"Guess I love you or something"

Feb. 26, 1951

Dear Wife,

I started this letter about fifteen minutes ago. I then got in a big conversation and I didn’t get very far until now. Not that I have much to write about but I sat here with pen in hand thinking about you so I may as well write even if you don’t know how to decode this scribbling.

We’re all set to get fixed up around here now. They started to build a shower for us today. They’re supposed to have it done tomorrow evening. I know you’ll find it hard to believe but it was the best news I’ve heard since my arrival in this lovely land. I’m getting so stinky I hate to crawl in the sleeping bad with myself. A guy can wash a little in a water bucket but it’s so unhandy and you can’t really get this dirt off without soaking awhile. Anyway you can bet I’ll be a clean little lad tomorrow night this time.

They say we had some excitement here today. There was supposed to have been a sniper firing down on the airstrip across the road from camp today but he didn’t hit anyone, so maybe he was there and maybe not. You never can tell about these rumors.

We tore up another building today, an even bigger one than yesterday, but easier to work on than the other one. Tomorrow we’re going to tear up another one and if this keeps up I’m going to be an expert at the game. We’re tearing them up to use the timber to repair bridges. The ones we’re working on are already wrecked so we’re not ruining anything that’s useful.

We had a stroke of luck today while we were working. A couple of trucks came by with rations on them and we latched onto a couple of cases of them. So we had full bellies today in spite of this ratty Marine Corps.

Still no news of what’s going on here in the war effort. Don’t even know if we’re winning or losing. Guess we’re holding our own though, no one seems very excited.

The ground is drying out a little now and I found out today the rainy season isn’t supposed to start until June or so if something doesn’t go wrong with the time table we’re alright for awhile.

Some trucks came in with supplies and mail today so maybe the hard times are about over and I may get some mail before long. Sure am getting anxious to hear from you lover gal. Guess I love you or something.

Well Sugar, this isn’t much but you know I’m still here anyway. Bye for now. Hello to Dawn!! Give little Sparky a pat for me if she’s been a good girl.

All my love and kisses and hugs,

Bill