Dearest Betty

Conclusion of Dearest Betty BLOG

My dad got home some time early August. I was 17 years old and he nicknamed me Brooke. He said I babbled like a Brooke. The name has stuck ever since.

He seemed like my same dad (as much as a 17 year old could tell) but seven months later on March 23, 1952 he took his own life using his 45-service weapon with a gunshot wound to the right temple. He and my mom had returned from a happy evening out at the N.C.O. Club it happened without any conversation (that I knew of) while mom was getting ready for bed.

I always wondered how he could do that leaving my mom and me after he missed us so much while he was gone. I am convinced now that he suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Back then there was no concern for the mental health of the service men that had endured such awful living conditions and seen such horrible sights. It took nearly 10 years for my mother to get any benefits from his death, as it was ruled “death by his own misconduct”. It took a congressman from Florida to help her get his pension.


I had never read the letters before this BLOG so it has been a real eye-opener to understand what he went through. I just wish I had talked more about him with my mom before she passed away in 1996.

At present, with the help of another Congressman here in South Carolina, I am trying to find out if Kim Ho Min is still living. So far no word.
(This was Kim's last known address in 1951)



Thanks to all who have taken the time to read This BLOG.

Brooke Hallman

Dearest Betty

Letter # 125 (The last one)
July 12
At Sea
Dearest Betty

Well here I am really on my way home and to you. As scheduled we left 4/11 Monday July 9th, took a Hell of a 40 mile truck ride to Chin Chu to the air strip. Then it was so overcast that my flight #23 didn’t get off until late on the afternoon of the eleventh. 1 hour 10 minutes later we landed at Pusan, another 15 mile truck ride to Camp where we turned in our gear, rifles, packs, mess gear etc. Drew a nice set of dungarees, skivvies & socks---then the rains came. This morning we embarked again on trucks for the docks. There we were deloused (Army) Marines aren’t lousy. Then aboard ship, a rather small A.P. transport, but (Navy) dinner today roast beef, mashed spuds, creamed peas and SALAD and cake. Supper, fresh beef stew with real spuds, nice salad. Our Navy they really have it rough out here.

So we go now to Kobi, Japan, pick up our gear we left if there is any left of it, then get on another ship, just what type I can’t say till we get aboard. Then on the 14th we are to sail out. Can't say which part we will land in but should be around the 27th of July. A few days to get our orders, draw clothes and all such red tape, then my leave will start. Should get 30 days with processed time so I hope to be seeing you sometime around the 4 or 5th of August. I would like to fly, I don’t think it would cost any more than VIA train, should I sleep any or eat any and I know I would and besides I’ll see you three days sooner if I fly but I also hear you have so many people are flying back & forth just when a transport comes in. Any way we will see. I may be able to hitch a ride VIA government air. Can’t say and I know I won’t fool around waiting to see day by day. I want to come home, I am desperate now with the end so close. I really can’t sleep, and of course my body knows I am going home too for I already have my cold. Lots of coughing and one side of my face hurts.

Honey I won’t know till I get to the U.S. where I’ll be posted but feel sure it will be L.J. Very few people are asking for it and I made all three of my choices Camp LeJeune to the Commandant. Also gave my home address a Jacksonville so I am sure that will be it. Well, Sugar Pie, this is my last letter to you, just wish I knew if I should call you from Calif. Or just keep rolling along. Any way, Dear, my love is just rolling along to you a Hell of a lot faster than this ship is moving.

I’ll close now and buy a envelope & stamp tomorrow. Something new.

All my love dear till I see you & look deep into your eyes and say---Betty, I love you.

Bill

Note from Babbling Brooke: Tomorrow I will write a final entry about my dad's return

Dearest Betty

Letter # 124
July 6, 1951
Hi, Sugar

Well, Street has gone to Reg. To be Marjorie Renalds escort. We are getting just like the Army. Jack Benny Errol Flynn M. Renalds are having a show at Reg. Today. We are still getting quite a bit. A return fire from the Red artillery. Just can’t knock them out or they put new guns in every day. Poor Peel, he is a wreck, runs around with his steel hat on, has a fox hole deep enough to stand up in. Came up last night and bummed a qt. Of whiskey off of me. Said he hadn’t slept in three nights. Also gave me Myrna’s phone number to call her up ant tell her just how rough he is having it. I told him I would but I was going to tell her how soft he was having it with stage shows, whiskey,movies, fresh chow & everything.

Well, Novack’s request for air transportation was refused, so he will have to go with the rest of the gang. Put off another day now the ninth. Sure will be glad to get under-weigh. I am so afraid now that something will happen to stop us and I am all hepped up to being home with you soon, that the days are dragging and the nights never end. We get a ration of beer tomorrow so I’ll drink mine to you till I can drink one with you.

All my love
Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter 123
July 5, 1951
Hi, Sugar

Well lots of steel has passed over head since I last wrote but my thoughts have been with you always. Yesterday we had one of the damndest counter Btry. Fires I have ever seen. Love Btry. Just across the stream from us slugged it out with one of M Btry’s guns working on it when we got a batch of incoming mail. Love got a direct hit on gun # 6. Amo blew up fuzes flying so Street & I took off over there. I started up a T.D.18 (cot) & pulled up to the gun with the blade raised (bulldozer). Lem jumped off & started to hook onto the gun when the Major ordered us away. We were trying to save the gun. Capt. Muntze (Btry Commander of Love Btry) recommended us, Street & I, for a Silver Star, but Maj. Coffee wanted to give us a court Martial. We settled for a damned good job of getting the gun back in action. Got one from the Army and redid the hit one to fix the other guns.

Well we leave here now on the 9th. Keeps me going one day for day. I’ll let you know.

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 122
July 2, 1951
Hello, Sugar

No mail for a day or so but now I can take it as of 1800 tonight I am on a 36 hour stand by which means I may leave anytime within the next 36 hours. Of course that can be extended from day to day until the new draft comes in. Sure wish those Laundrymen would get the word on this “cease fire”, we have had incoming mail all afternoon from two guns. Sounds like 67 mls from mortar fire but not too much. Will be glad to get out of here if only to get a good night’s sleep. Our guns are as bad as theirs—noise that is.

Well we only have four more of our guns to go over. At the rate of two a day we should be finished day after tomorrow. Capt. Mozerelli is our new Btry. Commander. Of course he doesn’t bother us but a new broom sweeps clean, so he is giving the rest of the Btry. Hell!

Well that is all, here comes company so I’ll close and write again soon.

Kim is crazy about his camera, takes pictures of everyone he can get to stand still long enough.

Well, loads of love


Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 121
July 1, 1951
Good Morning Sugar

Well, can’t be too many more of these Sunday mornings that I will be getting up without you. Just don’t seem to be able to concentrate on any one thing. All I think of is you, Shirl & home!

Ah! Well we will ride a ship when we leave ---takes about fourteen days from Japan to California so I suppose I’ll be home by August any way.


People sure go for things when they find out you are leaving. Someone stole my pistol & holster,& flashlight and every day someone asks me to leave them my note pad. Everything I have picked up even the generator but will leave all that to Nester & Street to use till they leave, of course Kim gets most of my clothes

Well dinner time dear, I’ll be seeing you.

All my love

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter #120
June 30, 1051
Dearest Betty

Lots has happened in the past few days and I have not kept up my correspondence very good so let’s look back. We have been doing six months maintenance jobs on the guns. Have one in the morning and one in the afternoon pulled over to our tent & work on them here pulling tiches and breaking down the entire gun. Quite a job along side that I had to make another swimming pool down the creek aways. The first one flooded all the foxholes & dugout on both sides of the creek. Also we got a novice again for one week so you see I been busy. And on top of that it is hot as Hell from eight in the morning till nine at night.

Well, Sugar we really got a fire mission this afternoon. Extended 4500 range from 1300 till 1800. Something to do with this “Cease fire” they are working on. A Hell of a way to cease I think.

Honey I am supposed to leave here around 7, 8, or 9---that is the best I can tell you that is unless something happens. Kim received his camera OK & is going wild. Well I will stop now.

