March Letters

Thursday
1 March 1951
Itami, Japan
202

Dear Jane,

We are still here at Itami. We started to go but there were no planes ready to take us. So here we are.

There was nothing doing today. All I’ve done is work on my books. I’ll send a P&L and Balance sheet tomorrow. I made ^$115.10 on my end. I wonder how you did on your end. I sure would like to know who we owe for the car and how much exactly. The ^$350 allotment all goes on the car — does it not?

Today a whole bunch of fellows came in. Pretty soon I may be coming home. Could that be true? I figure a couple of more months but I sure would like to be surprised.

Lover rabbit, I loves you and only you. Don’t ever get the idea that this rabbit isn’t the truest bluest rabbit in this world because he sure has been good and will stay that way. He figures you will be the same way. Never have a moments doubt that I don’t love you completely — because I loves you so much it hurts just to think about it.

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

No. 192

Thursday
March 1, 1951

Dearest Rabbit,

Well, here it is March 1, & I was supposed to have the car by March 1, but I haven’t seen hide nor hair of it yet. I don’t know what to do — do you want to write to the agency here — ff so, it’s:

GEORGE RAMSEY, DODGE AGENCY
FIRST & STATE ST.
LOS ALTOS.

I don’t know whether to press them real hard — that is, if it would do any good even if I did, or whether to let it just go on for a while & hope the car comes. What shall I do?

Nothing exciting happened today. I just came home & did a lot of chores as Patty & Mac are coming for dinner tomorrow night & I tried to get as much ready as I could.

Faust looks tireder & tireder as the days go by, but at least he only has to stick it out one more week. I, & everyone else, certainly will be sorry to see him leave. No one seems to have any idea who the new Dean will be.

One letter from you today — No. 196 in a fancy green envelope. I’m glad you realize you must have been writing to someone else when you addressed a letter to ME as, “Dear Baloney Head”! What an insult to an intellect like me! Really! Just because you’re a Phi Beta you don’t have to lord it over us peons. I do the best I can, & I realize it isn’t always the best, but it’s the best I can do.

Well, I’d best go to sleep now 'cause tomorrow's a big day — Charys & I am going to a rrr fashion show & luncheon & then company for dinner.

I still love you alone passionately & madly & want only you for mine & trust only you, as I hope you do me. Be as good as I am & we’ll both be PERFECT!

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Friday
2 March 1951
K-1, Korea
203

Dear Jane,

Four big letters from you. All of them are postmarked Feb-23 130 PM. Do you mail several days letters all at the same time or is the P.O. just that slow? This seems odd.

Enclosed is my accounting statement. If you will note the Entertainment expense is at the low figure of ^$19.60. This is mainly the O Club bill. Now this is an accurate figure — believe it or not. When I roll dice for drinks and win the bill is naturally low. However, I haven’t had much to drink this month. Drinks are only $.15 a piece so you can go pretty far on ^$19.60.

By now I suppose you have the new car. All the boys on the street corners will be trying to get picked up by you. You be careful.

The trip back to K-1 was uneventful. In a couple of days we go on a carrier.

It is real cold tonight. Boy I thought the cold was over but I see it isn’t.

There is no more dope on relief. I sure want to get home soon. Six months of abstinence sure has made me and eager rabbit. As you wrote so aptly, we’ve got to get our tails quivering in true rabbit fashion.

You are the only lover for me. I’ll be the best and goodest rabbit that ever came home to anybody. This rabbit has been and will continue to be one good, true, loyal and faithful rabbit. I’ll never ever break your trust and faith in me. Boy, I love you so much there is no adequate way to tell you. You’ll never get rid of me because I’m stuck to you forever. I only ask that you return my love, loyalty and faithfulness. I’ll never let you down. Life without you seems so grim and unpleasant I don’t think I’d survive for very long without you. If you feel about me as I feel about you we’ll never have any serious troubles that we can’t solve. Our marriage is going be permanent come hell or high water.

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

No. 193

Friday
March 2, 1951

Dearest Rabbit,

Today was a real big day for me. At noon Charys & I took off & went to a fashion show & luncheon at Rickey’s. It was a Tri-Delt benefit to help raise money for the ^$500- scholarship the Alliance is going to award to 3 high school girls. They thought they would only have enough for 2 ^$500- each scholarships, but it was such a huge success they got enough for 3. The fashion show was put on by Hattie & was very, very good — to say the least. Some guy came up from Beverly Hills & showed the most gorgeous furs you’ve ever seen. Someday, daddy, can I have one? We didn’t get back to work until 3:30, so at least the working day was quite short.

Tonight I had Patty & Mac McEwen for dinner as I owe them so much. I had filet mignons wrapped in bacon & they were really delicious — the kind that melt in your mouth. Mac brought a bottle of very good white wine — a blend of day & sweet sauterne & very good to my tasting. Of course, sauterne is always my favorite anyway. They only stayed until 9 p.m. because they’re going skiing tomorrow, but we had a real nice time anyway I thought.

No. 197 came today in which you said Hughes, Evans & Garton were coming back to the States to train in jets. Well, who knows which is best? Who knows? How could we have gotten into such a mixed up world anyway. At least, I know I love you, & only you & always will. Your the only one I want or love & I just long & long for that wonderful day when you’ll come home to me & we can snuggle again together. I’m going to try to be a perfect rabbit & never get mad or anything. Boy, how I’d like to have you here with me now!

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Saturday
3 March 1951
K-1, Korea
204

Dear Jane,

Three letters from you today. They were real nice letters. I still like best of all the phsase phrase, “Our tails will be quivering in true rabbit fashion.” Baby am I a ready teddy! Just think, never again will any contraceptives be used so there will never be any delays. Hot dog!

I was on a reconnaissance flight up to Chunchon and west of Hongchon. There was nothing to see. The Marines are moving forward again. The Chinese must be some place. I wonder how long they can take their losses.

The rumors on relief are dying down so that closes that line of talk. We should be relieved right after our carrier cruise or sooner.

I hope you have the car by now. So far I am hanging on to cash. We need a whole lot of that stuff.

The cold spell has gone away.

I like this phase too because I feel it too: “I know you return all the love I give you, and that is the nicest, warmest feeling I know!”

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

No. 194

Saturday
March 3, 1951

Dearest Baby,

Well, today I have a call into you, but I don’t know whether it will be completed because I don’t know where you are. I have told the operator to try both Bofu & Itami, but you might be on a carrier by now.

Today I cleaned the house as much as I could before I got tired as Isabelle & Roger & Mrs. Cathcart are coming for dinner tomorrow at 2 p.m. I’m going to have spare ribs as they’re cheap & everyone seems to like them.

Peggy Dermody called me this afternoon & asked me over to a delicious ham dinner tonight. Bud’s brother & wife & daughter were there too, & we had a real good time. It was, needless to say, a very good dinner & we had a nice chat. Bud told me he bought the lumber for the built-in in the living room today. Also, he’s going to build a little cupboard between the closets & above the dressing table where I can put sheets & blankets, which will be real nice. Boy, before long this house will really have enough covered space.

Two letters from you today Nos. 198 & 199. Gosh, they’ve really been coming right along this week — usually they come in bunches about every 3 days. Gosh, bunny be careful when you go up “MIG Alley” — that doesn’t sound so hot. Do you live in a tent in Pusan? You haven’t told me but said the wind was blowing & somebody was going to secure the tent! Well, if that’s the case at least the new bathrobe I sent you for your birthday should feel good. What was the bump on your foot? Hope it’s O.K.

Guess, I’d better go to sleep so I can get up real early tomorrow & finish up the house & get the dinner by 2 p.m.

Don’t ever worry about me — that I’ll be untrue or anything because I never have any of those thoughts because there isn’t any room for them because I’m always thinking of you! Boy, do you think about me as much as I think about you??

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Sunday
4 March 1951
K-1, Korea
205

Dear Jane,

No mail today but today is my birthday. The bath robe is perfect. I’ll need it when I go aboard the ship the day after tomorrow.

Nothing new today. We flew in the Hongchon-Haensang area using bombs, napalm, rockets and 50 calibre. It is hard to say if there is any enemy down there or not. The Chinese don’t seem to be doing too well. They will have to do a lot better than they are now if they hope to drive us out of Korea.

I have another damn cold. My nose is stopped up but other wise I feel ok.

I have been drinking beer in the next tent. It is quite late now and am I sleepy!

I love you dearly and I really mean I love you. You’re all I want. You are perfect and I mean that too.

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

No. 195

Sunday
March 4, 1951

Dear Happy Birthday Rabbit,

What did you do to celebrate your 30^th birthday? I hope you had a nice time of a sort. I also hope you got the bathrobe I sent for your birthday & I hope it fits better than the slippers — it should as I tried it on.

Well, today was a long day for me. I got up at 7 o’clock & finished cleaning the house & worked on the dinner. Then Peggy & Bud came over & I put Peggy’s hair up for her, & she bought me some cucumber pickles & jam & jelly because she knew I was having company for dinner.

Well, Mrs. Cathcart & Isabelle & Roger came about 2 p.m. & we had what I thought was a very good dinner — shrimp cocktail, barbecued spare ribs, special baked potatoes, artichoke, green salad & Isabelle brought a delicious chocolate pie. Everyone seemed to have a good time & was very appreciative of everything. Mrs. Cathcart left about 6 p.m. but Isabelle & Roger didn’t leave until about 8:30 p.m. Thank goodness we did the dishes right after dinner. Mrs. Cathcart is a very interesting person — 75 years old & probably could run circles around both Isabelle & I.

I told Roger about the lens — did you ever get the letter he wrote you — you didn’t mention it to me if you did. Did he make it abundantly clear to you? He didn’t want a lens if it was going to be more than ^$50-. I think Isabelle is disturbed about it anyway & they do not feel they can spend any more than ^$50-. They are about ^$150- here & are off the market now. They asked if you get a camera if you would have 2 pictures made of the interesting shots & they will be glad to pay you for or send you the film. I really do hope you will get the camera. I think you ought to have it.

Well, bunny, I’m sorry we couldn’t really celebrate your 30^th birthday together but will be sure to have a BIG celebration on your 60^th, eh what?

I love you with all my heart & soul —

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Monday
5 March 1951
K-1, Korea
206

Edie writes that you haven’t written them since you left in January. Did you all get mad at each other? Or don’t you write people after you have visited them?

Dear Jane,

No mail today. It is being held up at Itami to be sent to the Carrier — USS Bataan. Tomorrow we fly aboard. The ground echelon and those not flying left this after noon.

This morning we again flew a strike north east of Haensong. We seem to be holding our own.

Remember mail should come in spurts. Mail is delivered and sent about every 5^th day.

This cold seems to be getting worse. Joe Kapsch caught one and gave it to me. He lives in our tent.

The jeep smasher was finally fined ^$180 and given 2 months extra police duty. The bulb smasher on the RR was not prosecuted because of the lack of witnesses.

I read in the paper that 1000 marines are arriving in SF. Well, someday I also will return.

There has been no answer from the Nikkon lens people.

I love you and trust you. Please don’t do anything to cause this good feeling to change. I’ll not do anything to cause that good feeling in you to change.

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

No. 196

Monday
March 5, 1951

Dearest Baby,

No letter from my dearest baby today so naturally it was a sad day for this pink-eared rabbit. Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary happened today. I was & am, a little tired after all the week-end activities & I can’t even think of anything very sintillating to write about, so guess I’ll really make this one short as I’m really very sleepy.

