Tutum Iter

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.

24th

Good morning darling.

Never have I spent such a night. Heavy firing all night. Me in a foxhole, in water. Dreary rain nearly all night. Machine gun bullets hit the trees all around me, a heavy zing over my head – not a wink of sleep, then at 5 AM the Japs tried to move in, all joined their ancestors at 10 AM. I took my binoculars and went out to take a peek. The Japs opened up with a 75 [from a] place we thought cleaned out. The first shell hit 50 yards from me and killed 3 and wounded 7. By the time the 2nd came I had dug a pretty good hole with my nose. I have learned to dig like a gopher. In fact, I live like one. K rations are so bad. We made a little fire and had coffee with canned ham & eggs. Also a fruit bar. In spite of all, everybody is cheerful. I have you to love – you are my angel and Oh how I do love you,

Your devoted “Gopher”

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.

23rd
3rd Morning

Good morning, Precious.

Last night was a little quieter. All day yesterday was bad and everything is going full blast this sunrise. There is pretty stiff opposition at the southern landing, where we are. The Japs are dug in on the hillsides. The reports are good this morning from all fronts. News flashes indicate internal trouble in Germany and Japan. We, at home, seem to be having political mudslinging. [1944 was a presidential election year; some things never change] Some people will do anything to gain selfish ends. Tell the people not to let the boys out here do all the sacrificing.

Talked to a fellow yesterday who had been mortally wounded. He was cheerful and had no idea of dying. He was wonderful, talked about the battle with enthusiasm. He died in about two hours. That’s the way they are. I haven’t seen a wounded man that showed fear nor had any them lose that cheerful spirit. K rations, warm water, hours in the shell holes and foxholes, every discomfort, bullets, shells and bombs all around. Do they complain? Not one damn bit. Such a contrast to some of the folks back home all safe and sound. Folks who are better fixed with worldly goods than at any time in their lives.

Mortar fire is the most bothersome thing we have to contend with. No more bombing – the Japs have no planes left. Their shell fire is tough. They have so many hidden guns. Up by our old place where we had the big barbeque the Nips are strongly entrenched and have many guns, big ones. We have control of the harbor and will move on today. This is a bloody Sunday. Chaplains are on the job everywhere, holding short services as lulls in the firing occur. The surgeons and first aid going are marvelous. I have seen only one wounded man die.

Everyone out here seems to have the utmost faith in everybody else. I have faith in all of them. The people back home, everything that goes to make up our wonderful Country, our homeland. It’s a grand thing to fight for. I have the utmost faith in you, you [are] the one that gives me wonderful thoughts, you, the one that stands by me and thinks I’m alright in everything. You, the one who loves me and has dedicated her whole life to me.Romance is a grand thing – you and I have had a war and peace. We will have a lot more of it darling. If and when I get back this time I’m going to be with you. John and family are in my thoughts all the time. Ham [Joslin, Anne’s son, ergo J.B.’s stepson] and his family are too, in a different way, but none the less fervent.

I want all of you to think I am doing my level best. I have a fine job coming up. Of course we have to get rid of the Japs first. The Japs are in a mess. A prisoner told one of the marines: “The marines run us off the island and the Navy won’t let us off”. About the only prisoners we get are those who have been knocked out. A few do give up. They say “To hell with it”. I’m glad to be rid of Col. “Fussbudget”. I don’t know where he is. He’s just an observer. Col. “Artillery” is raising hell. I will try to get to his command post today. I like him. He is up on the mountain next to our picnic spot.

Must stop now, my adorable. You have been fine company for me. I have that picture of you and all of you right with me. I just want to do things for all of you. My dear brother [Charles M. “Savvy” Cooke, Jr – at this point an admiral in the US Navy] got me into this and I’m glad. I’ll never turn him down. I won’t fail him. He will get all I can give. Tell him that.

To you sweet angel all my faith and love. Thanks for your prayers. Your prayers make me feel good. A big love to my grandsons, their dear father and mother. You do everything for me and I’ll never fail you.

Your devoted Daddy

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.