Love
Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 119
June 25, 1951
Hello, Darling

Received your very long letter. At present I am too much interested in getting home. If the Laundrymen will just stay put, I’ll be on my way in just two days. I haven’t made my mind up how I will come across the country. Fly would be fastest but cost more yet I’ll have on chow etc. so may just fly all the way for I just got to get back to you and fast. Well I’ll close now and bathe & go to chow. Have hamburgers tonight.

Love you.

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 118
June 23, 1951
Dearest Betty

Well, last night I hit the jackpot again and rec. six letters from you, my Darling, one from Shirl and one from Mother---all of which I enjoyed very much.

Now let’s get to you and I. Yes I leave here about July 4th for home and you. Now please don’t get too hepped up --- anything can happen. An attack could set me back a month as it has every month. They have canceled the last draft and carried them over to be the first draft next month, so it may happen again, but if all goes well, Novack & I will be on the way. Yes, only two Staff NCO’s on this list. I chose M.B. Camp LeJeune 1st choice and Ord. Sec. Sup. Depot LG 2nd choice Cherry Point 3rd choice so I suppose they will know I want N.C.

Well, Darling I’ll continue writing and you do the same. I’ll wire you from California and then you can really be getting ready. I’ll have 30 days leave so we will have most all of August to play.

Chow time now, Darling.

I love you

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 117
June 21, 1951
Hello, Darling

Well, how’s my best girl today? Just heard that seven Marines were killed by mortar fire at LeJeune. Too bad they won’t even get a Purple Heart.

Well the Novack is working his bolt hard now a days. Has every one including the Rabbi trying to get him rotated in as much as his emergency leave was disapproved. What some people won’t do to get home. I want to get home as bad or worse than anyone but I’ll be damned if I won’t await my turn. For all of us have had enough but why short-cut at someone else’s expense.

Well I told you they took up all the money we had yesterday then today they sent word up we could have ten cans of beer at $300.00 a case. Well no money no beer so what. The Army put a deadline on money exchange so tonight the radio said all Army finance officers would exchange money up to the 25th. Of course we have tremendous black market here in Korea but none in Japan so the Finance Officers are all in Japan. Some one is getting rich.

Well Sweety no more news, just lots of love

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 116
June 20, 1951
Hi, my own Sweetheart,


Well life isn’t always dull. At noon today we had quite a bit of excitement. Maj. Coffee called me from chow to find the generator operator and have him start up and tell all hands to turn on their radios. Also have two radio jeeps set up in camp. He had word from Division that at one all radio stations would have world shattering news.
. Maybe peace in our lifetime, so lots of speculation. . Russia attacked…. Division going home---everything, every one at a high peak. What happened, the Army cut down on black market and counterfeiters. Everyone here, Japan, etc had to turn in their script before 1800 tonight. All of it to be taken up. Anyone having 5, 10, or 20 had to sign their name, rank and serial number on each bill. Well that wore off and some one heard from someone else that the Division was putting out reserved for 1st Marine Division signs down around Tagine for a rest, also that we have five days road priority South from 25th, also that all Inchon men would be out of here by July 1st, also that Winchell said the war would be over by the 5th and Christ knows what all else. So you see we never know what goes on, so can’t tell you anything till it happens for fear of getting up your hopes and having them fall through.

One thing I can say is I do know I adore you and love you and want to tell you all about it soon.

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 115
June 19, 1951
Good Afternoon

Just dunked the body in our creek. Sure is nice to have running water again what with hot & cold Chinamen all around. We can step outside our tent and see the front lines. Lots of fun watching air strikes and shelling napalm etc.

Well, we had a party last night. Lt Downing, one of our better reservists who is now Service Btry. Commander and our S.4. We use his jeep any time we want one, well, he made Captain also Mazarello, so for the occasion we ran off 12 bottles of our John & Jon (Nester & Carson) whiskey off and had a big time. Peel had to make a amo run and lost three trucks. Every one had a big hangover but all had our first good night sleep in days.

Did I tell you we got a direct hit on our beloved Mike Btry? They have caused us more work & worry than the other two put together, well the dummies had a big bunch of powder open and got a hit. Three fellows hurt, one gun out of action, and me with no eyebrows, lashes, mustache or cowlick otherwise OK.

We have had beautiful weather, no rain. I have a swell tan and as of today a pair of very red legs. Well that covers everything---nothing ever happens to me.

All my love,

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 114
June 18, 1951
Good Morning

We did move and are now in a very pretty valley, all green with a nice stream running just outside our tent, but became rather hot at night. Last night we received quite a bit of artillery action. Mike btry. Received a hit and a powder dump, quite a bit of fireworks. Jimmy was down yesterday nervous as a whore in Church. A mortar shell fell close to his tent and he has really got his wind up!

Well the big promotion list came out and in the entire Marine Corps, not one of my MO’s was promoted. Me, Lem, Nester in fact Ord. Was left out all together ah! Well there be another now that the Reserves are gone they won’t have so many over rated groups.

Well I have to close now and be about my duties, first to Mike & see if any damage was done to their guns last night.

So till next time, all my love forever.

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter #113
June 15, 1951
Hello, Sugar

Just got back from an overnight trip to Wonju and found two mighty fat letters from you, plus one from Mother and a card from Shirl.

Been very hot here the past day or so but now it is raining so things will cool off and the dust will go. I suppose we will be moving up a ways tomorrow, usually do on a rainy day.

No news, Darling, just routine. We ran off a couple of 5ths of whisky for Tate’s birthday, gave Jimmy some ah! Yes, we got a ration of coke, one bottle per man at 10 cents per---I gave mine to Kim.

You should see our still made out of water cans, copper tubing and a VT fuse box.

Had to go to Mike Btry. In this rain to fix guns. Never saw such demise every time it rains M. Guns out.

Well I’m cold & wet so better stop this now.

All my love,

Bill

Note from Babbling Brooke; Can you tell they are getting weary?

Dearest Betty

Letter # 112
June 11, 1951 (same day later(
Dearest Betty,

Now, I’ll visit with you and tell you a few things that I have wanted to but didn’t this morning. Word is we are to be relieved off the line soon for a much deserved rest. Over 120 days on the line now. The Army don’t stay over 90 days.

Well, Darling I really haven’t a thing to tell you. That is one of the reasons for my not writing so often. We are leading a very drab life.

Well I made ten gallons of raisin Jack---raisins, sugar, yeast & water, so the other night Street, Nester, & Peel & I pitched one. Had a nice time drinking and talking, so today after I had my blow-off with you, I rounded up some copper and made a still, so we can have some real whisky. Mr. Tate showed me how and Street knows how to make the mash or buck as he calls it. It is getting warm enough now so that it will work, so honey, the first drink, I’ll drink our toast and play you are with me ah! Hill sent me ten dollars he has owed me for months---by some Lt. You know he has gone back, says his mother got sick, the one who left him in an orphanage when he was three---well he worked a transfer on it.


Well, Darling, I’ll close for now with all my love for ever and ever, hope I’ll hear from you tonight.

Love,
Bill

Dearest Betty

Note from Babbling Brooke: this is a very negative letter & I almost didn't post it but decided people should know what was happening.

Letter # 111
June 11, 1951
Good Morning Darling,

Haven’t written for a few days, have been very despondent for many reasons, not about you for I have had several nice letters from you and know you are well and above all I feel secure in your love, but things have been happening over here. Cold rain for one then one excuse after another why I don’t make the rotation. Sure wish they had never started it. After saying no Staff would go home we’re already on the list as sgts, but sent through any way after promoting them, they sent a lots more who were reserves home, then they flew a bunch out and they got to Pusan and they found out they were reserves so flew them back to the States so by God it looks like we professionals are hooked. I never want to see another reserve Marine as long as I live. All they have ever done out here is gripe and figure a way to get home---even to the extent of bringing very personal things pertaining to their relationships with their wives into it. And now Novack is going home on a trumped up claim. Had his sister get the Red Cross to say his mother was grieving over the loss of his father two years ago and the anxiety of him being in Korea was making her worse, so he gets an emergency leave---so everyone who has nine months in a combat zone and gets an emergency leave will be transported, and here I sit on my dead "A--" having lost two brothers, many cousins, my mother has heart trouble, my wife hasn’t enough to eat on Sunday and I am in excess in rate and M.O. S. so should I be happy?

