Postmarked December 31, 1944

Dec. 31, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got a package from you that must have been chasing me for about 6 months. It was pretty battered, but some of the contents were salvageable. I've been lucky tho, most of my packages have arrived in pretty good shape. Don't send any hard candy wrapped in paper or cellophane, it is waterlogged and spoiled by the time it gets here. Anything canned comes in good shape so concentrate on things like sardines, sandwich spreads, etc. A little goes a long way and offers a welcome change from G.I. chow.

From what I read in the papers, which I've been getting pretty regularly, cigarettes, especially name brands, are pretty scarce in the States. We have just about all brands in our ship's service, at 50 cents a carton. Too bad I can't send Dad some.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 28, 1944

Dec. 26, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got a letter from Ralph yesterday and from Mom this morning. glad to here the Hank is home, I guess everyone was glad to see him. We had turkey dinner yesterday with all accessorries, so I guess I can't complain about the chow angle. I'm glad to hear that Vickie's pups are coming along O.K. but I still don't know how many and what kind, male or female. I guess you had that information in an earlier letter which I haven't recieved yet.

In regards to going to college after this mess is cleaned up, George has suggested the same thing in his letters. Altho its pretty early to be making any definite post-war plans, as a lot can happen between now and then, its still worth keeping in mind, especially since Uncle Sam will help out financially.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 18, 1944

Dec. 15, 1944

Dear Folks,

Finally got some mail, two letters from Mom & one from Ralph. Glad to hear about Vickie's pups but you forgot one detail how many and what sex. I got the salami a few days ago in good condition. Frankly I was surprised as the temperature in cargo ship holds sometimes runs around 130 degrees, but it got here O.K. and dissappearred in short order.

Glad you got the money order O.K. There is another one on the way which you have probably received by now. The next package you send you mind put in a jar of olives and maybe a can or two are sardines to break the monotony of G.I. chow.

That's all for now,

Love to all,

Paul

Vickie's Pups

Witter Log, December 15, 1944-January, 1945

Between the 15th and the 23d [December], she made a round-trip voyage from Manus to Ulithi and back.

Following an availability and more exercises at Manus during the last week of 1944 and the first week of 1945, she repeated her voyage to Ulithi and back between 6 and 14 January 1945.

Postmarked December 8, 1944

Dec. 7, 1944

Dear Folks,

Just a short note to go with this $50 money order I am sending. Haven't had any mail for quite a while, altho I did get a package from the Franks. I hope this finds everyone in good health. I guess it is getting pretty close to winter. You'd never know it dow here. I guess that's about all, so will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked December 6, 1944

Dec. 3, 1944

Dear Folks,

As usual, I haven't much to say. We had turkey with all accessorries for Thanksgiving dinner. I really stuffed myself.

I guess Vickie has had her pups by now, I sure would like some snaps of them.

I'm sorry I couldn't send something, but the market is rather limited here and I don't imagine Mom would have much use for a grass skirt so I will just wish you a very happy birthday.

That's about all there is to write so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

P.S. Will you please check on Uncle Sam's adress. I wrote to him at 831 Kelly St. all the letter was returned.

Postmarked December 5, 1944 - v-mail

Postmarked December 1, 1944

Nov. 29, 1944

Dear Folks,

As usual, I must apologize for neglecting my writing. I guess your used to my writing habits by now. I haven't had any recent mail from you since I last wrote, but a few old letters have caught up with us. I got a Christmas package from the Franks yesterday. I guess there will be more coming along soon.

I guess you are getting set for winter. I've almost forgotten what winter is like.

We had a couple of boys get transferred back to the states, they certainly were heartbroken (?) to leave us. Frankly, I'd just as soon stay out here and see this thing over with as to go back to the states for a short time and then have to come out here again.

That's about all for now.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 18, 1944

Nov. 16, 1944

Dear Folks,

Enclosed is a money order for $50. As usual I would like to be informed as to when you get it.

Do you remember Dr. Sigmund Clayman who was reported missing on Bataan? I heard a message from him to his father over the Japanese radio. He is interned at the Tokyo camp and is doing medical work there. I have already written his father, although from his message I gathered that he had already been in touch with his family.

I received Dorothy's letter and got quite a kick out of it. She is learning to write pretty good.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked November 17, 1944

Nov. 14, 1944

Dear Folks,

Sorry that its been so long since I last wrote, but we have been pretty busy. I can't tell you where or what, but you can probably guess. I got a pile of mail from you today including the map which I was glad to receive and will not doubt prove useful.

Regarding the clipping you sent me about the flyers, they were the same. I talked with the one it mentions for quite a while after learning that we were practically neighbors.

I got a letter from Hank. He has orders back to the State; I guess he rates it after being out here so long.

We caught a mess of red snappers at one island. They ran about 15 to 20 pounds and are really beautiful fish and good eating too.

I also received about 50 copies of the Mirror, which will provide me with reading for some time to come.

I have been getting the stamps you've been sending but there is no need to do so any longer as I have gotten a supply enough to last me a long time.

So you have sent me a salami. I hope it gets here in good condition, but frankly I have my doubts.

I also got a letter from george. He seems to think his ship may come out this way. Maybe we will meet again out here.

That's about all, I guess, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log, November 14 - December 14, 1944

On 14 November, Witter and her charges arrived back in Humboldt Bay.

She was anchored in Humboldt Bay until 2 December when she got underway in the escort of a convoy bound for Seeadler Harbor at Manus. Witter and her charges entered the harbor the following day, and the destroyer escort remained there until mid-month, conducting tactical exercises in the vicinity until her departure.

Postmarked November 4, 1944

Oct. 31, 1944

Dear Folks,

I know its been quite a while since I wrote last, but this is the first chance I've had to get a letter off, as we have been pretty busy. As usual, there isn't much I can write, just let you know that I am O.K. and hope everyone home is the same. I guess Vickie has brought forth her litter or soon will. It must be getting pretty cold in N.Y. It's hard to imagine winter coming on in the states while we are sweltering here in the tropics. That's about all for now, give my regards to all including Uncle Will, Aunt Rose, Uncle Julius, Aunt Reba, and Uncle Phillip. [Note: There was no Uncle Phillip. Maybe it was a code?]

Love to all,

Paul.

Witter Log, November 3-13, 1944

On the 3d [November], however, they reversed course on orders and reentered Kossol Passage the following day. The stay proved brief. She and her charges set sail again that evening and arrived in San Pedro Bay, Leyte, on the 7th. She remained there— harassed by alerts but not by attacks—until the 11th when she departed, escorting her precious oilers.

