U.S.N.T.C.

San Diego, California

May 19, 1946

Dear Mom and Pop,

I just got your letter today while I was on guard duty. Boy, it hits you pretty hard when during school, we just stood two hours at night, but over here in S.R.U., we stand four hours.

I’m afraid it will be a long time before I get 1^st class because I won’t be in the Navy that long. The next step is 3^rd class Yeoman, and then 2^nd class. If I keep on the ball, I can make 2^nd class by the time my enlistment is up. If I enlisted over again, I might be able to make 1^st class, but I doubt if I’ll stay in longer than I have to.

I’m sorry to hear that it’s so tough at home, but I guess we can make it; at least we always did before.

I got the twenty-five dollars alright, and it will be a big help. Don’t bother to send any more. I think after I write this letter I’ll hit the sack because I’m pretty tired from standing guard last night. It was really funny last night. Around 11 o’clock, a couple of fellows came in a little tanked, and the other guard and I had to practically put them to bed. Well, I suppose I’ll close now.

All my love,

Alfred