Well enough of this sort of a letter, I’ll have a cup of coffee and write again tomorrow when I feel better. Besides I hate to have people look over my shoulder and ask me questions when I’m writing.

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter #110
June 6, 1951
Dearest Betty,

Lots & lots of mortar in here today. I was awakened at six this morning by two high velocity shells going over & they weren’t ours! So all day we have had patrols out and finally got a fix on one of them. Our 105’s cut loose for 35 minutes & we haven’t heard of them since, but the pesky old mortars still come. They are just like a bomb. You can’t hear them coming but they burst with a Hell of a bang. I took one patrol out this morning. Two “doggies” went up above our position with an interpreter and he was the only one came back. I found them and brought the bodies in. Found two Chinese or N. Koreans--- I don’t know which. Left them but I did get one of those Chinese bugles for a souvenir.

Well we had a good shower today at the 2nd Btn. And last night I radioed. Had seen the show Sampson & Delilah. Remember. A shoot-em-up tonight, I reckon I’ll go .

Well, I’ll close now with all my love forever.

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 109
June 4th, 1951
Hi, Beautiful

Rainey & cold as Hell here. Today we have a fire going. Got my hair cut , went down to Reg. And got your M.O. kept ten bucks for my own use, pay Kim, maybe get some beer in, hair cuts etc. Once in a great while a traveling P.X. gets around to us but not often and when it does there is such a demand for the few things they do have, that the first few get all and the rest get cookies etc. Haven’t run up on any Schick blades since I been out here still have those you sent me. Nothing new out here, they are letting reserves out. Hope they all go but no such luck I reckon.

Well, Sugar, I’ll close now.

. All my love

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 108
June 2, 1951
Hello, my Darling,

I was so pestered by flies when I last wrote you that I forgot several things I should have told you. “ Gluff” Hamilton died in bed, mother told me. Also Novack ordered Ginny a lawn mower like ours to be delivered to your address. Ginny won’t be home he said she is going to St. Louis or some place. Will be addressed to her. Also I’ll send you a M.O. for $25.00 as soon as I can buy one to pay for having the brakes relined on the car. Probably go to Reg. P.P tomorrow night. Received two very newsy letters from you last night. Thanks a lot. Got a kick out of Kit Carson catching a mouse. Is that really his first one? You know I said we were in a dead spot for radio, well last night it came in as clear as a bell, so we kept it on till 2 o’clock. Heard the Hit Parade, Mail Bag, and lots & lots of good music.

. I told you about the Corsair being shot down didn’t I?

Well that appears to be the extent of my news.

All my love

Bill

Note from the BLOGGER

I have less than 20 letters to go, Will finish up around December 16. Give me some input as to continuing the BLOG using letters and excerpts from WWII letters I have found.

Babbling Brooke

Dearest Betty

Letter # 107
June 2, 1951
Yonju

(If you enlarge this map, you can see WonJu just below the line that is the 38th parallel)
Hello, Darling

Lots of moving so no mail for me and none for you. Lots of rain and today very pretty. We have had showers all week but they left today. Plenty hot and lots of flies around. Lots of unburied dead cause it. So far we have had pretty good camping places. Don’t know what lies ahead.

Saw one of our planes shot down today, pilot bailed out. Wasn’t enough of the plane left to tell what sort it was. We have received some mortor fire but now are out of range. Sure as Hell been pouring out artillery fire on the Chinks.

Heard a good one today from a prisoner we captured. He said Russia had given us the Atom bomb to drop on Japan and that we didn’t have any more and that if we didn’t get out of Korea , Russia would drop one on New York City. He believed that too. We are in a dead spot for radio so don’t get much news. The rotation draft for this month that I wanted to be on was knocked off. Glad I didn’t make it now. Too many casualties the past two weeks.

Damned flies are eating me up so I’ll close now, Darling.

With all my love,

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 106
May 30, 1951
Hi, Toots,

We moved up yesterday and I have never, never seen so many dead people in two wars. They were in the road until our trucks had to pass over them to get by. When they are that thick you know there were lots of Laundry men killed. Horses---never saw do many –every one has a horse. Chinese used them for pack animals and for mounted patrols, so now the Marines ride every place around camps.

I’m having one Hell of a time writing this. Mt. Tate is here. I have had phone calls, Stinson from King Btry. Came in, had turned a gun over---broke the sight mount so I’ll have to hunt Ord. Btn. Up tomorrow and get him a new gun. Never rains but it pours and that brings me back to here and the rainey season is upon us. Rumor has it that staff NCO’s are to be flown out. Maybe I’ll be home by August in spite of all I can do.

Shirl’s letter said you need new brake linings on the car. Have it done at Gorgans and let me know how much it costs. I’ll draw some money and send you. Can’t have you or Shirl driving a car with no brakes. That would be the last straw, having one of you get hurt for lack of a few dollars. I don’t know how much I have, the brakes can’t be much but is sure a hundred or so dollars, so let me know, I’ll have to send to Masan for it.

By the way, we are on the 28th again, can’t say which way we will go. Supposed to have 6000 Chinks surrounded just over the hill. Maybe they will surround us again, who can tell?

Well, Darling, I’ll close now, a fellow just came in from Mike Btry. Wants some emory paper, maybe I’ll get to write a long letter some morning when I get up before the mob starts coming around. I Should be a Red Cross hut or USO gang out!

Lots & Lots of love.

Your Bill

Dearesr Betty

Letter # 105
May 29, 1951
Hi, Sweetheart,


What in the world is the Marine Corps doing? Just came from Novack’s office and he has a almar that will get all the reserves out who have had a year’s active duty yet they are increasing the Corps.(enclosing handwriting, don't know what "Almar" means)

I found this quote from a Book review by Jason D. Grose: "From little things like failing to capitalize "Marine" and calling the ALL MARINE messages "ALLMAR" instead of the correct term "ALMAR," to the major snafus such as his definition of a Marine, this book gets more things wrong than I have time, energy, space, or patience to list." The book was : Jarhead : A Marine's Chronicle of the Gulf War and Other Battles (Hardcover) by Anthony Swofford

One way you look at it , it is good, more promotions for us regulars but maybe we won’t be here as soon as we expect too. Only time will tell , I just hope for the best and lay my future in the lap of the Pentagon. They should know what they are doing.

Well we got a shower unit today. 14 shower heads, hot too so I went over and drenched the body. Felt good . this country is stinking now and more as the Laundry men get “ripe”. So many dead that they just can’t bury them although the Koreans are working all day gathering them up. They are still laying around popping open and stinking.

Well you know as much as I do if you hear the news we hear over from LA at nine and every hour at nights from Tokyo which gives the real news.

I was up at King Btry. Today with Tate and five Chinks surrendered to us. All looked good had hair cuts and were armed. I had a pistol and Tate didn’t have a sign of a weapon, but they wanted to give up. More and more are turning in. My opinion is that this war is about to end but where will it break out next?

I just hope I get back to my Sugar before too long. This seeing you in my dreams is OK for a while but I want to see you & talk to you when I am awake.

Lots & Lots of Love,

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 104
May 26, 1951
Dearest Betty

Well we have rain & more rain and frogs galore. Seems to rain them. Then I reckon we will move again or tomorrow. The Laundry men are drawing back again. Operation “Yo Yo” we call it up and back. They let 17 prisoners aloose up ahead of us last night. Don’t see their reason but quite often they do being funny to figure them out.

Long time no write. Been moving quite a bit haven’t had any mail from you till last night. Received one letter 15th---several on the way someplace. Also had a long letter from Mother, two pages on both sides and she had written another page but forgot to enclose it.

Well had good news today, the gods to be have authority to promote all Sgts to the rank of S/Sgt. Who have a year in grade. That will bring us up to strength in S/Sgts so may get home by August. Anyway, sure hope so. Just came from the Sgt. Maj office, they have 30 sgts eligible for S/Sgt. To be made June 1st or abouts.

Peel drops by three or four times a day just sits around then leaves. I think he takes a dim view of this war.

Sure felt close to you last night, Sugar for some reason, not that I don’t always feel close but last night I lay awake listening to the radio till after one.

boy, what a tirade that was. Reckon I better stop this sort of stuff till I have you to really tell it to you.