Witter Log October 12 - November 1, 1944: LEYTE

Her [the Witter's] task unit, a part of the 7th Fleet Service Force, departed Humboldt Bay on 12 October to take up replenishment station at sea some 180 miles west of the already-invested Palau Islands.

At mid-month [October], the oilers she escorted refueled the Leyte invasion force at sea and, on the 18th, headed for the anchorage at Kossol Passage in the Palaus.

After two days in the Palaus, Witter and her charges got underway to join the main force in Leyte Gulf. They arrived in the gulf three days after the 20 October assault.

The warship's visit to Leyte proved to be lively. Air attacks by the Japanese abounded. During one attack in the early evening of the 24th, a Japanese torpedo bomber started a run on Witter from almost dead ahead while she was maneuvering to change anchorages just south of Samar Island. Though he appeared to be hit by her 20-millimeter fire, the plane traversed her entire length to starboard and finally burst into flames some 300 to 400 yards astern.

The air attacks continued intermittently the following day, and Witter observed many bogeys and picked up others on her radar but contributed no more downed aircraft to the American tally. For the remainder of her stay in Leyte Gulf, Witter and the oilers she screened continued underway to avoid numerous air attacks and conduct refueling operations.

On the 27th, she escorted the unit out of Leyte Gulf en route to a position about 120 miles east of Leyte. Sporadic air attacks continued but diminished as Leyte receded astern.

On the 28th, her charges began refueling TG 77.4 and, just before noon the following day, completed those operations and set course for Kossol Passage. They arrived in the Palaus late on 31 October but, after the oilers refueled that night and the following morning, headed back to Leyte early in the afternoon of 1 November.

Postmarked October 11, 1944

Oct. 10, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got 2 letters yesterday one from Dad and one from Ralph, also a few copies of the "mirror" and a package from you mailed Aug. 25. The latter arrived in excellent condition, a fact which surprised me quite a bit.

So Vickie is expecting, eh? I told the fellows about it and am now taking a heck of a razzing about becoming a father etc.

I'm glad to hear that you've been having good fishing and hope it keeps up. I guess that storm accounted for the wide variety of fish you caught, it probably drove all kinds of fish into the bay that you ordinarily wouldn't see there.

That's about all, so will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked October 9, 1944

October 7, 1944

Dear Folks,

Haven't heard from you since I last wrote, as we haven't received any mail, but I'm sure you have been writing. As usual, not much new. We've been getting the World Series broadcasts and it seems pretty close so far. I would like to see the Browns win, seeing as it is their first world series.

I caught a nice bass a couple of days ago, i guess it weighed about 5 lbs.

In my last letter, in case you didn't get it, I told you about receiving copies of the "Daily Mirror."

I guess Dad and Ralph are getting in quite a bit of fishing. The flounders should be running pretty strong. In one of his letters Dad mentioned something about getting a boat. Has anything developed of that? You haven't mentioned anything about Stanley Hirsch in your letters. Is he still in the states or has he gone overseas?

That's all for now.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked October 3, 1944

Oct. 1, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got your letters of Sept. 17 and Sept. 21, and am glad you got the money orders and "Neptunus Rex" certificate O.K. I also got a few copies of the "Mirror, from Aug. 20 to 24, which isn't bad at all. If they were 6 months old I'd still be glad to get them.

So you had a hurricane, eh. I heard about a storm on the east coast an I was wondering how hard it had hit around our way. I can imagine what a kick Ralph got out of climbing to the roof in the midst of the storm and I'll bet dad got a laugh out of that phone call.

Saw the movie "Up in Arms" last nite and enjoyed it a lot. That danny Kaye is really a riot.

As for the hristmas box. I could use a good jacknife if you could get one. Also that map of the South Pacifac I mentioned in my last letter.

That's about all, I guess, so I will close with

Love to all

Paul

Witter Log September 29 - October 6, 1944

Between 29 September and 6 October, Witter made a roundabout voyage from Milne Bay via Treasuries and back to New Guinea at Humboldt Bay. At Humboldt Bay, she reported for duty to TU 77.7.1 for the Leyte operation.

Postmarked September 27, 1944

No. 21

Sept. 24, 1944

Dear Folks,

Haven't heard from you since my last letter but I thought I would write anyway.

We recently picked up four flyers who had been forced down at sea. I can't give any details about how or where, but the man who spotted them is getting a case of beer as a reward. I personally got more satisfaction out of rescuing them than if we would have sunk a half a dozen subs, because those boys are really doing a job in this war and you can't give them too much credit. Don't tell Hank I said this, as far as he's concerned the air corps is nothing but a bunch of overrated glamour boys and a pain in the neck to the Navy who have to take time out from fighting this war to rescue those glamour boys every time they get forced down at sea.

In your letters you asked if I wanted or needed anything. If you could get a hold of a large-scale map of the South Pacifac it would help me know where I'm at. Please send it first-class mail or else it will probably be months catching up with me

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log September 26-27, 1944

On the 26th [September], she paused near Porlock and Cape Nelson to help SS Richard H. Dana, aground on Curtis Reef. While her boats assisted in the transfer of Army troops from the merchantman to Stratford (AP-41), Witter patrolled to seaward to protect against possible enemy submarine attack.

On the 27th, she resumed her voyage and arrived in Milne Bay that same day.

Postmarked September 24, 1944

No. 21

Sept. 22, 1944

Dear Folks,

Heard from you and Ralph today and at long last received a package. It was pretty battered but the contents were not in bad shape, although the cookies were pretty well pulverized.

Glad to hear that Dad and ralph have been having such goo fishing. I can appreciate Ralph's disappointment at losing that weakfish when his hook gave way, but that's the way it goes.

I guess things are pretty lively now that Dotty is back. It must have been a quiet summer.

That's all for now, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log September 22-24, 1944

After returning the rescued aircrewmen to Emirau on the 22d [of September], she returned to sea that same day on her way back to Manus. From there, she continued her voyage toward Milne Bay on 24 September.

Postmarked September 17, 1944

No. 20

Sept. 16, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got you letter of Aug. 30, and am glad to hear that everything is O.K. By now you should have received the $120 I sent you by money order. If you don't within a reasonable length of time, et me know as I can put in a claim. Sorry to hear about Dad's hay fever, I guess this is about the worst time of year for him. I'm glad Ralph and Dotty have been lucky.

We saw a U.S.O. show on the beach last nite. There weren't any big name artists, but it was a pretty good show just the same.

