70 years ago – Letters from the war
When J.B. wrote these missives, he was 59 years old, had retired from the U.S. Navy and gone into politics in the state of California. The advent of World War II changed all that. He was recalled into naval service, put in charge of training first in Hawaii, then in Florida. Due to his (and his son John’s) intimate familiarity with Guam and the Mariana’s Islands, J.B. was part of the U.S. Marine invasion force to retake Guam and determine friend from foe. These are his exact words although I have corrected some spellings and any additions/clarifications I added will be italicized.
July 15, 1944
My dear Sweetheart –One of these days I’ll be allowed to put a heading on these letters. Your intuition will have to fill in. The press gives out far more news we are allowed to. There is a good reason for it. I ran across ______. Maybe I told you, anyhow he gave me some stamps. I can mail ’em but can’t get em, just that one time. One mail in 44 days, Somebody is not on the job. A lot of fellows get credit for a lot of things they don’t do. I hope the guys that have to do with the mail get a dressing down. Time magazine (miniature copies for the Service) come regularly. They must have a drag. Gee! the lies they print.Every time I have read anything in Time that I have known about before hand, is wrong. Save the July 3rd issue and someday I’ll tell you things. The printers must fill it in – I don’t see how they could get such lies past the censor.
This morning I had sausage, french toast? That’s what they called it. Coffee – canned figs. Not bad. Last night we had steak, good too. Every meal I eat I long for you, to be eating with you and giving you well deserved praise for the dainty morsels you put before me. You do everything right. I love you for everything you do and for everything you are – my precious wife.
Your devoted Daddy