The following are excerpts from letters Bruce wrote to his wife June during his military service.

Pvt. Richard Bruce Watkins, USMCR
Platoon 176. Recruit Depot
Parris Island, South Carolina

2/26/43
I’ve arrived safely, etc., and we already had a work out.  We’re gonna be here for 8 weeks and then on.  They’re really gonna keep us hoppin’ down. Our sergeant’s a tuffy but he’s a real man and a real marine. They’ve informed us that only a few of us will ever get commissions. Here’s hoping I can make it but I don’t think I’ll feel like committing suicide if I don’t.  Here goes to put everything I’ve got in it.

2/28/43
I really don’t have much time to think about anything these days but military knowledge. Whoever said the marines were tough made a masterpiece of understatement. It is wonderful for me that I’m in good shape but we really haven’t got anything yet.
     We aren’t allowed to write about anything we do so I’m afraid you’ll have to go unsatisfied along those lines. I wish I could but that is the way it is.
     I got interrupted here by a call of “Roll out,’ on the double.” That means get out and darn fast. Now it is about 3/4’s of an hour before taps.  I’ve just finished cleaning my rifle and I have a little cold so I’m gonna really sleep tonight.  The food here is fine, if a little crude. I’m learning a lot but I can’t say what.

3/3/43
In reply to your queries, we got our uniforms fitted today.  I was lucky and only had to have the pants shortened. You see we wear marine dungarees most of the time. They are the clothes for work and fighting.  I’ll send you a picture later when I get a chance; they say it is okay now.
     This is quite an outfit and you’ll find that a boot in the Marine Corps is about the lowliest thing on earth. Still, it is a healthy life and you’re proud of the corps.What we appreciate down in hut 6 more than anything is clippings of international news and funnies, so anytime you want to slip some in a letter, it would be swell I wouldn’t send any food or candy as the sergeants will take care of it. I’m not bitter about it, it’s just the way things are.
     Marines are pretty tough all right. You have to grab anything you can get quick. There’s not much of the old sharing spirit, however the stimulus of war is what causes that and almost all of them are pretty square fellas. My past physical training is certainly standing me in good stead.  Some of the men are pretty tired.
     We’ve taken some pictures already of our short haircuts, etc., and when I say short, I mean short.  However, it is growing back fast and will be a decent sight long ‘ere you see me.  By the way you can send food now.  My hut mates would sure appreciate some of those brownies of yours.
     I’m sitting at a table in the recreation hut writing this.  It’s fixed up pretty nice but this is the first time since we got here that I’ve been able to get in here for any length of time.|
     I’m not too fast at learning things and the military idea is new to me but I have been surprised that I have learned as fast as I have. I’ll probably get in trouble tomorrow but right now things are well. I’m getting plenty of exercise and a sunburn.
     By the way, we can’t go of f the island at all during the time we’ re here, but that’s the Marines for you. Even if you lived right on shore you could only see me for a few hours on Sunday afternoon on the island.  We’re virtually prisoners. Oh well, it won’t be the same in Virginia.

3/7/43
By the bye, if I ever do get to see you, you might keep about April 20th in mind ‘cause somewhere around then I ought to be heading for Virginia.  I sure hope so.
     When I get to Quantico I’m supposed to get 8 weeks more of preparatory training and if I’m lucky, get commissioned.  Then follow ten more weeks of training.
     I thought New England weather was changeable but boy oh boy!  It will be below freezing for 12 hours, then hottern’ blazes, then rain cats and dogs and stable roofs, then it’ll be hot and sticky again and the bugs will bite.  Some place.

3/9/43
About 10 more days of awful tough drilling and plenty of verbal beating and then we go out to the rifle range for 3 weeks. That will be much better, at least mentally. They say they’re gonna give us the workout of our lives tomorrow.  But I figure if the sergeant can do it so can I. (He’s only human.)

3/10/43
We’re talking about home tonight.  A lot of the fellows are in bed and the rest are getting ready. I’m sitting up in my cot. There are about 3 topics marines talk about: their work, home and their girls. They get all the attention. I really have a wonderful bunch of fellows in this hut with me.  They’re really grand. I certainly have been lucky.
     I’m beginning to feel better and better.  Today we hiked for miles with a 60 pound pack and rifle.  I’m beginning to really tighten up again the way I used to be summers. Tight across the chest and above the hips. My tummy is nice and hard again too, although I don’t see how it prospers under all I put into it. My hair is growing back, too. It really looks quite respectable now.

3/12/43
We certainly spent a rugged day today. We had an inspection by the commanding officer, a test, and then spent the rest of the day till 8 P.M. carrying buckets.  We all got a whale of a sunburn.  I’m real healthy and I got so hungry tonight that I ate fish down with a relish.  You know how much I don’t like fish.
     Tonight I have to go on sentry duty from 12:30 to 2:30. I’m going to bed at nine to get a little sleep.  I’ve got a feeling we’re going on a long hike with full pack tomorrow so I don’t appreciate being a sentry.
     The exam we took today was given in the queerest place. Right in the boiling sun, sitting on the ground in a sandy field. I think I did quite well although I’m not sure.  I passed the inspection al I right at least.
     Today they asked if anybody had experience driving a truck. Quite a few fellows stepped forward then the Sergeant said, “Okay - get behind those wheelbarrows and move that rockpile.” I was almost foolish enough to volunteer for that one.

3/14/43
We had guard duty this morning from 8:30-to 10:30 so I didn’t get to go to church. I feel sort of slighted. You really need something to soften your thoughts up a little around here.
     For the last two days, we’ve been carrying dirt in buckets for about a quarter of a mile. We all got pretty tired as the sun was boiling hot.  You can see the fellas dope off very quickly at such times. Some guys will do a lot to avoid work. I kept going all day long, not fast, but steady. I figured it was for my own good; most of my hut-mates feel the same way.  In between times we had an exam and rifle inspection. A couple of fellows cheated on the exam. One of them had to lead the Platoon today and the men wouldn’t march for him at all. I guess he wants to learn the hard way.
     Among the swell fellows I’ve met is a long, lanky boy from St. Pete,  Florida. He’s homely as sin but has an infectious grin that you can’t resist. We have paled around together quite a bit.  He has a girl back home who is teaching school. He’s gone with her for five years. He also went to Florida U. in Gainesville, name’s Bob Miller. He’s dying to see New England and maybe I’ll bring him home sometime.
     People on the outside will always find it hard to understand but-the Marine Corps is not the glamorous thing it is supposed to be.  It’s a dirty, tough job that only fellows with plenty of guts can stay in.  Marines are holding down very few office chairs, much less young Marines.  They’re out fighting ‘cause that’s all and everything they’re trained for. I know and you know that I did not join to get dressed up in blues so it isn’t a shock in this quarter. Some of the men are pretty disillusioned, though.  They are also learning the hard way.  We wear the uniforms without emblems, etc., which all tends to deflate egos. We don’t get full uniforms until we leave here and then we get them fitted again.
     Next Sunday I’ll be writing you from out on the range, 3 weeks there and I’ll be back, then a week and I’ll be off for Quantico, I hope. There’s no use fooling ourselves.  When I get trained, either as an officer or enlisted man, I’ll get only a short time off and in all probability I’ll be off to the fighting.
     You ought to see the obstacle course out here. It’s really something. it’s officially closed because so many casualties resulted. However, all the D.I.’s (Drill Instructors) take us over it. Personally I think it’s a lot of fun. Some of the men get pretty tired.  This afternoon our whole hut was asleep, except Bob and I. The hut is an all-tin structure that looks something like this. About 10 or 12 men can sleep in each hut. I don’t know if this is secret information or not but I don’t see how it could be used against America.
     I’ll tell you about the fellows in our hut. First there’s HUCK COCHRAN, the squad leader, who was chosen because of his height.  He’s tall and skinny, nice looking, has a wife and 3 little girls.
     Then there’s KATEN COBB, we call him “Cob.” He was a gymnast at Chicago U. He’s athletic with a nice build although slightly dissipated, a very good fellow.
     Then there’s HEBER HART or “Bret.” He’s very nice looking, comes from a Mormon family of 9; worked his entire way through college, clean liver and is thinking of marrying his girl, as-is Cobb.
     Next is CHARLEY SCHWARTZ. He’s Jewish, a pretty good little fellow. 
     Then comes KEITH BAKER. He’s training for the Baptist Ministry; is a quiet husky little fellow, very good natured.
     Then there’s BILL COLLINS, or “Old Doc.” He’s a practicing lawyer with a wife and baby boy. He’s a great baloney slinger but a real nice fellow, rather short but well built.
     Next comes RALPH ENGLEMEYER; he is a hot potato.  Says very, very little. Makes a bright remark about every 3 hours and smiles like a school girl. I think he’s dreaming about his fiance most of the time, a good kid.
     Then we have ADRIANE JUISEPPE CARIGNANI or just “ADE.” He’s a big Italian boy that went to Southern California.
     Collins and Schwartz are Phi Beta Kappas. Cobb and Carignani were athletes.  Hart was editor of his school paper and worked on two others. Huck went to Princeton, worked in a bank.  Last but not least of course, there is Bob and 1. I told you about him and I don’t suppose you’d be interested in me.

3/16/43
1 really enjoyed myself drilling today and we really got some snap into our manual of arms.  It’d give you a thrill to see us marching along and those rifles going whack, whack as they fly through the air together. We can’t get too much of that to suit me. If my feet aren’t sore I feel swell.
     I’ve got some pictures to send you this time. There’ll be a lot more too, I hope.  I’ll send you the negatives later. Some of the fellas want to get some reproductions. How do you like those beautiful haircuts and my ears.  I look a lot better now, really I do. I haven’t got any pictures of Bob yet but they are in the making.  Of course, as you see I found a means of having films developed here.