Today I broke out my blues and aired them out for a while. They were in pretty good shape, not showing any signs of getting mildewed or moldy as some fellows had trouble with. It will probably be a long time before I ever wear them again, but still it pays to take care of them.

that's about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked September 11, 1944

No. 19

Sept. 10, 1944

Dear Folks,

Haven't heard from you since I last wrote but I am writing anyway.

I mailed home my "Neptunus Rex" certificate which I received for crossing the line, so let me know when you get it and what you think of it.

We had a little jam session last nite with an army band from the beach coming aboard to provide the music. They were pretty good. As usual, they were rained out in the middle of the show, but what we did see was 4.0

That's about all, so I will close now.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked September 8, 1944

No. 18

Sept. 7, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got Mom's letter of Aug. 22 and Ralph's of Aug. 24. So George has seen some interesting sights in Africa. We will have quite a time when we meet again, swapping yarns and seeing who can sling the most bull.

In my last letter, Sept. 3, I sent two money orders, $100 and $20, total $120. Let me know as soon as you get them or if you don't get them within a reasonable time.

Ralph seems pretty serious about writing stories; best of luck to him.

You seemed surprised that one of my letters was returned while all the others got thru. They don't delet portions of letters. If any part of a letter is censored, the letter is returned to the sender with a note as to why it was rejected.

that's all for now.

Love to all

Paul

Postmarked September 4, 1944

No. 17

Sept. 3, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got paid again and am enclosing a money order for $120. Let me know when you get it.

I've heard from Ralph and Dotty several times. I get a kick out of her letters. She is learning to write pretty good.

The have been plenty of good sized fish swimming around, but we can't get them to bite on anything. It's maddening to see them swimming all around your bait and not touching it. Have you done any fishing? I guess snappers & wekas are running pretty strong.

it looks as tho the "supermen" are on their way out, but fast! I'll bet they are going wild of the news in N.Y., not that it makes us unhappy. that's about all.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 31, 1944

No. 16

Aug. 29, 1944

Dear Folks,

Haven't heard from you since I last worte, but I guess we will get some more mail soon.

We have been getting beer pretty regularly. We caryy it aboard but have to take it ashore to drink it.

I guess Dotty is home from camp now and the kids are "eagerly(?)" looking forward to going back to school.

We have be hearing "Tokyo Rose" pretty regularly. It comes in as clear as WEAF. They play the latest hit parade tunes and give us their version of the news, which provides some pretty good laughs. commenting on the fighting in France, they say the Americans are "retreating inland."

There isn't much to write, as usual, so I will close wth

:Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 30, 1944, v-mail

(Undated)

Dear Folks,

Got your letter with the pictures taken on your anniversary and was very happy to get them. I'm sorry I forgot about it and also Ralph's birthday, but as you know I never had much memory for dates and being out here makes a guy lose all track of time.

So you think your have a heat wave? Why, if the temperature ever dropped as low as 96 degrees we would probably have to break out our peacoats. As for rain, well the way it comes down you can't tell where the sea ends and the rain begins.

I got a couple of letters from Dotty, and I have written (or should I say printed) to her. I hope she gets it before she returns home.

The all for now. Keep writing and don't worry about me.

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log August 25, 1944

Three days later [August 25], she moved on again, this time to Manus in the Admiralty Islands where she stopped overnight on the 26th and 27th.

On the latter day [27 August], the warship made the brief voyage from Manus to Emirau Island. She remained there for almost a month, putting to sea only once during that period—between 19 and 22 September—to rescue the crew of a downed PBJ (the Navy version of the Army's B-25 Mitchell bomber).

Postmarked August 25, 1944, v-mail

August 15, 1944

Dear Folks,

As usual, not much to write about. Got a letter from Henry dated April 21; it 3 1/2 months too catch up with me. But it was the first letter I got from him since we left the states, so it was good too hear from him.

We have been getting some pretty recent movies. last night we saw "The Iron Major," and tonite we have "The Song of Bernadette."

I could use some airmail stamps as they are pretty hard to get out here. The only reason I am using the v-mail is that I am out of stamps.

I'm glad to hear that everyone at home is O.K. and that everything is running smoothly.

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log August 22, 1944

On 21 August, she began a move farther north in the Solomons, arriving in the Green Islands subgroup that same day.

Postmarked August 23, 1944

No. 15

Aug.22, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got your letter of Aug. 8, and am glad you were able to get the subscription. I didn't have any particular preference, I only mentioned the news because it was the first one to come to mind.

I was glad to get the pictures you sent in your last letter, and hope that there will be more coming. I wish I could send you some in return, but for the present, that is impossible.

I heard from Aunt Reba and Aunt Jennie the same day I got your letter, so I can't complain about not getting enough mail.

Last nite we saw "The Adventures of Mark Twain," which is on of the most recent pictures we've seen.

That is all I can think of, so

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked August 17, 1944

[hand-printed]
Aug. 9, 1944

Dear Dotty

I got your letters and am glad you are having a good time at camp. Have you learned to swim yet? I guess you are getting pretty big now. I think about you a lot. You were a little nuisance around the house but I miss you just the same.

Some day I'll be back and we'll all be together again. Until then behave yourself and be a good girl.

Love from

Your brother

Paul

Postmarked August 12, 1944

No. 13

Aug. 9, 1944

Dear Folks,

Glad to hear that you got the money I sent, it sure didn't take long to reach you. Letter No. 11 was returned by the censor, so don't expect to get it.

So George has been over to North Africa. I guess he had some interesting stories to tell. After hoping that we might be together, we end up on opposite sides of the world, but I guess htat the Navy for you.

As usual, I can't tell you much about where we w=are or what we're doing, but there wouldn't be much to tell even if I could, so your not missing too much.

I still haven't heard from Henry but I guess he's still kicking around. I may bump into him yet, but, as I said once, it's like trying to find a needle in a haystack.

Last nite we saw "The Lodger," which is the story of Jack the Ripper. The were a couple of pretty chilling scenes in it. I guess Ralph would like it. To you its probably an old picture but it is new compared to some we get. The other nite we saw a newsreel of the Great Lakes - Purdue football game last September, the same game I saw played while I was at Great Lakes.

I'm glad to hear the Dotty is having such a good time at camp. I guess she'll hat e to have to go back too school. I still haven't recieved any packages yet, I suppose I'll be snowed under some day and het them all at once.

In regards to the natives, I've seen quite a few of them. They are pretty friendly, and they sometimes come alongside in their out-rigger canoes loaded with coconuts, bananas, souvenires, etc. it didn't take them long to learn to cash in on the "tourist trade."