22nd
Goodmorning, Sweetheart.

There is a chance to write. It is just sunrise. The sun only shows its light where I am, on the western side, of the island. Everything has been fine. Nobody seems to pay the least attention to possible danger. The boys seem to go about the task at hand with the same spirit in which they tackle any job. Tell Isyl the subject of her story has packed. Many others are also packing. Two forces hit simultaneously – one not far from where Fares used to live and the other about 5 miles to the south and west of the golf course. The attack was a most thrilling affair. All night the fighting continued and is still going on incessantly. When the opportunity comes along the boys doze off when they stop.

I have my own idea as to how long it will take, but mustn’t write it. I can’t even go into detail about the progress. As a matter of fact we are here but don’t have as much news as you get. I’ll bet at this minute you have more dope by radio and newspaper than we have. We are where we see more of the trees than we do of the forest. Speaking of trees, you should see how those cocoanut trees, along the shore, are stripped. They look like bare poles.

Have been talking to some of the wounded boys. I have never seen such spirit. Everybody here must be a fatalist. If they get it, they get it and vice-versa. Your daddy doesn’t think about it. Everything is so exciting and interesting. The most disturbing thing is the mortar shell fire. There are many Japs dead. We have two Japs with us (American born)[probably as translators] they seem as enthusiastic as any of us. Heard one of them refer to the enemy as “yellow bastards”. I know how it is but it seems so funny to see Japs with our uniforms on. We have to keep them close by or some of our own boys would shoot them. Have to stop now. We may get a chance to get a mail out today. Wish I could get some.

Darling, you have been so comforting to me. The very thought of you, just makes me want to do, etc. etc. I love you so much. I love to know that your prayers are for me. A big love to all of the John Juniors. I hold you and kiss you, my darling. You are the adorable wife and I am grateful for all you have done and all you do for me. You do things for others too. You are sweet and good. Bye for today –

– Your devoted Daddy

Wonder if you hear the boom, boom? Pearl [Harbor] was just a small sample.

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.

21st 10.30
My own angel –

This is it – I’m looking for people I know. Haven’t seen any so far. Everything looks the same as ever, but Oh how different. Going tough but very satisfactory.

I know you are by the radio. I read your prayer last night and I have your picture over my heart. I have both folders in the same pocket – all the immediate family together. Tell John and his own that I’m thinking of them too. I love all of them and I know they are thinking of me. Would like to tell you a lot but can’t. I feel fine just tired but every time I sit down I immediately get up to take a look. I’m almost deaf but the excitement and glory is great. “God Bless America” and God bless all of you. Kiss ’em all for me and to you, my adorable wife, everything. Thank you for your prayers. I have a great interest in everything, no fear, whatever.

Your devoted Daddy

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.

20th
Good morning, sweet lady

Just say that you heard from me on this day. Just know that your daddy adores you. Too much to do and I’ve been going since 0200. Kiss me sweetheart because I love you

– your devoted Daddy.

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.

17th
Good morning Angel.

This is a busy day. All of them will be busy for quite sometime. I try to analyze my thoughts and I am convinced my conclusions are at least sound. I would like to write about ’em but obviously, I can’t. I’m downhearted about the mail. That one mail delivery in 45 days. Lord knows when we will get it. Of course, I understand that there may be considerable difficulty in delivery, but it doesn’t keep me from wishing I knew about you. I do hope you are having better luck. Food continues to be wholesome and good. Oh how I would go for a cold bottle of beer. About the only things we get to drink are water (warm) and coffee (mediocre).

Col. “Artillery” tells me he is due to go home soon. Hope I get your address soon because he said he would go see you. He is a fine man and doing a tremendous and very hazardous job. He has the best outfit I have seen. His home is in Philadelphia. He and I have the same ideas about many things.

Darling, if all the stars in heaven could heap their love on those on earth it wouldn’t be as great as my love for you. Everything is fine about you and to make it really wonderful you always tell me that you are mine. What a grand feeling that all gives me. I am happy just with you.

Your devoted Daddy