3/18/43
Thanks a million for all those cookies.  My but they went fast.  It certainly was thoughtful of you and all the boys are sending you their love. What with the pictures I have of you, you’re really in with them.
     it sure is hard to study here now.  We’ve moved out of our huts into barracks. 70 men in one room, what a bedlam.  It’s really impossible to do a good job of studying.  I’m going to the range Saturday night, after that I might have some time to write.

3/21/43
Sorry I haven’t written you much in the last 3 days. I’ve had a tough little time this week.  I guess I’ll have to tell you all my troubles.  For one thing this eczema has irritated again in the crooks of my arms and backs of knees. It’s not bad but I’d like to kill it right away so will you get this prescription filled and send it as soon as possible.
     Wednesday night I was playing football on the asphalt drill field and was just making one of my scintillating runs when I slipped and broke my fall with my right arm which would have been all right on dirt but in this case took off considerable skin.  My hand swelled up like nobody’s business.  We had our 16th day inspection yesterday which is quite important.  We have to crack the rifles very hard, etc. Although it was slightly painful I managed pretty well.
     We had typhoid shots last night so I really had a nice fever but I’m right on the ball again today and the swelling is hardly painful at all, almost normal.
     The idea around here is that if you are out more than a day you lose your platoon and have to stay on this island 2 weeks longer. Most anyone would object to that.  What a place! The permanent personnel must go crazy.
     It’s really hot down here now but despite the heat I weight about 180 lbs. Somehow it seems so long since I left Connecticut but it’s only been about a month. I believe we’re supposed to ship out of here April 17th but that may only be scuttlebutt.  After we get squared away at Quantico we might get a couple of days off.  Of course we’ve got to get to Quantico first.
     This afternoon is sort of a lull between two types of training. We’ve passed our 16th day inspection and exam and tonight we marchout 5 miles to the range to start shooting. That’s pretty rugged training, so I hear, but there won’t be much drill. I hope I do well with the rifle. I’m certainly going to try hard.
     There’s the call for more shots, so I’ll have to beat it now. This will be the fifth shot. I think it’s another typhoid. I suppose we’ll all be sick again tonight. Well, I’ll tell you about that tomorrow.
     If you can find any oil of-citronella I would appreciate it.  The bugs really bite down here.

3/22/43
A platoon consists of about 40 men but in a recruit platoon like ours, we have about 70. Our sergeant’s name is Buckely. He is head D.I. (Drill Instructor).  He has two assistants; Sergeant Mosgala and PFC Knowles, both nice fellows.  I haven’t got caught in any of those truck driver deals yet, guess I’ll probably get my comeuppance fore long.
     We’re out at the range now in more barracks and our gang is somewhat separated but the best ones are near me and we all get along swell even though we hail from all over the U.S. Tomorrow a real tough grind starts.  Today has been too easy and tomorrow will be a tough, blue Monday.  We have to get up at 4 o’clock.

3/24/43
Today we did a lot of snapping in which means getting into position to shoot and clicking the trigger at a target. We’re learning all about the 30 cal. rifle now.  Friday we’ll go over to the .22 range and then about next Wednesday we’ll go to the .30 range and shoot. Not long after that we fire for record and if we’re lucky we get marksman, sharpshooter, or expert medals, the last being the highest.  Gee, I sure hope I can make at least the lowest.

3/25/43
Today we’ve been here one month to the day.  It seems like a year and yet it has gone very swiftly.
     I don’t know which I get called most, Bruce or “Watt.” However, all the fellows in the platoon know each other pretty well by now.  We’re getting a lot more rugged exercise out here at the range and we’re right next to the ocean now so that the wind blows in real strong and burns our faces.  The chow is very good out here and I’m feeling real healthy.  The bugs are the only curse.
     Last night I took my rifle apart as far as it would go. We’re not supposed to as it is rather complicated and doesn’t go together easily.  I got it back together again 5 minutes before taps. I get awful curious about those things.

3/29/43
We took a few more pictures yesterday, in uniform this time and although our uniforms won’t be tailored for two weeks they may not look too bad. They look a whale of a lot better than those the army wears.
     It’s 5:30 A.M. now, a little while after breakfast chow.  Pretty soon we’ll be on the move out to the pistol range. We fire the .22 first and then the .45 calibre.  We’ve already done some shooting and we’ll be doing a lot more for the next two weeks.
     Three weeks more at Parris Island, boy are we counting the days.  Not because it’s tough down here but just because of the place as it is number one of places I don’t want to be at.
     My rifle is nice and clean this morning.  In fact taps blew last night when I had it all apart and I had to put it together in the dark.  I can pretty well do it now in the dark although it just took about 10 minutes instead of five.

4/1/43
You must be disgusted with my correspondence.  Out here on the range we really have to jump every minute and at night I’m just about all poohed out.  We shot the .45 Pistol, the Reising submachine gun, and the .22 rifle.  I qualified in the Reising and got sharpshooter in the .22 rifle.  I muffed the pistol on record day although I had qualified in practise. None of these matter much, however.  It is the old rifle that really counts.

4/4/43
It’s now 5:30 P.M. and I have to go out to practice with the rifle at 6:00.  We’ve just finished chow.
     We’re on the last hitch of our stay on Parris Island and do we long to be heading north.  When that old train pulls out of Yemasee we sure will feel good. When we came in 6 weeks ago, we came from the train in big cattle trucks, about 200 on a truck. What sights; we stood out there in our civilian clothes and sweated. Some different now, although we aren’t out of boot camp and we’ve still got more to take.
     My wrist is almost healed up now and the eczema is hardly to be seen. My hands are getting like brown leather out here from the sun and my face is very ruddy. The food sure agrees with me.

4/10/43
I certainly have been under pressure this week.  I guess I told you that in the marines one of the most important things is to shoot the rifle well. You can win, if you’re good enough, a Marksman, Sharpshooter, or Expert Rating, rising in that order.  The highest possible score is 340.  You have to get 268 for Marksman, 292 for Sharpshooter and 306 for Expert. I couldn’t let our family down, yours and mine, so now I’ve got a nice little silver medal with crossed rifles on it, that says “Expert Rifleman.” I shot 309, 3rd highest in the platoon.
     I had to get 5 balls at 500 yards on my last 5 shots. The target man said those 5 shots were on dead center in a space small enough to be covered by a half dollar.  I’m proud of that.
     We’re going to leave here a week from today.  We came back off the range tonight to the main depot. We’ve just got settled in our beds and soon will be asleep.  Tomorrow we have to practice bayonet.

4/12/43
We’ve got to go on guard duty at 12:30 tonight and I have a lousy cold so I’m gonna get some sleep, mighty soon.
     It’s Monday afternoon and raining hard. Our bosses have let up because this is our last week on the island.  However, we are not going to leave till the 21st now.  Red tape as usual. 
     I get five bucks more this month and for a year because I made Expert Rifleman.

4/13/43
Boy, we used to get up at 4:45, not it’s 3:30. I’m beginning to wonder what we go to bed at all for.  We eat chow at 4:00 and then sit around for an hour.  Of course we can’t lie on the bunks during the day so sleep is practically nil.

4/16/43
it’s 3:00 A.M. and I’m on guard duty again but this time I’m posted in the guard hut.  Boy, am I sleepy! I sure wish I could hit the hay.  We have 40-day inspection today--I’ll probably march like I was drunk.
     We’re all looking forward to leaving Wednesday. In fact waiting makes us edgy. We took our uniforms to the tailors to sew on our PFC STRIPES yesterday and drew a summer issue of khaki.  I’m not sure but I thing we have to wear our greens if we leave the post, even in summer.

If you pass at Quantico you get your commission after 8 weeks. That is a probationary commission and you still have 10 weeks training ahead.  I sure hope I make it but I guess it’s gonna be nip and tuck all the way. It sure will be the nutz to leave Parris Island anyway.

 4/18/43

I qualified as expert in the bayonet yesterday.  It doesn’t mean anything like the rifle does but it helps.

My salary is very indefinite right now.  It’s supposed to be $54 a month but what with bonds, insurance, etc., it surely doesn’t amount to that.

4/20/43

We leave early tomorrow morning and of course we’re all busy getting ready.  What a lot of racket Sergeants can make when they want you to move, my, my.

I guess Quantico is going to be awful tough. The general consensus of opinion seems to be that we will have weekends off from noon Saturday ‘till midnight Sunday. It’s a 7 hour trip to New Haven.

4/22/43

PFC R. Bruce Watkins, USMCR

Co. K, 27th Candidates Class Marine Barracks

Quantico, Virginia

Here I am at Quantico embarked on another great adventure. This time it ought to beabout5O times as hard. I’m wearing my nice red PFC Stripe now.  It feels pretty good but of course the next step will be those little gold bars if I can do it.  It’s an awful tough outfit.

The address on the outside will be my official address for the next 8 weeks. It isn’t quite like starting Parris Island even though it does get you a little scared.  You’re not quite as green and here you’re treated as an officer candidate. They don’t cuss at you all the time. We have very short weekends and we have to stay within 150 miles of Quantico.

4/25/43

They’re throwing classes at us so fast it isn’t funny. We marched 5 hours in the sun on hot pavement yesterday. This O.C. training is no joke. You certainly have to look spic.and span and you’re busy every single minute.