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 103
May 23, 1951
Good Morning, Darling

Didn’t write yesterday, just didn’t feel up to it for I had sort of planned on getting on my way to you, now I have another month to sweat out. But I am sure-- as you say the time is getting shorter & shorter. As I told you, they didn’t let the fourth group go on the last list so they all are on this one---oh yes, we also got to rotate two officers. The first to go from Artillery and who was on it? TATE. What happened? He was taken off by Regiment and Reserve Captain put on it.. A Captain who no one ever liked, Everyone seems to think Tate & I have both been given the shaft but as he told me the longer we stay over here, the less likely we are to have to come back sooner.

Well, enough of this sort of stuff.

We move today as you know by my letters & by the news we can’t trust the S. Korean Army so they are being pulled off the line & American troops going in---ah, I suppose they will use them for patrols but the Army 2nd Division just to our right flank, have been catching Hell & big enemy concentration is being built up to hit again see we are moving over to give them a hand up. If the Laundry men do hit we will bounce a few off their heads.

Well everyone is back from Chow and I just can concentrate so better stop now and get to moving around. Got two letters from you last night, mailed the 11th. Well I’ll write again soon, there are four people sitting around my bunk talking to me.

All my love,

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter 102
May 21, 1951
Good Morning,

Well, rain rain rain and another rotation draft. Yes, they made four S.Sgts. so far out of the 3000 that the paper said that was being made, but we can’t send any staff home this time and I remain first on the list. Sounds like a lot of B.S. and a big run around to me.

We received a ration of beer last night, eight cans and a friend of mine gave me a case but you know me, I don’t drink too much beer so I divied up with Street & Nester. Still stays cold here at night but warms up during the day, that is when it isn’t raining.

I was beginning to get my hopes up of getting out of all this sooner but when this list came out with only 23 men on it from the 7/11, Staff NCO & officers just aren’t being rotated.

Received your two letters last night and glad you went out to the Club, Sugar. Boy the place sure must be changed, don’t sound like I’de like it very much. So Hunkey “shipped over” eh? Will he stay aboard ship or has he worked his bolt for a transfer? We are betting he will be back to J’Ville before the year is out.

Jimmy has been around all morning. Doesn’t get any sleep at night---too much shooting. We fire all night and of course the Laundry men usually attack at night but our lines are holding. The Army & ROK’s are falling back on the East & West sector leaving us up front in the central part.

All my love
Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 100
May 19, 1951
Good Morning,

Well how’s my Sugar today? Raining all the time here. Had to make an amo run to Wonju night before last --- up all night. Last night the guns were going steady. The Laundrymen have been at it for three days now. Don’t see how they can keep on coming but if they insist on walking into artillery they sure won’t go far.

Saw Peele yesterday, he is a verry worried man. Doesn’t go for this sort of stuff at all. Can’t blame him either.

I suppose we will be moving again soon. Division Post Office moved yesterday which means we won’t be getting mail for a day or so. Happens every time they move.

Well, Darling, I don’t know anything new or interesting. Frank Cutting was recommended for 2nd Lt. Limited duty should make a good platoon leader.

Well, every one is getting up now and stirring around so better close this and get on with the day’s work. Hot cakes for breakfast but they never have syrup---just four. Ah!

Well everyone can’t cook like you.

All my love,

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 100
Dearest Betty

Well, the Laundrymen didn’t hit last night. I hardly expect them till the moon is full. Any way we are doing O.K.

Today we all received four more “shots” two in each arm and boy are they sore! Haven’t had mail for three days. Skies are so cloudy planes can’t come in. Hope we have some tonight but doubt it.


Turkey for supper last night, roast beef tonight, six cans of beer tomorrow and a movie every night. Tea For Two and on top of that it has rained day & night since Saturday, but I have my bunk set up so I can just turn over on my right side and see the movies. Had to make a long jeep ride last night up to Love Btry (who are separated from us) to repair a gun. Was late getting back but the show can’t start till 10:00.

I have been on my sack most of the day reading and just doing nothing at all but getting in usual amount of thinking, planning, and wishing about you & Shirl. Wish I sere with you today. It is so dreary I know you would have a wonderful light to shine on the entire outlook.

Yours forever,

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter #99
May 13, 1951
Hi, Toots

Well here we are just waiting for the Laundry boys to come ramping out of the hills. All intelligence reports say 140,000 of them are prepared to jump us tonight or tomorrow but we lay better that 100,000 of them out before they break. Just hope the Army holds on our left flank. If they do we will have them.

Ah! Well let’s get to the better parts of life. Last night we had movies, “Kim”, tonight September Affair. Did they have everything so at the last minute as I was bathing, the Maj sent for me . Generator “hava no” so I borrowed one from the 1st Ord. Btn, and we had a show at 10:00 O’clock last night. Doesn’t get dark til then.

The Doctor came over and had me start his generator for him, gave me a pt. Of 100 proof and tonight I get my teeth cleaned. Was a good deal. Is very hard to get teeth cleaned out here.

Well, I’ll close now and have Kim mail this. Lots & lots of love,

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 98
May 12, 1951
Good morning, Sug,

I checked into Kapa, no word in his airlift of any C.M. Was evacuated to Japan for “piles” and as far as the 1st Marines know is still there. Yes, Hunkey is lucky had a ship under him all the time. Plenty of liberty in Japan and above aqll lots of room to store any thing he may have picked up. If we could have had any place to lug our souvenirs we could have had priceless loot from the Seoul mansion temples in Hamhung and any amount of native works of art but with just enough room for the necessities of life we don’t even carry over four pair of socks, two skivvies and a change of underwear. If we can’t wear it we don’t take it.

Sure wish I could have been with you & seen you on your first “shorts” day.We too are having nice weather but no pretty girls running around in shorts. The wimmen wear slacks here, no young ones just the feeble & old and what slacks the have. The crotch down below the knees and tight at the ankles & loose the rest of the way up. The waist is just under the titties and a short jacket over that so when they walk with anything on their head & steady it with the hand, one tit flops out and around. Real funny & pathetic. They too carry every thing on their backs & head. Funny little shoes made of straw or rubber turned up like little boats.

Lots of troop movements today. We will probably move up too. A Army self propelled 155 gun came in last night & set up just ahead of us. Range 26,500 yds. Our range is 16,500 so we are really in the rear now but the moon is getting fuller every night & the Laundrymen always come on the full of the moon.

This has been a pretty long letter, run along and get to work. Had a bulldozer make a swimming pool here yesterday & it over ran the officer’s tent last night when it filled up. Lots of fun about 1:30. Have to fix a slues gate. Ah yes your add about Kim was a coincidence. Last night “Kim” was playing back at the 1st tank btn. Area so I sent Jackson, our jeep driver & Kim to see it. Jack said our Kim was very pleased ---said he & Kim “same same”.

Well, Sugar if I can’t get those “shorts” off my mind I’ll have to go to work till I do.

All my love forever.

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Well I took my first ride in a helicopter yesterday. Had to take some confidential overlays to Div. So Maj Coffee called for a copter. Lit right in front of my tent goes straight up & then takes off. Well while I was at Div. I saw Col. Brown, he is much p----- off. He is going to the KMC’s (Korean Marine Corps) as liaisons officer, doesn’t like that at all. Thought he would come to the 2nd Div. Is going to go to Europe so I’ll stay back. Can’t see going to Europe so soon in fact can’t see going overseas again under any circumstances.

How about a fast hug around the neck and then let’s have a big breakfast. Sure could use a cup of your coffee and toast---haven’t had any toast in months but have been getting some fresh eggs. Yes, I have an inside track in the galley so get mine cooked almost like I like them. Tate just dropped in so am having a hard time concentrating. He is right along side of me talking. The 1st Marines got 20 cases of whiskey last night (they just got back off the line) and Tate is figuring out how long 120 bottles would last him---3 the first day, 2 the second day and so on. He is always looking at things like that.

Well, Darling, I really got to go now so remember I love you and am counting the days till I can really tell you how I have missed you and love you

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 96
May 9th, 1951
Dearest Betty,

We have been in a good position for several days and have had good weather. Sure have enjoyed the rest.

