Iheya Jima July 4, 1945
Iheya Jima July 4, 1945
Dear Mom -
Hope you know the good news by now. I'm so happy and know how you must feel - isn't it wonderful? And I'll bet Joe will be one of the first ones home! There goes my career - I hope. Oh gee I'm so awful happy. Can't wait to hear from him now. Here is the last one I've gotten. Oh Mom - this is a wonderful day. Wish we could be together!
We're out of school for two days. I went to Church last nite and to the beach all day today - this time is dragging by and I'm so anxious to get to S.F. Wonder what you're doing today -
We graduate the 24th - so only a little over a week - I can hardly wait. Hope I see you.
Guess I better write to the folks now - write me - gee I'm sure happy - it's been awful quiet here - and everyone looks so happy - what a day!
Don is coming Fri to spend the week-end - wonder what will happen to him now -
Love ya -
Bette Mac.
My Darling,
Four letters from you tonight so I have quite a bit of writing to do. Certainly glad to hear from you, and to know you made it okay. Knew you would enjoy the ride, and glad you liked it. How does the old room feel. I suppose it is as cold as ever. When you use to leave the windows up it was the next closest thing to a refrigerator. Know how you must feel, and only wish I could make your wish come true right now. You two are really a couple of sad sacks, and I have to laugh everytime I visualize you two carrying on in one of your moods. Glad to hear everyone got along together, and only regret I wasn't there to make it a perfect hexagon or rather I should say square; you see I am getting so that I can't even add anymore. Don and Jean really have got a nice location, and we will be sure to steal if for a night or so. You really made a good plan for the attack on Ed, and know it will work if anything does. That was sort of funny about Jeanne, but would like to hear all the news, and know you understand. You two have probably met by this time, and glad you decided to spend a day in Eugene, for the Bailey's would have been disappointed if you hadn't. Glad to know Mom looks good, and I realize she suffers more like all the others when we are in combat, but there is nothing that can be done about that. I think that both you and Louie are nasty, and just to make it even will stand up for Marietta. I received a letter from him the other day, and he said he hadn't been sick since the time we went out together, but that he was ready to repeat the ordeal anytime now. He is sure a swell guy, and it is too bad his hands are tied. It is getting to be a fine state of affairs when Ed even interrupts my letters, but will excuse him this time. He must like to talk over a phone, for he certainly spends a long time talking. Must close now and just one thing, how did Marge know that was my handwriting? Goodnight honey and love you always.
Love,
Joe
Pfc. Joseph C. Wicks
My Darling,
Haven't written for a few days so decided I had better write a few lines. That must be quite some place La Rue has, will have to go out there and see for myself someday. It looks like I am going to have to do a lot of practicing to beat you at bowling; I doubt if I could bowl a hundred. We have a ping pong table now, but at the present we are out of balls. We get sundays off now, and I spend most of the time playing volleyball. We have really got a nice looking camp, and only wish we were allowed to have cameras so I could get some pictures.
That is too bad about Don and Jean, but they will make out alright; it is probably just temporarily. Excuse the spelling. I have thought about that my self sometimes, these damn islands have got so many different kind of diseases on them, and will just have to wait and see, but I know one thing for sure, that I am going to live some place where there is the four seasons of the year. I expect Mt. Hood will be getting its first coat of snow pretty soon. As for the subject of writing, you tell those girls that someday they will be able to understand also. I received a long letter from Gene, and he is pretty homesick for Ethel. He said mom was worrying quite a bit lately; wish the two of you could see each other for awhile. I imagine she wrote you about her trip to Seattle. How is Johnny feeling these days? She is sure swell honey, and we are lucky along that line anyway. Only hope she doesn't think that I have changed too much. Must close now, and love you as always darling.