5/3/43

---first weekend home after going in the service--5/10/43

We had classes every night last week and drilled and paraded and did jiu-jitzu and took 3 exams besides Saturdays inspection.  As part of our final exam in scouting and patrolling, they divided us into patrols of 6 and marched us out 15 miles. When it was dark they gave us a compass bearing through the thickest, roughest, swampiest section of wood to meet at a designated spot 10 miles away.  We couldn’t have lights or any such aids.  Just had the luminous dial of the compass to go by. Our patrol landed almost on the nose as we took turns leading through the night. Several didn’t though and the last weren’t rounded up till late next day.  It was a lot of fun except that the only sleep we got was an hour with your head in one of those steel pots they call helmets.

One of the fellows got thrown out of the Marine Corps, 3 hours after he cheated on an exam.  They don’t fool.  I’m just glad I don’t have much time to think and worry.

If we do graduate from here it will be on June 16th. Ten weeks from then we should be through ROC.  That ought to bring it somewhere about August 25th when I should get leave.

5/12/43

More bayonet today and ju-jitzu. It’s surprizing how fast you can learn it. I’m gonna sneak into bed quick tonight because of the big workout tomorrow night.

5/15/43

Here it is Saturday again. Another week gone like a whirlwind.  We’re all through with inspection and 2 exams. It’s now 7 PM and I’m reclining on my back writing this. I suppose I’m going to regret not going into town tonight as I’ve got to stay in Quantico next weekend.

Pause here while I went to a stage show at the Quantico Theatre. The movie was crummy and the show wasn’t very funny.

Thursday night our Company attacked another. I was a scout and went into the center of their territory. What a time, the moon came out and a great many of our men were taken prisoners.  Somehow I escaped.  I hid under one log for half and hour while a dozen of the enemy sat on the other side.  I thought I was caught for sure but uh uh.  Scouting is a lot of fun and a lot more difficult than I ever thought.

5/19/43

What a day!  We were out in the field all day in the sun, firing mortars and grenades. At noon chow, out in the field, something bad got in the food and half of two companies got tomaine poison.

What a sight!  When we got in tonight about 60 boys from our company had to be carried and dragged to the hospital.  They just lay there wretching and doubled up, some of them were really bad off. I’m not sick yet and I guess I’ll get by.

This has been some week! We were firing all kinds of weapons but principally the machine gun. We fired for record in that, Friday.  You have to score 120 to qualify. On preliminary day I had a lousy gun and drew a 65.  Well’, Thursday night I went to sleep with the one idea that I was gonna qualify the next day. Result 132 (3 points less than sharpshooter).  I was about 10th in the company.

This weekend we can’t go anywhere as we are in the Defense Battalion.  We stand by in case Quantico should be attackedetc.  This would be no place for a Jap with 20,000 Marines.

Last night we’d been asleep about half an hour when we all had to fall out in our scivies and line up in the barracks hall. It seems that 2 marines or rather several had got drunk and a large fight ensued with a good deal of blood and everybody was cross-examined. This is a poor spot to pick a fight, those fellows just cancelled their chances of becoming officers.  There’s no pretending here. Marines are very blunt and any affectation is just out in the Marine Corps.  Nobody listens to any sob stories here believe you me.  If someone thinks he is getting pretty good, he soon finds out plenty different.

MATED
By Archibald Rutledge

“Now shall we have our joy,” the lover said.
“The waitings and the partings all are done.
Now shall our hearts by bliss be comforted,
By joy alone, and so shall we be one.

Love is the happiness that smiles at fate,
Being life’s blossom of immortal birth.
Some angel, dallying at the heavenly gate,
Let fall this dewy rose to dusty earth.”

Not joy alone,” she said, “shall make our song;
Nor rapture, nor the stars of bliss that shine;
Nor beauty, nor release from waiting long;
For ‘tis ordained we never shall divine

How deep love is, how true, how passing strong
Until my grief be yours; your sorrow, mine.

The Commandant, Marine Corps Schools

The Staff and

Students of the Twenty-seventh Candidates’ Class

request the pleasure of your presence at the

Graduation Exercises

on the morning of

Wednesday, June sixteenth

nineteen hundred and forty-three

at ten-thirty o’clock

Post Theatre

The Recreation Building

Marine Barracks, Quantico, Virginia

6/13/43

I’m now in a hotel (Hotel Annapolis) with one of my marine buddies, where we intend to catch up on a lot of lost sleep after the bivouac, We came in filthy dirty today since then I’ve had a wonderful shower and there’s a bathtub in this room which is gonna get used tomorrow. We were out all last night fighting a war with the ROC, wet, dirty, cold and sleepless.

6/14/43 2nd Lt. R. Bruce Watkins, USMCR

 30th ROC, B. Barracks

 Quantico, Virginia

11/5/43 2nd Lt. R. Bruce Watkins, USMCR

 31st Replacement Bn.

 Camp LeJeune

 New River, North Carolina

My time has sure been taken up today.  I have Bn.  O.D. tonight so I’m on duty all night.

11/13/43
2nd Lt.  R. Bruce Watkins, USMCR
Co. B, 31st Replacement Bn. 
Camp Elliott, Area 44
San Diego, California
 

We’re going to be here a very short time but as the major says, “if we gotta go, let’s hurry up and finish it up.” We’re right up in the mountains in tents, but it is beautiful country and the weather perfect.
     It was a long ride out here but the scenery especially in Arizona and New Mexico was marvelous.
     I had a very nice compliment from a corporal in the headquarters of our company.  He said they’d been talking it over (a bunch of enlisted men) and had decided that they’d rather follow me than any other officer into battle.  Naturally it made me feel very good and rather embarrassed too. I can stay in the Marine Corps forever and never get a better compliment.

11/14/43
Today I took some of my men on a mountain climbing hike and boy we did go. It started out for pleasure but ended up in a forced march.  Cotza walked ‘em into the ground too. Thank heaven for a healthy life.

11/16/43
My dad sent me a telegram yesterday with Norm’s address and I called him up last night.  Gee, it was good to hear the old so and so.  I haven’t seen him but once in 2 years. Well, anyway we arranged to meet in the Grand Hotel in San Diego.  He’s only about a mile on the other side and I’m about 15 from this side. It’s a bus ride of about 20 minutes.  He doesn’t get this evening off but I ought to be able to see him 2 or 3 evenings fore we leave. (I think we’ve got about a week).

11/17/43
Norm and I are spending the night in this hotel. U.S. Grant.  We are having a great time talking over old times.

11/17/43
Things are at a standstill right now while boats are loading, etc. We can’t do proper training because of facilities but I suppose it’s allright for a very short while.
     Norm and I both have duty tonight so we can’t see each other ‘till tomorrow night.  We hope to spend this last weekend in Los Angeles together.  It’s a break that we could see each other at all.
     I’m all lame from giving my platoon kneebends and push-ups. I’m really rounding them into shape and they are plenty lame.

11/18/43
They sprung the duty on me again tonight so I won’t be able to see Norm. All of us are pretty mad because our battalion is getting all the dirty details ‘cause they know we’re moving out soon.

11/20/43
I missed Norm last night, too, but he just blew in the tent. I showed him the wedding pictures, etc.  He looks very nice in his uniform but is hot stuff anyway.
     Gen.  Vandergrift just blew in so we all have to stay here this weekend.  Knobb came over so it’s not quite so bad.  We will have fun anyhow.  I’ll be calling you up tomorrow.

11/24/43
I’m spending another night with Norm in a hotel. It feels so good to sleep in a soft bed even if I do have to get up at 4:30 A.M. I have had very little sleep lately and have been where I couldn’t write you.  However, I did send you a package, guess we’ll call it a late birthday gift.

11/25/43
At last I’ve found a place warm enough to sit still and write in, in the early morning.  Here it is Thanksgiving day and out here it doesn’t seem to mean so much as in New England.
     We have our further orders now so it’s only a matter of a little waiting.

11/26/43
I’ve been giving my platoon quite a workout lately.  They honk a lot but they don’t mean it. They’re getting  huskier and huskier. The more the better Several of them have been in boxing meets, etc.  I’m getting quite proud of them.
     AT LAST they’ve got a heated room around here where a fella can write at night instead of shivering in a tent.
     Norm and I had a big steak the other night. He just blew in and is leaving tomorrow for maneuvers. So I guess we won’t see each other again until over there.

11/28/43
I just came back from the church service.  The chaplain was a very good speaker and gave a fine little talk. He mentioned the quotation: while one child is starving ... I am unfed, and brought out the point that when one little city was bombed in far off China the repercussions from their sufferings would finally come back to us who believed so strongly in our selfish island of security.  The war is much bigger than any individual or his family.  All the people in the world are in a sense, one...and just like one great body, if part of it gets sick the whole body is sick.  To cleanse the whole body has become our job.
     We certainly have a tremendous job to do. If you’ve read the papers at all lately you can see what part the marines are playing. I think we can be very proud of our outfit.  They are the Very best. They’re not any tougher than other men but they have more courage and never-say-die spirit as a group than any other.
     Some of us are going to get hurt, there’s no doubt about that.  Practical experience has proved it, but I believe it will not be all in vain.  All the sacrifice that will be and was expresses the real strength of a people who believe in a square deal and yes ... have faith in God.
     I often watch Major Johnson as he gets ready to go across for the second time, leaving his wife and baby behind.  I think sometimes he feels caught like a rat in a trap and yet his nerve is unshakable. A year ago he landed at NY for a 30 day furlough with his wife.

11/29/43
2nd Lt.  R. Bruce Watkins, USMCR1st Replacement Bn., F.M.F
Camp Elliott, Area 44
San Diego, California

There sure isn’t much to write about.  I know we’re going very soon but I don’t know when. We are just standing by.

12/21/43 ---FIRST CENSORED LETTER---
We have to turn our letters in tomorrow. The ocean is sure a big place. There’s an awful lot of water in it too. We’ve had to amuse ourselves watching flying fish, etc.
     Up topside at night I always watch the moon and clouds. The sun is just rising in the East and is very bright. I wish you could see it rise out of the sea. It’s all ready to start a new day and it reminds me of that old expression “another day another dollar.”