I still love you more than anything or anybody in this whole world & feel secure in my very, great love because I know you love me as much as I love you, & love is always best when it is returned in equal amounts. Weren’t we lucky to find each other though? I think we were just made for each other — don’t you?

Besides Jr & Clit are so satisfied too!

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Tuesday
6 March 1951
K-1, Korea
207

Dear Jane,

It rained all night and all day today. The mud is squishing and slopping around. The carrier left Pusan and went to Sasebo, Japan but we couldn’t get into the air. Tomorrow we expect to go to Itazukie, Japan and then to the carrier by train. When the carrier is ready to haul anchor we will go back, get the planes and fly aboard. The carrier (USS Bataan) is expected to be in port for about five days.

Remember the mail will be in spurts so you will have to waite maybe five or seven days for a batch of letters. I’ll have to waite for letters the same way. But, I still want my letter a day even if I have to read them all at once. Sometimes don’t you write a whole bunch at one time? As for me, I think of you every day and just feel like writing no matter how short it is.

Never forget that I love you and want most of all to be with you. I’m really eager to be sent back to the States just to be with you. You are really the center of my life — (even though I am Boss #1) (a good Boss I hope, as well as a loving one) You know I love you with all my heart and the main reason I love you so much is because you return my love and that makes me feel warm and secure inside.

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

No. 197

Tuesday
March 6, 1951

Dearest Wabbit,

No letter from a ‘wabbit today & gosh what sad days for me when I don’t get a letter from you! Nothing exciting or new or different happened today except it rained & rained. This has been the darndest winter for rain — it’s just poured buckets all winter.

For some strange reason I’m real, real sleepy & all the kids are real sleepy too (they just told me), so I think I will go to bed & call it a day.

I still love you & you alone so don’t ever forget it, because if you ever let me down I think I would just wither & die as I guess I've put all my eggs in one basket!

All my love & kisses & hugs,
Jane

Wednesday
7 March 1951
208
Itazukie, Japan

Dear Jane,

Well, here I am in Japan again. Today we flew from K-1 to Itazukie. We all got on a PB9— (Same as Knowlton flew) and went to Sasebo where the Bataan was in port. Then we flew back to Itazukie here and now tomorrow we will land on the Bataan at sea some place. We will then go back to Sasebo. Probably you will not understand all this but just say the weather was bad yesterday and all kinds of new plans had to be made.

Chow on the carrier at noon was wonderful. I aim to room with Rainalter. It seems we got screwed on a room but I have yet to find out.

The club here is really good. The wives on the base cooked chow and then sold it for a $1 a plate— proceeds to the Red Cross. Boy was it good. I can hardly waite to get home to your cooking.

Soon as things slow down I’ll be able to write longer letters. You know I love you and don’t even think of anyone else.

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

No. 198

Wednesday
March 7, 1951

Dearest Baby,

Five big, fat letters from my precious baby bunny today. Gosh, on the days I don’t get letters from you I really am sad, but on the days I do get some letters my ears look like this: ! Not a darn thing out of the ordinary happened today, except Faust went to Pasadena today & tomorrow & Friday are his last 2 days at Stanford. Oh yes, I did get a letter from Edie today in which she said they had gotten a long, interesting letter from you — &, added that Ken was very interested in what you had to say — whatever that was. You know I really am glad we have so many animals because they really are good company — all four of us are in the living room now — Cinder on the couch with me, Baby-cat curled up on a chair with her tail hanging over the side & Buster playing with his ball.

Boy, I certainly will be ready to take that 2^nd honeymoon you talk about, I think I really need a good, long vacation. The days drag terribly for me — from sheer boredom I know. I got your P&L statement & I don’t understand the Balance Sheet — why do we have ^$589.79 under Accounts Receivable? And, why is our Capital ^$536.50? I don’t understand these items at all — no doubt, however, there is some simple explanation. Hope you have received my Financial exhibits by now & have cooled off a little. Where can I cut down? What steps shall I take to get the car? PLEASE answer these questions as soon as possible as I think they are important.

Well, since all the kids are asleep I guess I’d better go to sleep too. Don’t ever forget however, that I love you with all my heart & soul & always will, so don’t ever waste time worrying about me — exert your energy on worrying about something else — finances, for instance, dear!

Be a dear, sweet rabbit & send me the answers to my questions, & I’m real proud that you saved so much money.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Thursday
8 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
209

Dear Jane,

Today we went out and landed aboard this ship. All went quite well considering everything. I had my first catapult shot which I must say was quite exciting. We all made two landings and one catapult shot.

The ship then came here to Sasebo to finish re-supplying.

Rainalter and I have a two man room which I think is pretty good. The bed is soft. We have two desks and plenty of light.

The food has been better than what we had before but somehow it is not up to what I had expected.

I went in to the Naval Base O’Club which was quite nice. Then I went to the Camp Mower O’Club for a steak dinner. The steak was lousy — such is life. I was back on board at 1230.

Today was a big exciting day. Will tell more later.

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

No. 199

Thursday
March 8, 1951

Dearest Rab,

I am enclosing a newsy letter which I received from Peacocke today. I am very sorry his father passed away, & it now sounds as if he is going to take over the business in Ventura — not a bad deal for him, eh what? Weren’t you surprised that he was in Law School? Well, you always said he had it in him if he would just apply himself. I wrote him tonight & told him your address, so no doubt you will hear directly from him. I am also forwarding the birthday card. He’s a good, old guy, isn’t he — remember the talk we had a year ago Christmas with him in Pasadena? All I can mainly remember is we sat & got pretty crocked & you guys talked about wimmen & he said he’d never beat our record of 8 in one night‽ Wait until we tell him 12 in 24! Hot dog!

Today I had a brain-child & I hope you approve — you know we bought 4 new tires in July & you told me to have the 4^th put on the car & have the tires rotated. Well, I never did & the 4^th one is unused & Jimmy has repeatedly told me 6-16’s don’t fit the new cars, so tonight I called Sears & they said I could still get credit for the tire & tube. So, boy, I’m going to take them back, get the credit & buy kitchen curtains, a shag rug for the bedroom & whatever else I have the money for. How does that sound to you — Scrooge?

No letters for my baby Rab, today but at least Peacocke wrote me — ha! ha! I’m a little devil, ha, ha, ha!

Seriously tho I love you & only you & always will though thick & thin, hot or cold, rain or sleet, ice or snow, & whatever other obstacles befall us rabbits! I love you & only you —

All my love & kisses,
Pink Ears

Friday
9 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
210

Dear Jane,

There were five letters from little old you today. Gosh how I love those letters. You mean practically everything to me. Without you life really would be miserable for me. It sure is nice to have some one to love and trust. It is much, much better to have some one who loves you also. I wouldn’t change my married life with you for all hell’s gifts. In spite of all the odd ways I act, inside I’m naive, trusting and 100% loyal to you. If you ever took it into your head to be bad you could hurt me as no one else ever could.

Today I slept late and then at about 1500 I went to the two clubs I told you about. All I did was drink beer and sing songs. All this was pretty dull when I got home and boy did I want to crawl into the sack with you!

We are going to leave here in a couple of days. Maybe in a few weeks we will go to Yokuska. You never can tell where you are going or what you are going to be doing. Things change so often and rapidly it is a waste of time to figure out what is coming off next.

My conscience is hurting me so badly I just have to tell you this although it is really silly. Yesterday I was the first Marine to get to the Sasebo Navy Club. I ordered a Martini and walked around the club to see what it was like. As I walked by a piano where a group was singing this babe about 45 grabbed my arm and said lets sing. Now I can’t sing so I stood there in the group. Then she took my drink and set it on the piano; she started dancing with me to the tune of the Missouri Waltz. Boy did I feel awful. Well, this lasted about three minutes. I captured my drink back at the end of the tune and hustled back to the bar. I asked a Navy Lieutenant who this old gal was. Hee told me she was the wife of the Executive Officer of the Sasebo Naval Base. Well, this rabbit was out of there pronto. I did wonder why all the Naval Officers stared at me but I guess that was the reason. Her husband was right there also. Not a soul in the place knew who I was because the rest of the Marines weren’t there yet. In spite of the fact not a soul I know saw me my old conscience has been telling me to tell you — why I don’t know. I feel as though a black spot is on my pure halo.

Well, so much for that weird episode. Just a few steps with a slightly tipsy old babe causes me all this concern.

There is very little going on.

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

No. 200

Friday
March 9, 1951

Dearest Rab,

Guess what?? This afternoon just after Faust left for good, Jimmy Ramsey called me up & said he had a car I might like, & of course I rushed to Los Altos & got a car! Jimmy apologized because it isn’t gray, but it is just the color I wanted — cream colored or beige. I drove it around a few blocks & it is really a dream — I only wish you were here so we could break it in together. I can’t get it until Monday while they put on the slip covers, etc. By the way I got the least expensive slip covers — ^$42.⁵⁰! The radio that fits in our car is unavailable at present, but Jimmy said as soon as he got one he’d let me know. It does have a heater, back-up lights, directional signals, side-view mirror, curb feelers.

Here is the financial data quote:

[Page 2 is missing.]

… were here with me to enjoy it when it’s brand new because it’s such a thrill.

Enclosed is the card on which the kind of fish line Bill Jensen wants more of was on. They come in groups of 4, if you remember, & he wants 3 more groups or 12 more cards.

Golly, I’m awfully sleepy rab & real excited. I love you lots & lots & lots & lots & always will.

All my love & kisses & BEAR hugs,
Jane

Saturday
10 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
211

Dear Jane,

This morning there was a big inspection of all personnel. We got all gussied up and had a formation on the flight deck. The captain of the ship inspected everyone. My that was a lousy dull waite.

After the inspection I went and hit the sack. About 1600 I decided to go to the club because we would be at sea for ten days and then were would be no club at all. On this kind of reasoning I have hit the beach every day. Now the whole thing is getting kind of dull.

Other guys go to some of the Japanese dancing houses but I don’t because there is nothing there that I want. I’d rather sit and get pleasantly mellow at an O’Club and then come home. Some guys don’t understand why I’m so good in that respect. The only reason I don’t fool around I guess is that I really and truly love you and some how figure that if I played around I would hurt you as badly as it would hurt me if you played around. I know it would be on my conscience forever and that nothing would be the same again. I believe in complete and absolute faithfulness and loyalty under any and all circumstances. If I were to break this code it would be the end and if you were to break it that also would be the end of what is a perfect marriage. I would never forget and I would never forgive a misstep on your part nor would I expect you to forget or forgive if I erred. I suppose I may be a fool but I’ll go on living and believing this until I find out that I am a fool.

Tonight it our last liberty ashore because tomorrow night is the night before we sail. On that night there is no liberty. It is 1700 and I guess I’ll go ashore.

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

P.S. There was nothing wrong in what I did about that dance with that old biddy was there? She didn’t even ask for the dance she just grabbed my hand and started waltzing. What would you have done?

No. 201

Saturday
March 10, 1951

Dearest Baby,

Well, I’m still real excited at the prospect of the car, but I suppose I’ll have to calm down for a while — at least until Monday. This morning went to the bank & took the down payment out of the savings & put it in my checking & made the payment to Ramsey’s. Incidently, Jimmy said I should wait about a month before I have the car waxed so that’s what I’ll do. It will cost about ^$20- he says.

This afternoon I had a permanent as I was in desperate need of one. It came out very well & looks nice.

