February Letters

Thursday
1 February 1951
Bofu, Japan
175

Dear Jane,

Two letters from you. Naturally I gobbled them up in no time flat. Gosh, I like to read letters from you. It seems that you are right here. Maybe because your letters put me in a dream world with you right here causes me not to get desperate about a phone call. I’m doing all I can to see that your call gets to me. I think it will work out ok. I don’t know now whether I will get it here at Bofu or at Itami.

In the next day or two I may go up to Itami. It seems a of Cpl. stole a jeep and wrecked it. I have to ask questions to see what is going on. The Cpl is in our Squadron but he is up at Itami and that is where the alleged crime took place. As usual the silly guy wrote a statement and signed it. Why don’t they refuse to sign or say they blacked out. Proof would be very difficult. Also, you get your best leads right from the guy’s own statement. So goes life.

Nothing doing today. I believe I will fly tomorrow. I hope the weather is good.

It is fairly warm. I expect my slight sore throat to clear up. Early to bed tonight.

The Squadron party last night was quite the deal. Actually, it was quite tame. There were lots of songs — dirty ones in particular.

There is really not enough to do around here so I have taken up little projects such as making myself a compass rose and a ruler to navigate with. Also, I have made a Close Air Support Map. Many guys are copying the idea. I’ve got lots of stuff on it. It is quite helpful to have all the important stuff in one place. I have really got my books operating for the first time. They are most complete. You would be surprised. Actually, it only took a short time to make up the enclosed P & [T] and the Balance Sheet. This is so because the records were up to date. It takes me about 15 minutes every three days.

I hope you get a good Dodge. A Coronet 4 door — six passenger sedan. It looks ok to me.

Lover rabbit believe me when I say I love you dearly and that you are very, very important to me — so important I wouldn’t dare stray in any way. I’ve been real good and will always be that way.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 164

Thursday
February 1, 1951

Dearest Rab,

You know sometimes I wonder & worry about you. Today I received Nos. 169 & 170 from you & you thanked me profusely for the fruit cake & Vicks drops & thanked me for making the fruit cake, etc. Listen, sonny, I’m not so dumb not to have enuf sense to remember that you don’t especially care for fruit cake & knowing that I would never make one for you. That was the one Peggy Dermody made especially for you, & just last week she asked me if I’d sent it to you. So — please, please, please write her immediately & thank her for it. They will, incidently, be very pleased to hear from you.

MR & MRS. GEORGE DEMODY
444 ORANGE AVE., LOS ALTOS

Please, please write them as soon as possible as that fruit cake was supposed to be extra special & she’s waiting to hear from you. Sometimes I wonder if your not as much out of this world as Faust.

I hope you can keep your love sick, demented rabbit in his cage & I’ll try hard to keep mine in his cage too. Aren’t they really awful when they get out? God, they scare me!

Where in the heck is Bofu?? I’ve looked on all the maps around here & nobody can find Bofu. We find a Hofu on the southernmost part of Honshu — is this Bofu? Quite frankly I’m confused!

Tonight I came home & had had some pea gravel delivered for the path out in front & spread it. It was awfully hard work & I’m dead! But I had to wash my hair on acct of the Law School dance tomorrow night when I’ll wear my beautiful white brocade cape & take the little bag that matches. I think that’s the cutest ensemble I’ve ever seen & I love it.

Today I sent you 2 Valentines, 2 because I couldn’t get everything into one envelope & because 1 looked cute & the other had the cute message.

I’m real, real tired from actual physical labor so guess I’ll hit the hay! Hey! Hey!

Well, anyway be good, good, true, true, lovey, lovey little baby pink ears & don’t ever let that awful demented lovesick rabbit out of his cage again.

Oh, also today the lumber for the carport was delivered.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Friday
2 February 1951
Bofu, Japan
176

Dear Jane,

Only an envelope with the HBS Magazine and a solicitation from Phi Gamma Delta came today. No good letter from you.

I had a hop for 5 hours again today. They are called “ass busters”. Very descriptive I would say. We went up to Wonsan. Never thought I would see that place again. My it looks cold and forlorn.

When I got back I started investigating the wrecked Jeep Affair. It looks like it will be rather dull.

The phone call worries me. I may have to go to Itami tomorrow to interview some people on this case. I hope all works out ok. Anyway, where ever I am I will call the Tokyo Operator. I take it, it is Feb 3 in the states and Feb 4 out here. I hope you figure this way also otherwise there could be a real mix up. If the call doesn’t come through I will try to figure a way to get through. Really, there is lousy service.

I suppose you have my telegram by now. I suppose you have made the down payment for a Coronette, 1951. I believe you will come out ok.

Pink ears, this rabbit is very tired. I would like to write some more but these [strenuous] days are too much for this kid. Can’t even work up an appetite for the O’Club. You know I must be bushed. However, I would find lots of extra special energy if I were getting in the sack with you. Remember our goal is 12 in 24. Boy! Boy! Oh Boy! What joy awaits us!

This rabbit is the same devoted one he has always been. Never worry about me.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

Jane had a long night, so she wrote two letters for tomorrow.

Saturday
3 February 1951
Bofu, Japan
177

Dear Jane,

Only a letter from Edie today. It was a nice one.

All I did today was work on the case of the errant Cpl. Tomorrow I fly to Itami to interview the Quartermaster, Transportation Officer, Doctor, and I have to survey the scene of the alleged crime. What a bum I must be.

No flying for me today. We fly about every other day. I don’t like to be cheated out of hope but I figure the sooner I get this job done the less time it will take in total.

There is no telling where or when we are going. Mystery is always with us.

Tomorrow is Feb 4 and I will be in Itami. This is much the best place to be because it is near Osaka and there are many long distance lines. I figure we are just lucky as hell that I can get to Itami on this important day. I am going to call the Tokyo Overseas Operator as soon as I get to Itami — about 8:30 AM — and get all set up.

There is nothing more for me to tell about today. Gosh, how dull can this life get. Living with you is the most exciting of all living.

Pink ears you are the only gal I love or ever will love. You are the best of all possible girls in this world. Believe me when I say I love you and am true to you and only you. There’s not a man that ever lived that has been as good and loyal as I have been.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert

Jane February 3 Letter A

No. 165

Saturday, 2-3 for Friday,
JFebruary 2, 1951

Dearest Baby ‘Wabbit,

You will notice the discrepancy in dates but truly after I tell you about last night I think even a tough rabbit like you will excuse a sweet rabbit like me. (I’ll write 2 letters today).

Well, it seems last night was the Law School Dance & it was really pretty good. I came home after work & got gussied up in my black dress & white brocade cape & bag & met Dick & Marie at a place in their neighborhood where we had dinner. Then we went back to the Village, & picked up Lee Badger & his wife & the 5 of us went in the Badger’s car up to Tom Kearney’s to a cocktail party where the evening began. We stayed there for a couple of drinks & moved on to the ΦΑΔ party at Villa Chartier which was quite dull, but Knowlton was just well heeled enough (& so was I) to tell me a fabulously funny story about you & Dean Spaeth. He said a week ago at a Rush Party he found himself at the bar up at Shangri-La with Dean Spaeth & so just to make conversation he asked Spaeth if he remembered you. He said Spaeth’s screeched at him — “Remember him? How could I forget him?” Then S. proceeded to tell him about the talk you had with him before you left. He said, in walked this bald-headed guy, who came (god, I’m laughing so hard I can hardly write) into his office, made himself right at home, slouched down in a chair & offered Spaeth a cigar. (Remember, kiddo, this is you — YOU. Spaeth remembers so vividly). Spaeth said to Knowlton that he’d been UNcomfortable & UNeasy in his life — but never had he been as uncomfortable or as uneasy in his whole life no matter who he to talked to! He said no matter what subject he’d start out on you soon had him so hopelessly backed in a corner he was trapped. He said with each new subject he’d start you’d be way out ahead of him in no time & would out class & out distance him quickly. He said all the time you were there he kept pinching himself that this was really the student sitting across from him. He went on to say that he thot undoubtedly you could be the top intellect in the Law School if you weren’t so damn suspicious of exams. He said you were so suspicious you’d miss the main, big point & go looking for some hidden meanings. But, he told Knowlton he’d NEVER met anyone like you & would never forget you.

Well, anyway, baby isn’t that flattering & isn’t your intellect ego up about 200%? Just to bolster it a little more — Marie said that she’d never seen anyone who made such an impression on so many people in such a short time as you did. She said, & Dick too, all they had to say was that I was Mert Cameron’s wife & everyone immediately knew who I was. Gosh, bunny — was I ever proud of my baby ‘wabbit. Boy, I always knew he was the best ‘wabbit in the whole world, & after this I’ve just got some fuel to add to my fire! Oh boy, am I proud!

Anyhoo, after the ΦΑΔ party we went to the dance & got there about 9:45 & got a table with Joe Cook & his wife & a couple of other couples. About 10:30 the Breyfogle’s came & first thing I knew it was 1 a.m. A couple of people asked me to dance but I declined — knowing you wouldn’t like it, & anyway nobody was dancing much because it was really quite drunk around — to say the least! At any rate after the dance we went to a place & had hamburgers & by the time we got to the Knowlton’s it was 3:30 a.m. & I really wasn’t in such good condition so Marie urged me to sleep on their sofa which I did — & I’m glad I did because I don’t think it would have been too smart to drive home.

At any rate I woke up about 8 a.m. & came home to let the kids out — & as I came tripping in at 8:30 a.m. in my black dress & white brocade cape who should who should be in the back yard but Bud Dermody who’d come to build or start on the carport. Well, needless to say he nearly died laughing & I suppose will tease the daylights out of me! How about that?