12/21/43   --- First V-mail letter---
If I’m right, at noon on our Christmas day it’ll be about 7 P.M. on Christmas Eve where you are. You’d like to see the deep tan I’m getting.  I can’t tell you where I am except that I’m on a fair-sized island in the So. West Pacific. We’re not in combat yet and the chow and the weather are both good. ***These days I’m using the philosophy of that very wise king.

12/28/43
I have received letters from you dated December 2,3,4, & 6 and just now one dated Nov. 29th which must have got fouled up somewhere. By now you should have received some of my So. Pacific mail.  You should also know where I am.
     I hope you will tell me all about Christmas day at home.  It surely wasn’t much down here.  We all had a small portion of turkey for noon chow but of course quantity and quality were nothing like home.
     I’m still fond of the marines as you well know but for personal comfort you better advise people to join the Army or Navy.  Honestly, we are the Dead End Kids of the service.  We get the least and worst equipment, food and fighting tools. I sometimes wonder how our record is so good.  I guess it’s the Marine spirit that carries us through.  That and pride in the Corps.  The Marines even have to fight for and steal food.  One reason MacArthur’s not very fond of us.  What can we do if Uncle Sam gives everything to the Army? We sure aren’t gonna sit and twiddle our thumbs.
     It’s a real hot day today so I’ve been washing clothes. They dry in about 30 minutes.  I guess that beats the sun even in Florida, doesn’t it?

12/29/43
The boys are arguing over some court-martial very heatedly and it’s pretty hard to concentrate.  I’ve got quite a tan now, all except a 2 inch line from shoulder to shoulder which is well-cooked to say the least.
     A couple of my boys are boxing at another camp tonight so I’m going over and boost ‘em along a little.  They’re pretty good and I think they’ll do allright.
     My men are being transferred one by one and I surely hate to see them go. I’m really very fond of them, even the ones that cause me the most trouble.  I’m just standing by myself to be transferred to a regular outfit.  A replacement battalion is an orphan outfit and nobody likes them. Wish I could take these men I’ve trained over with me.

1/1/44
Here it is the first day of a brand new year.  The first New Year’s Day that I haven’t seen you in quite sometime.
     If there is any lapse in my writing don’t let it worry you because as we get transferred from place to place we cannot write. We will probably move often anyway.
     I’m trying to get in a Raider Battalion but I don’t know what luck I’ll have. It’s a swell outfit though and I’d sure like to be in it.

1/3/44
I have been rather lucky lately and passed my interview and will soon be included in a Raider Battalion. It’s not so many that are lucky enough. It’s just about the top outfit in the Marines, even better than the Paramarines. I expect they will give me a lot of good training. They work on the hit and run basis you know. Gallop in and gallop out.  You can read about them in the latest Leatherneck.

1/8/44
Sorry I couldn’t write you the last few days but I told you never to worry when there was a pause in my writing. The Marines sure don’t have life easy although I’m not complaining.  I have still to get my permanent outfit which will mean an entirely new platoon, etc. I’m gonna miss my New River boys.  Jaffe is still with me and bunks in the same tent.  Harry Thompson and he got into the Raiders also.
     You know how mad I used to get when some of my fellow officers doped off. Well, it’s a lot better out here.  I guess the seriousness of the situation straightens most of them out.  I have been quite proud of my own.
     The Marine officers played the Navy officers in softball and I guess you know who won.  We came back in the eighth inning and walloped ‘em.  Cotza felt pretty smart too as he made two putouts in the last of the 9th to hold our lead. I skinned a nice chunk off my thigh sliding into home but it was all a great lot of fun.
     I’m enclosing a poem written by a Marine that I thought was very good and .expresses my sentiments very well.  If they’re gonna kill this guy they’re gonna have to load him down with so much lead he can’t lift it, cause I intend to respirate.

DEFIANCE AT DAWN
By Corp. Vincent H. Cassidy, Jr.
Last spring the writer of this poem was decorated with the Silver Star for gallantry in action in the South Pacific.- Before his enlistment in the Marine Corps, early in 1942, he was a first-year student at the University of New Hampshire.  His   home is in Derry, New Hampshire. - The Editors.

Another day!
And here I am,
Alive and well.
Yes, I might say
I’m feeling swell,
In spite of Japs,
In spite of hell.

Does it grieve you, Death,
That I defy you,
That I refuse to be taken by you?

Then on the morrow
Try again;
Perhaps I’ll not get by again.

What sniper,
Hidden in the trees,
Lies in wait,
Prepared to squeeze
The trigger?

What machine gun
Or mortar shell
Will find its mark?

What bursting bomb
Or what grenade,
Thrown in the night?

Be aforehand warned
And plan it well,
if you intend my doom to spell,
For I intend to fight.

1/12/44
At last I got two letters from you although they are a month old.  I still don’t know where I’ll go to combat or with what outfit.  I passed the test for the Raiders but now, for reasons which I can’t write about, none of us who were chosen will go out with them.
   Here’s a poem I though you might like, about the doggys-

OUR FIGHTING MEN

“A Marine told his buddy on Guadalcanal,
The Army is coming, think of it, Pal’ -
The Corporal answered him ‘All right, then,
Let’s build a clubhouse for Our Fighting Men.

A Seabee rolled up and he asked, ‘What’s the score?
The wagons and cruisers all laying off shore?
And scads of destroyers are sweeping the bay,
Is the Army finally landing today?

Their generals outrank ours, so they’ll take command.
New rules and new orders will govern the land.
They’ll have some M.P.Is to push us around
When the Army takes over it sure shakes the ground.

We can take it, said the Raider, it won’t be long
Til the Admiral bellers and we’ll shove on.
And a little while later we’ll be landing again,
To make New Guinea safe for Our Fighting Men.”

The Army sure does get a lot of things we miss but then you were with Marines long enough to know how they feel.  Here’s an answer written by a dogface which seems to me more of a tribute to the USMC.

“We want him to be cocky, he’s welcome to his pride.
They scratch him off the muster right at the warships side.
He makes the contact for us--that’s what it’s all about -
The Navy dumps him in there, the Army gets him out.”
We do not heed the yapping--we go our way serene.
For we are in his Army, and he is our Marine!”

A rather good attitude I might say at that.  I guess you know, though, that when this war ends, it’ll be the Army that gets back first.  As the Old Sergeants used to say to us --- Nobody drafted you, Mac!
     I no longer have a platoon. The few remnants that are left are organized in groups with other remnants.  I sure would have liked to have taken those boys to combat but I guess you know that a 2nd Lieut. has just about as much to say as a Pvt. The way promotions are going now I will be very lucky if I come back a 1st.  Lt. We won’t be due till about next Christmas.  As the Marine Corps gets bigger the promotions come slower. Oh well, I hope the war is over long before that. It’s not impossible. From this point of vantage it looks like things might turn out well. A good bunch of Americans are going to have to die first.
     I’m afraid we’ll have to make up our minds to that. We can’t play chess with the Japs. We can’t play around with them, we’re got to go right in and smack the daylights out of them right away. We’ll lose a lot of men but we’ll lose more if we give them the time they want.  I’m glad to hear we’re getting a little credit back home and you can take it from me it isn’t exaggerated. The Marines just get out of one place and smackin to another. They are not showing the Japs any mercy whatsoever. With the Army backing us the way they are now and our Airforce and Navy growing stronger by the hour, the odds are well in our favor.  If we were fighting these Japs on country such as Europe, instead of jungle, it wouldn’t take so long to knock them out.

1/13/44
We had a movie last night in the open-air theatre. It was “Korvett K-225.”
     This morning after I finish this letter I will ahve to wash clothes. I don’t look forward to that much I can tell you, although I have kept ahead pretty well so far.  Our khaki doesn’t get pressed down here but at least it’s scrubbed clean.

1/15/44
Here it is another day, another day of waiting. I’m beginning to believe the veterans who say the most time spent in combat is in waiting for for action have something.

1/16/44
Here it is another Sunday and everything is very quiet. The only possible excitement is our volley-ball game this afternoon. No work today. Two of my boys won boxing fights last night and so I felt very good. Of course they were good long before I saw them but they were my boys anyway.

1/21/44
We’ve been pretty busy the last 2 days recovering from a hurricane but we’re getting pretty well squared away now. Tents blew down like tissue paper, etc.
     We have moved into another tent now (Jaffe, Thompson and I); it has a good wooden foundation and is quite pleasant. The tents are much like the big ones they used to have at camp.

1/23/44
At last I have an assignment. Naturally I can’t tell you where now.  We are moving out today and it may be a week or more before you hear from me again. I said goodbye to the last remnant of my platoon last night. Only 2 of them are going with me.

1/29/44
As I told you in my last letter we are on the move. We still have a ways to go. The sea has been calm right along. We’re really going in this time and it may be very hard to get mail to you often.
     We’re going to have some dogfaces with us on board soon, what a stab! It may be a little rough for them. We are a rough looking crew. No pressed clothes since we’ve been overseas. The Marines are really respectedout here  and we are all intensely proud of belonging. The Navy claims the reason we fight so well is they put us in impossible situations and we have to, too bad! They’ve got a record of “Me and My Gal” on now and it really sounds good.

2/3/44
Can’t say much of anything about what’s going on but we’re in there. Everything is okay and yours truly is in good shape. I guess someday I’ll be able to tell you about all that’s happening now.

2/4/44
The more I get into this thing the more thankful I am that I worked hard before we went overseas.  I have so much more confidence in my ability, small though it may be.