Love,
Joe
Pfc. Joseph C. Wicks
My Darling,
No letters from you today. not much too say except that I got a letter from Bobbie, Dena, and Roy, or in otherwords all the relatives are responding. also received a letter from Darrell today, and he isn't on a ship as yet. He typed me out quite a gossip column about all the kids at school, would send it on to you, but it is not too nice in places. Suppose you will be going to Salt Lake before too long to be with your folks again. anyway, that is what your mother expects, and you should spend some time with them for a change. heard on the angels cried over the radio last night that is really a good song. would sure like to get to a good state-side dance again. I would probably be stiffer than a board anyway, so it doesn't make any difference I guess. Helen wrote me and said you were planning on visiting them around the nineteenth, is that correct? What does the profit and loss statement read now. Guess I am getting too inquisitive now, so will quit. Glad to hear you are going to send me some more pictures. I can never get enough of them. you weren't wrong when you said we were going to take the best honeymoon that two people ever took. I am just waiting for that day to come and all the rest will follow. Goodnight darling, and I love you and am with you always.
all my love,
Joe
Pfc. Joseph C. Wicks
My Darling,
Back from liberty and a flood of mail waiting for me. Those were really some pin-up girls that you sent me, and as for those pictures of you, I guess you are really my pistol packing Mama. You look something like Barbara Stanwyck in one of them. Got you some more souveniers today, dont know what you will ever do with all that junk, but will keep getting stuff anyway. Gene and I had a pretty good time today, and we were both pretty good, although I did get my lip cut in a fight. It has been so long since I was even in a scrap that it seemed pretty good, and there wasn't much harm done. I must have really written you a nasty letter, but then guess that what mom said is just about right. Guess it was funny to you what Gene said about the fried chicken, but I honestly dont think I will ever be able to eat it again. I really mean what I said about the Liberty Theatre, but I could be wrong. Gene and I tried to get our pictures taken today, but they were out of film so will have to wait for awhile. As for South America, guess you answered that so that is that. Do you think this war will ever end. I am getting mighty sleepy so think I had better close. Will try and find out about Pete. Would sure like to just talk to you for just five minutes, but guess that cant be. Glad that I have you and that we are in love and everything will turn out okay. Goodnight darling, you have all my love.
All my love,
Joe
P.F.C. Joseph C. Wicks
Letter from "Guy", 08 Aug 1945
My Darling,
No mail for a couple of days so haven't much to write about, but will attempt it anyway. That was a pretty cute letter that your friend Boogie wrote. Think you should answer her plea and return to school for spring term. After all you are only young once and that is the time to have fun, besides it will keep your mind busy and the change will do you good. I know you want to go back and can't blame you a bit so we will plan on that for sure. Will send you another money order by the first of March and with what you and I have already got should be ample to carry you through okay. Glad that they hurried and hit the Marshalls, for the fast they hit all the remaining islands, the quicker this thing will be over. That is going to be tough sledding, but imagine Truk and the Caroline group will be the grand daddy of them all. Has Wilson left the states yet? Suppose he has by now, but was just wondering. The are showing pictures of Tarawa tonight, but it doesn't appeal to me so guess I will get in a bull session instead. Also, I have to answer Ed's letter tonight. Hope this month goes by as fast as the last one. Something takes place on the fourteenth of this month, but I can't quite recall what it is, can you refresh my memory. Well honey must close now, and love you always.
All my love,
Joe
Pfc. Joseph C. Wicks
My Darling,
Received lots more mail from you today as well as a couple of packages
from Ed with most of the drugstore included in them. Haven't received
yours yet but it still isn't Christmas. Tell mother that I got a letter
from Mrs. Pope today. She is sure a swell woman. Warren has really
traveled around huh, but he hasn't been anyplace where the going is rough
and hot. Maybe I am just pessimistic but it seems to me that the people
back there are just taking too much for granted about this war being over
in a jiffy. After all, those American newspapers are just circulation
happy. Why was it a good thing you saw child's before I did, I don't get
it? You tell our friend Hecker that someday she is going to get a hot
foot from a flamethrower or its equivalent. Sounds like some of your
customers are like these marines. Was surprised about Barbara Bell, and
as for Gullins girl, shouldn't rush at conclusions might have been a
friend. You and I must be Psychic, for I had the same kind of a dream.