Jimmy & Betty asked me over for dinner tonight & so, of course, I went. They went invited another couple too who were real nice & Jimmy barbecued hamburgers, onions & potatoes like Bud does & it was really delicious. After dinner we played Canasta until eleven & naturally by now I’m real sleepy. I won one Canasta game & Jimmy won the other.

But, bunny don’t worry how sleepy I am I always love to write you, because I love you so much & at least when I’m writing you I feel very near to my own dearest baby. Gosh, weren’t we lucky when we found each other? I know I love you because I think I did the first time I ever went out with you — you were just my dish. I just don’t see tho why we have to be separated for this awful long time. The longer the separation goes on, it seems it drags more & more & I become terribly anxious to be with you & be able to climb into bed with YOU & hold hands & bill & coo & love & kiss.

Be a good baby always because I am.

All my love & kisses & hugs,
Jane

Sunday
11 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
212

Dear Jane,

No mail for the second day in a row. What a lousy feeling it is to get no mail from the best rabbit, perfect wife and best sex machine in existence.

When I get home I’m going to turn on that sex machine and weld the switch in the ON position. Also, I’m going to run it at top speed all the time. You are by far the best and most excellent piece of ass for me. How lucky can a guy like me be when I get everything I need wrapped up in a most beautiful woman? Sometimes I feel as though I don’t deserve all this. How awful it would be to be married to a woman you didn’t think was perfect in at least 99% of everything. It sure makes me feel good and content to know that the woman I have fills all my needs and dreams until I’m saturated. You know I don’t think some of the fellows have a woman like you. This makes all the difference in the world in the way you act away from home. When you know you have some body — who is perfect you just don’t ever get any ideas to lead you astray because I can just lie back and think of you and dream of you and that makes me content and happy just to waite a little longer. When you know you are waiting and waiting is all you have to do to get the best woman in the world, why there is nothing to being a good rabbit. I do believe you have some strange power over me but it is such a pleasant and good feeling power I just want it that way forever. How awful it must be for some fellows who know they aren’t waiting for the best woman. I think that is why some of them act the way they do.

You may wonder why you aren’t perfect in 100% of everything. Well, thumper rabbit, your ideas of finance are a trifle sub-standard but since that is the only thing we can just brush it aside. After all there are more things wrong with me than that. If I could only be half as good a man as you are a woman I think I’d be doing excellent to outstanding.

Today was just another day in Port. I went to the Navy O’Club and then to the Camp Mower O’Club for a steak dinner. I’ve had quite a few of them but they cost only ^$1.35 so that isn’t too bad. Anyway, outside of food, and drinks my expenses are way down — about ^$85.00 a month total.

There have been no old biddies grabbing me since that last horrible and surprising experience. Rub as hard as I will I don’t seem to be able to get that black spot off of my halo. Anyway it wasn’t my fault and the whole episode only lasted about 10 minutes. I sure am blessed with an odd conscience and a long memory. Why does some silly thing like that disturb me. What lurks in my childhood that gives me this guilty feeling? That gal must have been sent by the devil to touch my arm so as to disturb my sleep. Maybe she thought she was being nice by asking some sad looking Marine Captain to join in on the singing. Perhaps she thought she was in the USO trying to strengthen the moral of the troops. Maybe she figures that keeping the club jolly is part of the Base Executive Officer’s wife job. Who knows what lurked in that alcoholic haze? Anyway this rabbit hopped away from that and when last seen there was moving away at nearly 100 miles per hour. He wore all the pads off his hind feet.

Sasebo harbor is quite an excellent harbor. It is well protected from the sea. I get the biggest thrill out of riding the ship’s boat to shore. It is a lot of fun to go by all the ships in the harbor. It is about a 20 minute ride from ship to shore.

I better cut this letter off now or us scotchman will feel badly about going over the 6¢ limit. I can hear you now asking if you aren’t worth the extra 6¢ or not. Well, baby rabbit — pink ears — of course you are and you know it.

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

P.S. I loves you; I loves you, I loves you and only you.

No. 202

March 11, 1951
Sunday

Dearest Rab,

God, this has been the most god-awful frustrating day I’ve spent. To begin with it was a simply beautiful, gorgeous warm, balmy day so I got up with all kinds of good intentions. I started to clean the house & then decided to paint the bedroom. I wanted the paint to be about the color of this paper & instead the guy gave me the most ghastly color of blue you’ve ever seen in your whole life. At night it’s so dark it almost looks black. Fortunately I only painted two walls & decided it was too dark to go on. I will go back to the paint store when I cool off & get some satisfaction & try again another day. God, am I mad.

Then I started to clean out the car & remembered that part of the grill was in the shed, opened it up & found an old suitcase of mine mildewed. So, of course, I thought I’d better look into the trunks, etc. Well, I began moving the d- trunks & as a final results of all this didn’t get the house cleaned at all so I think maybe as long as Clarence is gone I just might stay home & clean the house tomorrow morning instead of going to work like a good kid.

I managed to broil myself a lamb chop & am now dead tired after my strenuous day of trunk moving, car cleaning & house painting. Cinder is bulging again & I expect a litter of kittens any minute. I’m trying like mad to find homes for the little dears. God, I guess I should have her fixed after this bunch but ^$20- is quite a price just for Cinder fixing. A lamp or something.

Well, rabbit’s paw I’m real sleepy & tired from real physical labor for a change so will close for now! I’m a good, true blue rabbit just waiting to wiggle my tail with your tail. All I ask is that you are a good true husband.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Monday
12 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
213

Dear Jane,

Still no mail. Such a sad life.

Before I receive a letter from you I bet I can tell what will be in one of them. Where is the ^$350? I only received ^$200 in February March. How can I pay ^$350 on the car in February March if I only have ^$200? Well, kiddo I went to the Paymaster today and found out how it runs. It is a little different than I had first been led to believe. The first ^$350 check is due to arrive in your eager hands in the first week of April not March as I had assumed. That’s the way the system runs. Naturally, I have on the books that ^$150 above the ^$200. Since we are going to sea tomorrow I will send the extra ^$150 on the 1^st of April. Be sure to put all of the ^$200 toward the car in the March payment or as a part of the initial payment. You know I am most interested in how the car deal is coming off. Here it is the 12^th and I hope you have the car by now.

In my last letter I put all my [panting] sex into it. Old Jr is raring to go and the more he thinks about it the more he throbs. What a life this is! Wonder how soon Clit and Jr will get tho together for a big prolonged Orgy. Hot dog! Well, so much for those tantalizing thoughts. Jr is saving himself for Clit and Clit alone so you tell old Clit to do the same. If she doesn’t little Jane rabbit will be out looking for a new husband when ever if ever I do get the word — one year or 20 years from now. Just thought I would issue that little threat — just in case. Of course, I would expect the same treatment if Jr went out on Clit but that will never happen.

There is no shore liberty tonight because we sail tomorrow. Tomorrow we will make a few more catapult shots and a few more landings. We should be launching strikes on the 13^th. This carrier work ought to be interesting. I’ve been needing some kind of a change and this ought to be it.

I have a feeling that Jr and I will be on our way home before to many months go by. Prepare your boss for an unexpected vacation of at least two weeks when I hit the beach. Just fix it so that one day you can take off on an hours notice.

We ought to get a leave when we hit the states but I’m not sure when that will begin. I will probably have to report in to El Toro to get my orders as to where to report and when my leave begins and ends. This will be pretty complicated for us but I figure we can work out how what we will do when I get back. We’ve got to get the car paid for before we go digging up more expenses or less income. This will give you a clue that before we do much of anything we will have to pay the car debt.

I love you still — as ever.

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

No. 203

for Monday
March 12, 1951

Dearest Rab,

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, today I got the car & it is really simply stupendous. I went down to pick it up about 5 p.m. & it wasn’t quite ready because they’d forgotten to get the license plates until just a few days minutes before I came, so I couldn’t actually drive out in it about 5:45. But believe me it certainly was a thrill to drive a brand new car out & know it was yours (more or less). Needless to say it fairly purrs down the highway & is really just wonderful — I could hardly keep it down to 35 mph as she strained at the leash something awful. It was a great, great day for me to be driving “our” new car.

Tuesday

At that point I went to Ceilie’s to show her the car & do some sewing on her sewing machine & we were going to have a Chinese dinner & this is a what happened! It seems she fed me two old fashioneds & this was O.K. Then she wanted to finish a letter to her mother so I went out for the food & found the Chinese Kitchen closed on Monday & so got some kinkburgers next door to L’Ommies. I took all this back & had one more old fashion & we ate. About this time we were feeling no pain & Kirk came home unexpectedly as he wasn’t supposed to be home until 11:30. Well, he had barely come in then the room began to go ‘round & ‘round & I said I’d better lie down for a few minutes. Ceilie fixed one of their spare beds & told me I’d better stay all night. Of course I was asleep like a light. But about 10:30 p.m. I woke up sick & heard they had company, & I simply had to get to a bathroom quick. So, in my little slip I went fitting across the hall & made it & just in time. Well, anyway it really was a celebration & we all said at least we’d never forgot the day the Cameron’s got a new car!

Please don’t be mad at me, because at least if I had to get drunk I was in good hands, eh what? Anyway I got up about 6:30 this morning & came home.

Yesterday I got 2 nice letters from you — Nos. 205 & 206. I am real glad the bathrobe was perfect & hope you get lots of wear out of it. Yes, I have written Edie by now — just don’t give me hell about that because after I’ve written you every day I have very little time to write anyone else including my mother, your folks & your sister. Remember me I work from 8-5 every day & try to snatch some moments of pleasure in the evening when I’m not doing housework or whatnot! So there!

Well, baby bunny I’ve got to write you a letter for today now because I have to write two letters today.

Nevertheless, I loved you just as much as yesterday as I do today — & believe me that’s an awful lot!

All my love & kisses,
Jane

[Written on Squadron paper.]

Tuesday
13 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
214

Dear Jane,

Six big fat letters were delivered to me today from you. Some luck — eh what?

Today we started for Korean waters. We were launched once and made one landing for practice. It was not too bad.

This evening they gave me two shots. One was Typhus and the other Cholora. Boy do I feel lousy. I have time to write more but I feel like hell. T

Tomorrow we go on our first strike off the carrier. That should be something. I wonder how long all this will last. I’m bored even now. Maybe the shots have something to do with it. I get up at 4:20 AM. That is another thing I don’t like too much. Well, soon this tour will be over and I will be happily with you and faithful Clit. Jr keeps moaning for Clit. They must good friends.

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

No. 204

Tuesday
March 13, 1951

Dearest Rabbit,

Well, this is Tuesday’s letter. Today was a simply, gorgeous, warm, beautiful day & oh how I wanted to take the new baby for a long, long ride to Carmel or someplace like that. Ah me, such is life of a slave!

Tonight was the last night Grace & Eddie & I could get together before they move so I got dinner for all of us — got individual filet mignons, succotash, grapefruit & avocado salad & Clint’s rocky road ice cream. They seemed to enjoy it a lot. I am extremely sorry to see them leave but I suppose it can’t be helped. They couldn’t have been any more perfect neighbors.

After my escapade of last night I do not feel exactly chipper & I am getting very sleepy. Today I rec’d your letters Nos. 207 & 208. Listen, pal, your the most insulting husband I’ve ever had — you accuse me of writing a bunch of letters all at one time, & that is absolutely not true. I even write you when I’m as sleepy as I am now. The only time I couldn’t write was when I was in the condition I was in last night. Your an old bat! But I’ll concede that your Boss Rabbit #1, but if your Boss #1, I’m at least Boss #1₂. OK?