Well, I’ll write later about today. But, oh baby did I miss you last night! And do I ever love you! Your for me — always & always.

All my Love & Kisses,
Jane

Jane February 3 Letter B

No. 166

Saturday
February 3, 1951

Dearest Baby Rabbit,

Well, this is Saturday’s regular letter. Wasn’t No. 165 pretty good & long tho? Every time I think of what Spaeth’s impression was of you I nearly die laughing.

After I come came home this a.m. needless to say I was bushed & so slept & monkeyed the rest of the day & kibitzed on the building of the carport. It really is going to be swell & it looks real good. This afternoon Mrs. Watts & Mr. Watts were talking to But & I & Mrs. Watts asked us both over to dinner tonight & both Bud & I went. Grace said that I was really in Flynn when I had that honor bestowed upon me. Seriously though she is an excellent cook & the dinner was simply superb. Their house is quite nicely furnished but not as nice as I thought it would be. At any rate it was lovely of them to ask me & I think they are very nice people & I had a good time. Both Bud & I got sleepy early — he said he hadn’t worked that hard for a long time, & I hope he won’t overdo on this carport thing. I was bushed because I hadn’t quite recovered so we only stayed until 9 p.m. & when I finish this I’m going to sleep again.

I received your letter No. 171 in which you said you were looking forward to my call on the 3^rd. Well, I sent you a cable gram explaining I canceled my call for today when you wrote me you were moving because I thought you were going on the USS Sicilly. However, I called & will call you now on Feb. 15 which was the best date I could get. Oh boy, will that ever be a happy day when I can hear my baby’s own, sweet voice.

You also drew me a picture of a horrible, demented, lovesick rabbit! Breathing smoke yet! I hope he never, never gets out of his cage because he looks just awful!

Gosh, I’m really bushed so will close for now. I love you most of anything in this whole world & only live for you & the day you come home to us kids again. Oh joy!

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Sunday
4 February 1951
Itami, Japan
178

Dear Baloney Head,

This is from Baloney Head II. Here I was all hot to talk to you and what happens. The Operator tells me you called on the 3rd. Here it is the 4^th and where you are is the 3rd. You must have called on the 2nd. We sure didn’t organize this. You see I knew I was coming to Itami today but I wasn’t sure so I called the operator and told her I was at Itami — on the 4^th over here but on the 3rd over here I was Bofu. I’m still trying to get the call through. We may get together after all. Your telegram saying you would call on the 15^th presents the same problem — 15^th in California or the 15^th in Japan. See, if I have to move around again I will be fouled up.

Aren’t we a pair of Dodo’s? You know before I left Bofu I checked your letter and it only said you would call on the 3rd. I figured the third over in California and just assumed that was what we were talking about. Ah! so goes life!

I flew here in a transport. It was a nice trip but my ears plugged up because of this cold — Damn these colds anyway.

It was snowing a little here but in all it was nice. Bofu is much better than Itami but many fellows don’t like it as well because there is no comparable liberty town like Osaka down near Bofu. Since I don’t go on liberty or hunt women I like Bofu.

Pink ears, I’m reall eager to talk to you now. Don’t know where this big desire came from but just to hear your voice would do a world of good for me. I guess I get these feelings a long time after you do. Six months is only 10 days off. God six months! We figure on six more but who knows.

I loves you and only you — never will I err. I’ll always be your rabbit and never anyone elses in anyway what so ever.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you
Mert.

No. 167

Sunday
February 4, 1951

Dearest ‘Wabbit,

Well today, to make up for the lost time yesterday I really beavered & cleaned the house up quite good & worked like a beaver all day.

When Bud was over today looking at his handywork I asked him what he was going to do for dinner as Peggy is in Palm Springs, & I’ve been over to their house so many times for dinner. He seemed glad to come. He recently had his teeth out so I had tuna & potato chip, baked pots, artichoke, chef’s salad. He thoroughly seemed to enjoy the dinner & I was glad I had asked him even if it did upset my schedule a bit.

Well, guess I better go to sleep & dream of you! Won’t that be fun tho? Be a good, good baby & I’ll always be the same because I love you so very much & miss you more than I can ever say.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Monday
5 February 1951
Itami, Japan
179

Dear Jane,

Nothing new today. Boy am I tired. This investigation is going right along. Man drunk. Man takes jeep. Man drives jeep over 15 foot ditch. Uncle Sam lose money. Oh so!

There is nothing new on where we are going or when.

Send a picture of the new car when ever you can.

The Accounting Statements arrived. My that garden must be flecked with gold by now. What in the world are you planting? Or, is this really a miscellaneous fund — one where you can’t figure out where the money went so you just throw it into the plant fund — or expense account. Well, anyway I liked the statement. Please keep it up and please — on time.

I love you more than ever. I’ll be true blue and a real good kid. Don’t ever have a doubt about me. I’m all yours — and only yours — forever.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 168

Monday
February 5, 1951

Dearest Baby Rabbit,

This was one of the happiest days of my life! Because at 5 a.m. this morning my own baby called & I actually heard his own sweet voice. Gosh, it was wonderful to talk to you, & it made you seem so near to me that I could almost reach out & touch you. It was really wonderful & what a pleasant surprise. Everyone said I hadn’t looked as happy in months. Oh, it was really stupendous & I do mean terrific. Of course after you had hung up I could think of all kinds of things I should’ve said. Incidently, what time of day was it where you were? Could you hear me as clearly as I could hear you? I thought it was a wonderfully clear connection. I think I will try & call you on your birthday. O.K.?

After work I stopped in town to get a few groceries & met the Breyfogle’s & asked them to come over for an old fashioned, but they said they had to go home to relieve their maid & asked me over there for dinner & a couple of old fashions. We had a real nice evening chatting about just stuff in general, & I told them about Spaeth’s impressions of you & I thought Herb would die laughing. We had a real good hamburger dinner. I was quite sleepy & so came home about 9 p.m. & am now obviously writing you.

It was the most wonderful thing in the world to hear your voice & actually talk to you & naturally I love you more than anything in this whole world. Your my baby rabbit & always will be so don’t ever forget that. I’m the truest, bluest rabbit you’ll ever find no matter how hard or long you look — & devoted to you! Be as good as I am & we’ll both be wearing halos!

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Tuesday
6 February 1951
Itami, Japan
180

Dear Jane,

The valentines arrived today. They were very cute.

I am still working on the case of the stolen Jeep and the case of the broken glass. I have had another round trying to get information out of Japanese. It is almost impossible to get positive statements out of them. Perhaps they don’t understand the system of justice we try to make effective.

Naturally, this is the first work I have done in a long time and I am quite tired. When I work from 8 in the morning to 630 at night the sky is starting to fall in. You know I haven’t done much of anything since I’ve been in the service. I wonder why it seemed like work to me when I was in the service last time.

I love you and hold you dear and near to everything I cherish. Be a good pink ears and a sweet one.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 169

Tuesday
February 6, 1951

Dearest Baby Wabbit,

Today the registered letter with the income tax data came & I have filled it out & will send it tomorrow. Do you think that we will owe ^$113- extra next year — of course, I guess you do or you wouldn’t want them to keep it. Of course, when I saw ^$113- staring me in the face my greedy, little, grimmy fingers had it all spent, but then I soon saw you had other plans for it. Oh, ugh — what a hard life — & married it to a Scrooge — yet! Did I ever happen to tell you Karen thought the name Scrooge was wonderful & laughed & laughed over it! Yak, yak.

Peggy Dermody asked me over to dinner tonight as she had just gotten back from her trip. Betty & Jimmy were there too & Jimmy said I should have the car this month even with the RR strike which really put a crimp in shipping. Everybody was quite tired so we didn’t play any Canasta & I came home at 9 p.m. & am now writing you. Needless to say since this is about my 5^th straight night of doing something I’m beat & am going to cut this real short.

I love you with all I’ve got & all my heart & soul & always will. I’m still excited about our phone call & how much fun it was to just hear my baby’s voice. Don’t ever worry about me 'cause it’s really easy to be true & faithful to as a nice bunny as you. I wouldn’t let you down for the world. Be a good baby — I know we were made for each other & someday we’ll raise a big family of little blue-eyed, dark haired Camerons.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Wednesday
7 February 1951
Itami, Japan
181

Dear Jane,

No mail from you but I know by the way it has been regularly coming in that you are writing. There are no missing letters except those 25 which were due about two months ago. For the last two months everything has been going fine. Maybe things have been going well because about three months ago a CWO Barry (sp) took over the Wing Post Office. He had had about three years experience as a postal officer before this job was given to him. Amateurs were running the P O before he took over. Well, you can never tell.

I had six photographs taken. Two were of the defendants in the bulb smashing case. We took them to the Station Masters Office in Ikeda for identification purposes. Capt Ward of SMS-33 collaborated with me. One of the defendants is from his Squadron. Our boys were identified all right but no one saw them smash any property. It’s pretty hard to punish a guy when there are no witnesses against him. I think he will get off. How lucky can one be?

Tomorrow I have to get up about 445 AM to get a plane back to Bofu. The two defendants — the bulb smasher and the Jeep smasher — will go back with me.

I have had no liberty while on these cases. Other guys come to Itami for rest leave. Some how or other it is assumed that this is rest leave for me also. I guess I will be at the end of the list for rest leave when I get back. Well, that doesn’t bother me because I have no running around to do. Some how if one isn’t chasing women there are few other reasons for going on leave or into town. However, I would like to get some time off to do some shopping. My, the bachelors are having a gay time over here. Since I have you and love you I have no desire for [the] gay time but I do know it was fun for me when I was a bachelor. Oh; those days!

