70 years ago – Western Pacific Theater
When J.B. wrote these missives, he was 59 years old and 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.
18th
Good morning, Sweetheart of all Women.I wish I had bought a few for myself when I got yours. Up at 0415 this morning. I like to watch the sun rise. The sunrise is beautiful; the “Rising Sun” is not. Why boy “Quenga” is getting excited. He has a right to. Every chance I get I bring out your beautiful letters and read them over. I got them 15 days ago. I waited 31 days for that bunch. Not much of a chance to get any for a while.
I wonder if you are where you can listen to the radio. If your radio goes on the bum get John to look it over or Walter Fanning. I feel that you are right here with me, you mean so much to me and I think of you so much of the time it seems that I can reach out and touch you. Kiss your wonderful eyes and hold you in my arms. Bye my sweetheart wife, I love you
– your devoted Daddy
“Quenga” could be Juan Quenga Cruz, the father of noted Guamanian judge and politician B.F. Cruz