2/23/44
My first real chance to write you. My new platoon has kept me so busy censoring their mail and I’ve had so much learning to do that I’ve just used up the time. Old Tojo isn’t exactly the kind of a guy to help out either, if you know what I mean.
     I have found that over here the greatest thing is to relax. If you relax you can’t be afraid, tense or self-conscious at the same time. Honestly, sometimes we wonder if the Army is a fighting organization or not. There’s only one place you find the Marines and that is at the front lines.  Believe me there is not the least exaggeration in that.  I guess they must be fighting in Europe although I believe most of the credit should go to the Air-corps.
     ***I believe I’m a little above the King’s philosophy, sort of a leftist idea I’m afraid.

3/l/44
Getting another chance to write at last. We move a lot but that can’t be helped. You’re wet most of the time either with rain or sweat. it’s raining now and the tents are like to wash away.
     It’s a month and a half since I’ve heard from you.  I ought to get a stack of them one of these days.
     I have a weapons platton now. Any Marine can tell you what that is -if you’re curious. That’s about all I can say except that we’re in action. We would surely like to conclude this operation and it’s high time the Army took over but I guess they’re going to leave it to the Marines as usual.  We hack out the Japs and then the Army takes over with USO’s and movies, buildings, etc. Whadda dog’s life, honestly, you could spend years overseas in the Army and not see any fighting.

3/4/44
Another little moment in which to write. Rather I should say a good-sized moment. When we aren’t actually at work, we loaf. Rest certainly helps, although we’ve had it pretty light so far.
     I call my rifle “Janie” for you know who and my pistol “Betsy” for a Revolutionary War Cannon “Ole Betsy.” My real reliance is on Janie but old Betsy can speak with great authority when she has to. As yet no situation has been serious enough to call for Betsy’s aid.

3/7/44
We have seen practically no action for a spell and things are very calm. There will probably be more in store for us but not just yet.
     I still haven’t heard from you since January 15th.
     I added a poem that one of my men wrote or rather copied from somewhere.  Just to show you the Marines are still cocky.

You can have your army khaki
You can have your navy blues
But there’s still another fighter
I’ll introduce to you.

The uniform is different
The best you’ve ever seen
The Huns called him the Devil Dog
But his real name is Marine.

He trained on Parris Island
The land that God forgot
Where the sand is fourteen miles deep
And the sun is scorching hot.

He’s set many a table
And many a dish he’s dried
He also learned to make a bed
And a broom he sure can glide.

He has peeled a million onions
And twice as many spuds
And spends his leisure time in
Washing out his duds

Now listen girls take this advice
I’m passing on to you -
Go get yourself a nice Marine
There’s nothing he can’t do.

And when he goes to Heaven
To St. Peter he will tell,
“Another Marine reporting, Sir.
I’ve done my strech in hell.”

And if St. Peter turns him down
Right back to hell he’ll go.
To kick the devil off his throne
And boss the whole darn show.

3/13/44
This is hardly a combat zone now so lay aside all your fears for a good spell. I got a very minute taste of it this time but I don’t suppose it’ll be too long before the next campaign.
     Hurray, the Army finally got hot and landed on the ADMIRALTYS and even though I guess they didn’t meet much opposition they seem to be doing well.

3/19/44
I’ve been doing a lot of scouting around on my own in the jungle.  The many things I’ve seen, I guess I’ll have to tell you about when I get home. It’s pretty warm in the tropics and don’t let anyone tell you it isn’t.  Your clothes are wringing wet before you move very far.
     We seemed to have stopped wandering all over for the present. It’s good to have a sort of home for awhile. I’m much more settled in my new life now.  It’ s monotonous but I’m good and healthy.  Even gained weight but I’m working that off now.
     My philosophy is new, you know.***

4/7/44
It certainly has been a long time since I’ve been able to write to you.  We’ve been out playing games with the little yellow people.  I don’t think you got the leftist idea but we are where I used to go to church.***Wish I ‘d thought of it before.
     Janie has sung a very sweet song for the last 2 weeks.  I only had to use Betsy once. I wish I could tell you everything about how many Japs we killed, etc. Suffice it to say there were plenty and the reports you hear about huge Japanese losses are more than true. Marines hate them like no-one else.  The captured Japs all tell the same story, the US Marines are the world’s best soldiers.  Frankly they haven’t got a chance and it’s just a pity that some good American boys have to die, too.
     A stack of mail came today! 35 letters from you and 15 from the folks.
     The worse I got out of this siege was a minor case of malaria.  That can make you mighty uncomfortable but nothing to worry about.
     When you’re a platoon leader you don’t have much time to get souvenirs. Janie talked to a good many Nips and I picked up a few odds and ends from yellow men who’ll never kill Americans again. I’ll send you a thing or two now and then.
     I’ve been so very glad that I knew the woods at home and had done plenty of hunting.  The jungle is different and yet much the same eternal vigilance will alone save the lives of you and your men. I went on more patrols than any officer in the battalion and was proud of it.  We have some swell officers in E. Co., and when they go after Japs they really go and get ‘em.

4/9/44
Here it is Easter Sunday.  We can say now that we were in the landing at Cape Gloucester, New Britain. I have also been in Australia and New Guinea, but very briefly.  Any news about the 1st Marines is my outfit.  I can also tell you now that I didn’t get into the Raiders because they disbanded them.  I’m in a crack outfit now.
     Here is a leaf--some kind of jungle vine.

4/10/44
Well, now I can also tell you that I’ve been in Australia and New Guinea.  Not for long but I had a brief look and of course I landed on Cape Gloucester, a little late for the first clash but I got in my share.  We’ll probably be moving again soon and there may be another hitch in your mail.  I think the fighting here is pretty well secured, though I guess the Aussies will be moping for years.
     We’re just getting vague reports of a great sea victory.  I hope it’s all it seems to be. The Phillipines seem to be the next great objective.  Maybe we’ll get to go, who knows.
     I was going to tell you about the native village we stayed in for several days. I was (as officer in charge) White Master #1. It was quite an experience.  Lului, the chief, helped us out a lot and gave us native boys for scouts to route out the Japs, etc. We converse with them in Pidgin English. Our conversations would go much like this, with many gestures:

Me: Lului, white massa no. 1, him bringum plenty white soldier.  Catchem Japan soldier.  You savvy soldier, him belong Japan, where him stop stop and sleep sleep.

Chief: Yes, Master, me savvy.  Sun come up this morning boy seeum 10 Japan soldier, stealum my taro, killum my pig.

Me: OK, Lului, we catchum boy, we go go go go, up up up, down down down, catchum place Japan soldier him stop.  Boy showum white soldier, him shoot, boom boom--plenty Japan soldier he die.

Chief: Yes master, No. 11

Anything that’s tops is number one with them like No. 1 KIKI is best food.
     They held a dance for us and had a hog killing. They split a little girls ears to put rings in them and the poor kid screamed and hollered. They killed the pig at the same time so that the pain would go into the pig. Some idea I’d say.  Boy, did they roast that pig.
     While we stayed in the village every Marine had him a chopchop boy to wash his clothes and get him coconuts, etc. They gave them all kinds of names like Gizmo, Yardbird, Eightball, Headspace, etc. What a time!
     One of the Gooks, as all Marines call the natives, got himself in the way of a .30 Cal. slug and I had to give him a military funeral to appease the chief. I had to say a blessing in Pidgin English and then we fired 3 salutes. The natives thought it was a fine funeral and went back happy as larks.  I’m telling you, a Marine Lt. has to be versatile. My men were all callin’ me Padre for awhile.

4/11/44
I’m writing by the light of a lantern and there’s rain coming down on the tent.  Reminds me of old Camp Bethel.  Guess this will be the first year I’ve missed although I haven’t had too much time there in the last few years.
     My letters should get to you regularly except when I’m fighting or moving aboard ship.  I believe we are due to move very soon now.
     I suppose I ought to tell you about a little thrill I had a while back. I had an 8 man patrol out in the jungle when we spotted or rather heard some Japs across a small creek.  We figured they were only a few and crawled out onto the almost bare bank of the creek in readiness to sneak across. About that time we froze like dead men.  What we thought was a few turned out to be the first of a marching column 35 feet away from us. We were in full view and couldn’t move.  If one Jap had turned his head left he would have seen us.  I counted 73 armed with rifles and light machine guns. I guess you know we were sweating. O’course once they were by I sent for reinforcements and we annihilated them.  Sometime!

4/13/44
The weather is really getting hot. Sure would like to be in New England.  I think the European war will last ‘till next fall and this one at least a year more. A lot can happen in that time but I’m optimistic.  Once we get the Phillipines, it’s going to be rather uncomfortable for Tojo. You know that paper money I sent you?  Well, I guess you know the little yellow weasels were planning on using it when they captured Australia. We call it occupational money.  I guess they didn’t realize that over 10,000 of them would die in New Britain.
     We’re not allowed to tell of our own losses although I can tell you they were small.  A few of my friends got hurt but we’ve been lucky. We all are pretty dark I guess but you don’t notice it when everyone is that way. We’re a little yellow from taking so much atabrine, too.
     By the way, I have a Rifle Platoon now which is what I wanted.  I liked the boys I had but I’m a much better Rifle Platoon leader. It was a rifle platoon that I had at New River.
     When we’re not on a blitz, I usually weigh almost 180 and then I go dowry to about 170. We get good food when we’re back off the lines and we do our share of just sitting around.  I’ve just spent about 15 days without once having dry feet.  It doesn’t seem to bother them though.
     Had a funny experience awhile back.  I was out on patrol sneaking up on a Jap hut. It was raining hard and none of them heard me. I looked inside and there were several of them so busy talking they didn’t even look up. When I said “Come on out” they all dove for their weapons in the center of the hut.  Of course that put them all in 1 bunch and fore I knew it Janie was talking to them very rapidly. Of course the rest of the patrol closed in and that was all. Sometimes that Janie sure gets to be a chatterbox.