In answer to your questions about chow, its as good as can be expected. For several weeks we didn't have any breakfast cereal except hominy grits and everybody was getting pretty sick of them, but now we have a little more variety.

Love to all,

Paul

P.S. Congratulations and best wishes, Mom & Dad, on your 20th anniversary. Hope I'm with you on the 21st.

Witter log August 9-12, 1944

Between 9 and 12 August, she voyaged back to New Guinea, stopping at Finschhaven and Langemak Bay before returning to Blanche Harbor on the 12th and resuming her exercise schedule in the Treasuries.

Postmarked August 7, 1944

No. 12.

Aug. 5, 1944

Dear Folks,

Well, I've finally got something I can write about. We saw Bob Hope in person, with Jerry Colonna, Francis Langford etc. I can't tell when or where, but it was a damm good show. Hope was funny Colonna, as usual, was a riot, and as for Frances Langford and Patty Thomas, you can imagine how they looked to fellows who haven't seen a white woman in months. We all enjoyed it, and I think it's damm fine of Hope and his gang to come down here to show us a little entertainment, and you can be sure he rates 4.0 with all of us.

Outside of that there isn't much of interest. I got Dotty's letters from camp and got a big kick out of them. I still haven't recieved any packages. I got the blades, and we have some aboard so you on't have to send any more. That's about all, I'll try to write more often than I have in the past.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 31, 1944

July 29, 1944

Dear Folks,

As usual, not much to write. Haven't had any mail for a while, but should be getting some soon. Hope I get some of those long awaited packages I guess it must be the quietest summer you've had in a long time, with Dotty at camp and Ralph going to school. i guess the silence is deafening. I guess Dad is pretty busy but I hope he and Ralph are finding time to go fishing once in a while. I guess fluke are really running strong now, and snappers and weaks [weakfish] not far off.

Nothing more I can think of to write, so I will sign off now.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 27, 1944

No. 9)

July 25, 1944

Dear Folks,

As usual, there is not much to write about. I went ashore yesterday and had a couple of bottles of beer and played a little ball and went for a swim, so it wasn't a bad afternoon. We've been having some pretty good movies, too, last nite we saw "Sweet Rosie O'Grady."

I sent $40 home by registered mail about a week ago, so let me know when you get it or if you don't get it within a reasonable time (about 6 to 8 weeks) let me know, but I think you will get it O.K.

I've been following the news with considerable interest. I guess Roosevelt will stay in for another four years. The war seems to e going pretty well, both out here and in Europe, but don't get any over-optimistic ideas about seeing me soon, as we will probably be out hear for at least another year and maybe longer.

I would appreciate any kind of reading matter you could send, books,magazines, but especially newspapers. Reading is bout the only amusement we have underway, and the fellows will read a two or three month old newspaper and hang on every word. So send me a copy of the "Daily News," once in a while.

That's aobut all, so i will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 17, 1944, Registered July 24, 1944

No. 8

June 17, 1944

Dear Folks,

This will be short as I want to get it registered while I have the chance. I'm enclosing $40, so let me know if you get it O.K.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 22, 1944

No. 7.

July 16, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got about 5 letters from you the last one dated June 28 which isn't bad. I glad you are all O.K. and assure you that I am keeping well too.

Today they gave out applications for war ballots. Of course they don't concern me personally [minimum voting age was 21 in 1944], but I thought you would be glad to know that the fellows out here are getting a chance to vote.

I haven't received any of the packages you mentioned, I guess that stuff takes quite a while to get out here.


That's about all I can think of to write, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Witter log July 15 - August 7, 1944

In mid-month [July], however, the destroyer escort left New Guinea for a new field of endeavor, the northern Solomons. She departed Humboldt Bay on 15 July and, after a brief stop at Cape Cretin, arrived in the northern Solomons at Empress Augusta Bay, Bougainville, on the 18th.

On the 20th [July], she departed Empress Augusta Bay and, that same afternoon, arrived in the Treasury Islands subgroup. For almost three weeks, she remained in the vicinity of Blanche Harbor in the Treasuries, conducting antiair and antisubmarine warfare exercises

Postmarked July 11, 1944

(7

July 9, 1944

Dear Folks,

As usual, not much to write, haven't had any mail since I wrote last, so i can't fill up space answering your letters.

I guess the fluke are running pretty strong now, and I imagine Dad and Ralph have been out after them. It must be pretty quiet around the house with Dorothy at camp and Ralph in school. I imagine the whole block is pretty quiet with Dorothy gone.

Have you heard anything from George? I haven't had a letter from him in a long time. I did hear from a fellow I went thru high school with. He is a pharmacist's mate at the Treasure Island Naval Hospital. I met him in Frisco just a few days before we left the states and gave him my adress.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log July 5, 1944

At the end of the first week in July, Biak Island—located off the northern coast of New Guinea, opposite the large bay which separates the Vogelkop from the rest of the island—came within Witter's sphere of operations.

Postmarked July 4, 1944

No. 6

July 3, 1944

Dear Folks,

Finally got some mail again and it made me realize how long it has been since I thought to write. We got our "shell back" certificates for crossing the equator and it is a pretty impressive looking document. I'll mail it home if I get the chance. We haven't been paid for quite a while but we don't have much need for money here. I still haven't heard from Henry and am wondering if he has gotten any of my letters.

We get the news out here every day. The short wave bulletins are printed and passed around so we know what is going on in the world. I'm glad Dad and Ralph having been having good luck fishing. Ralph has written pretty enthusiastic letters about it, so I guess he is really hooking them. I was pretty surprised to hear about his going to summer school, I never thought Ralph would be willing to give up his vacation but I guess he can't wait to graduate.

That's all for now,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 17, 1944

# 5

June 12, 1944

Dear Folks,

Finally had some mail catch up with me, some of it dating as far back as March.

I got quite a kick out of Ralph's description of the Dodger Giant game. I showed it to a couple of fellows from Brooklyn. Ralph is a petty smart kid I guess, especially in geography.

I got a letter from Jerry Lester that Kentucky hill-billy who i went thru school with at Great Lakes. He is in Australia as are a few others from our old section. He told me that some of the fellows are in New Caledonia, including the kid from Elmhurst.

We don't have any razor blades in our ships service store and don't seem to be able to get them. I have enough to last me a few weeks, but I would appreciate it if you would send me some. The best way to do this is to slip one or two blades in each letter, as that way they will go first class mail and reach me much sooner.