I love you more than ever and as true as one can be. Don’t worry about me going astray because I love you too much. It makes a big difference on a fellow if he really loves his woman.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 170

Wednesday
February 7, 1951

Dearest Baby,

Gosh, I went out again tonight now & I’m really beat & bushed & conked & every other word. Marie Knowlton asked me over for dinner which was very nice & then we went over to a hens house for a bridge game. It was really lots of fun except I was so tired & I had to keep drinking lots of coffee to keep awake. But, at least I hadn't played bridge for a long time & it really was fun. I asked them over here on March 6 for another game.

I got 3 letters from you Nos. 173, 174 & 175, but 172 has not come as yet but suppose it will. It must be the one in which you told me to get Buick & have been rescinding ever since. Just as soon as Mr. Gay told me not to get Buick I have forgotten it. I enjoyed your description of the 5-hour hops & all the gear you carry with you. They must really be awful & I do mean awful. Incidently, I trust you have my accounting statements by this time, as I thot they were pretty darn good ones. Please tell me more about the Cpl. who stole the jeep & how it came out. Quite frankly, I couldn’t help but laugh & laugh at your P & L statement & Balance sheet for how many other men would make up such things? As I’ve said before tho’ I’d much rather you were the way you are than a spendthrift — nevertheless I can’t help but laugh. — Incidently, on the P & L you listed ^$3.²⁰ as fish line for Jensen — have you sent it? If so, it hasn’t arrived yet — do you suppose it is lost. God, has Yorg borrowed ^$59.⁴⁴ in one month from you? I pay ^$12.⁸⁸ on the washing machine each month & ^$6.⁶⁷ to B of A, Mt. View.

Gosh, rab, I’m just beat & have got to go to bed now, so hope you will excuse me for now because I feel like somebody beat me — but then you aren’t around so I must be dreaming!(yak, yak — I’m only kidding — kiddo!)

Be a good rab with ears up like this:

All my love & kisses,
Jane-waney

Thursday
8 February 1951
Bofu, Japan
182

Dear Jane,

I arrived back here today to find two letters from you. As usual they were real nice.

The two defendants came back with me here and I suppose the Jeep smasher will get a summary court marshal.

There was nothing much going on. The weather is turning rainy. It is a little warmer.

I sure have a big desire to get home. I sure miss my little pink ears. She is the best of all possible rabbits. It is so lonesome without you I just seem to cry inside. I sometimes wonder why God has done all this to us. Perhaps someday we can make up for lost time. We can sure try. Of course, I love you and only you. I don’t ever look or think about other girls and I am perfectly content to have only you even if I have to waite for a long, long time to be with you.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert

No. 171

Thursday
February 8, 1951

Dearest ‘Wab,

I’m honestly so tired tonight it’s now 7:15 & I’ve fed the kids & me & I’m going to sleep now if you won’t be too mad & disgruntled. No letter from you today so I don’t even have any questions to answer & today was a very ordinary day at the office. After 6 nights in a row I’m down to a nubbin’!

No matter how tired I am I know I still love you & always will as you’re the only little baby I want or ever will.

I’ve got to go to sleep now —

All my hugs (bear) & kisses (gooey) & Love, too,
Jane

Friday
9 February 1951
Bofu, Japan
183

Dear Jane,

No mail today. Did I tell you the handkerchief and the lead for the pencil came? Well, it came a few days back with the valentines I believe.

Today I ran around and got a specification written against the Jeep smasher. Also, I got a precept written. It has been a long time since I have been a Recorder on a Summary Court-Marshal —; 1943 was the last time I believe. There is a lot to be learned about the facts of life in this kind of work and though the law may not be so important in acquisition from my point of view — ie civilian law — there is a lot to be gained by trying to get the facts and witnesses to back them up. Interviewing is quite an art. I must say I think I am getting quite skilled at interviewing through an interpreter even though I have only done it on three cases. Believe me it is an art gained only by practice. You have to concentrate on expressions, sounds, tones and whatnot to try and get the significance of the translation. I’ve also found out that when you ask a Japanese a question such as “Did you see him break the light?” you hear the witness talk and talk, the interpreter talk and talk and then the interpreter turns to you and just says “No.” Did you you know that the Japanese speak in the reverse of English. They tell me you have to read or listen to the completed statement and then some how or other you have to work backwards to translate to English. This puzzles me but that is what several interpreters have told me.

There is no definite word yet but we may be going back to Korea very soon. I would prefer to fly from there than over this channel. I’ll let you know where I’ll be — as usual — I write all the time.

I love you and miss you. I am a true blue rabbit if there ever was one. I am really proud of myself. I never knew I had such moral fibre in me. I guess you exert a tremendous power over.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you
Mert

No. 172

Friday
February 9, 1951

Dearest Baby Rabbit,

Gosh, today was another rat race & then tonight I went to a shower at Peggy Dermody’s for her niece, Betty Ramsey who’s expecting in April. Grace, nice thing that she is, called me yesterday & asked if I had bought a gift & I said, “no”. She said in cleaning out the things to move she had found a brand new wrapping blanket, blue with pink rose buds embroidered on it & that she would like to give it to me. I offered to pay her for it, but she insisted that she wouldn’t take any money so gave it to me. It was a darling thing, & I got 2 rattles to tie on the outside of the package, & Betty seemed extremely pleased. They had one game — writing the names of the 48 states in 15 minutes. I got 47 & won second prize! We had ice cream & cake for refreshments which was very nice.

Today, I got 3 big fat letters from you. No. 172 finally came in which you told me to buy Buick & have been rescinding ever since. Also you were real mad at me because I didn’t have the ^$200- allotment for Jan. Well, I hope by this time you have my accounting statements for Dec & Jan & I hope they satisfy you! Also I got a letter addressed to Baloney Head & I’m not a Baloney Head at all because as I’ve explained before, I canceled the call when I learned you moved & did NOT call on the 2^nd, 3^rd or 4^th so there! That operator was sure giving you a line of guff! Just don’t you believe what telephone operators tell you! Anyhoo! I’m real glad we finally got the call through anyway.

Well, bugsears, I have to go to bed now because I’m real, real, real tired after being out nearly every night in the last week. La, de, da! But baby, I loves ya' most of all & think your the nicest, sweetest, loveyest baby any gal could possibly have.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Saturday
10 February 1951
Bofu, Japan
184

Dear Jane,

No mail today. We are moving back to South Korea today and tomorrow. I don’t know when I will go over but I suppose in the next day or so. This is much better because it will illuminate that 2 hour round trip flight over water between Korea and Japan.

Today I packed my gear and this evening I went into Bofu and bought a saw, light plugs, light bulbs, wire and 4 oil lamps. The oil lamps are sort of insurance against the event all the electrical stuff won’t work or some thing else goes wrong.

We have sure done a lot of moving around in the last six months.

Just think in 4 more days it will be six months since I left you. Well, it can’t be too long more. I feel pretty certain it won’t be more than 6 more months and so we can figure some time in between — it actually is getting closer to the day I will be back. Hot dog!

It really has been quite warm around here lately.

Guess what? I found that fish line for Mr. Jensen in my sea bag. I have wrapped it and am mailing it today.

Baby pink ears I’m still very much in love with you and will always belong to you. Be a good rabbit because I am a good rabbit. I’m sure that all will work out best for us in the long run.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

P.S. Send the financial data on the car please.

*long drawn out sigh* This one's gone, too, eh?

Sunday
11 February 1951
Bofu, Japan
185

Dear Jane,

No mail at all today. I guess they have started sending it to Korea. I and about 20 other pilots are on the rear echelon and we expect to go by transport tomorrow. However, there is no telling.

Reinalter and I went on a hike today over a ridge to a little town on a small bay. It was a fishing village. The scene was quite interesting. Among other things, every once in a while you receive a smell that can only be produced in a Japanese village. With the men out on the ocean fishing the village didn’t seem to be too populated. There were hundreds of kids so you can guess what the best sport in town is. That’s for me with you too!!

The Air Force was supposed to airlift our Squadrons over to Korea but they never showed up so with three little R4D’s we are practically airlifting a Wing and all of its gear. You can’t ever depend on the air force. It is surely an uncoordinated and disorganized affair.

I’m all packed and have been waiting to go for two days now. They think tomorrow is the departure date but who knows. I don’t and I don’t think anyone else does either.

Six months is almost up. Boy can I hardly waite until I get home and make made love to you. Old Clit will be worn out and steaming from the exertion. I’m sure both of us will put everything into making that record of 12 in 24 hours. I secretly think we may beat even that if we both are ready teddys at the time of my arrival. When does Clit’s friend come around? God, I couldn’t arrive then — what horror! Let me know the facts and maybe I can time it right.

Lover rabbit, again and again I write how I love you and really and truly I do. There is no one else but you and there never will be. You are perfect in every respect for me. Never could anyone find a better wife and that’s why I love you so very much. If you are a good rabbit you can have all my love completely in every respect. I’ll never let you down. I’ll be loyal and faithful and good.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert

P.S. Don’t forget to put the ^$350 on the car in March.

And this one.

Monday
12 February 1951
K-1, Korea
186

Dear Jane,

Well, here I am back in Southern Korea. We are not too many miles from Pusan. We are between Kumhae or Kinkai and Pusan. We are about 5 miles north west of Pusan and about 5 miles south east of Kumhae. So far the place looks quite good and I figure we ought to like it and if this is true we will be in for another move very soon or else things won’t run true to form.

