September 5, 1945 (to Marion Sneen)

Air Mail From Dip

Luzon, P.I.

Sept. 5, 1945

Dear Marion –

It’s raining bugs – Tony just opened up a Freon bomb and blasted all the little pests around the light. That stuff is potent – in about two minutes after the treatment, they start dropping from all angles. Right now I’m having trouble keeping this page clear enough to write on. Have to blow a path for my pen. Honest!

What a way to start a letter. Meant to say, “hi there!” How you been Marion? OK, I trust & still happy about V-J day. Have an idea that you’ll soon be telling me about all our old friends that are coming home from the E.J.O. I’m afraid I’m going to turn out to be one of those unfortunate “first in – last out” jokers. Oh well, things look hopeless now, but anything can happen in the army. I’ve learned long ago that nothing is definite for a G.I.

Guess I did tell you my future plans, didn’t I? Well looks as if we’re scheduled to be a part of the occupational troops on one of the Nip home islands. Our Div. is in the 6th Army, so you can watch it’s activities for an indication of my whereabouts.

Last weekend in Manila we had quite a unique experience. We took in a real football game. It was played on Sun. afternoon at the Rizal Stadium between two army outfits. What made it truly amazing was the fact that only a few short months ago doughboys were losing their lives by the dozens trying to root the Japs out of those very stands we were sitting in so peacefully. The stands look very much like those at Nicollet Park – in fact it was once a baseball diamond that has since been transformed into a gridiron.

The crowd was huge – all GIs of course – no Flips are allowed, cuz there’s hardly room for all the soldiers. There were even two female cheerleaders – a couple of WACs. Pretty cute two (from a distance) – all sported up in yellow fatigue caps, & white ankle sox. There were also two very peppy army bands that provided lots of football atmosphere. Ah – shades of the U. of M. & “golden hoard.” But there was one dark moment – it rained for about 20 minutes (or I should say poured) The roof as you can imagine is a huge sieve with it’s thousands of holes made by the artillery shells, small arms, & shrapnel. You’d have laughed to see all those sport-happy GIs sitting there with buckets of water falling thru all the holes on them – it dampened all but their spirits. The field was so muddy that at the end of the game the two colors Red & Yellow had blended into one nice shade of black – looked like one team had 22 men on the field.

We’re still following a training schedule every day here – at least in the A.M. Preparing for the war of 1965 I guess. in the P.M. we have our daily volleyball session. Today our rival Arty. Bn. (the 89th) came over on a challenge. We beat the pants off of them – I’ll say no more, cuz don’t want to brag – we’ll probably get skunked next time.

Enjoyed your description of the V-J celebrations in Mpls. It must have been a thrilling time – I’m really sorry not to have been in on it.

I’m glad you explained about that sleeping partner of yours that was already in dreamland – you had me worried. Remember I’m no longer “at ease overseas” & can’t stand that sorta thing.

Well gosh – hate to but must say good bye now. Yes, it’s late. G’nite.

Love, Dorance

P.S. What are the “PG” pictures of Micky. I have an idea, but please elucidate anyway.