I’m so sleepy I can hardly keep my eyes open & hope you will excuse me now. All the kids are sound asleep & Baby-cat is purring like a motor boat. I love you with all the love I’ve got & always will. Don’t ever worry about me because there just ain’t nothing to worry about. I can hardly wait until you come home & we can go sailing away in our new, spiffy car on a second honeymoon.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Wednesday
14 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
215

Dear Jane,

Naturally, no mail today.

This was our first operating day off of a carrier. All went quite well. I had two hops. One hop was a reconnaisance from Haeju along the shore line until I cut over land to Kaesong. We then went down the RR from Kaesong partway to Soul before we had to return to the ship. We hop [***] and strafed some troops. We bombed and rocketed a RR flat car which was on the rails. Actually, the hop was uneventful. My second hop was a CAP over the carrier. We were used as inter ceptors of anything coming toward the carrier. However, no one tried to inter cept the carrier so that hop just consisted of circling at 10,000 feet. This was kind of silly because a Corsair can’t inter cept jet planes or fast bombers.

Tomorrow I have only one hop. Every other day we have two hops and the in between days we have one hop.

We are knocking off operations on the 23rd and on the 25^th we will be in Yokusaka — near Tokyo.

At Yokusaka I am going to try and buy some material for a green uniform. You can get 2 uniforms over here for the price of 1 in the states. Also, I’m going to try and get Roger’s lens. In a letter I received from the camera company they say his lens will cost 11,660 yen or about ^$32.40 US money. However, I will have to make it a gift to him because we are forbidden to barter or sell items which are purchased with a tax exemption certificates.

Since I got up at 4:20 AM this morning and have flown 2 hops today this rabbit is really tired but Jr could wear Clit down to a nubbing — tired or not. Boy — do I look forward to their meeting. You know they will meet first and discuss things and then Jane and Mert can discuss things for a short while and then Jr and Clit will talk some more. Hot dog!

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

No. 205

Wednesday
March 14, 1951

Dearest Baby,

No mail from my baby today & for some strange reason on days when I don’t get a letter from you it makes me very, very sad & today is one of those days.

Tonight I had Marie Knowlton & a friend of hers over to sew & gab. I made cream puffs & filled them with ice cream & put chocolate sauce on top & they seemed to think they were very good. I sewed a lot of buttons on & got quite a lot done & they are both real good company.

Gosh, I really don’t have much to write about & am quite sleepy. By the way did I tell you that Bud had the cement laid on the floor of the carport yesterday, & it is really going to be slick. You’d be surprised to see how nice it is going to look, especially when we get the grapesteaks on the alley side with the grapevines growing up on the outside.

I am a real, real sleepy rabbit that thinks she’d better hit the sack now. Don’t ever worry that I’m not true blue though, because I really never have any thoughts of being anything but good & true to you. I just never see anyone that even looks halfway good to me compared with you. You are my only love & always will be.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Thursday
15 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
216

Dear Jane,

Well, lover, How are you?

Two hops today. They were the same old thing. All this is quite dull.

For me you are definitely the most prolonged exciting thing that has ever come my way. With you there is always something going on. If it’s not loving it’s fighting. If it’s not fighting it is some other event which keeps me busy.

Life isn’t very good without you. Believe me it isn’t. Some how I feel that you are a part of me and that I am a part of you.

For me, being married to you is the best thing that could ever have happened to me. I wonder why I ever thought being single was ever any good. When a guy has a girl like you I think he has 50% of the battle of life won.

I like the feeling of being in partnership with you. What I like best is knowing that you are loved as much as you are loving.

There is still no later word on relief. It may come about any month now. I don’t think it will be any later than July but then you never can tell.

Living on a ship is pretty good duty. The chow is good. The beds are soft and clean. The showers are convenient. The whole place is warm. They hold the temperature around 78º.

Since we get out an fly every day you don’t have the cramped feeling that ordinarily comes with living aboard. The weather flying has been excellent

This cruise has been, so far, smooth and pleasant. The sea is quite calm and the air is not biting cold. Even at that we don’t get out in the breezes much. It may be pretty cold for those who have to be outside all the time.

I loves you a whole lot. I don’t want you running off with some other fellow. I don’t want you dating anyone either. Sleeping with some one else is absolutely out.

You are the one and only pink ears I have and the best, perfect one in the whole world. You are just right for me.

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

[Letter 206 was unsent and unfinished.]

No. 206

Thursday
March 15, 1951

Dearest Wab,

No letter from you again today, boo! hoo! Have I told you that for the last week the weather has just been like Spring & everyone has been bursting out in cottons. It is really awful weather to have to work in, & especially with a brand new car. It’s really on days like these that I hate to work worst of all & I feel like quitting on the spot. It’s all I can do to sit inside & be so bored. I wonder if you have loathed what you’ve been doing since we’ve been married as much as I have. Each day I work I hate a little more & I hate myself for doing it — because I’m always tired & always wish I were doing something else. I’m usually so tired on Saturday I sleep most all day, & then on Sunday I have to spend all day cleaning, etc. When are you going to let me quit work? Or am I supposed to go on & on supporting myself until I’m 35 or so & you can go to work? What do you intend to do with me now that I have worked for you this long? I suppose you’ll cast me out like an old shoe when I become belligerent at my lot & the fact that I was denied children, & then when I asked one thing of you — to get out of the Marine Corps — you wouldn’t do it. You always told me I was dumb as hell & I guess it’s the truth or I wouldn’t let you run all over me. Just think if you’d gotten a deferment or were out there’d only be nine more months to go because they’re letting the Dec. graduates take the bar in Oct. Knowlton & all the other boys are going to try it. Instead we have at least 3 years of duty & school starting us in the face.

Friday
16 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
217

Dear Jane,

In one of your letters you show you have the adequate sum of ^$.72 for entertainment. I have thought this over a little and think that perhaps you should take ^$50 a month out of the ^$350 allotment and use it for entertainment. That should be adequate particularly when both of us got by some times on less than ^$25 and I believe as low as ^$15 one month. now that I think of it we must have averaged ^$30 a month all the time we were together. The ^$20 a month you put on gardening seems high to me particularly when our rent is only ^$50 a month. Are you having a fish pond built or a rock garden or some other expensive belt bit of entertainment. You know that yard is awfully small. It should take a good gardener about 4 hours ever other week to keep that place in shape. Perhaps you are building a show place for your friends and if so you should classify part of that expense as entertainment.

Well, anyway take ^$50 out of the allotment and put the ^$300 toward the car.

Today I flew a hop north of Soul. I wonder why they are saying over the radio that the Chinese are losing or giving up or something. The ground pounders may not be contacting them but I can say the anti-aircraft fire is getting from moderate to intense. The Chinese are building up for another offensive. Their supply is catching up with their front lines. For a while the Chinese lives were a little to far ahead of their supply by about 50 to 60 miles. Now they are slowly getting stuff forward but in the mean time they had to pull back which they are doing.

What I would like to know is why the people get so pessimistic about such things as the Chinese attack at the first and now so optimistic about a Chinese with drawal? I agree that the withdrawal was forced by our offensive and their high losses but from a Chinese point of view why back out if you don’t have to — maybe you can stay where you are without good front line supply. Well, they couldn’t so they are pulling back to where they can get their supply.

I’m going to a meeting now.

Be a good bunny and a true bunny because I am and always will be. You are my only love and lover. I’ll be home one of these days and we’ll have one big lover’s time.

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

No. 207

Friday
March 16, 1951

Dear Baby,

Well, I wrote No. [206] last night but I’m not going to send it because I was real, real sad & it is just a nasty old letter & there’s no use sending it because you’d just feel sad too about something you can’t do much about. I must say, however, I’m so sick of working I don’t know what to do, & every day I go it makes me positively ill. God, I wonder if I’ll ever get to just stay home like other women do & like I’ve always wanted.

Tonight Peggy Dermody called me & asked me over for a left-over dinner with Betty & Jimmy. It was very good — chili beans & lamb. After dinner Jimmy had to go to a meeting & Betty & Peggy & I went down the street to play Canasta with 2 retired Army nurses who Peggy knows. One of them has cancer & looks like the wrath of god, but they both are real nice & we had a nice game & evening. It’s often most fun to do something like that on the spur of the moment.

Today I rec’d Nos. 209, 210 & 211 & boy am I mad at you — dancing with another woman & then saying to me that you didn’t know how to get out of it. I found it very easy at the Law School Dance to say I was a terrible dancer or just plain old, “No thanks”. Also I found it easy New Years Eve at Ft. Bliss to simply say, “No thank you”. What a skunk you are. Next time you’ll tell me she was 25 & you just didn’t know what to do! All I’ve got to say is — you’d better be good — the walls have ears & eyes you know!

What’s a catapult shot?

By the way sometime you won’t forget to get Peggy Dermody a luncheon set will you? They have really been wonderful to me & I think she’d love it. Nothing very expensive but just a little something because I really think she’d be thrilled to death. When I came home to feed the animals, I found Bud had put up the new cupboard between the closets today. It really fits in surprisingly well & is going to be wonderful for blankets & Tillie & Mike & sheets & pillowcases. All he has to do to finish is fit one door & put on the door knobs.

Well, even if you have been a bad, bad rabbit & danced with a drunken old bitty I still loves ya’. Just always be good & love me & I’ll excuse you if you get “roped in” once in a while. But remember the walls have ears & eyes! But, honestly & seriously I trust you & just remember I do & you could hurt me terribly if you ever were unfaithful. I’ve put all my eggs in one basket & that’s you & I have NO one else in this whole world but you. So be good to me because I love you very dearly.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Saturday
17 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
218

Dear Jane,

Tomorrow should be mail day for me. We resupply at sea. I can hardly waite to read those goodies.

I flew one hop today. We went up near Hongchon. Our troops seem to be moving forward slowly. It is good that they are going slowly because I expect the Chinese to move out one of these days on the attack. When they do we probably will fall back again and then move out again as they extend their supply lines to the front lines. This kind of war could go on for a long-long time.

I am really getting curious about the car. I sure hope you have it by now. I expect to hear that you have one in tomorrow’s mail.

We had fried chicken and strawberry short-cake for dinner. It was real good. We had nothing like that land based.

My laundry has come back and does it feel good to have some clean under wear! — really clean and not that hand cleaned by the Japanese maids either.

The showers are good and now I get one every day instead of ever two or three weeks. The showers are sort of disappointing because they get scalding hot every few minutes. I’ll have to find out why some time.

Must I tell you again that I love you? I don’t mind writing it every time but isn’t it getting boring to you? I feel like writing it because that’s the way I feel inside.

Some times I worry about you being a good rabbit. Those moments are pure hell and torture. How awful it would be if you were a bad rabbit and slept with some one else. It makes me sick and want to cry because you are so far away. It is really sad to be separated from you this long but I will be home soon.

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

*the sound of the wind breezing by*

Sunday
18 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
219

Dear Jane,

Today the supply came alongside with all kinds of things including mail. Mail that is for most every one except me was delivered. This has been a very unhappy day because of that. I wonder why this happened to me. There is no chance of getting mail until March 25^th now. Your letters mean an awful lot to me. This is a very, very sad day. I know you will get my letters because I wrote one each day and mailed it in the box on the ship.

We didn’t fly today because of the resupply operation. Some of us flew but not me. There was no full scale operation.

I went to a show tonight.

Really, it was a terrible feeling to have no word from you. I feel listless and powerless to do anything at all. I wonder why there was no mail. There should have been a six day back log of mail.

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

Imagine a letter here.