By the way, that Dorothy Hecker and this business of poetry, she must be
giving you a snow job. Just living for the day when we are at the cabin
again. It will take half a dozen bull dozers to make me move out of
there. Gene and I are going to walk up the road and indulge in some cakes
so will close now, and my thoughts are always with you.
All my love,
Joe
Pvt. Joseph C. Wicks
"Dear Mother,
"It has been a week since I have written you, so I will admit that I
should have a good bawling out. I am just now starting to recuperate from
seeing my future wife, and I really need a lot of rest. I got thursday
night, friday night and the weekend until 7:00 sunday morning to see her
so you can see that neither one of us got any rest. We were both so happy
to see each other that all we could do was cry for about 10 minutes. I was
never so glad to see anyone before in my life. Sunday night was terrible
though, and if there is anything I hate, it is to say goodbye. Why I never
weakened and got married is beyond me, but I am still single. Don't see
why we weren't married though, for we both feel and act like we are
married, but suppose it is best to wait. I promised her that I would marry
her in 2 months, for I thought I would be going across in 8 weeks, but
yesterday we were told that we would be stationed here for 5 or 6 months,
because our regiment is just forming and it will take that long to form,
beside the fact that the marines finally learned it didn't pay to ship men
across as fast as they were doing, so I am perfectly happy now. I am in
the engineer battalion and it is really a pretty good deal, and I am glad
I am in it, for we will have little if any combat, outside of ducking
artillery shells and bombs. We are going through a week of basic training
now, learning how to fire all the different types of weapons just in case
we ever have to pitch in with the infantry and help them fight. We went on
a 20 mile hike yesterday and had to swim 300 yds. across a lake with a
pack and all of our clothes and shoes on. I hadn't had any sleep for 4
days so I just fell asleep at 4:30 yesterday afternoon and slept til 7:00
this morning. We had class-room lecture all day today so it was an easy
day, but tomorrow we go on another hike & sham battle. It is really swell
out here and everybody is so darn nice to you. We get off at 4:30 every
afternoon and have base liberty every night, and can go into town every
other night if we want, and have 2 weekends out of 3 to go to L.a. or San
Diego, or anyplace we want for that matter. There are 2 shows out here
everynite and it doesn't cost you a cent, or you can go to the P.X. and
drink beer for 10 cents a bottle. So you see being a full fledged marine
is a pretty darn good life. Thank you for the $15 dollars even though it
went to my wife. She had to do so darn much travelling that she ran out of
money so I gave it to her, but I will get even with her yet. Golly mom, I
never dreamed I would ever love a girl so much as I do her, or to have a
girl love me as much as she does. at any rate it is perfect, and can't
wait for this darn war to end, for I have a lot of things to do which will
keep me busy after it is all over. Bet that you are really going to miss
her and I sort of wish she was going to stay with you. I am going to go
into Oceanside tomorrow night and get my pictures made, and that will be
my mother's day gift to you. Guess that Betty will give you the lowdown on
everything so I will close now and go down to the P.X. and drink a few
beers. Please write when you find time, and don't worry about me, for I am
not in the infantry and you should be thankful for that, for they are the
unfortunate ones in this outfit. Must close now and love you very much.
all my love,
Joe.
Dearest Ruby -
I've been trying for a week to get out of this place but couldn't get the reservations - finally I have them for this Saturday - the 14thafter much argument. Pam has been persuading me to stay here - she now has a ring because her George got a leave for 15 days so came home. Her folks were all against him and there has been a lot of friction around here. They are awfully unreasonable and have never been really parents to her. I am explaining this to you because she wants to come up to Portland with me and I told her it is all right if she wants to. You should see what she goes through here. I can explain it better when I see you. She is going to sneak all her clothes out and I'm trying to convince her to tell them she's going so perhaps she will. She is swelland I'm glad you will be able to meet her. She may follow later I don't know but I thought I'd tell you anyway in case she comes with me. We may stay in Eugene and see the Baileys so will probably arrive on Monday nitetrain if we leave Eugene at 12 noon or whenever that leaves. Don't stay home if you have anything planned though.