Have you ever heard of "Tokyo Rose," the female Jap radio propagandist? We have heard her a few times as well as other Jap propaganda. The Japs may think that these broadcasts lower our morale, but they have just the opposite effect, as they are about the only entertainment we have underway.

I had neglected to number some of my letters, but I am taking up with this letter as I agree with you that it is a good idea, as it lets you know how good the mail service is.

I find the air mail is just as fast as v-mail and a lot more convenient.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked June 8, 1944

June 6, 1944

Dear Folks,

Have a little time off between watches and decided to catch up on my writing. I was glad to hear about Hank being decorated, but I kind of figured all along he would get something, and it isn't every day a fellow sinks 3 Jap ships. I guess his folks are pretty proud of him as they have every write to be.

I hope Dorothy enjoys herself at camp but I kind of think she will be homesick at first, as she has never been away from home before.

So Dad is thinking of getting a boat. I knew that once he had a boat he would never want to be without one. What will you name her, the Dorothy K II?

Ralph guessed right in thinking that I need a fountain pen. I could also use a good picket knife as I lost the one I had in the bilges. You can't send newspapers or magazines by subscription, but you can send them individually. Readers' Digests and Pocket Books are about the best.

I still can't give you any dope as to where we are. I haven't heard from Henry at all, although I have written him several times. I wonder if he in getting my letters at all.

That's about all there is to write. I am well and happy and hope everyone at home is the same.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 29, 1944

May 27, 1944

Dear Folks,

Today is Sunday and that means Holiday routine. I am taking it easy fishing and catching up on my writing. I heard a short wave broadcast of the game between Bklyn and St. Louis which dem Bums lost 5-3 in true Brooklyn fashion by allowing the winning runs to score on 2 errors. Last nite we saw the movie "Meet John Doe" and the nite before, we saw "Eyes in the Night." I know both are pretty old, but I enjoyed them anyway. Out here we can't be too fussy about entertainment.

I regret to inform you that my beard died a premature death as a result of the skipper's orders that all beard be shaved off. It broke my heart to do it, as I know Ralph will never believe I ever had a beard and will probably think the whole thing was a myth.

I haven't had my mail for a while, but we've been moving around so much I guess it hasn't had a chance to catch up to us. The last mail we had was about 3 weeks ago and I got those snapshots and they were pretty good. Let's have some more of them.

I imagine the flounders are biting like mad out in the bay by now. I suppose you've been out a couple of times already. It's a perfect day for fishing, not too hot, a slight breeze, and just a little swell, just like the bay in summer.

In answer to a question in one of your letters, incoming mail is not censored, only outgoing mail is, so you can write what you won't without worrying about embarrassing me.

That's about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log May 17, 1944

After the 17 May assault on the Toem-Wakde-Sarmi area located a little farther up the northern coast of New Guinea, she [the Witter] added that region to her itinerary.

Postmarked May 16, 1944

May 14, 1944

Dear Folks,

Finally got some mail yesterday after nearly a month without it. I got a big kick out of Dorothy's letter especially. i went on the beach the other afternoon but there wasn't much to do or see. We had a swimming party yesterday afternoon. We've had movies every nite and we sure appreciate them even tho i saw some of the pictures before I even came in the navy and didn't think much of them then.

----------------------------

This pause was caused by a school of small sharks which passed by my line, which I have over the side while writing, but they didn't bite.

---------------------------

another pause while I pulled in a 2-foot long shark. It looks like the sand sharks we caught in the bay. The dirt on this letter is where he flopped on it. This probable even smells fishy.

I guess you've done some flounder fishing in the bay. I sure wish I was out there, but I guess I'm pretty lucky to be able to fish at all. I'm sure glad I thought to get me some fishing tackle before leaving the state, as it's brought many hours of pleasure.

Next time you write, how about some picture of the folks, an kind of pictures will be welcome. I'm glad to hear that Hank made 1st Lieut. and I may get a chance to congratulate him personally, although its like looking for a needle in a haystack, even if you are in the same haystack the needle is in, if you get what I mean.

That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked May 13, 1944

May 10, 1944

Dear Folks,

We haven't had any mail as yet and I hope you hear from me more often than I do from you. It's been nearly a month since I had any mail.

We got paid last week tho, but there isn't much to spend it on. As usual there isn't much I can write about.

I hope every one at home is O.K. and that everything is running smoothly.

Have you heard from Hank? If you write him, tell him not to be too surprised if we shoulD meet some day.

That's about all, so i will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log May 5, 1944

On 5 May, she [Witter] entered Milne Bay at the southeastern tip of New Guinea. By the time Witter reached that port, American forces had already made almost simultaneous landings at Aitape, Tanahmerah Bay, and Humboldt Bay, in actions known collectively as the Hollandia operation. Thus, for the next several weeks, Witter drew duty escorting resupply and reinforcement convoys to the three landing areas, making stops at such intermediary places as Cape Cretin and Cape Sudest.

Postmarked May 3, 1944 - later

May 3, 1944

Dear Folks,

We got Sunday's baseball scores the other day and according to them, the Dodgers lost to the Giants 26-8. I know that this must be the result of an error in transmission, at least I hope so.

as usual, there is nothing I can write about that will not be censored. It's been a long time since we've had any mail, but I hope some my letters have gotten thru to you. I had to get some shots the other day, as it was over a year since I got my last ones, but they didn't bother me at all. That's about all, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log May 3, 1944

She [Witter] arrived in the Russells on 3 May but departed that same day for her primary theater of operations for the next 10 weeks, the island of New Guinea.

Postmarked May 3, 1944

April 30, 1944

Dear Folks,

Heard the news about Brooklyn being beat in a no-hitter by Boston and I couldn't help thinking about Ralph tearing his hair out by the roots. But don't worry, once we get going we'll morder dem bums.

Yesterday, we painted all the pumps valves and pipes in the fireroom aluminum and it really looks like a million buck, like one of those model power plants at the World's Fair. The question is, how long will it stay that way.

We've been eating chow topside the last couple of days and it's pretty nice. It's a lot cooler and more comfortable than below in the compartments.

The other nite we had a movie, "New York Town," and it was pretty good. The scenes showing the 3rd Ave. El and the Brooklyn Bridge looked pretty good too, and I couldn't help thinking of us steaming in under that bridge some day. I never cared much for New York but I wouldn't mind seeing it now.

That's about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log April 25 - May 1, 1944

On 25 April, Witter departed the southern Solomons in company with Task Unit (TU) 34.9.6, bound for Cape Gloucester on the island of New Britain in the Bismarck Archipelago. She arrived in Borgen Bay near Cape Gloucester on 28 April and remained until 1 May when she accompanied TU 34.9.6 to the Russell Islands subgroup of the Solomons.

