Transcription of Item: "Dearest Mom, Dad + Boys,
At last we are fairly well settled in our new home. Am somewhere in the Philipine Islands. Our quarters are in what used to be a Catholic Academy. Most of it is intact but there are a few shell craters and bullet holes in our ceilings. Most of the city we are near is wrecked. The people are very glad to see us. You should have seen us when we got off the boat. We rode out here in trucks and we were really a sight, with all our dirt and packs on our backs, helmets + so forth. As we rode through the streets the Fillipino people waved at us and gave us the V for Victory sign. It was all very exciting. They took newsreel pictures of us as we set foot on land, so you
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might see me in a newsreel too. We live in large rooms, sleep on cots with our mosquito bars around us. We wash clothes, hair, and take a bath in our helmets. We have three square meals a day and eat in a tent. We also use our mess kits and drink out of canteens. I'm enjoying every minute of it and feel fine. I'm beginning to turn a little yellow from my atabrine, but it isn't so awfully noticeable since I have such a good tan. I acquired part of it on the ship and we are taking our daily sun baths here. I'm anxiously waiting to get my bathing suit as I sort of had to resurrect a sun suit but of towels and pajama pants.
As I told you I wasn't a bit seasick on the boat and had a wonderful time. We danced occasionally to a good G. I.
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orchestra, sunbathed on the deck, had 2 good meals a day, had occasional movies, and always had a song-fest in the evening. The tropical moon is beautiful and we hids usually slept on the boat deck until it rained, so we had a good deal. There are beautiful flowers and scenery here on the islands. We were in port once in New Guinea, but I didn't go ashore. A few of the hids did. One of the gun crew (Navy) made me a nice bracelet with my emblem on it.
To-day was the first day we received mail since we left the states so were we happy. I received 5 of yours and also heard from Eileen Seraphine, Florence, Mother N., Leo, Bill Stevenson, Aunt Anna, Yetty, and Friz W. Am glad to hear Johnny is improving. Was sur-
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prised to hear Bill N. is over here. Maybe I'll run into him.
We were all quite shocked to hear of the Presiden'ts death. To-day we heard that Hitler is dead. How wonderful!!! Be sure to let me know as soon as my honey arrives home. I know he must be free by now.
Am wondering if you got the big brown envelope I sent home? You remember , we talked about it when I was home on leave.
Will write whenever I can, and you do the same. Was wonderful to hear from you. You might send me some pachet mystery books or so forth if you can find some. Be good, take good care of yourselves and God Bless You.
All my love,
Aggie
Kisses for my Mike"
Place Name coordinates. (May be approximate.)
Place Name coordinates. (May be approximate.)