4/14/44
A rainy afternoon with not much to do. Colonel’s inspection tomorrow so we’ve got to be on our toes, even out here.  I got all my clothes washed but this rain isn’t giving them a chance to dry.
     We shot some fat jungle pig6ons yesterday but they were pretty. Like an old chicken. I guess your food isn’t any better than ours except when we’re on a push.

4/15/44
Nothing much happening to write about. You must know where we are now.  By the time you get this I’ll be going back to the old philosophy where the Marines first became acquainted with it. **
     My new platoon has several yardbirds in it that I’m going to have to straighten out.  That is almost always the way it is. I have fine NCO’s at any rate and I’ve been on patrol with this gang before. We had a Captains inspection this morning and made out pretty well.  My clothes are almost all clean so all is right with the world.

4/17/44
It’s just before supper chow and I can at least get started on a letter. Just had a nice cold bath in the stream.

4/21/44
Here comes your latest epistle from jungle land. Nothing new today, been firing out on a home-made range. Big inspection tomorrow so everybody’s getting cleaned up as to clothes. It has rained everyday for a long time and it is a little hard to get your clothes dry. The ground gets very muddy, enough to even come over the tops of our high shoes. It’s the real sticky kind, too, practically have to cut it off.
     There’s all kinds of rumors as to where we’re going and lotz of scuttlebutt about the original Guadalcanal men going home.  There are a lot of them, too. I hope they do as it will move me one step nearer to coming home which is yet a long way off.

5/2/44
Tomorrow will make 5 months overseas for me. As you know I have moved.  Say, by the way - do you remember the name of the Rev.  Huggins son?*** You better. You should miss about a week of my letter. Don’t worry as I’m quite a ways from New Britain and other front lines.  I imagine you will soon read in the papers that the Marines were relieved on N.B. by the Army. ***Russell Island
     I don’t know what this newspaper article you speak of was but I sorta guessed it was about “Pappy” Genetti and I meeting down here. He is older than most of us, about 35. He is a PFC, a hot potato and people like him.  He’s a very typical Manchester character.

5/4/44
1 am now writing you early in the morning, just after breakfast. Too many people are gabbin’ and it’s hard to concentrate. getting up early, and getting up in the middle of the notice.
     Where we are now is some different. We are camped in coconut plantations in the world. All over one island.  They were planted by the British concern of Leber Bros., Inc. The British Gov’t charges us $25 for every tree cut down. ‘I say we ought to charge them for everyone that we got back for them. Anytime you want a coconut you look out in front where usually at least one will fall everyday.
     There’s a little less mud here but plenty of rats, no jungle in the grove, of course. Pretty warm now.
     We have been busy getting our men squared away and are now building tables, etc., to write on out of boxes and the like.  Figuring to stay a little while.
     Am enclosing a letter from Mrs. Quesy, the nurse I introduced you to at college.  Remember her hair is almost white and she keeps all of Tufts athletes informed about the college and each other.  A grand person.

5/6/44
My malaria only lasted 5 days and I hope I don’t get it again. It’s not exactly pleasant. Those souvenirs came out of a Japs wallet.  My scout and I crept up on two of them before they could move.  I also got a nice watch, minus hands, but in good order.  We had to kill the 2 Japs quietly sois not to advertise our whereabouts.  I’m not a blood-thirsty killer but I have had to use a knife several times.  This hand to hand combat is usually done at night in a foxhole.  Most of the shooting is never over 50 yeards and is usually about 30-50 feet. Betsy can handle that as well as Janie.
     I’m afraid if you saw the grass skirts these natives wear you wouldn’t care much for them.  They are very, very narrow. They are very dirty people and have lotz of skin diseases and infections and they are REAL black. We had a great time throwing grenades in the water to kill fish then the Gooks would dash into the water and scoop ‘6m up.

5/9/44
1 have just been thinking of all the many patrols we’ve been on and I thought that everybody who had written about it had tried to make heroes out of us. This poem is about a small routine patrol where you might run across 10 Japs, maybe 20; track them and usually mop up on ‘em.  Patrolling at the same time is very nervous work and it frays your nerves, knocks the weight off you, too. You’re usually dirty and sweaty and tired and I tried to catch that picture.

5/11/44
Don’t worry about me wearing a helmet. You see in the jungle it makes too much noise scratching against brush and when you are lying down you can’t see from under it. One time for instance I had a 6 man patrol and was sneaking across the top of a ridge trail in pretty thick jungle. I was in front when I heard Japs talking.  I slid down from the ridge on my belly to investigate. In the draw was a stream and 3 Japs with rifles who had just reached the top of the opposite ridge and were helping each other up the trail. One of my men back on the ridge coughed, and the three of them bolted. I was in no position to get a good shot but managed to get Janie up in time to wing a big fellow.  You’ve never heard anything Itil you hear ‘em scream. He was just wounded but he jumped up and screamed like a fiend.  Right there’s where he made a mistake as Janie stitched him a new row of buttons rather quickly. You see the others weren’t yet in a position to shoot and we would have got them all except for that little noise. I shot him at 50 yards but I probably could have gotten within at least 25 yards of them.

May 14, 1944
Dearest June,
       I take my pen in hand to write again this day to my dearly beloved wife. Oh, that I could unfold upon this page all the hearts adoration, all the longing, all the love I hold for her. She, who was my inspiration so long before we became one heart, one mind, and one soul. Oh, if I could only tell her that the many miles that separate us only make my love more real, more fine, more true. She has been and will be my guiding star, my jewel beyond price, my only love. If I could tell her all those things tonight -
     If perhaps I could, having spoken, enclose her dear self within my arms to hold her strongly but still gently. If I could feel the smooth, cool brush of her cheek on mine and hide my lips in her dark hair. If then looking down she would lift her eyes to mine and with those eyes tell me of her love and then her lips on mine, her heart beating strongly close to mine, we could hide forever war’s ugly face and dwell in love together for all our days.
       If I could whisper in her little ear, “My June, I love you so.” “We two will spend our life in love and no more longing, for the past is dead and before us lies the future full of work and promise, failure and success, shared alike, together.”
     If I could say, “My, Dear, when we are three perhaps we’ll have to make room here and strengthen there, a boy is a beloved tyrant in a home.”
       If when coming home at night I should find my dear one tired, distressed, concerned with mother’s care.  Then, too, could I take her in my arms and say, “Darling, be of good cheer, all the world loves a mother. When Jane is grown perhaps she can be as fair as wise as you, my Dear.”
       And another time when she is close by my side at night and I am tired and weary of the constant demands of a little child, she would snuggle close, her head on my shoulder and her voice in my ear. “He will be like you, Hon, when he’s big enough, and we will be so proud to guide him on his course of life” and I would answer, “Yes, but he will have his mother’s thoughts and kindness and we two, through his life, shall relive all the joys of childhood to youth and mark with pride each new step that he has made.”
       And on other lighter, gayer days perhaps we two, or three or four - can spend a sunny Sunday afternoon beside the sea and I will tell her of the years I spent away. The best things about those days in distant lands. And she in turn tell me of the months she felt that same aching longing that I felt. Little lazy talk upon the sand -- “I love you, Hon. - Me too, you.”  “You Pumkin head, let that loose lock fall over your eye. I like to see it so -- You’re crazy, but I love you, Dear.”
       Perhaps on other days when black clouds threaten home and all that is our own we will repeat, Our love is strong, Dear God, our faith is sure, we wholly trust in Thee. If it be thy will Oh Lord and thanks --” and rising we will feel the sweetness of our love, the strength of that love and looking on the future with a brighter face go forth to start anew upon old ashes.
       If all this come true, my Dear, and trust in God it will, no longer will I speak about my wife but to you my better self, my stronger half. God grant, Hon, when my work is through and I must no longer use these hands of mine for evil work but now for honest toil, that our time of longing and sorrow will end in quiet love and I will take you in my arms once more and feel your lips again and touch your long dark hair and know that it is not a dream but really you and than I’ll say, “My Dearest June, I love you and I love you as only you will know.”
     Your Bruce

5/16/44
Many of the old men are still standing by in hopes of going home, although they will be lucky if they do.  Some brand spanking new replacements are here and are they ever tough guys, in their own minds. They will however soon learn.  I met a Capt. Al Bennett, Tufts ‘40 and a fairly good friend of mine.  He was at New River fore we left, I might have mentioned him.  I’m sure glad I’m all broken in now and don’t have to start from scratch as a greenhorn. I think that is one of lifes greatest trials, beginning anew, being green at anything. It would seem, though, once you’ve got the savvy in this business you will never be quite so green again.

5/21/44
You asked if I killed the Jap that I got the souvenirs from. Yes, but I don’t think I’ll elaborate on how.  Enough to say it was done quickly and quietly.  A platoon leader’s job is first to keep his men organized and killing Japs is secondary.  However, I did manage to get that in, too.  We never let them suffer if they’re wounded or sick either.  I have a Jap watch I’ll send you sometime.  Maybe next push I can manage to get a saber.  I had plenty of chances this trip but was-too busy.
     It’s pretty warm now. We wear khaki all the time except when training or fighting, then it’s dungarees.  The Khaki gets real salty out here, almost white from scrubbing and the sun. Atabrine makes us a little yellow like the Japs and of course we all have a pretty dark color. Some of those Japs are surely ugly and boy do they smell. They use incense and powders which make ‘em stink like the blazes. You can tell how long they’ve been gone from a place by the smell.

