Postmarked January 26, 1946

Shanghai, China
Jan. 25, 1946

Dear Folks,

Got Ralph's letter and got a big kick out of it. I see his penmanship has not improved any. The idea of him going to college with me came as a surprise at first, but then I got to realizing that it's been three years since I graduated and a lot of water has gone over the dam since then. However, when I get to thinking about it, it may not be such a bad idea. He may even be able to help me with my homework. I intend to work toward an M.E. degree, but I haven't quite decided just what branch of engineering to specialize in. I've picked up a pretty fair practical knowledge of Deisel engines, so maybe I will try something in that line. however, I have time to decide, as the courses are probably the same the first year or so.

I am enclosing some more snapshots, so you see I am getting to be quite a camera fiend.

I got a letter from George and his plans seems closely parralell to mine, so perhaps the three of us will end up in school together. If so it will serve to bring back the good old clamming days in Lindenhurst. After spending three years in the Navy, however, and making all kinds of wild liberties in both U.S. and Foreign ports (especially the last few months hear in Shanghai) we may not prove a very good influence on a growing adolescent youth. It may not be so easy to settle down to the humdrum routine of an institute of higher learning after all the hell-raising we've been doing, but I guess there will be lots of others facing the same change.

As for when this change will commence, that is the $64 question. As I wrote in previous letters, I will have accumulated sufficient points (33) for discharge on Feb. 23. However, as I also wrote, there is a very likely possibility that I will be held for 90 days on the "military necessity" clause. So we'll just have to keep our fingers crossed and see what develops.

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked January 20, 1946

Shanghai, China
Jan. 20, 1946

Dear Folks,

Got you letter of Jan 5 and am glad you liked the pictures. I am enclosing some more. I can't send the negatives as yet because the pictures have proved quite popular, and just about everybody who appears in any of them wants prints, so you see they are being well used.

I also got a letter from George, and he seems to be getting a pretty good break all around. It is practically certain that I will be held for 90 days, so you needn't be expecting me till May or June.

The weather is always a good topic for conversation. It's been very changable, mild one day and bitter cold the next. This is supposed to be the rainy season but there hasn't been any to speak of, knock on wood. I have going ashore regularly and managing to have a pretty good time, but Shanghai is beginning to pall on me. It's as good a liberty post as you'll find anywhere in the Pacifac, except perhaps Australia, but I get restless staying in one place to long, and I'd kind of like to get moving again.

That is very unlikely, tho, as we seem to have found a permanent berth here. But, as long as I can go on making liberty, I can't complain too much. As I've said in many previous letters, I can think of lots worse places to be stuck.

All my love,

Paul

Postmarked January 12, 1946

Shanghai, China
Jan. 12, 1945 [1946]

Dear Folks,

Got your package with the films yesterday, and I was certainly glad to get them, as stateside film is almost worth its weight in gold. These should last me for some time. I am enclosing some more snaps, so you can see, I am getting good use from the camera. These pictures were taken in front of Marco's Brass Rail, a bar which has become the unofficial headquarters and meeting place ashore for the Samar crew. It's located right near the landing and is always the place where we have the "first today" when coming ashore, and turn "bottoms up" before going back to the ship.

As for my chances of getting out, they don't look too good. The point score has been reduced except for certain critical ratings, and mine is one of them. The only replacements we are getting are seamen and firemen, and none of these will go up for a rate for fear of being held when their time comes for release. We jus have to hope that the Chinese will get their internal troubles settled so that the fleet can all go back.

I got a gift subscription notice from the "reader's Digest" today and I will appreciate getting it every month. That's all, so thanks again for the film and the subscription.

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked January 8, 1946

Shanghai, China
Jan. 7, 1945

Dear Folks,

Got your letter of Dec. 21, and I gather that you folkshave been having a spell of cold weather. It was pretty cold for a while here, but the past few days have been fairly mild. They say it seldom, if ever, snows here, but it does get plenty cold.

I've taken some more pictures and m enclosing a few prints. Film is getting to be an expensive item at $1.50 a roll (when I can find it), so if you could send me a roll by air mail, say once a week, I would appreciate it very much. I am very much please with the camera. Some fellows have paid as high as $30 and $40 for cameras over here and they don't take any better pictures than mine. I can get $20 for it any time I want.

I'm still having a good time over here. I guess I can call myself an old China hand now, having been here over 3 month. The "Samar" incidentally, is now the oldest ship in the river.

That's about all there is to write, so I hope you like the pictures and I hope to here from you again soon.

With all my Love,

Paul