Say, I got a special fitness report going in on me for T.Sgt asking to waiver my time in grade. I have to be a S.sgt. two years before I am eligible and I only have 1 year. Well hope I make it sometime. Can use the extra money and as Street said it is a good buffer. He is quite OK, Sugar, does everything I suggest (mostly) but does provoke me. He is so lazy but a good friend.

Well, Darling I’ll close now.

All my love for ever & ever.

Yours truly, Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 95
May 6th, 1951
Dearest Betty

We are in a very pretty camping place now with a nice stream just beside our abode and I am at peace with my fellow man. The sun is shining and I love you even if I haven’t had mail for two days and the last letter mentioned Joe so I know he is OK. You said he would stay on the porch with Shirl and also that he was “courting” again so he is bound to be OK.

(Note: this was before neutering)

Are we ever getting good chow for a change. The Army has big trucks with freezers on. Chicken yesterday noon, steak today at noon, more chicken tonight, eggs for breakfast.

I better get a letter off to you today so that you will have one on Mother’s Day which is not too far off. I wrote Mother today also ---one of my rare letters (a nice one too).

I told you Frizelli was rotated didn’t I? I am next on the list if they ever get another StSgt to come out ---therin hints that a large draft on NCO’s are due out soon but don’t get hepped up. I’ll be here just as soon as I can, probably make it August.

Well, Honey this isn’t much of a Mother’s Day letter but will have to do.

I love you, Mother Betty.

Your bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 94
May 5th, 1951
Hi, Toots,


Well it is raining today and of course turned cold. Good thing I bathed yesterday so today I have been reading. Have to paint signs for Maj. Coffee some time this afternoon.

Yes, the stories on the radio are dillers. We hear radio China---they have POW’s on every night from 6:45 to 7:00. You can tell each one is dictated. All rave about the useless killing of women & children and ask your Congressmen to get all troops out of Korea. Well we have lost contact with the “Chinks” or “Laundrymen” as we call them and that ain’t good. We try & know their location but at times thousands of them just drop out of sight then turn up at the darndest places & times.

Well, Sugar better stop now & paint that sign.

Dearest Betty

Letter # 93
May 4, 1951
Hi, Toots

News last night sounded good for the Marines. Besides giving us credit for breaking the Chinese break through, they are voting on increasing us to four divisions. May be good and again may not be. Who is to say ---if we have only one division in the field we get all we need---four divisions in the field we get ¼ of what we need and the Lord only knows we do need lots of things. Our guns are about shot, our trucks are almost gone. Jeeps we have to depend on wrecked Army convoys for jeeps and spare parts but as always, we will get by with what we have. Just gripes us to see Army convoys with a driver & one man and a MC convoy with 22 men aboard. Well that is plenty of this. Think I will go to the river for a bath & maybe a swim. Saw a snake this morning. Hope they don’t get chummy. Boy will I ever use that shower in our little bathroom. Our commode will beat hell out of a 55 gal. Barrel with the end cut out, won’t have as good a view but I can stand to be shut in.

Well we are having beautiful weather here now but nothing else much to write about.

All my love
Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 92
May 2, 1951
Dearest Betty,

Another move completed. We are now back in the X Corp. so warm and nice we have turned our tents and stove in but still have sleeping bags. We procured a 17 X 40 ft. tarp today and have stretched it across our truck and out each side so have lots of room with all sides open so we have lots of fresh air etc. It could rain etc but makes a very good home. Also have a nice spring and a small river for bathing. Still sort of cool but effective. Won’t be long before mosquitoes start coming out of course. We can’t have a light at night but it doesn’t get dark till around eight. We do have our radio so will hang onto the little generator. Haven’t had mail call yet, probably won’t have any tonight on account of the move but I’ll get one, maybe two tomorrow. Reckon I can wait for that to happen.

Tate just told me that if everything goes right I should be out of here by June 6. who knows?


Say, Honey, just for fun, how about writing to the AAA and have them plot us a course for a trip just in case we got to Charleston, SC---side trip to P.I. up to Abingdon on to Grand Forks and you pick a return route by someplace we should see. We may be able to take a couple of weeks off and have a little bit of by our self for a change. Who knows, just a thought. I am sure you and I both will be able to figure out why we shouldn’t do that but it could be fun.

Well, Sugar, that finishes all my news for today. By the way this letter was written in two parts my thinking on the first page was this morning. Am anxious to hear if Joe is O.K. or if we “have no” I’ll expect the worst any way.

All my love,
J.R.C.

Joe (our dog)was fine and out lived my dad.

Dearest Betty

Letter # 91
May 1st, 1951
Hello, Sugar

Have had a very good day, never lost my temper but once. Frizzeli kicked my box & spilled my coffee so Kim fixed us another one & just as it about got cool enough to drink, John Nester stumbled over my box again & spilled that one. So after expressing myself I took a bath & listened to Bob Hope & G Russell from Camp Pendleton. Had several good laughs. Pretty good news tonight, broke the Red’s May Day attack so hope we don’t have too many casualties and interfere with our rotation plans. Have lots of hopes but am afraid to express them. I would have made this draft if those 30 Staff Rats had of been in before the list was made up. So do hope to make the next one but please don’t get all hepped up about it for as I told you last night you will know I am on my way 30 days before I get home.

We, 1st Marine Division, revert to the X Corp tomorrow still in the 8th Army have been in the IX Corp. Just different sections. We got a Good go for plugging the hole the ROK deserted the other day & for stopping the Red breakthrough. By the way, we got another Pres. Unit Citation, makes four for the 1st Marine Division & three for me but who wants one from H.S.T.---I like mine from F.D.R.

Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_Marine_Division_%28United_States%29#Korean_War

Beginning in early 1951 the division participated in several United Nations (UN) offensives in east-central Korea. This was followed by defending against the Chinese spring offensive composed of over 500,000 troops. By June 1951 the 1st Marine Division had pushed northward and secured the terrain around the Punchbowl and then settled into a defensive line 11
miles long.[29]

Well this is enough for tonight, seen a cartoon today a G.S. in Korean Chinaman to my left---Chinaman to my right & I have to do my own laundry.

Love,
Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 90
April 30, 1951
Hi, Sug


Yes, another letter from my best girl today. Delivered Kim’s to him, he is very proud of his letters and will answer them soon---so he said. That word you asked for led to a lot of arm & hand waving and all I can get out of it is “Korean speak Big Book. You figure it out.

Nothing new around here today, Sugar. Just one of those days we just laid around the tent. I got my hair cut, made a sea food salad out of canned shrimp, lobster, crab etc that fellows had from boxes sent from home. Not enough by them self but plenty combined. Red pepper & chili sauce

Yes, I am sure I’ll land on the West coast (all do) and Clum & I have talked over getting across country and we think we will hitch hike---whoa Lady not on the road, we will contact Army Navy or Marine Corps air stations seeking a plane to Cherry Point, Washington or some place close to J’Ville. If we can’t we will ride a train much faster and boy will that ever be a long trip. I dread the time wasted from the time we leave here until we get home, but it will seem years it will take about a month to make the trip. Have to stop four days in Japan, get our gear we left, have it inventoried and get more shots. Outfitted, Schooled on what to & do upon arrival in the States. Get leave & orders to duty stations---one Hell of a big run around. Wish they would bring the entire Div. Home at once ah! Well I’ll walk, just to be back with you.

All my love

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter #89
April 29, 1951
Hey, You

What gives, I just wrote you a letter and here I am again. Must be love or maybe I am just lonesome, or maybe I am disillusioned with this damned withdrawal. Pretty hard for some of us old Marines to take falling in with the Army tactics. They aren’t are way at all.

Well Street & I put on a batch of brew with Tate’s instructions of course---blackberry ja,, sugar, yeast & water in a 5 gal. Can. Should take tour or five days. Wonder how it will turn out, what voltage? Will let you know when we tap it.

Kim wants a camera very bad, that is why I asked you to price one for me. He has been saving his money to buy one, of course we will have to convert his Won into
dollars. Exchange is up now 6000 Won for 1 $. He gets 40,000 Won a month so let me know what a cheap one costs & we will send you the money for it.

Sure wish I could help you piddle around in the yard in the evenings. How is Joe, you haven’t mentioned him lately. Is he still with you or he got himself run over?
(This is Joe)
Novack showed me some pictures Ginny sent him of his kids. Cut his mother-in-law’s picture off of a family group. Damndest fellow I ever saw. Sure forgot what I was going to say.