MARINE PATROL

Down in the sunny, sticky jungle,
  where the vines twist o’er the stream,
and the musty smell of jungle, a stagnant
  dripping jungle
Seems unreal, like a dream.

There are men among these jungles,
  gliding down a narrow trail,
And their dripping, sweaty faces,
  their dirty stubbled faces
Tell a harried tale.

Other feet have beat that trail,
  just a little while ago,
And the men in muddy green,
  in wet and ragged green
Track them, bending low.

Matters not the time of conflict,
  matters not the fear of death
There is only tightened grimness, but
  cocky, rugged grimness
Holding aching breath.

Will the tracker find the tracked one,
  will the shining afternoon
Look on grimly smiling faces,
  or on still and quiet faces,
Chilled of breath too soon.

Yellow men in the bushes, a sudden
  fanning out,
Rifles blazing, tommies sounding, cries
  of dead and dying sounding,
A final scurrying rout.

The morning sun will tell us of the
  haggard men in green,
Yes, they came back last night safely,
   all but one back safely
To tell of what they’d seen.

And so it will be in the jungle, ‘til
  we reach a clearer goal,
When quiet love will welcome and the
  sun no longer welcome
Another Marine Patrol.

R. Bruce Watkins

 5/22/44
They’ve got a movie tonight and I’m going to see it. What a picture, a strictly corny western.
     Got up at 10 to 6 and gave the men physical drill.  Both men and officers have to do it early in the morning when it’s cool.  Of course it’d kill you later on in the day.  You don’t have to worry about such stuff in combat. You stay thin as a snake anyway.

5/24/44
They really got a recent movie out here tonight. I sat on a coconut log and saw “See Here, Pvt. Hargrove.” It really was good.

5/25/44
Tomorrow is a big inspection day.  There’s one thing about the USMC, they surely do keep their men on their toes in or out of combat.  I guess it gives them the spirit they need. It is a pain in the neck though and I don’t mean maybe.  They don’t expect your platoon to lose or wear out anything and the officers are always held responsible.

5/26/44
Inspection went pretty well. It was very fast.  I have a swell platoon and they always look swell.  When you’ve gone through things together as we have it’s awfully hard not to get too familiar with them.  You have to keep their respect and consequently find it hard.  I know you feel as I do that we all rate the same privileges and nobody anymore than anyone else. Yet it’s true, if you don’t take advantage of those privileges they will lose respect for you.  It really makes you feel good to have them come to you with their problems both here and at home. Naturally they appreciate a Lt. who does something about their requests rather than let it slide.  Little things like keeping their mail censored so it gets out on time.  You have to crack the whip every so often though, even if it hurts to do it.
     I have a very good Platoon Sgt. His name in Montgomery (Monty) for short.  He and I are exactly the same type and it seems like everything we do we click. We understand each other and the men us.
     Remember a gap in my mail doesn’t mean anything serious.  Fur won’t be flying ‘till my birthday, I don’t believe.

5/31/44
We got some pepsi-cola today and that sort of made folks feel good.
     I’ve really had a lot of exercise lately. Volleyball and baseball in my spare time.  It’s been a help although plenty hot.  I’m in pretty fair shape now, feel better too, building up resistance to this malaria bug.
     We certainly have lotz of rats around here. They run all over everything, the tent roof and all. One ran down the length of my cot last night.  I finally cornered him in a box and knifed him.

6/1/44
I guess maybe we won’t have that gap after all due to the fine service of Uncle Sam which I imagine you can appreciate.

6/2/44 - 8 P-m-
Just played volleyball after supper and I’m still a little hot.  I’m writing to you now after dark.  Jaffe is writing across the tent from me. Decker and Robby are fussin’ around, not accomplishin’ much and just shootin’ the bull.
     There’s so little news that’s really interesting. They change their plans so often in this outfit that it keeps you busy just following it.  I guess that’s why we get the jump on the Japs. We’re so fouled up that nobody can second guess us.

6/3/44 - 8 A.M.
What’d ya know they had 2 good movies last night.  The best ones I’ve seen overseas. “Life of Mark Twain” and “Chip off the Old Block.”
     Skulls seem to be a favorite decoration in the combat zone. I saw one on the radiator of a jeep. It’s jaws were fastened with elastic.  Every time the jeep hit a bump the jaw wagged up and down.  Don’t worry, I won’t bring one home and I only kill when I have to, although perhaps I may have to order a lot of it. They are animals, there is no remorse about killing them.

6/4/44 - Noon
It’s almost chow time and I am nice and clean in a nice pair of white scivie shorts you sent, sitting at a table made by me on a stool made by “Deck.” It is so good to be clean. I went to church this morning for the first time in quite awhile.  All the rest of the day we worked on our tent, put in a coral deck, built furniture, etc. We have the nicest tent in the area now.

6/4/44 - 10 P.M.
There goes taps, sounds awful pretty.  In a minute I’ll have to go down and check to see that all lights are out and mosquito nets up.  Practically tuck ‘em into bed, huh?
     Guess I better get on my horse and make this bed check.  Back again, everybody was a good boy tonight, so consequently no unpleasantness.  I imagine the platoon will have written a whale of a lot of mail today.  I’ll have to censor tomorrow but I guess their mail is as important to them as mine is to me so I’ll just have to get hot.

6/5/44 - 9 P.m.
My platoon played the 3rd platoon in our company in volleyball and beat them 21-3, 21-6. What a shellacking I was very proud of them.  They played the other boys for their beer.  I hope they don’t get too drunk tonight.
     I certainly have a swell platoon now. They have a lot of spirit and really work and play hard. Course I think it’s the best in the battalion but that’d be hard to prove.

6/8/44
My platoon won their first 2 volleyball games in a tournament by onesided scores.  Rain today, everything muddy. Sure is hard to get up at 5:30 in the morning but it always has been.  By golly, I hope when I get to working back in the states I can get upa little later. I guess you can get up easy though when you want to--it’s just bein’ made to get up that gets you. If I could only have a nice hot bath now and then a a cold shower.

6/9/44 - 11 A.M.
We have a little better living than lately although we aren’t exactly in the Waldorf-Astoria.  The Jap troops wish to heck they lived as well.

6/11/44 - 9:30 A.M.
Met “Pappy” Guinetto yesterday.  He’s been sick but made a fast recovery.  Some new men from Connecticut are here that know several people in Manchester. Fun to talk to them.
     I’ve gained a little weight lately, a little bit plumper...I’m even heavier than I like to be except that the next blitz will stick my bones out again.

6/15/44 - 9 P.M.
Things are going pretty well now.  We have some showers now which really makes it very pleasant. We certainly have no kick coming. I just had a nice bath and now it is raining on the tent and sounds very cozy like camp.  A rat just ran across the floor.

6/16/44
My platoon’s been giving me disciplinary problems lately.  Have to get on them a bit.  Trouble is I’m too fond of them.  It’s hard to get mad at them for any length of time.  We do so little that’s really energetic now it seems as though you wouldn’t get tired, but that’s the tropics for you I guess.  Maybe I’ll bring you out this way sometime when the war is long past.  I really would like to visit ole chief Lului sometime.  Wonder if he’d remember? 6/21/44 - 9 P.M.
     Back to red cross stationary again. We are enjoying our first radio music in a long time.  It’s really good to get the news first hand for a change.
     Everyone seems to figure the war out here to last about a year and one half more and of course hope sooner.  I ought to be able to get through that okay.  I’ve served more than a quarter of 2 years already. When you look at it that way it doesn’t seem so bad.

6/23/44 - 11 A.M.
It’s a pretty warm morning and I’m the only officer in the Co. area so I’ve time to write.
     Received quite a few letters from you today and also the snapshots. Surely was glad to get them. Mail is pretty slow at times, although I really can’t complain.

6/25/44 - 9 A.M.
Here I am again on Sunday morning feeling very much like talking to you. Just had a bath, a shave and breakfast too. I’ve got to do some of my laundry this afternoon but for now until after church, I relax.
     Sundays are a lot more like Sundays at home now.  We seldom work and more or less relax most of the day.
     There’s not a heck of a lot doing lately. My platoon is running smoothly again.  Everyone seems to be in good spirits but kinna quiet.
     Saw a good movie last night, “2 Girls and a Sailor.” There was lotz of music and lightheartedness and it made us all feel good. Once you’ve been in the real thing these war pictures all look exaggerated or staged.  “Gung Ho” was here but very few went to see it.  War isn’t glorious and there’s nothing in it that anyone here wants to see reviewed. I guess it’s enough to have to face it in reality.

6/25/44 - 9 P.M.
I’ve just finished doing some studying up on furniture.  My Dad sent me some books and tonight I was just thinking how we’d be getting furniture fore too long for our home.

6/26/44 - 10 P.M.
I’m still in the same place and will be for awhile yet.  My Pl. Sgt., Montgomery, has been overseas 2 years and says he is plenty ready to go home.  I wish I could tell you more about my Platton.  E Co. won two softball games in a row.

6/28/44 - 10 P.M.
Our fellow Marines up on Saipan seemed to have run into plenty rough fighting. I reckon it won’t be too long fore we see some feathers flying.  I couldn’t tell you when ‘cause I don’t know and couldn’t if I did.

6/30/44
Just had some limes mixed with water and sugar in my canteen.  Takes care of your thirst real well .

7/1/44
Looks like one of my men is a track star.  I’m entering him in a Regimental meet.  Most of the athletes around here come from E Co. It’s a great outfit.  We’re waiting on the feathers now and I guess it won’t be very long.

