November 11, 1945

Air Mail From Dip

Gifu, Japan

Nov. 11, 1945

Dear Marion –

Though I hate to say it – I’m still “sweating” those walking (or sailing) papers. I’ve waited for the day for three & a half years now, & these last two weeks seem like half of that time. It’s awful – can’t read, can’t write, can’t sit – they better give me the “go” signal or I’ll surely be Section 8 material soon.

The latest dope we have is that 91 pt. officers go next Wednesday. If they drop a pt. a day as they have this last week, I’m due to see my name on orders come next Friday (89). However in this 25th anything can happen. When I see the order with Dorance P. on it I’ll write & say “I’m coming” – not until.

Today Tony went home on an emergency leave – his Father died. He will get air transportation which will put him home in 3 or 4 days. He only had 75 pts., so this means he’s getting home about two months sooner than he would have. Of course it’s awful tough to go home for a reason like that. I’ll miss ol’ Tony – he & I were good buddies.

So Rolly & Swany are home. If you see them, tell ‘em not to do anything “big” ‘till I get there.

And you be good – hear?

And with that - good night.

‘N love, Dip

P.S. How’s your doorbell?

Sun. Nov. 11, ‘45

Gifu, Japan

Dear Mom & Dad –

Just a short note to let you know that I’m still in the 8th & awaiting orders. Have been excused from all duties, so I’m now just packing & making preparations to take off for home. The suspense is awful – can’t get interested in anything but day-dreaming about the states.

Tony Serreanna, who thought he had another month to sweat out over here, just went home today by air on an emergency leave. His father just died. Tony has 75 pts. so he won’t have to return again, but will be discharged after his leave. He was pretty sad of course about his father, but realized he was getting a nice deal to get home so fast. It seems rather lonely here now cuz he and I were the best of friends.

Right now the Div. policy on officers & E.M. seems to be to lower the point requirement one each day. Off. with 91 pts. are due to leave next Wed., so if they continue that way I’ll be on orders by Friday. However in this screwed-up Div. anything can happen, so I won’t write & tell you “I’m comin’ home” ‘till I see my name on the orders. When you get that letter don’t write anymore.

Say hello to all the boys who are back & tell ‘em not to do anything “big” ‘till I get there. G’bye for now.

Love, Dorance