Letters From Arthur #23: 28 Oct 1944, Guam

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="550.0"] U.S. Navy Fleet, Leyte. October 1944. (Photo: WWII Archives) [/caption]

The Battle of Leyte Gulf ended two days earlier with an American victory. The toll was staggering: 65,000 Japanese dead and more than 15,000 Americans killed or wounded.

Oct. 28, 1944

Dear Sis May:

Today, Sunday is such an ideal day to write, so here's to what I hope won't be too boring. Honest, there are times I write, with no nose for news, except to say that I'm thinking of you and wish I was back home, so that I may see you all once in awhile.

Life here in the Pacific is dreadfully hum-drum, there are times I think of this Army Career compared to a term at Leavenworth, for more severe, one is made to forget the grand free feeling that once dwelled within us. At least I can speak for the Infantry. I have met some swell fellows in service, but I'd be darned if I can go any higher than that. As you know me, I'm easily liked and never had difficulty in creating new friendships, however, once I get out of this Army of persecution, I doubt whether I'd want to remember anything about it.

We truly fought for that sought after democratic survival, and this is all. And once I do get home, I'm going to be another civilian, glad to discard the regalia of the service and I'll happy to don the civilian clothes I look best in. Don't you agree?

May, dear someday when I do get home, I shall tell you why I feel this way. Perhaps I can say this, previously to coming into the Army I was accustomed to acquainting myself with the fair lot of people, then came my induction. I was happy, yes - but in time finding out why I was here and finally the plunge into combat. The days were bitter and horrid, yet certain people make it their sadistic desire to create a feeling of discontent, morose, and sullen attitudes and I hardly blame the men.

God truly knows and will recognize the toil and the good and in all righteousness, we all shall get what we deserved, And I ask no more than a quick victory and the no longer necessity to put up with a lot of nonsense from certain military minds. 

Best regards, Love to Joan & Bill,

Your loving Brother

Arthur