7/4/44 - 9 P.M.
We went fishing today, 7 officers, ‘cause today was a holiday. We didn’t use a hook and line though.  We used blocks of TNT. We’d get in about 20 feet of water with our rubber boat and when we found good coral bottom, drop over a healthy charge.  After it goes off you go ‘) back and pick the fish up, floating around. Some of them, killed instead of stunned, sink to the bottom and we dive for ‘em. Sometimes you get ahold of one that’s still kicking and it’s a battle to hold him and swim back to the boat.  I grabbed on to a big 10 pounder one time and got my finger cut to the bone.  This tropical fish is pretty, all colors of the rainbow, but what teeth!  All the NCO’s had fish for supper tonight. Personally I like to catch ‘em but don’t care about eating them.

7/6/44
I am sending another piece of Jap money. This is their own money they use back in Japan.  I didn’t know I had it, it was in the back of one of my Jap wallets. If I ever get around to it I’ll send that watch too.
     Fighting the Japs seems like years ago now but I guess we’ll not have long to wait for more.  Little but coconut trees here.  The British must have had a corner on the coconut market. Down here in safe waters it doesn’t seem possible our buddies can be dying up on Saipan. I guess it must be pretty rugged.  We’ll find out soon enough.
     There’s a very beautiful moon tonight, round and full. Shining through the coconut palms it makes it almost light as day.  I guess it is very beautiful. War doesn’t bother mother nature too much. It may knock out a lot of growth by bombing, etc., but it’ll all come back.  It takes awhile to get used to seeing dead bodies after the sun and bugs have been at ‘em but after all, the spirit of the person has passed away and it is, as one would say, nothing but clay.
     First dead Jap I saw we uncovered while digging a head (Latrine).  I know spots in the jungle where there are bones scattered for hundreds of yards. I guess maybe I shouldn’t mention these things but I’d rather you’d realize how it was.  I guess I’ve gotten pretty callous but I imagine it’s nothing a little peacetime won’t cure.

7/9/44
Yesterday I got a letter addressed to Lt.  Richard B. Watkins with the rest blanked out and only 1st Mar.  Div.  It came from Mrs. R. B. Watkins, 1428 Indianola Ave., Columbus, Ohio.  I tho’t you might be interested.  Her husband evidently was in a hospital for awhile but probably got out and it was confused with my name.  On the other hand it might be her son though as it looks like Lt. Richard S. Watkins. Very confusing.
     I had to quit playin’ volleyball this morning because my finger opened up where the fish bit me on the 4th. Barracuda are mighty vicious.  It’s sultry as all get out today. I shot some parrots hunting yesterday. I’m enclosing some feathers. Kinna beat up but will give you a little idea of the many colors they wear.  The big one is from a white cockator.

7/14/44 - 9 P.M.
We have an artist in our company who has been painting action pictures since we got out of combat. He painted a portrait of me which I am sending to you.  I wouldn’t say it was terribly good but I thought you might like it, next best to a photograph.

7/16/44 - 2 P.M.
Just was interrupted by none other than Corp. Labos. His outfit was split up so I couldn’t find him but he found me.  I gave him the picture you sent with his wife in it and he seemed very pleased. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with him. He hasn’t had malaria and he seems to be in good shape.  I think his wife is worrying needlessly.  I had quite a long talk with him.

7/21/44 - 9 P.M.
My correspondence is terrible but I just have run my head off lately.  Wish I could tell you all that I do but that’s impossible. It won’t be long before the feathers start but we have work ahead to do.
     My platoon is in good shape.  I’m proud of them although they need a lot of improvement yet.  All kinds of personalities. A lot of New Englanders too. I gripe a lot but I still wouldn’t be in anything but the Marines. They are the toughest and the dirtiest but there’s something really down to fundamentals in a Marine foot soldier. “We don’t need the aircorps medals or the armys rest and chow; let the navy dump us in there and we can show them how.”

7/24/44
We’re getting more rain again now. I just hope it isn’t gonna be the rainy season which it may be.  One of the officers here is trying to tame a parrot but without much success. The bird is very ungrateful and mad most of the time.

7/28/44
Just got a swell package from you with candy, mints, books, those swell little pads, etc.  They are awfully handy, I always give some away’. I’d like to get ahold of some leather shoelaces too if I could.  The ones you got for me are just beginning to rot.
     Funny weather we’ve got.  The sun shines and it’ll rain at the same time. Our tent is getting mighty leaky.  I’m thinking that something will have to be done about it. It’s about time we got goin’ - then I won’t have to worry about it.

8/6/44 - 7 P.M.
Here are some pictures of my platoon.  I would like to get reprints of all of them so would you have them made up for me.

8/18/44
1 don’t think I’ll see the Huggins boy for awhile but again later probably.  He’s treated me pretty well.  I met Sgt. Goelz, my old platoon Sgt. at N.R. Boy, was I surprised. He is the first I’ve seen of that replacement Bn.

8/22/44
I’m gonna send my trunk home from San Francisco so don’t be worried when you see it. It may be pretty well battered as it wasn’t terribly strong. It’s been to Brisbane, Australia and back. I forget just what all is in it. My greens, letters, books, khaki, etc.
     There surely isn’t much to, write about although I have a little more time now.  We are all in pretty good spirits. It’s nice to see people smiling. We’ve been a long time without a roof over our heads, or mattresses, or hot water or any of those convenient little things.  I’m not kicking, just reflecting.
     On my birthday I’ll have 9 months overseas. Feathers for a birthday present, I think.

9/8/44
Here I yam again.  I guess you can probably guess where. That’s right, I’m on a ship again heading into combat for the second time.  By the time you get this of course we will have had our fun and you will be able to read about it. The 1st Marines are part of the 1st Div. so look for either name.
     I should have more time to write aboard ship as we are all ready except for a few very minor details. My emotions are not particularly aroused by the thought of action yet.  I feel like a veteran although I guess I haven’t seen as much as many.  No doubt after this one I won’t need to take a back seat to anyone. My platoon is really ready I do believe and I would match them against any platoon that ever went into combat.  The Marine Corps has a way of making you feel silly if you’re afraid when there are so many fellas going in with you.
     I’ve got Janie and Betsy in good shape.  They’re all ready to go.  I’m sure they’ll stand by me as they did before.  Ole Janie is pretty well beat up but she is still a great weapon.
     Sure gets hot inside a ship.  All we wear is shorts most of the time. It’s not bad sleeping on the top deck when a cool breeze is blowing at night and the stars come out. Ocean travel is okay but I’m afraid I’m getting very sick of it. Good friends help while away the time.

10/2/44
I guess you been worryin’ a bit but as you now see it was entirely unnecessary.  I came through the Palau campaign without a scratch despite the casualties you read about.  I must admit though that there were many, many times when I just missed. I can’t tell you about how hard we were hit but I reckon you’ve read it.
     You probably know it was the First Division that landed on Peleliu and the First Marines (First Regiment) really bore the brunt of it. They can say what they want but I have seen the bravest men that ever lived or died.  My platoon did a magnificent job and I am mighty proud of them. My Battalion and Co. were tops, too, and we are now licking our wounds. Not me though, thank goodness.
     Six days covered the fiercest action and we were sure in it.  The correspondents with us claimed it was worse than Tarawa and Saipan.  It was really somethin’.
     We didn’t pick up any souvenirs this trip, we were too busy fighting. My fannie is my souvenir and a mighty good one.
     The day after we came off the line we had a mail call and I got 6 letters from you, one with the picture of me and my two Sgts.
     I’m aboard ship right now.  I’ll probably see the Huggins boy soon -but I just want you to know that I’m OK.

10/4/44
My second letter to you since the storm. I guess I’ll be out here 24 months like I said the first time but by Christmas I’ll have over half in and I think it’]] be quite awhile before the next blitz.
     Oh, I meant to tell you that Janie chalked up one more before I had to ditch her for a Garand rifle.  The Garand did better and I finally ended up with you guessed it, Tommy, and he really did have a party. Ole Betsy saved my life this time and chalked up a saber-waving Jap officer. Sure was glad to have her along. Wouldn’t part with her for anything.

10/11/44
My first chance to write you since I got to see Huggins. I know letters are on their way to you now but probably won’t reach you for another week.
     Wish I could have got some souvenirs for you but there was just too much else to do.  This gizmo I’m sending you was made by one of my boys from a piece of a Jap Zero. You can shine it up and bend it for a bracelet or leave it like it is. What you see in the center is the 1st Div. shoulder patch
     All I lost on this push was a fingernail on my right hand ring finger. I had shells land as close as 5 feet from me and only knock me down. I had a piece of shrapnel as big as my arm tear the chin strap off my helmet and never touch me. Bullets came close enough to feel the breeze but yet I didn’t get hit. Seemed like I always moved just in the nick of time. Your prayers were really answered, there are so many, many Marines not so lucky. Our regiment got hit hardest.
     I guess I’ll tell you about a little personal satisfaction I got on the 3^{rd day of the fight. A sniper had shot one of my boys and as my carbine was no good I took his Garand rifle. About an hour later after the fighting had slowed up I suddenly spotted a Jap sniper creeping along a ledge almost 350 yards away. I put the old eye along the barrel and shot him right square between the eyes. He must of fallen 100 ft. Just like a bird. I reckoned I’d got a litted revenge for Bucky}

10/15/44
Your package with the first bunch of pictures came today.  I know the boys will be more than happy. If I have enough left over I’ll send you one of each and identify them for you.
     I’ve spent all morning buildling a desk. It has a leaf that drops down and lots of compartments inside, at least it suites our purpose very well. Robbie, Jaffe and I are still together in the same tent...Decker is gone.

10/16/44
I went hunting this morning with pretty fair luck. All birds and chickens but game is thick. Went out with a shotgun, can’t miss with them.

TO MY WIFE