May 23, 1945
Darling,
Now see here, woman. I ain't not "Hot shot Charlie " - see! I'm more the steady serious type - besides I obviously haven't a pug nose - so there !
Your letter was in the mailroom when I got through with morning classes. I didn't read it right away. I sort of hoarded it until I was in my barracks. I took off my tie, lay down in my bed, lit a cigarette and began to read. I read it through the first time, but I thought I'd made some mistake then I read it again. All I could think of was "That's My Gal." Of course I was sorry that you were sick but I'd have loved to see you and the taxi driver having a coffee at the W and R. I must be a no good and old so and so because I feel I should have worried about you getting home at 4:30 but gee, I feel that you can take care of yourself pretty darned well. and I feel swell that these are such nice people around. I guess there always have been a lot of nice people around but it took knowing you to make me see it. Gee whiz, Darling, you're an amazing woman.
Somewhere along the line our letters must have crossed. Were we thinking along the same lines.
It's swell that you're back in your own home. I bet things will begin to pick up fast now. How's your Mom doing? Ya know, we gotta take her back down to Florida again someday! I think she's got that coming.
Answer to your questions.
Yep, I'm a big B'29 boy. I'll be here maybe two days up to two weeks. Then I go to pick up a crew. We'll work together for from three weeks to three months. If we're needed badly the training will be short and we'll go over right away. If we aren't needed so bad the training will be longer and there's a slight possibility I'll get a leave right before I go over. It all depends on the Japs.
The train ride back was horrible. I paced the aisle for awhile. Then I went to bed. I wanted to cry, or fight, or yell, or get tight or anything. All I could do was think so I thunk it all out and finally fell asleep. I was in a daze for a couple of days but your letter brought me around.
The climate here is insane. Up to Sunday it was summer. I even took a sun bath. Monday morning it was raining hard and a gale was blowing. It rained and blew all day long and I got soaked and frozen three different times. Today it was nice again.
You never really like a camp. They have good points and bad ones. I've been busy so far and that's good for me. I'll enjoy going to Lincoln and seeing new sights. Iv'e met several fellows I knew before and we talk over old times. I guess it'll be O. K. Could be much worse.
What's new? - nothin except that I'm going whacky. I lost my electric razor yesterday and unpacked and searched everything I owned several times trying to find it. It wasn't anyplace so I felt pretty bad. Myles gave it to me. When I went to bed last night I almost broke my toe on something under the sheet. It was the razor. I made my own bed and how the hell it got there beats me. Today I lost my towel. To save time I tore up my bed, it was there! Never can tell what one can find in one's bed. If I ever get lost I'm going to look under the blanket. I'll probably be there.
Been getting several lectures on the Japs. They know they're fighting a losing battle but they think it's glorious to die for the emperor. They will!
Your letter was just what I needed. I've read it over and over. You're quite a gal. Honey, and even if you do pick up taxi drivers in the wee hours I still have a certain fondness for you. Hah, I'll bet you thought I was going to say "I love you."
Your Guy
Ray
S. P. I sent the cigarettes - split the P.M.s with you. Could only get 8. I must have been in love.