Monday
19 March 1951
CVL 29
220

Dear Jane,

Tonight I am Squadron Duty Officer. I’ll be that all day tomorrow also. No flying in this job. You are the organizer, awakener and recorder of what goes on so to speak.

Today I flew two hops. We may have done some good. It is pretty hard to tell what you really do accomplish.

There is a rumor that our Squadron is to disembark on April 19^th at Kobe. What a bunch of baloney that must be. You can’t believe anything. Boy how scuttle butt does spread. Incidentally don’t spread any of these rumors. They may accidentally be true but that is doubtful. I jut write this to you because there is so damn little else to write about except rumors.

Now I am at the end of something to write about.

I’m still very sad about not receiving one little note from you. You’d be surprised how sad it is to know that you can’t possibly get a letter until you hit port. Even then I might not get a letter because we may go to a port the mail hasn’t been sent to.

I love you more and more each day if more love is possible. You’re sure a pretty lucky gal to have some guy, even with his faults, to love you as much as I do. I’ll bet there are lots of gals who don’t have guys who love them half as much as I love you. I know there are lots of guys who play around but not this one. You may not have much else but you sure have a lot of love and loyalty from me. Maybe love and loyalty isn’t much but pink ears that’s all I have to give you. Sometimes it doesn’t seem like very much but when it is all you have to give it seems pretty big.

Well, I guess I better get some sleep because I have to get up at 4:15 AM to awaken everybody at 4:20 AM. Such is life.

Boy how I miss you and want to snuggle with you and do other things. Of course.

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

No. 210

Monday
March 19, 1951

Dear Rab,

Two letters from you today, & at one I am completely shocked & grieved & do not understand at all. Sometimes I think you are very cruel & hard-hearted & I mean it! I am convinced even money is more important to you than I am. You say that we will have to pay off the car debt before we go digging up more expenses or less income & say to prepare to take 2 weeks off when you return. From this I gather you are saying that I am to keep on working at Stanford while you are flitting off around the country & I am left here. Well, believe me when I say that will never happen again as long as I’m married to you! Quite frankly first, I feel I have worked long enough for anybody’s money. Secondly, I wonder if you have any idea how deeply you hurt me & cut me when I found out that Yorg & Daigle & the others who were going overseas had had their wives go to Laguna as soon as they “volunteered”; but you were much more concerned about the money it might cost than having me with you. It was much better to hit me like a thunderbolt on a Friday that you were leaving on Tuesday. Also, I never will forgive you for lying to me about “volunteering” to go out. Why, instead of making the decision alone couldn’t you have at least asked me too. In other words I’m just an appendage that is not consulted when big decisions are to be made which affect both of us grossly. I’m an appendage that is useful probably as long as I can earn money to support myself. To say the least, nothing could ever be less flattering to me than the fact you made the decision to go, alone, without even asking me, & then in addition did not even think enough of me to have me come down to Laguna, because it might have cost a little.

Well, Mert I have learned my lesson & you will never go trotting around off the country without me. Don’t you think it’s about time you started treating me as your wife & not just an appendage as you did last summer. Can you begin to realize how I have felt these past months when I’ve thought about the way you “took off"? – &, now, Mert you tell me that before we have less income, i.e., before I quit work, we have to pay off the car. Well, I’ve learned my lesson & if you do not treat me as a wife I am really going to wonder. Don’t you really think I’ve worked long enough & deserve to quit, & not just take 2 weeks off while you go flitting around? Quite frankly, I am deeply hurt & concerned over your attitude & really wonder if you consider me a wife or an appendage. I do not understand your outlook at all. Do you honestly mean for me to stay here while you are elsewhere in this country? I cannot believe you are that cold & calculating, but am afraid from your letter that you are. Do you realize how this makes me feel? How could you hurt me so? I haven’t cried this much for a long time, & will try to forgive you on the assumption that you do not know how you have hurt me. How could you do it, Mert? I, of course, thought I could quit when you returned to go & with you. I just do not understand you at all. Even through all this you must know how much I love you & due to the fact that I love you so much how deeply you have crushed me.

All my love,
Jane

Tuesday
20 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
221

Dear Jane,

I had the duty all day today. It almost started out all wrong. The ship's watch failed to wake me up at 4:15 AM. A fellow woke up about 4:45 AM and called me. Like a mad man I went around rousing people. They were all kind of sore about having to rush. However, the hop got out on time. Actually, everything went very smooth after that.

We are going to operate out here for two more days and then we head for Yokusaka.

Gosh this is getting dull. Nothing seems to keep me interested except you. I like your letters and am always eager for more. Also, I’m eager for you, I like to write you too

I hope you have a car by now. I am eagerly awaiting mail call when we get in port so I can see what happened. Some how I feel that all the mail will be at Sasebo and not at Yokusaka. I’ll almost bet on that. Well, lover, be a good, good rabbit and I’ll be the same.

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

No. 211

Tuesday
March 20, 1951

Dear Baby,

No mail from you today, but I am still terribly distressed about your letter of yesterday, & cannot believe that you actually mean what you said or if you did mean it did not realize the implications. Another thing you’ve never lived alone & believe me it’s simply ghastly to come home night after night & find no one there; & day after day not to have anyone to talk to & tell your troubles too. Please do not hurt me.

Today was just a plain, ordinary day in which nothing out of the ordinary happened & I am, for some reason, very tired & sleepy, as we are quite busy at the office.

Believe me when I say I love you more than anything else in the whole world & just want to be with you.

All my love & kisses & hugs,
Jane

Wednesday
21 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
222

Dear Jane,

Nothing much new happens on board ship. However, I think I like this duty better than land based duty. You know there is something mighty attractive about the sea. The water and the waves fascinate me. When you gaze out over the broad expanse it gives you the feeling that therein lies great strength. The ocean has perceptible moods. It changes from hour to hour. Its motion, color and sound have infinite variation. Indeed, there is mystery in the land that juts up out of the sea. If you look at the sea long enough it almost becomes human. The sea can be tender, sleepy, irritable, angry or indifferent. Mighty fascinating thing the ocean.

I had two hops today. They were the same old thing. I wonder what the enemy is planning to do now. They have suffered terrible losses. Why do these things happen? Do they have to happen?

We are definitely going to Yokosuka near Yokohama at the end of this tour. We will be there about ten days or less.

Some how I feel that our relief is getting closer. I am now beginning the 8th month away from you.

Did you always know you meant so much to me? There is a lot of comfort in realizing that if all else is lost or all plans go wrong I’ll still have you. You are the only steadying influence I have. No matter what happens, good or bad, I always feel that you are close and that through everything I’ll always have your love. Never before have I realized how wonderful it is to have the love of a good woman. Really it is a tonic. I used to think I was self-sufficient but I was sure wrong. It is hard to imagine how really awful life would be if you hadn’t taken it into your head to grab me. I do believe I would have been afraid to ask you to marry me if it hadn’t been for your positive assistance. I owe you a lot for making up your mind and getting the lasoo around me. Odd, how it has taken me 3 years to find out what love is. Each day it grows much stronger. The love I speak of is only remotely connected with sex. It is bigger and finer than just sex. I can’t explain it anyway.

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

No. 212

Wednesday
March 21, 1951

Dearest Rabbit,

For some reason or other I am terribly lonesome & blue for you tonight & wish & wish you were here so I could snuggle in your arms & feel you next to me & know you were here with me & mine. Gosh sometimes I get so lonesome I don’t know what to do — believe me the worst thing in the world is to live alone & have the person you love so far away. I am still distressed about your letter of Monday when you told me to be ready to take 2 weeks off, as if you were going away & leaving me again. Believe me, Mert, I learned my lesson when you went to El Toro without me & then called me at the almost last minute while everyone else had called their wives the first of the week. Sometimes Mert I think you love money much better than you do me — & I wonder if that won’t always be the case. Sometimes I just don’t understand you at all. You might as well make up your mind that you’ll never leave me at home again no matter what you think. I don’t think I’ll ever forget or forgive that terrible shock of having you call me on Friday to tell me you were leaving on Tuesday. Do you have any idea how cruel that was? Do you have any idea what it’s like to live alone? Sometimes I think I can’t take it one more day. It was bad enough to be an only child, but to know you have somebody you love & not them near you is something else again. It seems I’ve spent my whole life being lonesome. Do you know what I’m saying & just why I’ll never let you go any place without me — I really mean it too. God, just think we could have had 5 more days together if you hadn’t been so damn much more interested in money than in how I felt & how important love was to me & to be able to be with you. Why did you do it Mert? Was the money really that important? Do you know what it is to live alone & be lonesome & wonder what in the hell is the use of trying or living when your husband’s money is much more important to him than his wife’s feelings & love? Then you have the gall to tell me to prepare to take two whole weeks off when you return instead of telling me I can quit working. Don’t you think I’ve worked about long enough for you? Mert, I just simply do not understand how you can be so cruel & thoughtless. I really don’t think you have a heart at all, but just a $ sign, & as long as you can “use” me to work for you that’s fine.

Mert, do you know what I’m trying to tell you? I’m about at the end of my rope & cannot honestly go on working much longer & living alone. Please, please understand.

All my love,
Jane

Thursday
22 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
223

Dear Jane,

Very little new today. We are still flying off this ship. It is not too difficult. You might think it would be but it isn’t.

There is one interesting hop I had recently which I will recount to you.

Our division of four planes was sent about ten miles north east of Soul to work some air support with the Army. We arrived on station and contacted a rear area controller who turned us over to a Mosquito controller.

A Mosquito controller is an SNJ which flies over the front looking for enemy positions for the planes to attack.

This mosquito found some motor positions and enemy troops in fox holes and trenches which we attacked and did a pretty good job.

When we were about half way out of ammunition four P51’s, a Wolfhound Easy flight contacted our Mosquito asking for some targets. So the eight of us got in an attack orbit and hit the designated targets. They dropped a couple of napalm that didn’t go off so I strafed it and up she went. Pretty soon our four planes were out of ordnance so we pulled out of the orbit and started home.

Just as we left the Mosquito was hit with a 20 mille-meter round in the canopy. This shook the pilot up and as he said it nearly scared him to death with the loud bang it made. This made him mad. He called us back to escort him to friendly lines and told the 51’s to shoot the hell out of the dirty bastards. In a few minutes we were near him. At that time he figured he had only minor damage — a hole about 2 inches from his head. In the meantime the 51’s couldn’t figure out where the fire came from so back the Mosquito went to get the bastard who hit him. We continued on home and all the while they were shooting up the area trying to locate the gun that fired that round.

Those 51’s got some damn good hits. All in all that was a very pleasant hop. I’ve never been with 51’s in the same attack. I would say the coordination was perfect. All in all it went off like clock yo work. It isn’t too easy for eight planes to pin point and get as many hits as all of us did. Those air force pilots knew their business. I’ve watched other 51’s while we waited and wondered if they thought they were accomplishing anything. The pilots we were with must have been from another school or something because their work was beautiful to behold. Maybe these fellows are ones that have been trained in air support. I’ve heard they had some.

Naturally you know my love for you is ever lasting. I suppose I am sort of a tenacious fellow. When I have something or want something I don’t believe in giving up until success is achieved. So it is with you, I’ll never let you get away from me baring one exception that your conduct is such that a man with pride and honor could not accept in a wife and thus be forced to depart. Even this exception depends entirely on you. For me, I’ll never give you cause by my conduct to feel that I have hurt you or been dishonorable.