As for where Bofu is I can add that part of the town is called Hofu and that is the way it is pronounced on the Jap station. Bofu is about 16 miles east of Ube and ten miles south of Yamaguchi. It is about 12 west of Tokuyama. Now if you don’t know where it is I can’t help you or else you better get a more detailed map of this area

The Air Force showed up and we came over in an R5D. It was a very nice trip. The pilot made an excellent landing much to the surprise of all Marines. Maybe he is an ex-Marine.

Two letters came from you. #164 was very nice but #157 was pretty awful. Not only do I find myself out in this mess, away from a wonderful wife, a big delay in my dream of success and ambition but I also get blamed for all the woes that you hold me responsible for. Of course I know you are losing a lot but so am I. I understand how you feel because I feel that way myself. Since I am as unhappy about all this as you are why do you kick me when I can’t move or do anything about this? There is nothing like making a person feel worse when he already feels badly. There’s nothing like kicking a man when he’s down. I married you for better or worse and I assume you did the same. Just because this happens to be the worse part of the deal I don’t think you should be so hard on me because some day you may not want me to be hard on you.

Ok yes, when you get the fish line cut off a piece of the kind Jensen wants and I will send the # of yards he wants.

I am writing about a camera and Roger’s lens to the factory tomorrow.

Well in spite of your awful letter today — I still love you and will always be good, loyal and true.

Ok yes, we hear some relief has come in Don’t get your hopes up too high is may be a few more months before I get home.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert

No. 175

Monday
February 12, 1951

Dear Doubting Thomas Wabbit,

Boy, you are the most doubting Thomas I have ever seen in my whole life — I put down just what I’ve spent on the garden & you accuse me of having that as my “slush” fund. Those plants are the ones I told you about last fall — they were bedding plants — stocks, pansies, primulas, geraniums, & snap dragons. The primulas are now in bloom & look very, very pretty & the yard looks real nice. The gardner is taking all the flowers out of the parking & putting them along the path & it’s going to put ivy into parking. After Bud puts up the new redwood fence around the carport & the back yard we’re going to brick in the small back yard so there won’t be any gardening to do back there anymore, & I think it will be much better. So pooh, pooh you old doubting thing. God, I thought that demented, love sick, jealous, doubting the rabbit with the HORNS was all caged up.

Today was a very ordinary day except for those two letters from you. However, tonight I really did a master-stroke. I actually went through 2 boxes of that junk of yours on the backporch. I just wish I had a filing case now. God, I wish you could see how many empty envelopes there were. Why they took up at least half the room. Oh, if I only had a filing case how easy it would be to get everything all neated up. Oh well, I suppose one small ‘wabbit can’t have everything all at once.

Well, I really don’t have any other news & am quite sleepy so will close now — be a good true baby & I’ll love you always & always & always because you’re all that I’ve ever wanted.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Tuesday
13 February 1951
K-1, Korea
187

Dear Jane,

No mail today.

What is this about a 30 hour drunk? That is a bunch of nonsense. I remember writing Knowlton that I was at a flash champagne party where in 1 1/2 hours I had knocked myself out —; this was about 7 PM — I was in bed by 7:15 PM. I woke up and was at the Sqaudron at 8 AM the next day. That is no 30 hours the way I figure. Furthermore, I have never been on a 2 day party. He just fed you a line and you, gullible you, swallowed it hook line and sinker. If you read the letter you would see that it wasn’t a 30 hour drunk. The best I can remember is that I didn’t write same to him. I go to the club because there is nothing else to do. I suppose you don’t want me out chasing women like some of the other people. All I do is fly, do some Squadron legal work, read some of my law books and for variation I go to the club when I feel like it. So far I have averaged a beer or martini before dinner and a B&B or a stinger or both after dinner. I figure I have averaged about four drinks a night. This is much better than most people do even if I am in the club for a longer time —, they drink more in a shorter time and get in worse shape than I ever do. Also, the amount of money I spend means I couldn’t be spending too much at the club. My club bill also includes the amounts I have lost playing dice for drinks. Furthermore, I don’t even remember kidding anyone about a 30 hour drunk. If I have written that I sure must have been kidding. The content of the letter must have indicated that. I hope this settles the drinking questions you may have. I think I have been quite moderate overall.

Today I worked on the Jeep case. I finally got a civilian lawyer to defend him; there is a Lt who is a civilian lawyer who is going to defend him. The defense has indicated that they intend to plead guilty. The court meets tomorrow at 1300. It should go off ok because I’m getting some experience. The experience is not all military because in the Jeep case I have come up against the problem of whether or not I have to show a specific intent to “willfully & knowingly apply the Jeep to his own use” or is a “general” intent indicated and shown merely by his act. Anyway, the various lawyers and law students have engaged in a debate on the subject. The general conclusion is that Naval Courts And Boards should re-word the example specification to show whether it is necessary to show a specific intent. I can see by re-reading this paragraph that the issue I have laid out in writing is not too clear but the fact that drunkenness is or is not a complete defense is debated may help — I guess you don’t understand any of this but then after debating with several lawyers and some law students it’s hard to say what the hell the issue is.

I would like to know the balances of the car debt — all the details, you know. I would sort of like to include that on February’s Statement. Don’t forget February’s statement should be here in my hand at least by 10 February.

Again I say I love you and want only you in every way. Never doubt that you haven’t got a man who is all yours and he will be that way as long as you love him and are loyal, true and faithful.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 176

Tuesday
February 13, 1951

Dearest Baby ‘Wabbit,

Boy, am I mad at you, today I got Nos. 180 & 181 & of all the insulting letters. No. 180 was written the day you called me & you didn’t mention one single thing about it — gosh, what an old bag! Maybe you didn’t enjoy it like I did — I guess talking to me just didn’t make any impression on you at all! What an old bag — gosh, I was just thrilled to death & it didn’t even phase you! I bet your made of dollar signs & nothing else & you were thinking how silly this was & how much money it was costing me!

Then in No. 181 you said you received the Valentines with the curt remark that they were real cute. Didn’t you receive the 5 handkerchiefs & thin lead I sent in those two envelopes with the Valentines? Boy, that’s gratitude for you & am I insulted!

Also you haven’t told me one word about the broken glass case your working on!

Gosh you said the bachelor’s we’re having a good time & you remembered when it was fun! Now, just don’t get any ideas because I’m the true bluest rabbit you’ve ever seen in your whole life & I never get any ideas of straying from you in anyway whatsoever! I love you & you alone & always will! Oh, just to have you here beside me again & to be able to hug & kiss & hug & kiss & bear hug & gooey kiss.

Be a good, ears-standing-straight-up rabbit. I am.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Wednesday
14 February 1951
K-1, Korea
188

Dear Jane,

No mail today. Today is Valentine’s day — so happy Valentine’s day to you. You know you are my one and only Valentine — the best any a fellow could ever have or hope to have.

Today it was over cast so no hop went out. I wasn’t scheduled because of the trial of the Jeep smasher. The accused pleaded guilty. He was defended by a Lt Bruce Sumner who is in civilian life a lawyer. Of course, I felt pretty good that I had my facts backed by witnesses and then I took them and wrote a specification to which a trained lawyer found best to plead his client guilty. The accused was fined ^$270 and give 2 months extra police duties. I figure he got off pretty light considering how military courts usually go but then in all fairness I think he got no more, than no less than what one might expect to get. At any rate, I don’t figure any injustice was done either to accused or to the government.

There are all kinds of rumors about going home. The fellows in the bunch that came out in July have been selected to be replaced by some fellows now at Itami. This is good news because the sooner they start the sooner they will get to me. Don’t be too certain of all this because one never can tell what new development will take place. Some of us figure about three more months. Yet we never know. Just keep your fingers crossed.

I wrote a letter today to the Nippon Kogoku K.K. CO Shinagawa, Toyko Tokyo about Roger’s lens and a camera for us. I ought to get a reply in about two weeks. You might tell the Wallaces that I have done this. I have looked every place I could think of in Osaka and questioned about Kobe so I decided to write the CO. Maybe a deal can be worked out.

I love you and only you and I am a very, very, very good, good good rabbit and will always be that way as long as you are mine and mine alone —

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you
Mert

No. 177

Wednesday
February 14, 1951
VALENTINES DAY!

Dearest ‘Wabbit,

No letter for my baby today & not even a paper Valentine — & then you didn’t even say that you received the handkerchiefs that I sent you — I really wonder now if you received them at all in the Valentines. Did you?

Tonight Peggy Dermody asked me over for dinner & it was very, very nice — pork roast. Betty & Jimmy were there & Jimmy still says I should get my car by the end of this month — &, I certainly hope I so because I’m getting awfully anxious about it — before they stop putting chrome & all that stuff on them. After dinner we had a little Canasta game & Jimmy & I lost like heck — Peggy & Betty got all the good cards.

God, we’re so darn busy at work these days that I’m just about dead every night. Needless to say with Faust’s leaving everyone is beavering to see Faust before he leaves & of course, each problem is the only one in the whole world — it’s really gruesome. Faust is so darn busy he’s nearly going nuts I think & positively looks gray.

Gosh, I’m so sleepy & tired I can hardly write, but today I bought you a birthday present & will send it shortly & I hope it fits better than the slippers did, but it ought to — & I hope you like it.

Buster is playing with his ball by rolling it from one side of the bed to the other & Cinder is lying on the bed making life miserable & hissing.

