August 15, 1945 (to Marion Sneen)

Air Mail From Dip

Luzon, P.I.

Aug. 15, 1945

“V-J-DAY”

Dear Marion –

Little girl – this is the day! I’m so happy it’s impossible to put it in writing!

Up to now I’ve never dared even hope that such a thing could happen. If you can guess where I would have been a few months from now if peace hadn’t come – you know just how much it really means to me.

I can’t see a trip home though for about 6 months, Marion. Those of us that are unfortunate enough to be so close to Japan are going to have to police the place – at least until they can ship over enough non-combat soldiers to take our place. Gosh – let’s hope that’s soon.

Already I’m starting to think of nothing but home. I’m afraid I’m going to be a very restless person until I get home now. I’m not going to be good for a thing but day-dreaming – I can see days ahead when my morale will be stretched to the breaking point. But at least I will be back now and that’s the important thing to me.

The news certainly broke at a queer time for me this morning. At about 0900 I was giving a class on Military Discipline & Courtesy when Tony walked up & whispered in my ear “CSMO (Close Station March Order) the war’s over – today has been declared a holiday!” I turned around & repeated the message to the boys – you should have heard the cheering. Guess I’ll always remember that particular moment.

Rolie wrote today – the first I’ve heard from him for a month or two. He didn’t have much hopes of getting out of the Navy very soon, however I guess the end of hostilities will make a difference.

Just happened to think – we guys haven’t had a good bridge game for a long time – just suggested it and got quite a rise so I guess tomorrow night’s the night.

Marion, how’s your lumbar transverse universal vertebrae these days? Bet you sorta stretched it a little on “victory” day. You better get rid of that corset before I get home – I hate those gadgets especially on a gal who strictly doesn’t nee one. And unless you’ve changed since I went away – you don’t.

But now I’m starting to get personal, so I’d better say g’nite before I get my face slapped. Would you? Let’s see -----X----- I’m waitin’.

Love, Dip