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

No. 213

Thursday
March 22, 1951

Dearest Baby,

Well, tonight you can just call me Shylock. I asked Betty Ramsey to go to San Jose with me & she called & asked me over to dinner because I had asked her if she wanted to go to San Jose with me to trade in the tire & tube that I told you I was going to trade. Well, we had a real nice dinner at her house & then went, & had the most god awful time trying to find a place to park, but finally we did. They seemed delighted to get the tire back & I had no trouble at all in getting ^$17.⁵⁸ in cash. I bought a new cocoa mat for the back door for ^$1.⁷⁹ & some curtains for the kitchen at ^$10.¹⁰, which I am going to return because I don’t like them & get some like in the living room for the kitchen as I have finally come to the conclusion those will look best. Well, I bought both of those at Sears. Then went next door to Hall’s to buy 3 blanket bags so the moths will not eat the blankets I put in the new cupboard, especially Tillie & Mike. Well, it seems Hall’s just had one left & it had a little bit of ink on it so the floor manager gave me 50¢ off on it & it was only a ^$1.⁵⁰ to begin with! How about that for being a Shylock? Out of the ^$17- I still have enough money to finish buying the paint for the bedroom. Didn’t I do pretty well?

On the way home we stopped at the Carnation place in San Jose for a chocolate soda which I treated Betty too as I’ve been there quite a bit a few times for dinner.

This noon Dean Parks, Acting Dean of Graduate Study, who Jan Moreland has been secy for — she’s going with Faust to Pasa, April 1 — & his wife gave a lunch in honor of Jan at their home for Jan & her successor, Charys & myself went. It was very, very good & we had a good time. She had a camellia at everyone’s place & gave Jan a little present so it was really a party.

Needless to say after my escapade to San Jose I am sort of tired so will close for now if you don’t mind.

But, baby, I still love you when even if I don’t understand you sometimes. There will never be anyone else for me & I’m so glad I have you & love you so much it hurts way down deep inside.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Friday
23 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
224

Dear Jane,

Yesterday actually was the last day of operations this trip. There was some doubt about it but now it is an accomplished fact. We are headed for Tokyo bay.

We had a little celebration late last night after the show and my letter writing period. Topside in one of the rooms we had some nice beverages. Coca-cola or pine apple juice, etc. They don’t allow distilled beverages onboard. Funny thing about pineapple juice, after so much you feel as though it had distilled spirits in it but that was impossible.

I didn’t get up until noon today. The weather has gotten warm. That is the first thing I noticed. Also, I didn’t feel too well. I must have a cold or sinus to cause this head ache but aspirin did clean it up ok.

Boy, in a few days I’ll get a letter from you. I hope I get a whole bunch. How I have missed letters from you!

Incidentally, how does it feel to be the most precious thing in a man’s life? You know, if I keep telling you that — and it is true — you may be hard to control and get along with when I get home. I think I should get a little more cautious or guarded in my expression otherwise you will try to put a ring in my nose and lead my around. I still have some fight in me when it comes to things like that. The surrender of my love to you has been total and honorable but mind you, not abject nor pathetic. The terms of this surrender have been in keeping with the best traditions of mankind. A violation of the terms of surrender is to be frowned upon.

We may be in Tokyo for five days but then one never knows. We are to have a big inspection of some kind on the 27^th. We have to be all cleaned up. The ship is to be inspected also. After watching these people bustle and bustle to clean this thing up I now know why they have inspections. To get the cleaning done that should have been done without an inspection. It is as simple as all that — just to do the job that is supposed to be done.

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

No. 214

Friday
March 23, 1951

Dear Rab,

This is just going to be a note because I feel simply awful as I’ve had intestinal flu all day & have been sleeping. My stomach is so sore I don’t know what to do cause I’ve had the dry heaves. I felt lousy when I got up but went to work anyhow & promptly lost my breakfast. Then the Head of Asiatic & Slavic & his secy asked me to go up to the Golf Course for coffee & I had to excuse myself & upchuck that. When I got back to the office I just had to go home & I had to stop on the back road to upchuck before I could get home. And, all of us girls were giving a lunch for Jan Moreland at Allied Arts at noon. Ceilie came by tonight & brought me some consomme & ginger ale & I finally have kept the ginger ale down. Frankly, I feel simply ghastly & hope you will understand if I close now.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Saturday
24 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
225

Dear Jane,

Tomorrow we anchor. I hear I have S. P. duty tomorrow or the next day. That should be interesting

A lousy trick has been play on this Scrooge. I’ve been writing these letters and putting them in a cubby hole in my desk. I expected to put them in the box tonight. I got tired of going up and putting them in one at a time. What has happened? At 8:30 AM the Free Mail closed and now on all four of these letters I have to put 6¢. This is quite tragic. Of course, I’ll put the 6¢ on because you are worth it but imagine being swindled out of 24¢ that way!

I got up at 10:30 AM. I never knew all that flying made me so tired but I guess it did. I flew about two hops a day while we were operating. I guess I got around 12 strikes off the carrier. All together I have been on 60-70 strikes. I haven’t counted them recently.

I’ve been reading The Garden Murder Case by S S van Dine. It was pretty good but it began to drag near the end.

I got my uniform pressed today for the S. P. Duty and for the inspection. I do need a new uniform. This one has laster quite long — ever since April ’43.

I have been playing bridge a little but not much. I just seem to be hyberating (sp) until get back to you. You know it has been so long since I slept with you, I wonder if I will have forgotten how to do it. Do you think I will remember rapidly? I have almost forgotten what it feels like. I remember that I used to think it was really good. Do you think this total abstinence will prove to be more fun than sleeping with you? The gals I have seen have provoked no desire in me what-so-ever. The thought of you does however. Could it come to pass that you would provoke no desire in me? What a horrible thought!

I am writing this letter this after noon. After the show tonight I’m going to clean up this room a little. It is getting kind of messy. Actually, it is too small for two of us and all our gear.

I loves you a whole lot pink ears.

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

No. 215

Saturday
March 24, 1951

Dearest Baby,

Well, I feel slightly better today, but just slightly & have been sleeping most all day. At least everything I’ve eaten has stayed down but I don’t feel like eating much. I did pick Ceilie some flowers & took them over to her to tell her I hadn’t upchucked myself right down the drain last night & thank her for coming by. But after that exertion I felt like coming home & going to bed again. God, remember I had this same thing in Mass. just before we left? It really is miserable to say the least.

Gosh, Rab I don’t feel like writing much more so hope you will understand. You know I love you most dearly of anything in this whole world & only wait & live for your return. Be good to me always.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Sunday
25 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
226

Dear Jane,

This is sort of a half way happy day. Today we anchored off Yokosuka. The mail came aboard but there were only two letters for me. Both of them were post marked March 8, the same day as the letters I got just before we left Sasebo. Well, anyway two letters are better than none so I guess I’ll just have to waite for the next mail. Maybe more will come aboard today and then there is always tomorrow.

There were four pictures of my lovely pink ears. One of them is by far the best of all. Were you trying to remind me of home? You really didn’t need to remind me because I think of you all the time.

It is 1:30 PM. Tonight from 1800-2400 I have Shore Patrol duty. That ought to be quite interesting. Since I have that duty I’m writing this afternoon. I may be too tired once I get back.

In one of the letters you ask what you should do about the car. Really now, you have the money, the power of attorney and what can I do from here. If you were to use your little head I’m sure one of the things that should enter it would be to ask the dealer when the car is coming. By the time you receive this letter you should have a car so this suggestion to use your own head and do what comes naturally will be a little late. Come now, dear one, what can I say or do from here that would do any good? Surely I did not marry a helpless or clinging vine woman. Or did I?

The weather today is sort of hazy and very bright. Thank gosh it is warm.

I’m going to look for a lens for Roger. Maybe I can find one. We only have a couple of days here so I don’t know how much I will be able to do on that score.

You are saving the money — yes? I note you have ^$775⁰⁰ exactly in your savings account. The March allotment was ^$200⁰⁰. That makes a total of ^$975⁰⁰ but since you need an extra ^$50⁰⁰ a month that leaves ^$925.⁰⁰ in the Savings Account. Put all that plus the trade in value of the old car on the new car first-or-down payment. In April you will receive ^$350.⁰⁰. Take out ^$50⁰⁰ for yourself and pay the remaining amount (^$300.⁰⁰) on the car. Keep this up until I get home.

I was going to send you ^$150.⁰⁰ now but I have changed my mind. I think it will be best if I have a small sum on the books which can be called on in an emergency.

You ask how come we have the accounts receivable of ^$589.79. Well, dearie here’s how it breaks down:

• ^$ 2.78 Lt. Godby
• 2.00 Lt Lionel
• 19.88 Officer’s Mess Shave
• 3.50 Capt Rainalter
• 10.60 Squadron Fund
• 1.50 Lt Sutherland
• 113.20 Tax Collector
• 431.55 U.S. Marine Corp Paymaster
• 29.44 Lt Yorg
• $589.79 Accounts Receivable.

Note: The three items crossed out occurred in March so they are not shown on the February Balance Sheet.
Note: Since I made a mistake and figured the USMC sent you ^$350 the Paymaster actually owes me ^$150 more or a total of ^$581.55 making the Grand total receivable of ^$739.79 rather than ^$589.79.

You ask about the Capital figure of ^$536.54. Well, that represents what I am worth at this end excluding what is in the States. At this end I am worth ^$150 more because you didn’t receive ^$350 for February so my total worth over here is now ^$686.54.

That is about all I have to report. I awaite more letters from you telling about the car.

I love you and only you so you be good and don’t do anything that would hurt me. I’ll not do anything to hurt you.

Be true to me because I am true to you. Jr only associates with Clit. He is saving himself completely for Clit. He only has a few more months to waite and then he can go to down with Clit with a clear, conscience.

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

No. 216

Sunday
March 25, 1951

Dearest Bunny,

Well, today I think I will live again, but still have not felt like doing much so didn’t even clean the house. However, I’m going to take a couple of days off this week as it is Spring vacation. Tuesday Ceilie & I are going to the City as I want to get some mileage on the car & I want to take my high heeled blue shoes to a good shoemaker on Maiden Lane to cut them down so they will not cut into me. Then we’re going to meet Kirk for dinner. A real outing eh what? If only you were going to be there too — oh boy, we could really do the town up!

You know your going to be real mad because I haven’t mailed a letter since Thursday, but please excuse me because I really felt simply lousy & wasn’t near a mailbox.

Peggy & Bud asked me over for a barbecue dinner about 5 o’clock. The Watts & two other older couples were there & as usual the barbecue was delicious — spare ribs, chicken, rabbit & lamb chops, salad, garlic bread, baked pots, cake & ice cream. Altho I wasn’t too hungry it all tasted mighty good. After dinner some played poker & 4 of us played Canasta & I won one game or 50¢! We played for 25¢ a game. Didn’t get home until about 9:30. Today was the most gorgeous, warm, balmy day you’ve ever seen. I sat in the sun for quite awhile & got an honest-to-goodness sunburn. It was just like summer.

Just washed my hair so I must go to sleep so I won’t feel too dish-raggy tomorrow, altho I feel pretty good now. I love you desperately & miss you more with each passing day & just wish you were here to hug & kiss with! Be as good as I am & that’s perfect! Can’t beat that.

All my love & kisses & hugs,
Jane

Monday
26 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
227

Dear Jane,

There is a lot of mail in today but it is only now being sorted. Since I’ve nothing much to do I’m writing you now instead of later.

Last night I went on SP duty but it only lasted an hour and forty minutes. It seems there were too many officers so they let me off.

