"I bet you're pretty lonesome kiddo"

Feb. 28, 1951

Wonju, Korea

Dear Wife Helen,

I wish I’d get a letter from you soon. I’m getting so impatient I can’t hardly stand no more. It wasn’t so bad when no one was getting any but the last couple days these guys have gotten mail by the bale and I’ve been very unhappy. I know it isn’t your fault, when it does get here I’ll probably have a bale of it myself, it’s just this cussed Marine Corps messing up the detail. Anyway dang it, I want some mail from my lover gal.

I bet you’re pretty lonesome kiddo, but I bet I’m as lonesome for you as you are lonesome. I’m sure glad I didn’t have you to miss last time cause I don’t think I could stand if for two years. Last time all I wanted to get back for was to have fun and drink and stuff, bu this time none of that seems very important. Only being with my little gal makes any difference. With you any old place would be alright, without you no place amounts to anything. Do you know what I mean sweetness?

I didn’t get to write last night cause we was screened again. We tore up buildings yesterday and right after supper we left to work on the ford across the Han river all night again. We didn’t work very hard though, but it kept me from taking care of my personal affairs. The next worst thing that happened besides not writing was that I didn’t get to take a shower. But I made up for it tonight. I pulled off my crummy clothes and dived under those showers and it was just next best to being home. After I got off the first inch of dirt and the water hit my skin it was really heaven. After that, a nice shave, and now I feel like a king.

The famine is over now too. We had three meals today and this evening we had fresh roast beef. That was a real treat. These guys say it’s been many moons since they had any fresh meat. It was pretty tough but plenty enjoyable all the same.

Still no news about the war here but I guess we’re winning the silly thing. We got an Army newspaper today and we were winning in it but it was from Feb. 15.

Well Pigeon, can’t think of much else to blab about so I guess I’ll skip the gory details and bid thee adieu.

I adore you, you little wench,

All my love,

Bill