August 6, 1944

Dear Father and Mother,

Today is a rainy Sunday and I thought a little visit with you might bring a day of sunshine. So settle down, light your cigar and build up the fire in the fireplace while we have a little fun.

Yesterday afternoon Colonel Franco and I went down to the beach and the surf was running high. It reminded me of little Compton and the many New England storms along the coast when we would walk for miles at Briggs Beach and South Shore enjoying the beautiful sight and getting the salt spray . Those days hold fond memories and Elizabeth and I often speak of them. It’s the same old ocean wherever I am and I always feel at home whenever I am near or on it and best of all in it. Each wave says “I have been to Little Compton, Hawaii, California and Oregon. I am your friend. Your wife, family and friends all still love you. Come in and I’ll give you a touch of home then carry your message back to them.” Then I feel better but slightly homesick but a good kind of homesickness – It reminds me of the good old fishing days and I can see far away. The times when Father and I used to go fishing together- wet and clammy with the salty breeze having a lot of fun just being alive and casting. A few days ago, we saw our first women since we came to this remote island last year. They were Francis Langford and Patty Thomas with Bob Hope’s 1150 stage show who were here for two days. You can guess what a reception they received. Patty Thompson stole the show when she appeared on the open stage in some scant dancing tights- She has a very cute figure and is quite attractive- She really didn’t have to dance- The surprise was terrific and we sat with our tango hanging out like a pack of hungry wolves. One of the boys in out Battalion presented the gals with a huge basket of jungle flowers, which he made and picked himself and for which he received a kiss from each of the girls. Pictures flashed and the crowd went wild with joy.

Yesterday I received three wonderful letters from Elizabeth and she hasn’t heard from you for a long time. She was quite worried and wondered how you all are. Please drop her line once in a while- she loves you all very much and enjoys hearing from you.

Someday before this year is over, I hope to get word that I can take my thirty day furlough in Hawaii- What heaven that will be and Elizabeth and I expect to make each minute count. We sometimes wonder if we are not forgotten when it comes to getting leaves but of course Uncle Sam has his own side as on that subject which is hard for us to understand. However I’m not letting it bo0ther me – as I joined this army to fight and do whatever I could to help win the war – After this job is finished then no one will ever keep me from my “Billie” and we shall be able to live like human beings once more and do all the things that we have planned,

In my last letter, I forgot to tell you that I received the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy during the time we were in battle on this island.

The gardens that the farm boys of our Battalion have planted begin to look pretty good and we are beginning to get some fresh vegetables from them. I get a kick out of seeing them working in their Patches in front of their pill boxes in the evening – anything for a touch of home. Johnny Doughboy is a smart lad and can make something out of the things one would consider valueless.

It is chowtime now so must close and eat my fill of good old GI food – How wonderful it will be to taste some home cooked meals – However Uncle Sam has fed us fairly well.

Please take good care of yourselves and let me hear from you often – your letters mean a lot to me and I look forward to each one – with lots of love to each of the family and our friends and ever so much lover for your own dear selves –

Devotedly your son Willard