I’m really dead tired & bushed so will close, but please always stay true to me because I just don’t know how I could go on if I didn’t have you to love & feel secure in.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Thursday
15 February 1951
K-1, Korea
189

Dear Jane,

Two — no three big letters from you and one from my parents.

What’s this about you being so drunk you couldn’t get home. At least I always get to my own sack. Just what went on little girl, just what went on? I don’t know whether or not you are telling me the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Mighty suspicious activity on your part. No doubt when Bill Demody saw you you felt kind of guilty. Well, if you were a good rabbit and remained a sexually true rabbit I can take such unusual activity in stride but my gullibility is pretty hard to stretch as you must know by now. In my long far past experience it always seemed to be the girls who drank or who were drunk that they found themselves in bed with some one else. Gals don’t seem to have as much control over what goes on when they drink as men do. Just watch your little rabbit steps.

Anyway, I’m glad you had a nice time and were out with nice people who can account for every second of the time you were drinking.

Did I tell you that while we were at Itami two of the boys got two dependent wives pregnant. Since abortion is legal in Japan the debate raged as to whether to have an abortion or to have the Red Cross put in to have the husband come back from Korea for some reason or other. Then the husband would think he was the father of the kid. Some goings on. Of course, these gals liked to party and to make love. They figured they couldn’t lose because they had one of the two choices above available. I’ve seen one of the two gals and really they are tramps and I guess the other one is too.

Anyway, you’re not like they are at all and I trust you and know you wouldn’t hurt me because I haven’t and never will hurt you that way. I just thought I would let you in on some of the gossip that goes on over here.

Today I worked hard on getting the court marshal record in shape for forwarding. It is and now 1050 PM and I have still a few more corrections to make in the morning.

No flying for me today but I expect to have a hop tomorrow.

There is still rumor that we will go on a carrier but just when no one knows. I think I would like it on a carrier.

It isn’t too bad here. It has rained a little but not much and thus the dust has ben held down. The cold seems to be letting up as the days are much warmer. The nights are still pretty cold however.

I still hope to be home in a few months. Heck, there is no way of even guessing when we will get home. I wish I had even a way to make a guess. We ought to have a nice long tour in the states when our time to return does come about. Let us hope so anyway.

I love you and you know it. I have been very, very, very good and always will be that way because I have a perfect wife who is kind, tender, sweet and loving. There is nothing I would like in addition to what you have. You are my complete ideal and though you may not believe this I honestly mean it. I love you more than I could ever tell you. Just you be a good rabbit and save Clit and the Kisses, hugges also, for me and only me.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you
Mert.

No. 178

Thursday
February 15, 1951

Dearest Rabbit Ears,

Gosh, no letters from you again today & that really makes me a sad, sad cookie! However, I suppose it’s the mailman’s fault, but after you didn’t even mention the phone call I wonder — I wonder — I have you found another baby that’s better than this rabbit? Also, you didn’t say a thing about the handkerchiefs — some times love sick demented rabbits get out of their cages & I think mine is half way out of his tonight because I’m real sad & depressed. It’s so darn depressing to come home to an empty house every night & then not ever do anything that’s very exciting or different from the humdrum life of going to a boring job year after year & then all you get for working hard is absolutely nothing that you have really always wanted. God, how long can this go on & how bored can yet get & still live? Sometimes I honestly wonder what is the use of trying? God, hardly anyone else has had to leave Law School & now they defer anyone who is in school until the end of the school year. Why didn’t you try & get a deferment? Guess it must have been because you wanted to get away from me. No doubt if I weren’t so tired from working like a good old dog all day long I wouldn’t have been so crabby. You can't imagine how I loath each day of work I put in, & how much I resent all the time I’ve had to work only to have you go back in g- d- service while everyone else is still sitting in school.

Well, I guess my lovesick demented rabbit really got all the way out of his cage, but I just get so lonesome for somebody to talk to & be with & love & hug & hold & be with I just don’t know what to do. Please don’t ever let me down & say you found someone else because I love you so much I don’t know what I'd do. Gosh, I finally found someone I really loved & no sooner had I found them but they go away & leave me alone again. What a gyp. Golly, do you ever get lonesome like this? Wish you were here so I could cry on your shoulder & you could tell me how silly I am.

Guess I’d better go to sleep now. I love you.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Friday
16 February 1951
K-1, Korea
190

Dear Jane,

No mail today. I guess it comes in about every other day.

No flying today. The weather was bad at the front. Tomorrow I have what we call the early early. We get up at 5:20 AM.

Thank gosh the weather is getting warmer. I’ll bet that in a few weeks it will be so damn hot I’ll be wishing for this cool weather. The ground is beginning to dry out a little. The dust is about an inch deep. I can see it now, about a foot deep. The wind will blow and we will be living in a dust storm. How I long for good old California and the “good old dog” that lives there.

There is no point in idly dreaming about the day I’ll leave because just thinking about going home makes time drag so awfully. When I do get home be a ready rabbit. Tell me when clit’s friend visits because we couldn’t have me arrived at the same time. What a tragedy that would be!

By the way, have you been figuring out when the right time is to create a little rabbit. This will the first order of business. I’m ready to go to work on that project at no pay and have for over-time. How about you? We’ve got to figure out a way to make the grade in at least three months because we have to start fast to get five kids in before we are aged. Don’t we?

This rabbit loves his pink ears and only her. There is no one else and never will be. You are all I ever want. Really, you are the most perfect of wives. You are everything I ever dreamed about. I’m good as can be now that I have some one like you to live for. You have supplied a lot of reason to life for me and I would never do anything to spoil it

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 179

Friday
February 16, 1951

Dear Little Baby Bunny,

Today Dick Pinney took some pictures of me to send to you — I don’t know how soon they will be developed, but when they are I’ll send them to you.

About 2 minutes before it was time to leave old Faust asked if someone could work tomorrow so like a good kid I said I would & take Monday morning off, but somehow that always seems to break up a weekend so. Oh well, I guess one weekend won’t kill me.

Two letters for my little bunny today — Nos. 182 & 183. I wish you would tell me more about your 2 cases — you haven’t told me a thing about the bulb smasher. Finally you told me the hankies & lead arrived O.K. I was beginning to think maybe they’d been stolen out of the envelopes. I was real interested to hear about your interviewing the Japanese through an interpreter. I have a real, nice, young Japanese gardner now who works like a beaver & is really whipping the yard into shape. One day he told me he was born in Calif. & went into the Army during WWII as an interpreter. Someday I’ll ask him about interpreting as you explained it — as he is quite intelligent — I wouldn’t be surprised if he hadn’t been to college like of George Furuichi who runs the Los Altos nursery & got his B.A. from Davis in Ornamental Horticulture & is very intelligent. Anyhoo, some day I’ll ask Frank to explain the Japanese language interpretation again.

Well, rab, I’m very sleepy & it’s only about 8 p.m. but guess I’ll go to sleep now if I have to get up & go to work tomorrow. I’m a good, good purr-fect rab.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Saturday
17 January February 1951
K-1, Korea
190

Dear Jane,

No mail today for anybody.

I had two flights, one in the early morning and the second the last in the afternoon. We went up a little north-east of Wonju. We flamed two trucks on the second hop. It is quite something to see the gas tanks go up. The Chinese are getting very good at camouflage. Our Squadron had a big day today. We burned or destroyed about 50 odd vehicles.

It doesn’t look to me as though the Chinese are pushing ahead very far. Hell, I can’t see them. We only see evidence of the Chinese at times. Every once in a while we catch a bunch in a group and give them the works.

The water here at the field is brakish. It almost makes you vomit to drink it.

The food is not too good. God, how I hate bully beef. I’ll never look a stew in the face again.

I’m still working on the court marshalls. It is about complete now — the record that is.

I’m a tired rabbit today and feel like going right to sleep. I sure wish you were in the sack with me. I’ll bet I wouldn’t be tired or sleepy then!

Make no mistake about it — I loves my little pink ears so very much it hurts. This rabbit is all tied up in love with you. Gosh how I want to get home and be with you. It is really painful to be here when you are there.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you
Mert.

No. 180

Saturday
February 17, 1951

Dearest Bunny,

Well, this morning I got up & went to work & took Buster with me & it was quite an experience! First of all, Jan & I (she’s the gal who’s going to Pasa. with Faust & is secy to the Dean of Graduate Study) who was working today too as she had to go to the City a couple of days last week to the dentist, well anyway we went up to the snack bar for coffee & a snail & I had Buster on a leash & a simply HUGE St. Bernard attack poor quivering Buster & it took about 3 boys to get them off — & they did it soon enough so Buster was none the worse for wear. Then a little later I was pounding letters out & all of a sudden missed Buster & finally found him across the street from the B. School & down that circle. He’d skinned out the door when someone opened it & tasted freedom & said “ah! this is the thing for me!" Poor guy, I guess that was the first time he’d ever tasted freedom.

Well, I came home at 12 o’clock dead tired for some reason & thought I’d to take a little nap & didn’t wake up until 7:30. I got up & ate a snack & am now writing you, & believe it or not I’m sleepy again — guess I’m just really tired so I’ll go to sleep again so I can get up tomorrow & really beaver.

Don’t ever worry that I’m not true to you, because you’ve never seen anyone better than I. I love you & only you, & always will, because you’ve got everything I want, & best of all I know you return all the love I give you, & that is the nicest, warmest feeling I know!

All my loving kisses,
Jane

Sunday
18 February 1951
K-1, Korea
191

Dear Jane,

Mail today. You write that the telephone call came through ok. It was fine on this end too. I don’t know where I will be on my birthday. So I don’t whether or not I will be able to make it. Maybe so.

