April 1944

April 1944

You haven’t heard from me for a long time. Have you? Well I’m writing this someplace out in the ocean. I’m not exactly crazy about traveling on the seas. I hope I don’t have to make more than one more ocean trip (going home).

I had a pleasant surprise when I saw my quarters. The officers are traveling in first class accommodations. There are six men in my room. The room itself is like a good hotel room. I happened to get one of the better rooms too. Of course the enlisted men got the rough end of the deal again. It sort of makes me made at the difference between the way they are treated and the way we are treated. We have our meals in the dining room. We eat ion the very best style. I think I would prefer the Bessey way myself. You know put everything on the table and dive in.

I guess I am further from home than I have every been. To tell you the truth, I would rather be home right now. I think I’ll get back soon. As soon as Adolph says “Uncle.” Then I suppose I’ll have to go in the other direction for awhile. I didn’t get seasick – yet – but my stomach hasn’t felt just right any of the time. The old sea gets pretty rough sometimes. Well I’ll write some more tomorrow I guess. I won’t be sending this for some time anyway.

The troops have to have an officer with them in each compartment at all times. So that has been our job. I was with them yesterday afternoon and early this morning (4 AM). I was with the colored boys. Boy but they are a noisy and rough bunch. It won’t be long now and I guess I will be on good old Mother Earth.

I just wrote you a V Mail letter and one to Garnet. You should get that before you get this letter.

I saw some little flying fish yesterday. I guess in peace times a person could have a good time on a trip like this. Of course it might run into money (It may yet for our meals). Right now I feel like I would like to start out and run 10 miles. I’m so fed up with having nothing to do and getting no exercise.

The other night while on duty (the first time I was on), I had a very nice talk with a colored officer who was on duty too. He was a very smart intelligent fellow and I really enjoyed talking with him. He was from Detroit. I also ran into an enlisted man who I recognized. He graduated from Union a year ahead of me. He works on the public address system so he was up on our deck. I couldn’t quite place him so I asked him. His name is Simms. His brother caddied at the golf course when I did. He’s a Sergeant.

We are here. Have to hand this in.

Love,

Alva