May 1, 1944 - Letter From Cape Gloucester

This was the last letter from Cape Gloucester.  According to his date book, Daddy arrived on Pavuvu May 20, 1944.

The 1st Marine Division departed in two echelons on 6 April and 4 May. Left behind was the 12th Defense Battalion, which continued to provide antiaircraft defense for the Cape Gloucester airfields until relieved by an Army unit late in May. Cape Gloucester : The Green Inferno by Bernard C. Nalty

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Dear Mother & All,

Thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know that I am still fine & hope you are the same.  I had a letter from Mrs. Jacobs, a V-Mail from Sis & a letter from you today & certainly was glad to get them.  The letter from Mrs. Jacobs was so sweet & nice, it's so considerate of her to think of us over here & to write & it surely does help out.

I'm glad you enjoyed Jeanette McDonald but knew you would.  Mother, you are right about us having cots & mattresses, but they are known to the Marine Corps as 'sacks'. Bet Dad & Mama* do have a nice garden, but its a good thing cause it's probably the only way you will be able to get that sort of stuff & I sure wish I were there to enjoy it.

All my love,
Son
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* "Mama" was what they called their grandmother Newman, who was living with them by that time.

(Click Here For Full Size)