The generator stopped so had to do a little repair job on it.

Tell Shirl I’ll write her tomorrow. Meantime I am going to bed, didn’t get much sleep last night. Maybe my Betty will come to see me tonight. Could be , so all my love, Darling. Till next we talk via Mr. Parker & free mail. The Ike I spoke of is Eisenhower. Tended bar with Whitt.

Love, Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 88
April 29, 1951
Hi, Toots

Everything OK with you? Just had a nice bath & Shave in a clear mountain stream. Colder than Hell but good cause sho needed a bath.

Jimmy brought us some ammunition up yesterday and had to spend the night. Sure took a dim view of living any place near any shooting. Of course we ribbed him quite a bit. Spent a very restless night, went back to Service Btry. This morning. Hope we drop back to the river soon. They are striating the lines up and the Marines are way ahead so will surely have to fall back on line with the Army. Good mountain road all the way so should be no strain.

The weather is getting hot here now, wonder what it will be like in another month? But I still like heat better than cold.

Lots of mail came in today but hasn’t been put out yet. I probably should wait & see if I have any questions to answer when I get mine by golly. Think I will It’s chow time any way. Kim’s new words for “Chow Hound” is “mess Hall dog”. I’ll be loving you, Suger till I resume this writing.

Well, Sugar I’ll mail this now. Wish I could really be with you in some of those good dreams you have had. Maybe won’t be too long. My plans for my thirty day leave: Loving you, eating salads, drinking milk, seeing picture shows, & fixing up around the house.

Yours truly, Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 87
April 27, 1951
Dearest Betty,

Not so good news today. We can hold but the Army on our left flank (Seoul) are dropping back so suppose we will have to follow. I hope we don’t reuse that old B.S. about falling back to prepared positions for we have none. I can only say one thing, The China boys paid dearly when they hit the 1st Marine Division. I have never seen such an intrusive barrage --- many many rounds and the Chinese dead are up into the thousands and still they keep coming regardless of loss. I saw them four abreast on a road with artillery bursting over their heads & in them ---they just walked over the fallen and kept coming.

Well, Honey haven’t seen any mail for a day or so, just wanted you to know I am O.K. and will keep that way cause I want to get back to you and the sooner the better.

All my love
Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 85
April 25, 1951
Good Morning, Sugar,

Well we have had two nights and one very hectic day. The gap in the line that 5000 U.S. Soldiers & Korean troops ran from left us wide open. The 1st Marine Reg. Tried to stop the Chinks and did a damned good job of it but they got flanked so the 7th Reg. Extended and we layed down a barrage of Artillery that was out of this world. About six yesterday morning we came under small arms fire from a hill just in front of our guns. In the mean time we picked up what was left of the Army’s 105 and used them as point blank firing. Well, that kept up till good day light when the Air strikes commenced. They Napalmed Hell out of that hill and finally claimed it. All of our F.O. forward observers were cut off and one was out of radio connection but found a field phone that was working so directed fire from behind the Chink’s lines all day. Was pulled out by a counter attack from the 5th Btn.yesterday afternoon. We pulled back across the river last night and have been firing almost steady ever since. Today things seem lots quieter. Haven’t heard the radio for two nights. Hope we can run the generator tonight (radio won’t work in the day time).

Well that about covers my side of the world. Rec. a letter from you with more
"McA." News. Every one seems pretty much put out & I agree, with Winchell. The darned English will whip us yet. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them join with Russia before this thing is over.

Saw Jimmy last night. He was up forward with some injuries to be treated but went back to service soon after. He takes a dim view of this war.

Well, loads of love, Darling till next time. Sure wish I were with you. Seems ages and ages since I last saw you.

Your Bill

Note:
I found this link:
http://www.army.mil/features/KoreanWar/textversion.html


April 11, 1951
President Truman relieves Gen. MacArthur as CINCFEC /CINCUNC after MacArthur had publicly and repeatedly questioned President Truman’s strategy for the war.

April 22-29, 1951 & May 16-20, 1951
Chinese Spring Offensives. After forcing the outnumbered Eighth Army to make tactical withdrawals, Chinese and North Korean units in April and May are decimated by superior UN firepower. This is the last attempt by either side to win the war by inflicting a crushing battlefield defeat on the enemy’s army.

Dearest Betty

Letter # 85
April 23, 1951
Good Morning, Sugar,

I better write to you this morning may not be able to write again for a day or so. We did move yesterday and expect to move again tomorrow. Last night I saw, with my own eyes something I have heard of many times but didn’t quite believe. Americans and Koreans in full flight actually running away from the enemy. In fact they didn’t stop until they got back as far as our Mike Btry. The Koreans lost or left all their trucks & guns. The Army lost some self propelled 105’s. Our guns and some Army 8mm blasted all morning destroying what they had left. The 1st & 5th Reg. Was in reserve and were hurried up front to block the break through. Everything is under control now. The R.O.K.’s apparently were relieved for they have been going back steady all day. Lots of our Air Planes flying around so suppose everything is OK. I hope it is the Chink’s spring offensive. Be glad to get it over with. We are in a good place now. Our first in a long time---a valley with good road. T. Sgt. Is going home from our section on rotation. I was supposed to have been on the list but the Maj. Said I was instrumental and that we are short S. Sgts. In the Btn. So reckon I’ll be home in August. Any way that is the dope now but if a bunch of S-Rats come out and some of these Sgt. Are rated 7, may get in sooner---one can never tell.

Well I’ll close now
All my love,
Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 84
April 20. 1951
Hey, Gal,

No mail today. Division moved up so recken we will be going up again. A big draft formed for rotation. 11th got 160 men but still no staff recken. They think we can stay forever. Staff NCO’s & officers are taking a beating on this deal. Ah! Well reckon I’ll get home before too long.

It has turned cold again after several days of warm weather but we had a hard rain & has been cold ever since.


Oh well, Sugar Pie no news and nothing but camp life so may as well close now and read a bit then it will be bed time and I may dream of my one and only sweetheart so by by till next time, Sugar.

All my love,
Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 83
April 18, 1951
Greetings, Sugar

Did I tell you that Peterson is cooking down at 1st Ordinance Bn? I see him quite often and today I passed the 1st Marines moving up and Lee yelled at me. Didn’t have time to talk to him just a glimpse & a yell.

Just heard the news, sounds like N. Korea are sending out Pease terms. Hope they move out. I have just about had enough of this. Almost a year now.

Well, Sug I have to go to bed now. I want to bathe and have Kim boil my clothes out tonight. I have to go back to ord tomorrow. Say, that anti tank grenade was the first one captured so had to take it and my report in to Div. Intelligence.

Well night night Sugar

Your bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 82
April 17, 1951
Dearest Betty

Two letters from you today, 5th & 6th. One from you said Pete wasn’t home because maybe her mother was worse. Pete didn’t feel like driving home after the funeral so I suppose she is dead dead dead. I just had to got up to Maj. Coffee and pick up a new Russian made anti tank grenade. I’ll have to take it all apart tonight & see what makes it tick so I can write a report on it & probably hold school. I get a kick out of doing things like that for when I start everyone finds some excuse to go someplace away from the tent. They won’t admit they are scared, they just dribble out and first thing I know I am alone and that is best for I can think & study best when no one is around to ask questions. Big fires around us tonight someone has set the hills on fire. Starting to get warmer here now, even see a few mosquitoes now & then. Probably be bad before long .

Well, the Stg. Maj. Said tonight not to expect to go home before August. Said a big draft of NCO’s were due out here in July. Seems so long when a set time is given but I can’t see how they can just relieve all S.NCO’s at one time like that.You asked about Tate, he is just like us---delay delay delay, so we still have him with us.

Well, Sugar, if things don’t get any rougher than it is now, I’ll survive and hope till August comes around fast.

All my love,

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 81
April 16, 1951
Dearest Betty

Well the “Old Man” is in a much better mood tonight. Everything is going smooth so I am going smooth. I sort of worked off part of my nerves. Last night Scheckler slapped Kim after teasing him for a long time. Kim got the best of him as usual and Scheclker got all peed off & slapped him. Well it flew all over me so I sort of pushed him & broke his nose. We are on speaking terms again after he apologized to Kim and me to him. Was good for me he was getting me damn well.

