Name/Title
letterEntry/Object ID
2022.2.294 A-CScope and Content
Letter sent to Mr and Mrs B. E. McMachen Postmarked San Francisco, CA Aug 14,1943, 2 postal stampsContext
Pg 1 May 24th (Torn page) Some where in south Pacific Dear Mom, Dad and Norma Jean, Well here I am 8000 miles from home. Will be when we land. Don't know when you all will receive this letter as I am giving it to a sailor to mail when he gets back to the states and that won't be for at least 2 more months. When we hit land it'll be the New Hebrides Islands about 1000 miles from Australia. not bad for a boy who has only been in the army 5 months. We left May 8th and will land the 26th or 27th if everything goes ok. We picked up a destroyer 2 days ago and feel a little safer now as we are in dangerous water now. However, I don't worry as I know everything is going to come out ok and I'll be home in a year. I hope and pray this is true.
Pg 2 We have 1781 men aboard and are packed in like cattle. I got acquainted with some sailors and have been sleeping with them. Makes it ok for me. Have been painting life boats to pass the days away. Sure is a punk job but it'll do. Food is lousy and I only eat one meal a day. Sitting in the radio shack writing this and am going to play the operator some pitch. read this to May as I put a few more items in this. I sure miss you all and hope to see you in the not so distant future. Attended church both Sundays Dad. take good care of yourself. NJ how's the vacation? mom don't leave dad too often. Love Donald XXXOOO
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