August 30, 1944

Dearest Clara,

Honey as I am sitting here answering the phone will try and write you a few lines. The wind is blowing pretty hard from the west. I am having trouble holding on to my paper. It is only a little after 3 o’clock. We had [edited by censor] for a while until something went wrong with [edited by censor]. This morning I heard a coconut fall, went over and got it. When I cut it open, the damn thing was sprouted, so had to throw it away. The sprout comes out of the 3 eyes on them, I don’t think you knew that did you dear? Tell your dad that I saw a Jap rifle [edited by censor] they sure are long, but awful light, I’d like to have one, so I could send it home to you. Then hope I get some mail tonight, so I know how you are honey and write a good letter when I have them to answer. Do be careful for me and I’ll do all I can to help us get home sweetheart. Write often.

With all my love and kisses,

To my wife Clara,

Johnny