Don't feel we're going to move in on youbag and baggage but we think we ought to get a room somewhere as soon as we land a job. If I can just be in Portland so I can see you often that will be perfect. I've sure missed you Ruby - Pam is such a good friend and I know she would help me out so I think she will no doubt come. You will like her.
We have been lazy people around this Salinas and done nothing but waste gas and time. Went to see Joannie yesterday and their place is lovely - took her and her mother to Santa Cruz and had a grand day - Been to Carmel and San Francisco - we got a chance to ride up with George so went. I am ready to settle down to work now - gee I'm glad I'm coming up. Mum wrote and said she was much better and they are contemplating returning to California so said it would be all right for me to come up as they don't want me to make that long trip again if they leave as soon as I arrive. I'm sure glad I can.
Was glad to hear about Pat and George going to Seattle. Bet it was fun. And marriage plans already - guess I can't argue against it though 'cause I'd have been married if there had been time. No word from Joe - I find it much easier being apart now than when I was in Mich. Knowing he is definitely gone. I'm going to keep writing and praying. Seems like all the girls I went with here are married to the Air Corps and with their husbands. However, I'll still take my Marine. I've been talking to several Bataan mothers lately and guess we don't know how lucky we still are.
I'm getting all excited about seeing you - hope you are well and my love to Mac and Pat. Seems like years since I've seen you, but it won't be long now.
Love -
Bette Mac
Dear Ruby -
I'm down at the beach alone and just got back from a swim so now will write to you. Joe phoned Friday niteand told me to come down so Saturday I went to Elliot and waited three hours and then saw him. He had Saturday niteoff till 7:30 in the morning. We found a place to stay and then Sunday I went to Camp and we sat and talked from 3:00 until 10:00 - We decided that would be the last time we'd see each other because he will be busy and it will be any nitenow - he told me to tell you not to mention anything about when he leaves - it could be disastrous. The best I could find out is toniteor at least by Wed. they are given no address so we must wait perhaps 2 months until notified the journey has been safe and where to write. I'm going to write every day and then send all when I hear. You and I will have to send each other our letters when start coming.
Saturday nite they drew for the liberty and Joe didn't get it but Gene gave his to Joe. He is about the nicest person I've seen and it was hard saying goodbye to him too. Last nitewe knew it would be the very last and yet you should have seen us. I can't just sit and watch the time pass knowing how long there is left but last nitewas so different. I guess when the little things come up a person can dribble over them but something as big as this and I didn't even cry. Perhaps the realization of the whole thing is yet to come but Joe asked me not to cry and when we left he kissed me we smiled I said ``goodnite'' - I got on the bus and looked out and he saluted and walked off in the nite. We both were so happy we have each other and always will that we couldn't cry. I was so glad to see him that way - so unafraid and confident and it wasn't just an act for me. I told him I'd write for him because he waon'thave a minute now. Ruby - it was the way I wanted to leave him but never thought I'd have enuf courage or whatever it takes to do it.
Now please try not to worry too much because he is in the best outfit of all - I know that. I'm not just saying that to try and make you feel better but because it's true - all construction and out of actual combat area. I saw a pitiful thing yesterday - a man 37 with a wife and child-crying because he wanted engineers and was thrown into the infantry - his wife screamed and it was awful. He had just gotten out of boot camp the day before and is leaving with Joe. Oh- it's horrible. I thank God that Joe is in that branch. He is on the top deck of the ship and was glad of that - they will go to San Francisco and join a convoy - may get off the ship there but probably not - none got a leave which I think was unfair but there was a reason I guess. Wish you had been there - if you only could have seen how perfect Joe was - so calm and sure - wonderful.
I'm sending something for Calude Joe wants him to have. We made a chart - rather a list of probable places he would go and will use them in such a way so we will know where he is - like ``go see my buddie on 12th street'' or some such think and we look at the number and consequently will know - perhaps he will do it several ways so we will be sure. Am sending you a list.