Postmarked April 24, 1944

April 23, 1944

Dear Folks,

There isn't anything to write about but I guess you're as glad to hear from me as I am to hear from you so I will try to fill up a page or two.

I am listening to a radio broadcast by short-wave on the armed forces radio and the music sounds pretty good.

As I told you in my last letter, I am a shellback, having crossed the equator. We had some fresh fruit today, the first in about 3 weeks and it sure tasted good. We had canned grapefruit and such, but it can't compare with fresh fruit. We've been eating pretty well on the whole, although we don't have as much variety as we did in the states.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 22, 1944

April 21, 1944

Dear Folks,

I can now tell you that I am a full fledged shell-back, having crossed the equator. As is customary, we had an appropriate ceremony with King Neptune presiding and all us pollywogs had to go thru the initiation before we became shell-backs. I came out all smeared up with fuel oil and with a pretty sore stern but after we went thru the mill we were full fledged shell-backs and as such we could grab a paddle and take it out on the rest of the polly-wogs as they came thru. All in all, it was a lot of fun.

I've been hearing from you pretty regularly, most of your letters arrive within 8 or ten days. I know this is kind of late, but wish Dotty a very happy birthday for me. We have movies on the fantail every night in port but most of the time it starts to rain in the middle of the picture. Not much more to write, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 16, 1944 - later, v-mail

April 6, 1944

Dear Folks,,

I managed to borrow a few sheets of v-mail stationery so I hope this will get to you faster than the other letters I wrote. I've been hearing from you quite regular the past few days. I had an afternoon liberty yesterday. Beer is rationed to 2 bottles a man but I guess it is lucky to get that. I picked a few cocoanuts and drank some milk from them just to see what it tasted like. I wish I could think of more to write but it's pretty hard. I'm glad to hear that everyone home is O.K. and that Dotty is doing so well in school. I got a letter from Miriam and she seems to like married life pretty well. I haven't done much fishing lately as we have been pretty busy but I drop my line over every chance I get. That's about all so will close with

Love to all,

Paul

P.S. Remember me to Sally

Postmarked April 16, 1944, v-mail

Apr. 7, 1944

Dear Folks,

As usual, there isn't much I can write about. I went ashore again this afternoon and we played some football and then had a swim to cool off. All in all it was a pretty enjoyable afternoon. I still can't give you any more information as to where I am except somewhere in the Pacifac but after sufficient time has elapsed we will be allowed to mention places we have been. So far all we can tell about is San Francisco, San Diego, and Pearl harbor. But even though I can't tell you exactly where I am I want you to know that I am well and happy and am seeing a lot of places that I had never heard of before. I guess I will have a lot to tell about when I do get home.

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log April 15 - 21, 1944

On the 15th [of April], the destroyer escort stood out of Segond Channel to rendezvous at sea with SS William Charlie Yeager and escort that ship to the southern Solomons. They reached Tulagi on the 21st; and, while the merchantman put into Tulagi, Witter moved on to Purvis Bay at Florida Island.

Postmarked April 15, 1944

Apr. 10, 1944

Dear Folks,

I haven't written in the last couple of days because there wasn't anything I could write about. There still isn't but I will try anyway. I haven't had any mail in a couple of days but I guess it will all come at once and then there will probably be another lull for a few days. I hope you are hearing from me regularly. I've been writing as often as I could. Keep on writing and tell everyone else to keep writing even if I am slow in answering because mail from home means a lot to us down here. I'm feeling fine and have nothing to complain about, so will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

P.S. Regards to Sally

Postmarked April 9, 1944 - later, v-mail

March 29, 1944

Dear Folks,

Caught my first fish in the Pacifac last nite. It was some kind of bass about a pound or pound and a half. I fried it in the galley and it wasn't bad.

I am now a member of the "Sons of the Golden Dragon" having crossed the international date line. If and when we cross the equator, I will become a "shellback" but they have quite an initiation and hazing when that happens. there isn't much more to write, things are going pretty much the same. If you want to write to any of the fellow I know, like George Kravis, Stan Hirsh, Bob Gilbert, Herb Sommers or any of the others, let them know that I'm doing O.K.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 9, 1944 v-mail

March 24, 1944

Dear Folks,

Well, today makes exactly one year since I was sworn into the Navy. So far, I've gotten what I wanted, to get a ship and get out to sea so I guess I can't complain. I haven't had a chance to do very much fishing but I did catch a couple of crabs. We went swimming over the side this afternoon and the water felt pretty good. Have you heard from any of the fellow like George Kravis, Stan Hirsch, Bob Marshall, or Herb Sommers? Don't laugh, but I am growing a beard. I've been cultivating it for 2 weeks now, and it almost covers my chin. Well, I'll ave plety of time to grow it. All in all I like this life swell. We don't have all the luxuries and conveniences that you find ashore but I likeit just the same. Give my love to Mom, dad, Ralph, Dotty, Vickie and Sally.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked April 8, 1944

April 6, 1944

Dear Folks,

I'm all out of B-mail stationary and can't get any, so I have to write this way. I had liberty yesterday from 1330 to 1700. there isn't much you can do on liberty. We have beer but its rationed to 2 bottles per day. About al you can do ashore is eat cocoanuts and swim or play ball, but even that is better than nothing. I can't tell you much except that I am somewhere in the Pacifac west of the International Date line. I'm purposely repeating myself because all of my mail may not go thru. I am also going to start numbering my letters, so you will know if you miss any. this will be No. 1. I got another letter from you yesterday and was glad to hear that everyting is O.K. U am O.K. and have nothing to complain about. That's about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log April 3 - 15, 1944

She [U.S.S. Witter] remained for 12 days [until April 15] escorting ships into and out of the harbor at Espiritu Santo.

Postmarked March 24 or 25, 1944

Dear Folks,

Not much I can write, except that I am feeling O.K. and hope everyone at home is the same. Right now I'm doing a little fishing over the side, but so far I haven't had to much luck, but I'll keep trying. I've been enjoying life pretty much and hope things keep going smoothly.

Chow has been pretty good and I still haven't gotten seasick yet and I don't think I will. Not much to write, so give my love to Mom, Dad, Ralph, Dotty, Vickie, and Helen. It's tooo ba that I could see Helen one night, but that's how it is.

Love to all,

Paul

Witter Log March 8 - April 3, 1944

On 8 March, she stood out of San Francisco and steamed, via Pearl Harbor, to the Gilbert Islands, arriving in Majuro lagoon on the 22d. She departed Majuro on 26 March and—after side visits to Makin, Tarawa, and Abemama in the Gilberts—she arrived in Espiritu Santo on 3 April.

