December 13, 1943, 6:15 PM Monday
Hello Darlin’:
Well here it is time to write a little more to my one and only. I just finished my watch at 5, and I took a shower and have had supper. We had a sardine salad that was really good and a big ham steak, French fried potatoes, and spinach. My watch has been from 8:00 AM to 12 and then from 1:00 to 5:00. This ink all over the paper is from this darned old pan.
My first try aboard the ship wasn’t very much but is still exciting. There are so many gauges and wheels you couldn’t count them all in a week. I have tonight off but I’m going to stay aboard and get some sleep as I’m rather tired. I will also have tomorrow night off from 5:00 PM until 8:00 AM. I’m going in to Frisco. Maybe my Christmas present will be here by then. I also have a few clothes to buy and also a pen, paper, envelopes etc. etc.
There are two of us in our compartment. It is approximately the same size as your room at home. There are three bunks, one double-decker and one single. I have the single lower. It is on the main deck.
We have reading lamps, mattresses, and springs. In the mess hall we have a jukebox and about 200 records. Even “You Made Me Love You”. They are loading the holds now. Part of our cargo is lumber. It takes a long time to load it. We might be here this weekend. They load day and night.
There are about one million things inside of my mind would be to say and I can’t seem to find the words. I don’t know what the matter is. I love you so very very much and still that is the only way I can tell you. Tell me it means a great deal, although it doesn’t sound like very much.
Well Sweets, I guess I had better close for now. I have quite a bit of work to do right here in my cabin. Scrubbing, painting etc. etc. I will finish this tomorrow night. I love you very very much. Good night Darling. (there’s boiler grease on the letter).
Hello Sweetheart: It is 7 PM and I am ready to go ashore. I will write again tomorrow night. I love you and you alone. Love & xxxxxs YFH Johnny
December 16, 1943
Hello Darling:
Yes, finally I have some time to write you. I should have some more time then I have had.
Darling, I was in Frisco last night and my present from you was there. It was really beautiful. You so very very much. I’ve seen a lot of them but never one as nice as this. I think I will get shore leave Saturday afternoon or night and I’m going to have it engraved a little more. Under my name I will put U.S.M.M. and on the back I will put your name and address on it. (Maybe TNT) It just fits perfect.
I don’t know just when we will be but I think it will be about Monday. We have a rather good cargo to carry. It isn’t a secret but when we sail is. I don’t think the skipper even knows. I don’t think it will be a short trip though. By the looks of the cargo, we are heading towards Guadalcanal. Maybe the Russell Russell Islands. This ship has made the last 6 trips just to the islands and back, that is the Hawaiian Islands. We have a million feet of lumber, and a lot of trucks, caterpillars, a lot of miscellaneous The thing that makes me think we’re going to the South Pacific is 40,000 cases of beer and about 10,000 cases of whiskey. There aren’t that many soldiers or sailors at the islands. We also have a great many shoes for the Marines.
That is enough of that. It is kind of hard to find things to write about. I have told you just about all there is to tell.
Except that I’m going to miss you more than ever. I have your picture right on the bulkhead next to my head. You can be with me in spirit always. I love you so much. I have kind of a feeling that we will be back about next May. That would sure be swell, wouldn’t it?
Well Sweets, getting late and I’m kind of tired and I will finish this tonight. I love you very very much. Thanks again for the swell bracelet. Good night Sweetheart.
Hello Darlin: The time is – gotta go -.
Hello again. Time sure goes fast. What started to say was that it was Saturday afternoon. I was supposed to have the afternoon off. I was going into Frisco but my 1st Engineer came in and said, ‘Hit the deck’. A barge was coming alongside with fuel oil. I had to work until 12:15 AM, Sunday morning. It is now 1:00 Sunday and I’m writing from the post office. I came in after I finished and stayed with Hook, I was up to the bookstore just now and bought three Marine Engineering books. They cost me $15. I saw what the rest of the fellows do a board so I thought I would get these books and really study instead of playing poker or shooting craps. I could lose $5 in 5 minutes doing that so I think my money was well spent.
I think we will leave Tuesday maybe Monday. It is very unpredictable. I’m going to buy a couple more pairs of the dungarees and some T-shirts to take with me, then I will be complete.
Hook has my leathers and is going to sell them for me and send the money to you.
I was up to the house this morning and got the package from the folks. I won’t open it until I get aboard.
Darling, I’m going to miss you so very very much. I asked my chief about keeping a diary, I find that I can’t, if I do and I get caught with it by the inspectors, I get my papers taken away from me. I’m very sorry. I love you more than life itself. I will be thinking of you always and I will call you the minutes I get back.
I’m going to try to write again tonight. I don’t have to be get back until Monday at 8, but I think I will go back anyway. I love you with all of my heart and soul.
Love & xxxxxxxxxx’s YFH Johnny
Please Remember: My love you will never die.
Johnny & Jane 