I went to the Yokosuka Naval base O’Club and had chow. It was pretty good but I don’t think quite as good as aboard here. Then I just sat around and talked with some fellows from the ship. I didn’t have a drop to drink. Some reason or other I’ve not had a desire to drink. Strangely I feel that to drink is a form of destroying yourself and not making the most of the time you have. Can it be that I’m getting in the WCTU or AA frame of mind? Or can it be that at 30 years of age I’ve started no place and something must be done to right the ship and proceed to some unknown goal.

Last night the ride back in an open boat was quite wet. It started to rain heavily.

A little while ago I read a few more pages of Contracts. It was interesting anyway. One must do something, I guess.

Later this afternoon I’m going ashore to get a hair cut.

This morning we pulled in to a dock. It was quite an interesting maneuver to watch. It is also a very slow operation. The ship barely moves. The LCM’s can push it around quite easily.

It is a fine day today, cool and brisk.

Do you ever have any doubts about my love for you? Do you ever doubt that I am true to you and Clit alone? You should never doubt because I do have a very, very strong feeling for you. There is no one who has been kinder, sweeter and more understanding than you have. It is the good things that you have done for me that make my will strong and my flesh strong. I just hope I mean as much to you as you do to me.

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

No. 217

Monday
March 26, 1951

Dear Baby,

Oh boy, oh boy five letters from you today & I am overjoyed but I was plenty low but now I feel much, much better. The Bataan really sounds as if it were O.K. — soft beds, clean linen & fried chicken, & last but not least showers every day! God, I’m quite glad, frankly, that I wasn’t around when you could only take a shower once every two or three weeks — phew!

Couldn’t Roger make me a present of the exact sum owed? I will not accept it from him until you tell me it’s O.K., but the thought did occur to me. I’m sure he will be thrilled. I would put it on the car.

By the way what did the camera company say about a camera for you? I think you ought to have one, & please get yourself one. I also definitely think you ought to get the uniforms while in Tokyo.

In one letter you say that my 72¢ allotment for entertainment seems a little low & that I may have ^$50- more. Well, that’s very nice of you & I appreciate it a whole lot knowing full well that this causes smoke & fumes & flames to pour from your eyes, nose, ears & mouth. Supposing I try as hard as I can with a minimum of entertainment to use as little of the ^$50- as possible & then what is left each month I will put on the car. Quite frankly I hate, too, all these debts hanging over our heads & I am most anxious to clean them up as quickly as possible now. Of course, B of A in Mt. View will be gone shortly, but that still leaves the washing machine, your Dad, your GI insurance & the car & I think we ought to pay them all off as soon as possible & I have no hesitation or doubt in knowing you agree with me. Let me repeat ^$20- a month for a gardner everyone thinks is a GREAT bargain regardless of what you think & I will count some of it toward entertainment if that will make you happy

Just don’t you bother worrying your furry little head about me being unfaithful because really & truly such a thing never enters my head — as a matter of fact the thought of it is repulsive to me beyond words — please believe in me.

Today was just a plain ordinary day — Charys took the day off as this week is Spring vacation. Tonight I did some ironing & now I’m sleepy & should go to sleep as tomorrow Ceilie & I go on our big excursion to the City.

Be a good true, loving baby & please have faith in me because I love you as no one else ever could & my whole being is with you & for you.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Tuesday
27 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
228

Dear Jane,

Today is the big inspection day. This morning an Admiral came aboard to conduct it. We were all lined up on the flight deck. He walked by all of us and I guess he inspected us. Now his group is going over the ship and all of its records. The Marines have nothing else to do so most of the fellows have gone ashore.

It is only 10:30 AM. I figured I ought to get this letter in today’s mail so I am beginning it now.

I have received the financial data on the car and the news that you are now driving it.

I figure the following:

• ^$775.00 In savings account
• 150.00 March allotment less ^$50 for your use.
• 925.00 Total in Savings before drawing out payment
• 753.43 Down payment
• 171.57 Total in Savings now.
  _______________________________
• 753.43 Down payment
• 250.00 Trade in value of old car
• 1003.43 Total Down payment
  _______________________________
• 171.57 Total in Savings now
• 132.00 Insurance & radio
• 29.57 Total in Savings after Ins & Radio.
  _______________________________

You should have more in the savings account. Since I have enough cash on hand with the Paymaster now I think we ought to close out my checking account at the Los Altos Bank.

Take the money from my checking account and put it in your savings account. When you have to pay for the Insurance & Radio pay cash.

Since you still fail to keep me adequately posted as to the exact amount in the various accounts I can’t write a check and send it to you.

You go to the bank and sign the check. Exercise that power of attorney I sent you and you supposedly recorded in San Jose.

In summary: (1) Go to the bank. (2) Close out my account, ie withdraw all the money. (2a) Exercise the Power of Attorney I gave you. (3) Deposit the entire sum withdrawn in your saving account.

I feel that you should put ^$10 a month in that Savings account. That is less than 5% of your income.

Are you clear on the point that beginning 4/10/51 that you are to pay $300 a month on the car?

The care debt must be paid by Sept 10, 1951.

Do you realize that the purchase of the car puts us in the same financial bind that we have been in for the last 3 years? I don’t think it wise to make any unnecessary purchases and even necessity purchases must be kept to a minimum.

Since our debt is as follows:

• ^$600.00 Dad
• 300.00 GI Insurance
• 1880.35 Car
• ^$2780.35 Total Debt

You will find that I am edgy and quite irritable, more so than ever before on the subject of finances. So please do what ever I ask promptly or else we will find life quite unpleasant for both of us.

My plan is to pay off this debt as fast as possible. No more borrowing. In past letters and discussions I believe it is clear that you made a decision between a car and household gear. You chose the car. I was agreeable to either purchase. Now that we have committed ourselves to a course of action, I, for one, propose to stick by it.

Please, no tears and cries for more absolutely, vital, never to be had again purchases.

We will not have the money for an extravagant vacation when I come home. We will be pinched for money again.

The reason I have tried to hold my expenses down over here— and I have is because I want at least a little money to take use on a short vacation some place. I find I am unable because of the lack of funds to purchase a camera. If I were to buy a camera that means that we would have just that much less for both of us.

Remember I have desires which can’t be fulfilled just as well as you do. How you figure I get joy and pleasure out of going to shc school I don’t know?

I love you more than ever. I just hope that you remain a good girl. The more a gal drinks the easier it is for her to slip, more so than a fellow.

Who in the world was at this party when you had to go by in your slip? I am not so certain as you are of the good hands you are in. I don’t like it at all. At any rate, it is better to tell me this when it happens rather than having me find out other ways.

You are aware of the fact that I don’t want you to go to any O’Club. You haven’t have you?

Once you get drunk and a nice guy puts the pressure on you’ll be laid she sure as hell. That, Jane, will be the end for us, now or if I find out 20 years from now. I promise that. It’s not a threat just a statement of the standard by which I live. Fidelity is extremely important to me and I have and will keep myself free from any sex relations with others.

Don’t get excited about what I have written above. I just though I’d let you know that the standard we have to live by is hard as steel and a violation will overcome any love, attachment or obligation that exists.

Well, I guess I’m in one of those foul moods. I’m not accusing you of anything. I’m just worried about possibilities. I know that is silly. I’ll bet you have felt the same way many times so don’t write me a nasty letter back.

Actually, I don’t think this is a nasty letter at all.

I still love you very much and it will always be that way. I know you are a good woman and as long as that is so we have nothing to worry about.

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

No. 218

Tuesday
March 27, 1951

Dearest Rab,

I’m real tired but I’ll write you a note. Today Ceilie & I went to the City & really did it up brown — we left at 9 a.m. & didn’t get home until 9 p.m. First of all we stopped at the shoe outlet place in San Bruno. She bought a pair of mules, but I didn’t buy anything. Then we had lunch at a Mexican place in the City. After that we went to a dress factory who a friend of Ceilie’s owns — actually one of the best in S.F. but neither of us could find anything that interested us — of course, the selection & sizes were very limited, but at least it was fun. Then she had a 2:30 dentist appt & I went to Ransohoffs & bought a skirt to go with my lavender sweater & blouse which I’ve not been able to wear because I didn’t have a skirt. I think it is very pretty, — gray, white & lavender. We met again & looked a little more & met Kirk at 5 p.m. at the St. Francis — had a cocktail & decided to go to Ripley’s a French restaurant in a basement where they serve family style, but found it was closed on Tuesday. However we went to another around the corner, also French, where they have a front & a back room — we were privileged & sat in the back room. After that we came home & I let Kirk drive. All in all we had a very nice day & I had a real good time & it was a real outing & change for me.

Needless to say, I’m bushed & hope you will excuse me if I go to sleep now even tho I am going to stay home tomorrow too. You know how much I love you & need you & want you. I actually miss you more as each day goes by if that is possible. But I get so lonesome I don’t know what to do & just would give anything if I could snuggle with you & have you hold me & love me.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Wednesday
28 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
229

Dear Jane,

I am writing early this morning, 0900. I plan to go into Tokyo and I’m not sure when I will be back but a letter to you is imperative.

Last night I went over the Navy Club but didn’t drink a drop. Odd thing, I haven’t had a drop all the time we’ve been in port. What strange change has come over me? I keep telling myself that drink is the most expensive, futile waste of time there is. Incidentally, I feel a lot better.

It is raining now but I hope it stops by the time I get cleaned up and ready to go. It is an hour ride from Yokusoka to Tokyo. I’m just going to look the place over. I’m not much of sight-seer. Actually, I’m going there just to do something.

Take good care of the car. Keep asking the garage what to do so you won’t ruin it in its early life.

You are squared away on the finances are you not? My last letter should be clear. (1) Pay ^$300 a month on the car beginning 4/10/51. (2) Use your power of attorney and close my account (checking) (3) Put the money from my checking account into your savings account. (4) Pay for the insurance and Radio with cash. (5) No more luxury purchases. (6) Cut down on necessity purchases. (7) No cries about household purchases — if there are, I’ll get mad and everybody will be unhappy and mad. (8) You are to put ^$10 a month into your savings account. I’ll want to see the deposit book when I get back. The purpose behind this is to break you in easily to the habit of saving. It is high time you provided a fair share of the will-power to save. I get tired of being the only one to push the subject. I know you give lip service to the idea but now cough up ^$10 a month. I don’t know how you’ll do it but squeeze it out some place.

I guess I’m the same old Mert because I love you and now I’m yacking about finances. There’s lots of love in me for you.

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

No. 219

Wednesday
March 28, 1951

Dearest Baby Bunny,

Today was a real lazy day for me. I expected to get a lot done, but guess I was tired from my day yesterday so only got the bedroom & living room cleaned. About 3:30 I went down to San Jose & took the curtains I’d gotten for the kitchen back as I didn’t like them at all. Then I went over to Marie Knowlton’s as Dick had gone down to Los Angeles & we went over to a cafeteria in Menlo & had dinner. It was fairly good. Then we went back to their apt & sewed & yakked & yakked until we were blue in the face. We had a real good time talking about everyone & everything. They had just moved into a new apt at the Village with a bedroom, which is really quite nice, but of course not as nice as our own little house with its nice yard. Since the weather has been so nice I really enjoy the yard & sitting in it. The canvas covers on the green chairs are completely shot, so I’m going to have some new ones made as I don’t think they’ll be very expensive.

