe Lee can pull a string or two & stay right there in the U.S. It’ll break his heart to come overseas again. To say nothing of Micky’s.

Well Marion I have a couple of “big deals” to swing, so gotta close now. Be good – keep a stiff left arm & your head down. Be careful of the follow through, G’by now.

Love, Dip