Postmarked March 4, 1944

March 4, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got your package and Anonettes both yesterday. Please thank her for me, and thanks for the candy and books, I haven't found anyone who plays chess yet but there must be some one aboard ship who does.

We are back in dry dock again. The diver couldn't get the cable free from the propellor, so they bought us over here to take it off. We will probably be refloated some time tonite.

Its still pouring rain as it did nearly all nite. The California sunshine must be gone for the duration unless it was all a myth in the first place. I don't know where we'll be getting underway, but it will probably be Monday or Tuesday. The trip will probably take about 6 days. We'll be wearing whites again when we get there, and they wear them all year round there. I guess I'll put my blues away in mothballs, because I probably won't be needing them where we're going.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked March 3, 1944

March 3, 1944

Dear Folks,

I guess your surprised to here from me, but we had a little accident which will probably delay us a couple of days. Pulling out of Alameda Air base, where we took in torpedoes, the deck force fouled up our starboard propeller with a 1 1/2" steel mooring cable. We had to be towed by tug to Treasure Island, and we are now waiting for a diver with an underwater cutting torch to cut the cable free.

I celebrated my birthday Wednesday, The boys in the fireroom sang happy birthday and it was very touching. It is really pouring today and cold as H___, typcial Cal. weather. There isn't much to write about, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked March 2, 1944

March 1, 1944

Dear Folks,

Well, here I am, a mature man of 18. Thanks a lot for the money you sent but it was hardly necessary and the 25 you wired me was all the birthday gift I could want. I got a birthday gift from the Navy, too. The rating list was posted today and I am now Fireman 1c and will probably go up for my crow within a few weeks.

Outside of that there isn't much to write. We are leaving drydock tomorrow then a day or two loading store, fuel and ammunition and we will be off. It was swell to talk to you the nite before last and as I said it will probably be the last call for a whill. You probably have my record by now I hope you like it.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked February 24, 1944

Feb. 24, 1944

Dear Folks,

There isn't much to tell since I last wrote you, but I'll try my best, Did you get my record yet. You'll pronably be pretty surprised where you hear it. When I first heard it I couldn't believe I sounded that way.

Well, we are starting to put the boiler back together. I always wanted to see what the inside of a boiler looked like, and I found out. When I first looked at the man hole (12" x 16") I didn't think it was possible for one to squeeze thru it, but I found it can be done with a little squirming. There are over 1000 tubes in the boiler ranging in size from 1" to 4 1/2"

After we get it back together we will give it a hydrostatic test by building up a water pressure 1 1/2 times the normal working pressure to test for leaks. We are docked at Treasure Island, the site of San Francisco's world's fair. It is situated in the middle of the bay between Frisco and Oakland. I must say the harbor of San Francisco is really beautiful. The Gold gate Bridge, seen coming into port around sunset, actually seem to have a golen glow to it. (I'm beginning to sound like the Calif. Chamber of Commerce).

In reply to your letter, I am not keeping adiary because it is again the rules for Naval personell to keep personla diaries in time of war.

Not much more towrite, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked February 23, 1944

Feb. 22, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got the money O.K. and I want to thank you a lot. It sure was a life-saver. Too bad I couldn't have had that 72 hour liberty in Norfolk instead of here so that I could have come home, but as it was I had a pretty good time. I made a record and you should be getting it soon. I couldn't believe it was me when I first heard it.

I'm glad to here that George was home on leave. It seems that he's gotten a couple of better breaks than I did but my time will come, I guess. I sure hope I meet up with him somewhere someday.

There isn't much more to write, and I am getting ready to go ashore to mail this, so I will close with,

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked February 19, 1944

Feb. 19. 1944

Dear Folks,

Got two letters from you yesterday and the package arrive O.K. about a week ago. I am spending my weekend here in Frisco. I slept here [Pepsi-Cola Center for Service Men and Women letterhead] and it was the first time this year that I slept ashore. I will try to call tomorrow.

We are really overhauling all the machinery in the fireroom before shoving off. We are repacking all the pumps and have the whole boiler apart and are cleaning out both the firesides and the watersides. It's a dirty job, but I don't mind it as it gives me a chance to see just how the boiler is constucted and to study all the parts and fittings. I spent most of yesterday cleaning out the inside of the tubes. We used a little air motor with a wire brush wheel which fits inside of the tubes. I personally think an electric motor with a flexible shaft would work out better, as I had to stop several times yesterday to blow out the dirt and scale from the air hose.

According to fairly reliable scuttlebutt rumors, we are shoving off for Pearl Harbor the 29th, but that is not certain.

So you were snowed in, eh? I sure would like to see some snow. It has gotten pretty cold here tho, I am wearing my peacoat for the first time since we came out here.

There isn't much more to tell, so I will close now and if I think of anything else I'll tell you about it tomorrow over the phone.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked February 17, 1944

Feb. 16, 1943 [sic]

Dear Folks,

We just pulled into Frisco last nite ending our shakedown cruise. We had an Admiral's inspection down in San Diego, but I got out of that since I was on watch in the fireroom at the time.

We will be pretty busy the next couple of weeks making minor repairs and adjustments before shoving off.

We ran into some pretty heavy weather coming up from San Diego, and we were rocking and pitching plenty. I came thru O.K. so I guess I am pretty salty after all. Those DE roll even in a light ground swell, so you can imagine how they are in a storm. We rolled 30 degrees once during the night, but they are supposed to be able to rol 70 degrees and come back right side up.

We have liberty this week-end from Friday P.M. to Monday A.M. and if we get paid I may go down to Los Angeles for the weekend. I am going to find out about train schedules tonite.

Love to all.

Paul

Postmarked February 6, 1944

Feb 6, 1943 [sic]

Dear Folks,

Well, our shakedown is just about over and we will probably be heading back to Frisco soon. It has been pretty interesting, too we fired all the guns and torpedoes and simluated all kind of action. We had a touch of excitement too. The other day we picked up the pilot and gunner of a navy plane which made a forced landing at sea. Neither of them were hurt, and they were only in the water about an our. I'm sending Ralph a 1/1" anti-aircraft shell case I picked up during firing, I'm sure he will get a kick out of it.

The weather has continued to be swell and the seas have been calm. We had movies on the fantail last nite, as we do almost every nite in port. It isn't exactly like the Music Hall, we set up the screen over the depth charge racks and sit on buckets, hatch covers, or anything else handy.