Well, rab, I really have nothing else to write about, so guess I will close for now. Baby-cat is snuggling & purring under the covers & I wish it were you! Boy, Clit sure will be ready & eager when Jr. shows up around here as she is really a ready-teddy! I really feel sorry for Jr. because he will be so overworked. He will probably get a strain & groan & moan, but Clit, the fearless, will listen to none of this, & will go right on thumping & thumping, & thumping poor old Jr. right down to a mere nubbin’ & until he won’t be able to wiggle at all. I really feel sorry for him, & you’d better explain to him just what he’s in for!

I’m a good, true baby who loves only you.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Thursday
29 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
230

Dear Jane,

A nice letter from you. Boy, do I like to read letters from you. They are the center of my life out here.

Yesterday around noon I went to Tokyo. I went to the PX to look for a lens but there are none. The card the fish line was on is inadequate to describe the kind of line wanted. I believe I told you to cut a piece off of the line and send it. If you will do that I can get the same kind. They don’t have that Brand in this area so they don’t know what the numbers mean.

In the afternoon and evening I went to the Yukura hotel which is an Air Force Club. There about 15 of us drank and talked. There were two Stewardesses from Overseas National Airlines there to give the party a state-side affect.

I didn’t do anything you wouldn’t have approved so rest easy. They were dates of two other guys.

About 11 PM Maj Pressley and I went to the Green Hotel in Tokyo where about ten fellows had rooms. We ate steak and potatoes before going to bed. An Air Force fellow told us the meat was old and rancid but we ate anyway. Both of us were sick this morning. I tossed my cookies four times. Never has it been that bad from drinking so I guess it was the food.

I had another person in bed with me. I think I ought to be honest with you. Lt Harry Colmey occupied the other half of this triple sized bed. It seems there is a room shortage so we had to double up. Ha, ha, you thought I was going to say there was a woman in bed with me, didn’t you? I even slept with all my clothes on because I had to keep getting up and running to the head down the hallway to toss my cookies. So you see, everything was on the up and up. Heh, heh, what was running through your mind when you read the first two sentences of this paragraph?

Maj Frame, Lt Sutherland and Yorg were with me this morning. We all returned on the 1142 AM to Yokosuka. It is an hour and fifteen minute ride from here to Tokyo. Maj Frame is our C.O. and Maj Pressley is our Executive Officer.

The PX here has no lenses and I am told there are none in Yoko-hama. Roger is out of luck but I sure have tried. If I had the time I would go to Shinagawa where the factory is. It is near Tokyo but that would take almost a full day.

I figure I did pretty good on this stop in Port. I didn’t have a drink or spend a cent except where I put everything into one good time with the guys in Tokyo.

I would like to buy presents for you and others but I’m saving that for just before I come home. As you can see I’m pretty hard up for money. I’ve got to save for some kind of a vacation with you. I need a new uniform. I’ll need travel money when I hit the States. I would like to buy things for you and call you on the phone but baby I’d rather have the money to add that something extra when I’m home with you.

It may sound like I’m doing a lot but when your total expenses are ^$85-^$90 a month your not doing much. I may be wrong but I think I’m doing what is best for both of us. Maybe the secret of holding a woman is little gifts or phone calls. My love for you is deeper than that. Every once in a while, like now, I feel kind of cheap or too tight but what else can I do?

I love you most of all and I always will. I’ve been yours and yours alone in every way. You are by far the ideal woman for me. I knew it the minute I laid eyes on you. I loved you from the very moment I saw you. I was married to you the first time I spoke to you. How I was so lucky to find you I don’t know but your mine and mine alone.

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

No. 220

Thursday
March 29, 1951

Dear Rab,

This was kind of a sad day for me for two reasons; one, because I got 7 letters from you & you were on the ship & had not gotten any letters from me on the refueling day, & that I do not understand at all! I write to you every day of my life, & the only time I haven’t mailed them every day was last week-end when I was sick. Why in the heck you don’t get my letters I don’t know, because I write you every day, & wouldn’t miss for anything because I love you so much & love to write to you. I know how bleak it is not to get mail, because last week I didn’t get any for a whole week & I got so sad & blue & I was really depressed. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t know you were writing me every day & know that those letters would be coming along. I trust by this time you have my letters with the news that I have the car — surely by this time you must have those letters about the car & what a binge I went on the night I got it — 3 old-fashions & I was out! What a sissy I am — you see, that’s because I haven’t had very much to drink since you left — just once in a while have I indulged. Gosh, I’ve been a good, good girl since you’ve been gone — believe me nobody could ever have been more perfect than I’ve been — I’ve told you what I’ve done every night & day — & don’t you agree? Why do you worry that I will falter from the straight & narrow? Have I ever given you any cause to doubt me? You know the answer is “No”, so why don’t you trust your own wife?

Gosh, if you did disembark April 19^th do you think there’s any chance you would be sent home? The other reason why I’m so sad is that Wendell Garton called me — about 9 a.m. this morning & asked me to lunch at his aunt’s, & I did not think you would mind with his aunt. We had a lovely fried chicken lunch, & Wendell told me about Japan, showed me pictures, etc. But the part that made me saddest was the fact that they are not going to train in jets at all, but are being sent to Cherry Point. He said in the last 8 months he’s only flown about 130 hours. Jack Evans is being married very soon to a girl he’s known about 2 1/2 years. Actually it depressed me terribly to see Wendell & know some were back, but our luck was so rotten that you aren’t. He said that the Marine Corps paper at El Toro said that they were going to begin to release Marine Reservists on a point basis in June providing Korea gets no worse or something else didn’t begin. At least that is sort of hopeful, but probably that won’t be our luck. Gosh, I don’t see why they couldn’t have sent you back — what a gyp & you want to stay in the Marine Corps! Anyway it was nice of Wendell to remember me & spend the time with me. He was going to the City this evening to meet Evans & Hughes & “do” the town so I got home about 3 p.m.

What do you mean that I grabbed you?? Hmm! It seems to me it was you who started being “serious”, shall we say! So, pooh! God, I really feel for you when you had to spend 24¢ whole cents on postage unnecessarily! Really tuff!

I’m listening to “Acme Hop” & they’re playing a song which highly amuses me & I wonder if you’ve heard it — “I Taut I Saw a Puddy Cat” sung by Mel Blanc. Ceilie & I think it’s cute, but Kirk gags every time he hears it — maybe you agree with Kirk.

Gosh, I thought I was going to get a whole lot done today but going out to lunch really shot the day, so the only “extra” I did was some ironing. I guess it’s hopeless.

It’s about my bedtime now as I feel I must break down & go to work tomorrow — much as I hate to. I love you beyond words, & surely you must know it by this time — all I ask is that you hurry home ‘cause I just pine & pine for you & think about you all the time.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Friday
30 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
231

Dear Jane,

We pulled out of Yokosuka this afternoon. It was a clear warm day. Some day I’ll pull out of a harbor and be headed home to you. That day will not be too far off.

I relented about presents and whatnot this morning and rushed out to buy you, Karen and Kaye a little piece of Japanese junk. It sure isn’t much but there is a lot of feeling behind it.

Nothing unusual has happened today so there is very little to write about. I stayed aboard last night so there was nothing to write about there.

You are the only love of my life. As far as I am concerned you are “it.” Don’t ever worry about me not loving you or being true because that would be downright silly.

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

No. 221

Friday
March 30, 1951

Dearest Rab,

Well, I finally decided to break down & go back to work, but it was sure repulsive, especially since it was such a nice, warm, clear, sunshiny day. How repulsive to have to stay inside, but I guess I’m doomed to working.

After work today I did a lot of marketing. Got a case of Puss-n’ Boots & 4 boxes of kibbled dog food, which I figure should last all month, because I get tired of going to the store & buying the stuff. Also today I bought myself a new pen as my old one which was about 2 years old gave out & began leaking about 2 months ago & I’ve been dipping it ever since. Also the cap wouldn’t screw on any more — so all in all it wasn’t much good. I bought a Panker for ^$5- & figure it should be good enough for my purpose.

About 9 o’clock Ceilie came over to borrow the sickel as they are beginning to landscape their backyard. She in stayed for quite a long while & I fed her some Schlitz I had for just such an occasion. I always try to keep half a dozen cans on hand. Since I’m going to Isabelle’s & Roger’s tomorrow I just kept on working so we had a real good opportunity to gab & gab we certainly did!

If it weren’t so late I’d make up the financial statement, but that takes quite a while so I’ll wait ‘till the first of next week.

No. 226 arrived today, & you still say no mail from mail me, which I do not understand at all, because honest & truly I write you every blessed day no matter how little or much I have to write to you about. Needless to say I’m real happy you were not interested in drinking as I definitely think it isn’t the best thing in the world for one & a waste of time definitely as a steady thing.

Well, it is midnight & I told Isy I’d be there early tomorrow so I’ve got to close now.

Never fear tho lover that my love for you is not constant & steady, because it is steady & unswerving even tho I do blow off steam quite frequently. I just wish I could be doing something that I enjoyed instead of something that is honestly nauseating. — But we won’t go into that old song & dance.

Honestly, baby I love you a “bushel & a heap” & lots more too. All I do is think about you & wish you were here beside me so we could snuggle & go to sleep knowing you were beside me once again.

Be a good rabbit because I always am & always will be.

All my love & kisses,
Jane

Saturday
31 March 1951
USS Bataan
CVL 29
232

Dear Jane,

Today has been most uneventful. In order to get to Korea we have to sail around Kyushu and that takes about a day.

We had our pictures taken. I read a murder mystery. Tonight I saw Errol Flynn in Rocky Mount. It was a fairly good show but nothing to rave about.

Tomorrow I get up at 6 AM to go on a warm up hop at 8:15 AM. Wonder what this is? It is probably a hop where you just circle around doing nothing.

The monotony is really beginning to bear down. You just exist from one day to the next. Nothing ever seems to get done.

The really interesting thing in my life is you. How could I have ever been so lucky to find you and then to have you love me. I never knew how good it was to have some body really love you me like you love me.

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

No. 222

Saturday
March 31, 1951

Dearest Rab,

Well, here I am up in Richmond with Isabelle & Roger. I got up here about 11 a.m. & Isabelle & I went to Oakland to go to Snide’s, the shoe factory outlet place. Isy got a real cute pair of red shoes & I got a fair pair of brown (low-heeled). I only have one brown outfit & do not like brown too well. So I figured I would get an inexpensive pair of brown shoes. As it happened I got home some Delman (on a par with I. Miller) for ^$5- which I thought was quite good — don’t you? My other brown shoes were completely shot & could not be half soled again. After we bought our shoes I took Isabelle to Treasure Island as I thought the “O” club would be open for lunch & it would be a nice place to take her. However it was not open on Saturday so we had hamburgers at the Navy Exchange Cafeteria, & to say the least they were delicious!

After that we went home & I did some sewing on her sewing machine. Actually I did a lot of mending on the machine — my purple shorts were bursting at the zipper & both of my pairs of my nylon panties had ripped nearly all the seams, but they are all sewed up now. Also my girdle was ripping & I mended that.

We then had a good steak dinner. I brought the salad & ice cream. After dinner we just monkeyed & went to bed about 11 p.m. I am in the living room as they have a new Simmons Hide-a-Bed loveseat that is very comfortable.

Buster had a real good time with Dahlia today & they played & romped. He is terribly jealous though & every time Taffy or Dahlia was picked up he growled.

I expect I had better go to sleep now as I’m quite sleepy & know they will want to get up pretty early for me on Sunday morning. Be a good baby rabbit because I am & always will be. Please don’t worry about me.

All my love & kisses,
Jane