We are digging in for a few weeks stay here. We are straddling the 38th and doing lots of work on the guns. I hear there are a lot of replacements leaving the States today. Hope my replacement is aboard. Hardly expect to leave before Tate does. He sure hangs on to what he wants and we are what he wants.

It makes me so mad thinking of all the Marines that still have a home to stay in & they seem never to have to leave. Has Rogers ever been transferred or did he “break another leg”?

Jimmy sure is taking this life hard, takes long walks keeps to himself a lot, seems sort of lost. Wants to revert back and go out but can’t. Feel sorry for him at times.

Well Lots of love to you Sweetheart

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 80
April 15, 1951
Hi, my Darling Girls,

A beautiful day, got all finished with the mines for this area. Did some work on a couple of guns, had one free Beer Blatz tonight. No mail as yet. Started to read a mystery story, but couldn’t settle down to it so thought maybe I’d try a letter to you and see how I make out but I’ll be damned if there isn’t so much confusion in the tent, I can hardly write sometimes. These people get on my nerves so much I could scream. Their little idiotic laughter “he he he” just goes all over me. One man in particular every thing he does is better than any one else and after each silly utterance “he he he” I’ll scream if he don’t stop. Don’t worry about me tonight, Sugar just nervous. Suppose I was most tense all day but this Joker gets me

Frizelli & I took Kim to a KMC Korean Marine Corps Camp today & told him we were going to enlist him (just wanted him to talk to some of his own people) We went over to the 2nd Btry. When we came back---couldn’t find Kim anywhere--- came on home & by Gosh he was already here and had coffee made. Made quite a joke out of it.

Well, Darling that is all I am going up & talk to Novack & on to Tate for a while, then to bed. I love you both, Darling so much.

Your Bill.

Dearest Betty

Letter # 78
April 17, 1951
Hi, Sugar,

Well, I speck I owe you a letter or so. Didn’t write yesterday or the day before been pretty busy. We moved up above the 38th Parallel and set right up in a mine field so I have been cleaning the area and most through now.So we should start moving again.


I gave Jimmy the message said he was getting mail now so he had all the dope. John Nester started home on an emergency leave got as far as Masan and it was cancelled by his sister. By the way if anything ever happens to any of you or to Mother you will have to have me notified by b by the Red Cross. They are the only ones that can get through officially. So we have John back in the Ord. Sec. Again, We don’t get much news here. The Chinks “Jam” all the news casts so it comes in at unexpected times. Sign on the road near here “If you wanta get back dispense with Harry, If you don’t believe me ask poor old Mack Chows chows chows."

Silly eh?

Must close now
Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 78
April 11, 1951
Hello Sugar

What do you think about Truman relieving Japan’s Emperor? Sort of glad he did, the old boy’s been out here too long. I told you that Ridgeway was my man quite a while ago didn’t I?

Kim received Shirl’s letter and has spent all day writing her. Quite a job for he has to refer to his Korean/English dictionary for each word. He prints well. The letter he wrote to you was written by one of his buddies in another Btry. A Korean interpreter. Was quite a letter. I want to be sure and see this one too.

Haven’t seen Jimmy in quite a while and no one else has as far as that goes. We are still perched on the side of a mountain and don’t get about much any more. Had a pt. Of 190 Alkie last night---cut it with a qt of fruit juice just a cup apiece. Listened to the radio, griping, writing and oh! Yes I read a book The Great Gatsby. Wasn’t good & wasn’t bad.

Well, Honey, I want to be home so bad to be with you and our home. I have so much to do and always have so little time to do it.

Till I see you in my dreams, Dear.

Good Night,

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 77
April 11, 1951
Dearest Shirl

Thanks a lot for your letter, also the clover. Got a kick about hearing about your “heels”. You will be as tall as I am with them on, won’t you? Kim received your letter. You should see how very proud it makes him when his name is called out at mail call. He has spent all day writing you and what a job. He prints so he finds out what word he wants to use looks it up in his Korean/English dictionary then prints it. I had to spell out each word of your letter to him and he made the printed letter to match your long hand. Then he read it not once but several times. He is quite a boy and you have no idea how much he helps me. Heats water to shave, bathe, and make coffee and runs a hundred errands a day for me and the others. Now he won’t let me wash clothes. He does it himself, beats them with a stick by the river. We all like him a lot.

Well, Sug, I expect you will have your driver’s license by now, won’t you?

I have been reading up on the 51 Plymouth. Seems like quite a car, We may have one some day. Who knows?

Well, I’ll close now, just heard about McArthur being relieved.

Love, Dad

Dearest Betty

Letter # 76
April 10, 1951

Hi, my Darling,

Received letters late last night 11:00 dated or mailed rather 28, 29, 30,& 31. Was so glad to hear from you. Also got one from Shirl, also Kim rec. Her letter. He gets such a thrill out of getting a letter and I am so glad you all have written him. He has no one to even talk to but us, no natives, no people of his own and he is so good and tries so hard. He studies all the time and can speak very well now. Can’t write much and has one Hell of a time expressing himself but does come up with quite a bit of wit at times. For instance Schekler was kidding him about learning the English alphabet. Stinson was sounding the letters to him so all at once he (Kim) turned on Schekler and said “God Damnit you say this”. With that he rattled off the Korean alphabet followed by the Jap one. Of course we all got a big laugh out of that & Schek got mad.. He is that kind.

Well, Sugar Pie, no news, the river has gone down & we are back on routine. G-2 has it that we may expect air attacks soon. Hope they are wrong as usual. Tell Shirl I’ll drop her a line soon.

Tell Shirl thanks for the clover. I’ll put it with the other one you sent me a long while ago and will keep it.
(Found this behind a driver's license in a box of items from Dad's billfold)

Well, Darling, all my love to you both for ever.

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 75
April 9, 1951
Hi, Gal

The Chinks blew a dam above us so we can’t move until this small stream, that has risen till it is as wide as from you to the Super Market, goes on South. Maybe this is the beginning of their jump off. We been doing lots of shooting but still the radio keeps saying no China-men. Which is a lot of B.S. They are every place. If you don’t believe me, get up and step outside of my tent and I’ll show you some through my glasses. By the way, I dropped the pair you have so no loss to the government. Yes, you can see them twos & threes slipping around on top of the mountains. Then at night they all get together and raise Hell.

One of my boys brought me up about 15 # of steak last night so we had Tate in for noon chow---steak and onions, brown gravy--- number one.

I hear there is another draft coming in the latter part of this month maybe some staff will be in it. Big promotion list coming in from Washington this month. Hope Street makes Tech. I am not eligible yet. Have to be in grade two years and I haven’t quite a year yet. Ah! Well maybe someday.

Dearest Betty

Letter #74
April 8, 1951
Hi, My Darling

Well, how about letting me gripe a bit in this letter. O.K. here goes


We are sitting rather present 1 mile from the 38th had to have a bulldozer level off a spot big enough for a tent---one half mile up is a very fine plateau or valley we could have used but no.

Well that isn’t too bad, but you heard of Joe De Luca? His wife asked you about him when we were at Inchon. Well he stayed in Japan until we got to Seoul, then stayed behind and every move thereafter. All during this operation He stayed at Masan. About a week ago he came back to us. Well while he was in the rear, he wrote letters to people he knew and sang the “blues” to everyone, so today, by God, he was ordered home. Hasn’t near the points I have but he is flying to Camp LeJeune tomorrow. Of all the breaks, and he hasn’t earned his bread while he has been with us. Well that is part of my gripe, can you stand more?

Well, we are attached to Hdq Battery and they have the damnedest cooks now. We are getting fresh meat and I’ll be damned if I can see how anyone can possibly foul up chow as they do. I eat with one of the firing btrys. whenever I can. Care for more?

The damned Army sent all of the 1st Division mail back to Haing Song so not mail for three days. So you see, Darling, All I have is you and my love for you. So let’s keep it that way till I get home and I’ll keep it going from here.