Not much more to write, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked January 22, 1944

Sat. Jan 22, 1943 [sic]

Dear Folks,

We pulled nito San Diego yesterday after being out a week, and are shoving off tomorrow or Monday. The weather here is like June and for the last few ays the ream [??] has been almost like glass, so it has been almost like a vacation cruise.

We had an inspection today by our skipper, Comdr. Davis, and liberty should be starting soon. We are moored to a buoy in the bay so we have to use the boat to get ashore.

I got two letter from you today and was sorry to hear about Mrs. Moss's dog. Tell Mrs. Smith I recieved her package O.K. ad am sorry I neglected tow rite to thank her personally but it arrived the day before we left Norfolk and in the confusion of getting packed up and ready to leave, I neglected to write.

I'm glad that Vickie is O.K. and that you are all pleased with her. I new that once you got attached to her you would never want to let her go.

Not much more to write, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

Witter log January 18 - February, 1944

Witter departed San Francisco on 18 January 1944 and began her shakedown training. During that cruise, she visited San Diego and then underwent post-shakedown repairs at the Mare Island Navy Yard before returning to San Francisco at the end of February.

Postmarked January 16, 1944

Sun Jan 16, 1944

Dear Folks,

I finally got the package and was glad to get it all. The sweater comes in handy to wear on liberty as it is too warm for a peacoat but too cool not to wear anything. I can wear the sweater under my jumper and it doesn't show. Thanks a lot for the book, Ralph, I just finished reading it.

We shoved off Friday afternoon and stayed out all nite and came in Sat. morning. We were out about 100 miles, and most of the fellows were sick, even some who had been to sea before, but again I came thru O.K., so I guess I'm pretty salty after all.

Coming in there was a school of porpoises following the ship they were about 4 feet long and had dorsal fins like sharks. They came right close to the ship, leaped out the water and dove under the hull. I broke out my hand line and tried to hook one, just for the heck of it, but I couldn't get one to bite.

My station has been changed since i came aboard. I am in charge of the No. 1 Fireroom on cruising watches. I have to regulate the forced draft blower so that there is absolutely no smoke. To much air causes white smoke, not enough air causes black smoke either one of which would give our position away. I also have to watch the main feed pump closely, as if the water supply was cut off to the boiler, there wouldn't be any tubes left inside of a minute or two. Its a lot of responsibility for a guy who never saw a boiler before, but so far I've done O.K. I haven't blown anything up, yet. My battle station is on a damage control party. Our job it to make sure all hatches are closed, to be ready with fire apparatus in case of fire, and patch up battle damage any way we can. We have general quarters drills at all hours, and that is one time when you drop whatever your doing and go to your battle station on the double and that is one time when there is no fooling around, as seconds count.

We are shoving off tomorrow on our shakedown cruise, so you will probably not have any mail from me for a few weeks until we pull into port again.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked January 13, 1944

Jan. 12, 1943 [sic]

Dear Folks,

I'm writing this letter ashore so that it will not be censored. We went about 30 miles outside today for target practice and it was pretty rough and quite a few fellows were sick. Only about half the crew had any appetite for dinner, even tho we had steak. I guess all the knocking around I did out the bay did me some good, for I felt well all day. Some of the old salts, seeing it wasn't affecting me, tried to make me sick by talking about greasy pork chops etc. but it didn't bother me in the least. I cleared my tray at chow and went back seconds, much to the surprise of said old salts. We'll be shoving off on our shakedown cruise the 17th and then I'll be able to find out how salty I am.

We've been making short runs around the bay for the last couple of weeks,but today was the first time went outside the nets. I even rate a campaign bar now, American Theatre of War.

The California coast is very different from the east. The mountains rise directly up from the beach, and we have seen some beautiful scenery, especially this afternoon when we came in thru the famous Golden Gate. I didn't see it going out, as I was on watch in the fire-room below, but I was off watch in the afternoon.

We were issued life preservers the other day. They are of the pneumatic type, and are less clumsy than the old life jackets and do not interfere with your working and can be blown up in a few seconds.

We haven't been getting much mail and what we do get is a couple of weeks old, but I guess that's the way it is. I've had a few letters fron you tho, and I guess it will all catch up eventually.

We are docked at Treasure Island, which is in the middle of San Francisco Bay, between Frisco and Oakland. We will be out about a month on our shakedown cruise, after which we will probably pull into San Diego.

That's about all, so i will close with,

Love to all

Paul

Postmarked January 12, 1944

Sunday, Ja. 9, 1943 [sic]

Dear Folks,

Sorry that you haven't heard from me, but I got a couple of letters back from the censor because of saying something I shouldn't have. We got three cartons of cigarettes and some stationary, soap, etc. as a sort of Christmas gift from the Red Cross. We were also issued sheath knives. I got a v-mail letter from Henry in New Guinea and also a letter from the school with a list of the adresses of all the graduates in service. There is not much more I can tell you. I'm feeling fine and I'm learning a lot about engineering.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked January 2, 1944

Sat. Jan. 1, 1944

Dear Folks,

I am mailing this ashore so that it will not be censored, and I can tell you some things that I otherwise couldn't.

We came aboard the ship Wednesday morning, and the ship was commissioned that afternoon. Since then we have been busy loading stores and getting ready for sea. We are at the outfitting dock of the Bethlehem shipyards in San Francisco, and will probably shove off on our shakedown cruise the middle of January. I haven't had any liberty yet but I will rate it tonite and will mail it then. I stood a couple of watches on the boiler and am getting to know my way around the firerooms *& engine rooms pretty well.

I haven't gotten any mail yet but I guess it takes a long time for it to get thru.

As far as the famous California sunshine goes, its a lot of bull. We haven't had a sunny day yet. It is getting pretty warm tho. We are wearing white hats and we seldom if ever need peacoats.

That's about all I can think of. As I said, I don't know when we may shove off, so don't worry if you don't get mail for quite a while.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked January 1, 1944

Thurs, Dec. 30, 1943

Dear Folks,

We came aboard the ship yesterday morning. I can't tell you much about here or when we are leaving as our mail is being censored. There was naturally some confusion at first, but things are begining to get settled. I haven't had any mail yet, but we should be getting some soon. I guess it will take a couple of weeks to get mail thru. We haven't had any liberty yet and probably won't for a few days.

I'm still waiting to see some of that [censored] sunshine. this morning it was raining cats and dogs. It's hard to write much because of lot of things I'd like to tell you about the ship but I can't so I'll close with

Love to all,

Paul