No flying today. The weather was bad over the target. Tomorrow it may be better and then we can remove some more Chinks.

Of course, all we talk about now is going home but this only means that relief is several months off for us. So round and round it goes.

There is more and more talk about going on a carrier. Apparently some time in March we are going on one. I think I would like that for a change. Anyway, I hope we get on a carrier before the dust clouds come and before the heat hits us. Maybe a carrier is air conditioned — let’s hope so.

I have to get up at 0600 tomorrow. It seems like I’m getting the early-early quite often. That’s the way it goes.

By the way, what is the financial deal on the car. How much? What payment? What downpayment? You know what I want so send me what the final deal is. I have the estimate but that could be wrong by now.

Don’t forget the accounting statement for March, 1. I wish you would keep that up and give me your balances also. One way to keep me happy is to be prompt on the finances. If that is working ok I find that nothing else much worries me. Then I can be a happy rabbit.

Never forget that I love you and only you. There are other people around so I am afraid they will see my sloppy love talk. So I’ll write tomorrow and give you a double helping.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you
Mert.

No. 181

Sunday
February 18, 1951

Dear Rabbit’s Pants,

Well, today I really made up for yesterday & scrubbed & scrubbed & did absolutely nothing else but scrub until my poor paw is positively sore. I washed the windows in the kitchen & on the backporch & thoroughly cleaned the kitchen, backporch & bathroom.

This was a very quiet week-end for me as I didn’t go out to dinner even once! But, I was really glad to have the chance to relax for once as I have been leading quite a merry pace.

Quite frankly I haven’t much to say as I really did nothing today but scrub & clean.

Never fear about me tho’. I love you & only you & it will always be that way. You are all I will ever want & I just live for the day you return.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Monday
19 February 1951
K-1, Korea
192

Dear Jane,

A letter from Edie but none from you. No letter days are really bad ones for me. I really like those letters.

Another hop north of Wonju today. The same old thing. Funny how we only see tracks and evidence of the enemy but never anything too definite. We have been burning a lot of enemy equipment.

Today was a beautiful day, very good day for flying. Tomorrow may be bad again. It seems that the weather is bad every other day.

Your last letters have given me no more dope on the car except that you have ordered one. I would like to know all the details. Don’t forget the accounting statement for March 1.

Gosh Pink Ears, there is nothing more to write about. There just ain’t any news over here.

I love you more than ever and wish I were home with you. There is no one else and never will be. You are perfect for me in every respect. I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful wife. I’m lucky I got a woman who loves me and what makes it better is that I really love her too. Wouldn’t it be terrible if these feelings of love weren’t mutual? When I get home we will have a real good time. It will be another honeymoon for both of us. I’ve been thinking that I will have to try out the new car with you. I wonder if it will be as good as the old car. That is one little project I have made up my mind to try out. You’ll just have to cooperate. The idea appeals to me.

This rabbit has been a very good one as always. I’ll be that way. You just couldn’t find a man who loves you as much as I do and who is true blue and never even looks at another gal. Some times I think we are perfectly mated.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 182

Monday
February 19, 1951

Dearest Baby,

I didn’t go to work today until 1 p.m. because I worked Saturday. It was a simply beautiful, warm, sunny day & I could hardly tear myself away to get ready to go back to work. This morning I cleaned the living room & bedroom & believe me this house really squeeks. It is so clean! When I got to work there was great excitement because Ebony (Ceilie’s black Cocker) had been attacked out of a clear blue sky by the same dog that attacked Buster Saturday, & was so severely hurt Ceilie took him right to the Vet’s. Several muscles had been torn & a disc dislocated in his back, etc. Well, it seems the Stanford police have been trying to find who this brute belongs to because twice he has attacked a Seeing Eye Dog. At any rate everyone is up in arms about this brute. Ceilie wants to send the owner a bill among other things. Quite frankly I think the owner’s ought to be punished for letting such an animal out loose.

Bud worked nearly all day & the fence is all but up — the frame is there & all he has to do is put the new grapestakes. It is really going to look spiffy.

Today was a real good day — because I got 3 big, fat letters from you. I am glad you are again in Korea so you don’t have to fly anymore 5-hour “ass busters” as I should think they would really be gruesome. Baby, please forgive me when I write such letters as No. 157, but my love sick demented rabbit just sneaks out of his cage every once in a while when I’m not looking. I just get so lonesome & depressed when I come home night after night to an empty house with nobody to talk to & nobody to let off steam at — (or should I say, to?). Well, anyway I’m very sorry when my old ugly rabbit gets out because you know I don’t mean it, & I know perfectly well there’s nothing you can do, & we all make mistakes (my episode with the kid on the bicycle in Mass.) Please don’t be too mad at me.

You asked for the financial data on the car, well, I can’t send that to you because I don’t have the car yet, but Jimmy still says I should by March 1 & when the deal is consummated I will send you all the financial data.

Your hike to the fishing village sounded quite interesting.

Don’t ever worry that I won’t be a ready teddy because believe me I’m really ready after six months of abstinence — god — how gruesome can things get?

God, Jensen & I thought that was the fishline & I agreed to take $3.20 out in trade. But now I will tell him to cut off what he wants & you will get more if he wants it.

I am very glad you are writing to the factory about the lens, & especially happy because you are going to get yourself a camera. I definitely think you ought to have one & am all for it. After all I have certainly bought quite a few clothes, & last but not least, the mixer which I dearly love.

Needless to say I was overjoyed when you said you had heard some relief had come in for you. Oh, really, baby I can barely wait until that happy day when I see my own baby pink ears again & will be able to sit & hold hands with you again. Won’t it be a happy, happy day though? And, just think how our tails will be quivering in true rabbit fashion!

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Tuesday
20 February 1951
K-1, Korea
193

Dear Jane,

Three letters from you. Funny thing about these letters, they are for the 6, 7, 8 of February but they are all post marked February 12 — 1:30 PM. Strange to say the least. What’s the deal on that Post Office anyway?

There is nothing new over here. We flew north of Wonju again today. The Chinese have learned to hide. I can remember the day when they ignored air planes. They shur sure don’t ignore us now.

There are a whole bunch of new fellows around. The relief is starting to come in. Don’t get too excited however, because I have no idea where I fit in the rotation plan yet. Anyway, I’m at least half-way through this tour — I hope.

There is a rumor that they select people for overseas now on the basis of months overseas during your whole service and how recent you were overseas. It is pretty lucky I stayed in China 16 months because that is a pretty long tour for a pilot. Now I have a total of 22 months overseas. Believe it or not I have just as much time over seas as the rest of the guys who were in Squadrons in the last war. Just thank your lucky stars I put in the China duty because I would probably be back here in no time flat if it weren’t for those 16 months. However, all this is just rumor.

It is getting much warmer. Pretty soon I’ll bet it will be too hot. The chow for tonight was steak and mashed potatoes. All in all it was a good meal tonight.

I would like to know the following facts:

1. How much cash did you put down on the car?
2. How much did they actually give you for our car?
3. What balance do we owe?
4. If not, why not — How much did you pay on March 1 or as soon there after for the car —
   should be ^$350 beginning March 1.

I love you more than words can tell — I love you with my soul and heart.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 183

Tuesday
February 20, 1951

Dearest Baby Rabbit,

No mail at all today, & no letter from my own rabbit.

Tonight Jan Moreland who is going to be Faust’s secy at the Ford Foundation & works next door to me now, & I went to hear the San Francisco Symphony which played at Memorial Hall on the campus. The orchestra was good instrumentally but the program was lousy, & everyone thought so. However, it was a nice change & I enjoyed it very much. I had Jan over for a Chinese dinner & she seemed very grateful as she boards & rooms as her folks live in the City. It was fun for a change but I’m glad I don’t have to listen to music by Wagner every night.

Tonight when I came home I found Bud had completed the new grapesteak fence around the backyard. It makes the backyard quite small, but that’s just dandy with me, because then there isn’t so much to keep up. It looks very nice, & all that has to be done now is the cleaning up, & finishing ripping out the old fence & to lay the concrete slab on the floor of the carport. It is really working out quite neatly & I think it will look very nice when it is all finished.

It is quite late now, so I guess I’d better close so I won’t be too tired tomorrow.

Be as good a pink ears as I am & we’ll both be angels, & I do mean perfect kids. I’ve really been so good that I’m sure even skeptical you can not complain. But, funny as it may seem it’s been real easy to be good, because I want to be only yours, & have no desire to have any interest in anyone else. You’re the only one I want or need.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Wednesday
21 February 1951
K-1, Korea
194

Dear Jane,

No mail today. However this is being written on the 22^nd; not the 21^st. However, I believe I have a good reason.

Last night I didn’t get back here. The weather closed in while we were at Wonju. We got back as far as Taegu and there we landed and spent the night.

They have a good bar and since I haven’t had a drop since I left Bofu, I decided to have a few. Since we were getting up at 5:00 AM I couldn’t have too many. That is the way we spent out time at Taegu. We talked shop with the Air Force boys. Some how or other they are completely oblivious to the integration of tactical aviation with the ground troops. This is a very odd situation, to say the least. Perhaps they eventually will understand.

There is nothing big to report about the 21^st. I’ll write about today — tonight. It is now 10:20 AM. So there, I write you all times of the day and night.

