May 8, 1945 (V.E. Day)

Air Mail From Dip

May 8, 1945

Haven’t moved.

“V.E. Day”

Dear Marion:

Oh happy day – two down & one to go! Say I’ll bet you’ll have a “big head” tonight – guess I would if I was home. Fact is we’d both have one together. Now if only the Japs would wake up to the fact that they will be whipped in time, and surrender. At any rate if Japan chooses to continue the fight (which she will), we jokers over here ought to get lots of assistance.

We were sitting up at midnight listening to the radio when the news of Germany’s surrender was announced. We even opened a can of grapefruit juice in celebration. We’re saving our tomato juice for the victory day over this way.

We are in the process of laying a new bamboo flooring in our tent. The rainy season is starting here – that means “get at least a foot off the ground or swim.” We’re in a valley too, so it’ll run at us from all directions. You should see all the native boys running around here with strips of bamboo. They’re very fast & clever at this carpentry business. The bolo (long knife) is their only tool. I put a pack of cigarettes out on the table for them to help themselves as they work – it’s all they need – they’re happy. Kools too.

Last night was a good night for me for another reason. I sat in on a poker game – first since New Caledonia – and walked away with 250 Pesos ($125). Now I guess I’ll quit for another six months.

The flying these days is getting a little rougher because of the weather. Now & then the rain & clouds close in on the strip & try to hide it on us. So far we’ve been able to find it & get down, but it’s rather ticklish business. Another thing – it’s very embarrassing to land & discover a small hole in the fuselage where there wasn’t one before the flight. Some Nip musta thought he’d try his luck – he’ll never know he didn’t miss.

These ambitious “Flips” are making so much racket it’s hard to concentrate. Hard for me anyway – without the handicap.

In reference to your dream – don’t worry ‘bout me going cowboy on you. After the experiences I’ve had at Eaton’s ranch. I get the horses out about 500 yards & they stop. The only way they’ll budge for me is back home. I’ll ski & golf.

So you’re starting parkboard golf, eh? By now I guess you have a well established handicap – how much? Do you “hold back” during the first of the season to get a high handicap? It’s a dirty trick but you’d be surprised how many matches & prizes you can win that way. Now, I know you don’t – only kidding.

Enjoyed your description of golf & the golfer. I especially liked that one about the “green.” “A green is a small parcel of grass costing $1.98 a blade” – How true. How many times have I had one of those $1.98 blades balancing my ball on the lip of the cup.

When Micky gets back how about getting Lee’s new address if he’s still in school? Thanks.

Gotta go now Marion. No – a flight. In other words duty calls so g’bye and write soon.

Love, Dip