Dec. 22, 1944

So. Pacific

Dear Marion-

Marion Dear-

Dearest Marion-

(take your choice)

Today was strictly a red-letter one for me – no less than a Christmas card and a letter from that certain person – Eh gads, Hold everything, the mail orderly just came in with another one from you – I can’t believe it. I must live right! S’cuze me while I read it so I can answer it right now.

Hmmm – very nice.

This last one was the one with the poem enclosed “Who the hell can neck a tree”. Incidently Marion – that ain’t so funny cuz out here and under these conditions and circumstances a man might be forced to try. I sure could enjoy one of those long moonlight rides back from Excelsior in my little jalopy – remember Marion? It would probably be just my luck to run out of gas about half way too – would you walk home, Marion? Hmmm – I thought so – the trouble with you is, you think every man is naturally a wolf with long furry ears. OK OK don’t say it, I admit it. Now are ya satisfied?

You’ll have to scuze my scribbling cuz I’m writing on the top of a K ration box. We field soldiers just don’t have desks.

I’m awful sorry I can’t explain – right now – about that last letter that was finished & mailed by my so called “buddies”. They not only finished the letter but probably me too. You’ll have to write & let me know exactly what kind of a P.S. they added to it. You no doubt are very puzzled about the whole thing but some day soon I’ll explain everything – in the meantime, they both swore up & down they didn’t read a word altho they added some. They’ve been teasing me about it & telling me all kinds of gruesome things that they wrote. They’re two of my best buddies, so I guess they wouldn’t do me too much dirt.

Did I tell you – a while back we were issued a case of Budweiser beer? It was the first we’ve seen since coming over here. Did it ever taste great - & go fast!

Gosh this is the last sheet of paper I’ve got – I’ll write small & close. Say, Marion, how’s about you’re sending me some more snapshots – get that cousin of yours goin’ on some more of those glamour shots – would like to see one in your present short haircut. That’s an order – from a 1st Louiey too so pay attention!

By the way, Marion, Happy New Year (X) – maybe next year I can wish you one in person – with all the trimmings! Would you turn your cheek!

Thanks for the very nice Xmas card – a very nice verse – about like the one I would have sent had I had my choice.

Glad to hear about your getting some snow up that way. And as for that Sun Valley dream of yours – it might be coincidence, but I’ve told the boys over & over again that the first thing I’m going to do after V-day is take a trip to Sun Valley Idaho. Wouldn’t it be sumpthin’ if we should meet!

Didn’t get around to answering much of your letters but I’ll save them till a later date. Till then Marion, please don’t get too impatient.

Love, Dip