The hop was just fair. The weather was good over Wonju but not here or at Taegu. Joe Kapsch (Capt) and I burnt up what we figure to be about 4 supply dumps. They are hard to spot because they are small and scattered. I spent most of my time flying in and out of ravines until I finally spotted the dumps. We also worked over some observation posts on the peaks of hills with 50 calibre and rockets. That’s all.

Love is the same old knowing thing. I just want to get home to little old you. I’m the best and truest husband you’d ever find so don’t start looking around. You’re the best for me so I don’t even peak at other gals.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert

No. 184

Wednesday
February 21, 1951

Dearest Baby Rabbit’s Pants,

Oh boy, a letter from my own hubby today — No. 187. Gosh, I didn’t know that the mere mention of a 30-hour drunk or whatever it was would lead to such a lengthy monologue. All I know Knowlton told me that you had written him that you & six others drank champagne & you had a flash drunk where you didn’t wake up for 30 hours. No doubt he was kidding me & I didn’t know it — as usual — you ought to know how gullible I am by now — remember the super hiway you told me about that went straight to Las Vegas near Palm Springs & I believed all that! Of course, I was a bride then! I don’t really care whether if you go to the “O” club as I know there is precious little else to do & in your last acctg statement the ^$28- “O” club expenditure I thought was very, very low & as usual I’m real proud of my own baby.

I was very interested to hear about the issues in the Jeep case. I hope you will give me the decision, etc. & how you finally decided — “willfully & knowingly” or “general” intent. It really sounds as if it were quite interesting. It seems at least your getting a little low experience. Tell me about the bulb smasher sometime — that’s all very vague up until this time.

This afternoon Peggy Dermody called me up & asked me over to turkey dinner tonight as she had to take her 30 pound turkey out of a neighbor’s freezer. She had 8 other people — the 3 old maids who live in their rentals nearby, & an old husband & wife & their old maid daughter who teaches school. The company was not particularly sintillating but nonetheless the dinner was tremendous & it was nice of them to have me. She said they had a letter from you, & she seemed real, real pleased — even if it was only one page. Sometime if you happen to think of it write them again because I think they really enjoy it. Don’t forget if you can possibly remember. Tell them about Korea or Japan as they are very interested in what your doing.

Altho’ I don’t have to go to work tomorrow because it’s a holiday, Washington’s Birthday — I’m very sleepy so we’ll sign off for now.

I love you & only you & always will & can hardly wait until you come home to my eager arms.

Luv & xxx,
Jane

Thursday
22 February 1951
K-1, Korea
195

Dear Jane,

No mail again today. Well, that’s life.

As I said earlier today, I got back from Taegu. This afternoon I went to Haensong which is just north of Wonju. We worked over the Chinese again. with rockets 500# bombs and thousands of rounds of 50 calibre machine gun rounds. This is all getting very monotonous.

Tonight there was a drawing in the Squadron to see what order we will go home when our relief does arrive: I drew number 25. There are 42 pilots. So I guess I didn’t do too badly. There were also 2 guard officers. There is no telling how many will come to the Squadron as relief at one time. It may be that 25 will come at the first round. That would be pretty lucky for me. There is no point in getting excited about this because (1) no one knows when our relief is coming and (2) whether or not this plan will be changed. It will probably be 3 months before I start home.

There is no other news. I have a headache. I’m going to be now and try and get some rest.

Love you as always.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert

No. 185

Thursday
February 22, 1951

Dearest Bunny,

Oh boy today was a holiday & I didn’t get up until noon & then didn’t really exert myself the rest of the day. I talked to Isabelle & she & Roger are coming down Sunday for dinner. They were coming for the week-end but both Taffy & Dahlia are in heat & they thought all the dogs would be metty & we’d have to be careful to keep them separated. I did do some ironing but that’s about the only constructive thing I did.

Betty Ramsey called & asked me to come over for dinner at 6:30. At 5:30 pm. Ceilie came over & wanted me to go over there for dinner, but I had to decline. Isn’t it tuff to have 2 invitations to dinner? Well, anyway I went to the Ramsey’s for a very good swiss steak dinner & a very good time. Groucho Marx & his quiz show were on television & Martin Kane, private eye; they were both quite good, but quite frankly television bores me quite a bit. Jimmy still says by March 1, on our car, so all I can do is keep my fingers crossed that we’ll get one fairly soon.

Gosh, rabbit I don’t like holidays very well as they are too lonesome without you. I really didn’t feel like doing much of anything because it was so quiet & lonesome around here today. All I can do is pray that my lover will come home soon, so us kids can cuddle & hug again real, real soon.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Friday
23 February 1951
K-1, Korea
196

Dear Jane,

Two nice letters from you. In one you explain how I must have been writing to someone else when I called it “Baloney Head”. Well, there was a mix up wasn’t there?

I am on stand by now. This means that I am in the ready room ready to fly if they have a mission come up unexpectedly. The standby rotates among the flights. It looks like we may not get up today.

Our flight is going on rest leave next. We go when the flight or leave comes back. They have been gone about 7 days when they were supposed to have been gone only 3 days. Well, anyway transportation is hard to get over here so I guess we will just have to waite.

There are two jobs I want to do on this leave. First I want to go to Tokyo and buy some green material and have some uniforms made. The cost over here is about ^$40 per uniform where as in the States it is about ^$80 per. Second, I want to look for that camera stuff. The Nippon Company is up in the Tokyo area. I have written a letter but I have had no answer to date. If I go to their offices they should have my letter and the answer they should have written.

Each day I expect a little more detail on the actual financial arrangements regarding the purchase of the car. I expect you to put everything that I planned on as a downpayment. It is my view that that sum was set aside specifically for the car. I don’t want to be surprised by finding out you have (1) put only the minimum downpayment on the line or (2) you have not paid the ^$350 beginning with March 1.

No one knows when our relief is coming in so don’t plan on it. This may drag on for months.

Apparently we are definitely going on a carrier sometime in March. The mail service on a carrier is every 5 days. We will be at sea 10 days with mail and supplies after 5 days. At the end of 10 days we go to port for 8 days. So far that is about all I know about carrier activities. It will be interesting to be on a carrier anyway. The cruise should not be too long. When our relief comes in we will be relieved on schedule so there is no worry on that score.

I love you as I always have and always will. There is absolutely no one who comes close to you because I figure you are the best wife a guy could ever get and I’m the lucky one. You just keep on being good. Don’t worry about me not being a good rabbit because I just don’t have any ideas along that line. We’ll be much happier if we both keep ourselves free of outside sexual activates or lesser romances. I want my conscience to be clear and I want yours to be clear also. By clear I mean no such bad activities. I believe there should be only one gal for one man and one mane for one gal.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 186

Friday
February 23, 1951

Dearest Baby,

Oh boy, four big, fat letters from you today! Nos. 188, 189, 190 & 190 — two No. 190? At any rate you asked me a question as to when the wrong time of the month will be — well, here’s how to figure. It happens every 31 days (approximately) & it last happened Feb. 11, so add 3, days to that will bring you to March 14; April 14; May 15 & so on. And, all I can say is that it is most usually about 31 days in between, however, last year things went like this — 27, 31, 30, 30, 32, 29, 32, 29, 35, 30, 31, 32 — in other words 31 is good middle point — & it lasts at least 4 days; so judge for yourself. Change of weather, worry & many other factors can account for the differences. That is the best I can do in telling you the situation & I hope that satisfies you. Do you get the idea now?

The jeep case sounds like it came out quite well. Was the defendant more or less satisfied by the outcome or don’t you know? I’m glad you wrote to the camera company & hope a deal can be worked out. Listen, sonny, I resent all those cruel words you put down about my being drunk at the Law School Dance. I was NOT drunk, & I have all kinds of witnesses to back me up — the fact, I was trying to be sensible for a change & so instead of driving home all by myself at 3:30 a.m. I slept on Knowlton’s sofa. Quite frankly I didn’t relish driving home at that time of night. And, I didn’t have a guilty conscience when Bud Dermody saw me — it was just a comical situation that you always read about! At the dance I didn’t even dance with ONE person, & declined all offers on the pretext I was a lousy dancer (which you will probably say is true)! Listen, kiddo, I was never out of the sight of at least 4 other people all evening — how could I possibly have been anything but good? Anyway, I didn’t want to be any other way — I just went with the crowd & everyone was just having a good, loud, slightly drunken time. Well, anyway, I didn’t do any thing I shouldn’t, believe me, so I’ll close that topic.

Today Miss Owen, who is Executive Secy to Pres. Sterling asked me to go to a P.E.O. benefit bridge tonight. Two other gals who works at Stanford & are at least 50 also made up the party — our table, that is. It was a very nice long party with about 50 people. And, I like to play bridge so I really had a good time! God, I’m glad I’ll never be an old maid as I feel sorry for those old gals — they don’t know how nice it is to snuggle in bed with a warm bunny & his friend, Jr. I’m really dead tired so hope you will excuse me for now. I love you & only you & always will. I’ll always be true to you, so don’t ever worry, because it’s real easy when I have such a nice rabbit to love.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Saturday
24 February 1951
K-1, Korea
197

Dear Jane,

A letter from you today and you sounded like this: . Why so sad? Why the worry about me thinking of another woman? That is ridiculous. There never will be anybody else but you for me in this whole wide world. Really, I love you and wouldn’t trade you in for a newer model any time. Furthermore, Jr is staying right where he belongs because he (1) likes Clit best of all; (2) he is under contract to clit; (3) he knows Clit is true to him; (4) he has promised clit he would be true to her alone; (5) he’s made up his mind that Clit is the only one for him and he is really stubborn when he gets an idea like that.

