Dear Lil,

Sorry to hear the news about Jay – I was speechless when I read about it, however, I hope everything turns out okay. Even if they do have to operate – now they know so much more about that type of surgery than a few years ago. Jay is a strong kid and I’m sure he will be okay.

I called you Sunday as soon as I read the letter and went to Mass. [I] had Shore Patrol Saturday night. It is only a week since I left and it seems like months since I’ve seen you and the rest at home. There isn’t much to tell since I last wrote. We went to Yorktown for the 19^th and had visitors come aboard. Four Chiefs and myself went fishing in our ship’s Motor Boat that afternoon. No Liberty was granted and then Friday we came in to the Base. We will be here all week and leave next Monday to fire gunnery practice.

I’ll try to get over to the Speer’s one day this week. The weather has been swell and we are still in khakis. Glad to hear Eddie and Audrey like staying Revere. How is Bucha doing in school and also Mal. I’m sending you 2/3 of my pay, $20 and $10 I spent to buy khaki trousers. It has been very quiet this weekend and the time just drags by. Well, Lil I hope that it isn’t too long before we see each other again. It is awful having to be away from you, but I hope that it won’t always be like this. Love to you and all the rest at home.

An.

P.S. When I think of you being here in Virginia it seems like a dream. You came and before I knew it, we left again. Do you remember your stay here? I do.