I went to Giberson's and staid last nite - nice to see Lois - she couldn't understand how I could be so serene and all - met several girls from U.C.L.A. Tri Delts - they brought me to Oceanside this morning. We didn't phone you because we couldn't get near one at the base - Joe said it would be better to write. He said he's glad because he will be home all the sooner now that he's going across. he will plan for the day when you and I will be standing waiting for him to get off the ship. -
I'm leaving here tomorrow - I wanted one day alone here to sort of think things out. I'm so glad Joe is a Marine Ruby - I wouldn't want his anywhere else. He likes it and the boys in his company and they like him - that's important. I'm going to L.A. for a couple days and then up to Salinas to see Pamela Kantor - will be there some time so write me there - 927 Pajaro - Salinas -
If my mother is well which I haven't heard yet I'd like to come up and see you - I want to and hope to soon if possible. When I see you I will be able to talk better and tell you everything. I'm so glad I came back and I know it helped both Joe and me so very much. Let's pray it won't be too long. Write to me soon and know we love you
Joe and Betty
Dear Ruby -
About time we were writing to you and letting you know I got here and all. I'm about the happiest girl in all the world and so awfully glad that I came back. I arrived in Los Angeles Saturday at 7:00 - eight hours late only to find no civilians on the 8:15 train to San Diego. I proceeded to ask a Marine to marry me and it worked so I was about the only girl on the train and what a ride that was. I hadn't heard from Joe and I just know he wouldn't be there but he was! Oh if you had just been there to see us when we met - we couldn't even talk we were so happy. Gene was there and I like him very much - a very nice boy. We went and ate and talked and talked and then came up to the Roscrucian Sanatarium and it'slovely here. I'm staying at the lodge and have a nice room. Joe and I had all day Sunday together and spent it at the beach so I have a nice sun tan now. Gene came with us - the picture is us with bottles and corn on the cob - horrible!
Monday night I went out to camp to see him and we sat in the Red Cross and talked. He looks so good and it was so nice to see him smile again. Then last niteI met him down town and we had spaghetti and then came out here and talked and talked. Oh Ruby - he was so discouraged and down-hearted and just fed up with it all and I spent about three hours trying to cheer him up and try my best to make him realize it wasn't all useless. He does hate it so and is getting scared about going across. They all get that way. He was laughing when he left and looked so good. I hope my coming is a help - not a hindrance. I love him more and I didn't think it was possible. He's so perfect and fine.
The bad news is that he leaves Pendleton tomorrow and goes to Elliot where he will be for about 2 or 3 weeks. It's sudden but I knew it wouldn't be long when I came. I'll stay here and can see him over the weekend. There is no room in San Diego so this is my best bet. I'm going to work Monday here making beds and so forth and will make my room and board so I'm glad I got the job. It will keep me busy too which makes it nice. Better write us General Delivery because now that I'm working they will move me out to the non-guest house and I don't know which one it will be - then Joe will be leaving and we'd get the mail quicker than if it has to follow him.
Dorriesd Joe just phoned ad I'm going out to camp again tonite. We're going to
discuss this marriage problem again. Ed wrote and wants Joe to come up if
he can get a furlough - and you come with us - what do you think about
that? Joe is going to try and I told him to ask for 20 or 30 days so he
might get ten - if we got married he would have more of a chance -
wouldn't he? I thought that was swell of Ed though - even offering to
have me come from Michigan - I wrote hims that I was here now.
Joe is up for PFC now and I hope they give it to him - finally he
might be on the way.
Joe wants me to tell you we're going to keep the check and you know
how much we thank you - it will really help. He tore up the others, but
is going to keep this one, as he was only paid fifteen dollars on pay day
this time - don't know why. You are wonderful and thank you very much.
Now that he's going to Elliot he will have to come back and forth to
Oceanside to see me. I think he'll have Sunday off - I hope so I can be
with him then.
Write soon and I'll write as soon as I know what the deal is about a
furlough. It would be swell to come up there - can't think of anything
better. Joe gets lonesome for you. You should have seen him last nite
with his blister after a 6 mile hike - I had to rub with alcohol and
boric acid and all - he was miserable.
Love you and pray that we will see you soon -
Betty and Joe
