70 years ago – A last note from Guam

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 have added will be italicized.

16

Good morning, sweetest of all women.

Got in tired and dusty last night. Ate well and to bed early. Up at 0600. When I got in I found the enclosed. Guess you paid the premium and also the V-mail from Gloria. A nice letter. Am anxiously a letter giving a S.F. address. Just had breakfast, coffee, bacon, french toast? Nothing like my Annie feeds me. I know that you helped Maynard [Savvy’s daughter]. But look out. Tonise better let Maynard pick her own sweetheart and husband.

I asked John in my letter how he got the gas to go South. Isyl said in her letter that her father once told her “J.B. will be a good father to you”. She went on to say that I had been and that she appreciated it and was grateful. You of course, will meet all of those problems as they arise and you will handle it all well and good. Be sure and pass along what I wrote in past letters. I can’t write about things any more.

Oh, yes, the young major who we met in Chicago and who came west with us came to see me yesterday. Major Fuller is his name and he sends his regards to you. Darling I must stop now with an expression of the deepest love and affection for my adorable and lovely wife. Let me hold you and kiss you and tell you.

Your devoted Daddy

This is the last retyped missive that has been passed down. J.B. remained on Guam for a little while longer but by the end of 1944 he was back in San Francisco serving as a member of the USN courts martial board. At the age of 60 he was retired for the final time from the U.S. Navy and then re-entered California politics – being re-elected to the California Assembly in 1946 and serving there until the end of 1954.

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