I love you,
Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 73
April 5, 1951
Chun Chon
Hello, Sugar,

Lots of mail day before yesterday. No mail in or out yesterday. Kim rec, his letter and it was worth every effort to have seen him. He spent most of yesterday answering it. I read his letter to you of course. I am sure you will get a kick out of it and he is most sincere in every thing he said. He is very interested in all of our families.

Brother are we in Artillery ally now. Four miles from the 38th and guns guns guns! All of the eleventh plus three reg. Of Army Artillery with 105, 155 and 8 mm or 240 mrtr. Plus search lights and they aren’t used for anti aircraft but to focus on cloud banks & reflect light into the vallies for the foot troops to see by. Lots of mines ---several people killed by anti personnel mines. Haven’t had to clear any yet, hope I don’t.

Well, I’ll close now and write again tomorrow.

Dug a fox hole tonight---my first. Hope I don’t have to use it.

Well good night, my love, a hot Jazz band on the radio so will be asleep before too long.

All my love,

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 72
April 3, 1951
Dearest Betty


Haven’t written you for a day or so,,,been pretty busy and expecting to move any time so must drop you a line now.

See where Captain Durant made Major also Whitt & Sitter quite a list.

Sugar don’t have any idea I’ll have to come back over if & when I get home. Maybe some of the fellows will but no Staff as yet. As for retirement, you can be called back on 20 but not 30. Boats must have went into the reserves so got activated. Did Agrens say where he was stationed?

Bet Shirl looked cute in her heels. Hope she gets along O.K. with her driving.

Well, Sugar, I have to go to Reg. This morning, so better get along. So much traffic on the roads and so many one way passes in the mountains, it takes quite a while to make a short trip. Saw Eddie Hill again yesterday also saw “Ike”. Told you Frank Cutting was over to see me.

All my love

Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 71
March 29, 1951

(he wrote two letters this date & it is another personal letter)

Dearest Betty,

Do I ever love you! Three letters and all just before we move up. As usual on a move mail is delayed for a day or so but now I have up to and including the 21st. Pretty fast eh? Eight days most of them take ten or more.

Honey, sorry you had a “blue” week. And I also have had some Dillys. It is very hard being apart and not having bad days.

Honey, I am sure we will find something to become interested in when I do come home. Wish I could have a game of Canasta or Gin and I could listen for hours to your playing. By the way, how is your piano tuning course doing?

Peel called me over tonight to fix his Coleman lantern. Poor fellow, don’t know how he will ever get along. Put Diesel oil in his gasoline lantern so couldn’t get it to burn. Had a beer with him & shot the breeze for a while. Don’t think he is very happy but I have plenty to do to keep my own moral up, so he will just have to learn.

Well, Darling just wanted you to know I have rec. mail and appreciated it very much and love you Darling, with everything I have.
Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 70
March 29, 1951
Good Morning, Sugar,

Such a funny day here in Korea. Warm enough to have the stove off and the tent open but snowing to beat Hell---melts as soon as it hits the ground, but sticks on the top of the mountains. I have never seen so many mountains in all my life and high---they go straight up. The Army and Division has been moving up for three days on our right flank. We have had to use our “Cato” to push through over one pass. Pretty steep and they have quite a lot of equipment. Maybe they will set up and relieve us huh?

No word yet on us getting off the line. All I want to do is get home. Clum gets The Globe every so often from Frances. Sure makes one want to be back in J’Ville. Also a small reason is you dear. Boy oh Boy, do I ever want to be with you.

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 69
March 28, 1951
Dearest Betty

No mail today, maybe tomorrow. I’ll look forward to mail call anyway. Today we got six cans of beer for our ration. Simmons & Stinson, as usual drank theirs right away and I still have mine plus the one we got a few days ago. Free compliments of Sioux City written on the can so that no one could sell it. A good idea I think for I am sure we have bought free beer.

Did I tell you I was down to see Green a few days back? We are going to move up a few miles tomorrow and the rainy season is upon us. Every thing is muddy at present and tent is dry. But when we move again, will be mud ah! Well we can’t all have “clicks” we, the ord section will make out ah!

Yes, I have 181 points, Street has 180 Frizelli 181. Don’t know what the others have---they aren’t on any list. As yet, Frizelli & I expect to get rotated same time in May if everything goes well. Maybe before, maybe later but I’ll write you, Sugar in plenty of time.. Thanks for fixing my shirts up. Will be wonderful to have clean pressed clothes to wear again.

Well, I’ll close now, Darling. Wish I could kiss you goodnight.

Your Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 68
March 27, 1961
Dearest Betty,

No mail for a day or so the last one mailed on the 15th. The rainy season has set in now all streams up, and mud knee deep. Sure is miserable every thing damp.

Was awakened this morning about five o’clock by a loud voice. Some damned China-man calling out “surrender dope” from an airplane. Could have shot the damned fool. All that noise none of the interpreters knew what he was saying.

Been having quite a time with our guns, lots going wrong with them. Had to repair two of them today. One blew up night before last . I got it fixed up and fired six rounds as a test was O.K. Powder damp made excess chamber pressure.

Well, no news---Mr. Tate just got a refund on his income tax so is going to order Pearl a Silver service set. Seems you can get it pretty cheap in Japan.

All my love,
Bill

Dearest Betty

Letter # 67
March 24, 1951
Chang-ni

Dearest Betty,

Rec. two letters from you last night---12 & 13. Sorry you haven’t been hearing from me but when I check back to see when I wrote those letters you received. It wasn’t too long ago allowing 10 days both ways but it sure as Hell seems a long long time since we were that far back.

Frank Cutting dropped by to see me today. Looks well expects to go home soon. Will be so glad when I can tell you I am on the way.

No, Darling, I haven’t seen a movie since I was in Masan. We have strict black-out up here and don’t see how anyone forward of our guns would dare to have a movie unless they were in a tent. That may have been the answer.

I see Novak every day. He seems a little sour because we don’t hook him to our generator but it only puts out 300 watts just enough for our radio, lights, & Tate’s light. Any way he has two Coleman Lanterns and a battery radio so don’t need electricity. He does a Hell of a lot of griping any way.

We got some help today. New Zealand Artillery unit joined us with 36 25 pands a little longer than our 35 mil. Guns and not quite as large as our 105 mil. They seem like a pretty good bunch of men.

(inserting handwriting below about the guns etc)

Today I made hash. Found a piece of beef no good for anything but stew so I made hash. Had quite a few people in for chow.

Well, Sugar Pie, don’t know what will happen next for we can hit the 38th Parallel from here.

I’ll close now, Sugar & listen to 20 questions.

All my love to the both of you.

Forever yours, Bill

Thanks for the comment, Keith

Miss Brooke,

I believe the text about the guns refers to the the N.Z. 25 pounders. The QF 25 pounder was the primary British field gun from WWII through the 1960s. It had an 84mm bore which would make it "a little larger than our 75mm guns and not quite as large as our 105mm."

Dearest Betty

Letter # 66
March 22, 1951
SongSan-ni
Dearest Betty:

Well here we are in the same spot for three days pretty good eh?

Brooke's note:

(I am not sure where this is on this map--near the 38th Parallel)

We set up our Russian scope and watched the “Gravel Crunchers” fight up a mountain. Had lots of fun. Scott from the club dropped by today. He is in 1st Marines---said Stocks was hit pretty bad in the arm but the Doctor thought they could save it. Evacuated of course. His family is on the West Coast last report I had of them. Well we are supposed to drop back into reserves soon. Don’t know where or when. Novack is working out our point system now may have a list out soon. Hope so anyhow.

I painted a bunch of signs today for Maj. Coffee. He came in our tent and flapped on my bunk early this morning. Wanted some 4/11 signs done for his C.P (Command Post) so I made them all for him---Gone sleep…. Hava no Coffee. C.O. Bang Bang Bang only made one mistake. Paint is very dear out here so I got some Blue undercoating, some yellow Oxide, so what happened I had Navy colors---Gold and Blue. Got quite a rise, Everyone thought I did it on purpose Cause Coffee hates Annapolis officers, but really dear I didn’t Know.

Dropped by Service Btry. Today and saw Peel. He is O.K. taking every thing in his stride. We, the Ord. Section, are still attached to Hdq. Btry. Coffee again.

Made a sign





Well that is all the news Darling, I’ll love you forever.

Your Bill