11 June –

My dear Mother Daddy & Mitty –

Well – we are underway–and have been for a while – I am glad because we get to rest - even though we have watches to stand – I am for office of the deck – Second in Command one of these days – I’ll be officer of the deck – or 1^st in command – yes – when you see the picture I sent Sally, then you will see her. The Harry Lee – she is the only ship in a thousand ships – that great high Raked stake – you can’t miss her and that counter stern. She is the oldest ship out here – and I am proud of her. She isn’t fast but oh! What a history she has in this war so far so good.

It hardly seems possible but 11 years Sally and I have been married—boy time flies—and here I am stuck for 2 years yet before I can get out. Gosh. Life will begin at 40 then on nearly so—well—I’ll take it one day at a time—anyhow wasn’t that something when I ran into Dottie Rutter – of all people and there are plenty of ways you could miss – but it happened. I went over to this hospital - sent by our Doc who heard about this X-ray but they didn’t have X-ray for treatment.

Yes. I know Dottie Rutter has been suck but I did not say anything but respected her confidence and left someone else tell about it first. But I am glad to report when I saw her she was on her feet and working – so don’t worry about her. She has recovered – of course – they fix those nurses up quick - but never send them home. Dottie is a 1^st Lieutenant - and I congratulated her. She seems good but those nurses work and I miss it. That place is in the open.

I am glad Kenneth Dunlap got home but sorry that his father had passed away.

I hope Aunt Elda is better.

Well, I must get some sleep –

Love,

Bud

Mother X X

X Dad Mitty