After I wrote yesterday I went out on a hop to Pyongchang and dropped napalm on some troops and supplies. We also gave them some rockets and machine gun bullets.

Today I am not flying. I am writing this letter at 12 PM — noon. The wind is picking up. It is colder. The boys are straightening the tent in preparation for a blow.

Some of the fellows are going back to Itami to do field carrier landings. We all go back in about 10 days.

There is some news about Hughes, Evans and Garten. They are leaving in a couple of days for the States. This sounds like they are doing better than I am but we don’t know yet. They are twin engine night fighters (F7F). They are returning to the states to train in twin engine jet night fighters. As soon as they are trained they are scheduled to come right back out.

There were two night fighter squadrons out here. They are sending one back to the States. The pilots were pooled. Some in one and some in the other Squadron are going to the states and the rest are staying out here. Hughes, Evans and Garten were selected to go to the States.

When I come home in a few months I’ll be home to stay for a while and not come right Back out.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert

No. 187

Saturday
February 24, 1951

Dearest Rab,

No mail from my sweet baby today which makes me a sad rabbit. I have come to the conclusion they only send mail out about once once every 2 or 3 days, as it comes in such spurts usually. For some reason this whole week-end has seemed to be fouled up. First, I thought Isy & Roger were coming down Thurs, Fri & Sat, then both Dahlia & Taffy were going to be in heat & we junked that idea. Then the Fausts were coming to dinner tomorrow but they reniged & so I asked Isy & Rog for Sunday dinner tomorrow & Roger’s aunt, Mrs. Cathcart. Isabelle called this morning that Roger had the flu, so we’ve postponed that until next Sunday. So, instead of beavering today I didn’t do much of anything but sleep. I had ordered spare ribs, so I went & got some of them, & got dinner for Grace & Edie & I, & they seemed real pleased & the dinner turned out quite good. There were two good programs on television. Oh yes, I did get the car in the carport for the first time today — excelsior! It really is quite slick, & especially with the new fence.

After sleeping practically all day I’m sleepy again, but television always does that to me.

Gosh, bunny, you’re the most wonderful husband in this whole world to me, & I just wait in a small world all my own for that day when you will return to me — oh, boy, won’t we be too happy, joyous, frolicking rabbits tho? Won’t it be wonderful just to be able to snuggle together again? And love, & kiss, too!

All my my hugs & love & xxx,
Jane

Sunday
25 February 1951
K-1, Korea
198

Dear Jane,

No letter today. There surely ought to be one tomorrow.

There is no news at this end. It has been just another day. We flew a little north of Yoju against some Chinese who were on the top of a mountain peak. Napalm sure covers the foxholes.

I wonder if you have the car yet. I also wonder what the final deal was and what amount was paid down.

The financial statement from you for February is due here in two weeks. Remember!

There is some kind of a bump on my foot which is beginning to hurt like the devil. Tomorrow I think I will got to Sick Bay and find out what it is. It is beginning to throb a little of late.

In a few days I guess we will go to Itami to bounce. Then we will go on the carrier. Living conditions on the ship ought to be a little better than this.

This place isn’t half bad. We are warm. The food has been better the last two meals. The head is still of the wooden type but it is inside a metal building. The wind just whistles up the bottom and freezes your fanny. This is better than the open kind where you freeze all over. The cots are soft and the sleeping bags are warm.

“Sleeping bags” reminds me of you. How would you like to sleep with me tonight? I would like to have you so why don’t you jump in with me? I’m sure my little pink ears would be warm also. Hot dog!

There has been no answer to the letter I wrote to the Nikkon camera people. Perhaps I don’t need a camera after all. The deal will be too expensive anyway.

Oh yes, I wrote to the Marine Corps Institute for an extension course on Post Exchange Accounting. It sounds like something to do remotely connected with business. They tell me the course has been discontinued by I wrote in anyway. I still haven’t enrolled in speedwriting. They sent me a new offer — ^$25 for the course instead of ^$33. I wonder if they will come down some more.

Of course I love you, only you and no one else. I’m the truest bluest rabbit you’ll ever meet. You could look & look for another and you may find better other [attributes] but never a truer, more loyal, more faithful rabbit than I am.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 188

Sunday
February 25, 1951

Dearest Baby,

Well, today I had to make up for the lost time of yesterday & really beavered & cleaned up the house real good — & even went so far as to scrub the kitchen floor & you know that really is a concession for me! It’s at times like that that I really miss you most! Well, not really, of course, but I must say I certainly don’t have any love for scrubbing kitchen floors. I’ll be glad you rascal you, when I have a STRONG night home again to do it for me. Then, worst of all none of our children care a bit if they come in tracking through the kitchen with muddy paws.

God, man you keep asking me about the finances on the car & I keep telling you that I do not have the car yet. It seems there was a railroad strike which slowed everything down about 3 weeks & also the gov’t has cut copper, steel, etc. I don’t want to get too nasty & pressing yet, as they said I probably wouldn’t get it until March 1 anyway.

Gosh, bunny wabbit, I really don’t have any thing more to say — because I didn’t do anything except scrub & clean today, & I ate dinner alone & now I’m very sleepy & tired because I really worked today & don’t say — “for a change” — because I always work, like all “good old dogs” do! So there!

Anyhoo, I love you most of all the rabbits, or people or anything else in this whole world, just because you’re mine & mine alone & just cut out pf exactly the right pattern for me. I love you & always will, even if you are the worlds worst tease!

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Monday
26 February 1951
K-1, Korea
199

Dear Jane,

No mail again today. One of these days I ought to get a whole bunch. I hope my mail comes through better to you.

Tomorrow I’m going to Itami to bounce. There are six of us going to replace the six who are there now. Yorg is going along also.

Sometime in the first week of March we are going on a carrier. We might go aboard here at Pusan. No one knows what the final deal will be, however,

Today I had a hop north of Soul almost to Sariwon. The run we had going up and down the valley the Chosin Reservoir was in was called the “cannon ball run”. The run from Kaesong to Sariwon is known as “MIG alley” as yet I haven’t seen any enemy planes but they are around.

Naturally, I love you more than words can express and more than anyone else in this world. It is natural to me because it feels just right. I’m sure glad I married you because in you I got the best gal a guy like me needs. This kid knows when he has a good deal and he won’t ever do anything to spoil it.

Believe in me and trust in me and belie I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

Oh no, another missing letter.

Tuesday
27 February 1951
Itami, Japan
200

Dear Jane,

Well, here I am in Japan again. It is nice and warm but not too hot.

The hop over here was uneventful.

The club is much the same as before. Now there are fewer people. It is rather quiet. I had to leave early. It is now only 930 PM.

Tomorrow I bounce at 6 AM. We are due back in Korea tomorrow night or the next morning. Well, you never know what to expect.

I saw Garten, Hughes and Evans tonight. They are awaiting transportation back to the States. Naturally, they tried to make me envious. I really was when I thought of you. How I wish I could work some deal to be near you. However, I don’t want to work a deal that will bring me right back out here. When I get home I want to stay a while. — a long while.

Lover rabbit, you be true blue to me and I will never let you down. Never will I do anything to betray you. I’m really a good kid and all these people around here find it hard to believe but now they know and believe.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

February's already short enough, you know.

Wednesday
28 February 1951
Itami, Japan
201

Dear Jane,

No mail now for about a week. When it does come in I’ll get a whole batch — that will be lots of fun.

Edie has written twice now that they haven’t heard a word from you since you left last January.

This morning I had a bounce hop. Tomorrow I go back to K-1. In about a week we are to go aboard a carrier — the USS Bataan.

On the carrier the mail will be much slower but when it does reach you it ought to be in groups of 8 or 10 letters. You must be patient with the mail because at sea there are no daily mail runs.

One good thing about a carrier is the utter absence of gals. When I see gals it makes me so homesick it hurts. I have lovely little you back there and here I am. We will have a second honeymoon. We will do this one up right. I’m saving my pennies as best I can for a good time with my one and only Pink Ears.

Sometimes I wonder why I love you so much. It feels good to love someone and know that the one you love and trust will take good care of that love and trust and never hurt you.

Believe in me and trust in me and I will believe in you and trust in you.
Mert.

No. 191

Wednesday
February 28, 1951

Dearest Bunny,

Well, Exhibit A, is the statement which you want & I hope has all the data on it you want. Exhibit B, please note is my very tight budget. As a matter of fact, I know this will make you mad, but after looking it over, don’t you agree it is a little tight, & couldn’t I please have a little more. I will not say too much on this point, because I can see now the SMOKE & FLAMES shooting from you, because I even dare ask such a thing, but honestly now isn’t it a little tight? Gosh, I have to have some entertainment or I’d be more despondent that I am now. What do you think, you old Scrooge? Well, I’ll sit back & wait for your fiery reply now.

I am enclosing some literature on Blue Shield & Blue Cross which I think you should read as they are raising their rates & note 2 points: 1) they only allow ^$50- toward maternity benefits, 2) &, we now have the protection of the Navy medical service. I think perhaps I ought to discontinue it. Tell me what I ought to do about it.

Today was a big day & I got 3 letters from you — Nos. 193, 194 & 195. I was happy to know that at least they got far enough to draw numbers as to the order you will come home in. No. 25 out of 42 wasn’t too gruesome — it could have been No. 42! All I think about is the day you will come home to me! Golly, sometimes I think I can hardly wait until the happy day when you will come home. It doesn’t really seem possible you’ve been gone since 15^th of August. These have been the saddest days of my life because I love you so very much & only you.

All my love & kisses,
Jane