Wm W. GREEN, A.S. 
Sick BAY- 431 
U.S.N.T.S. 
BAiNBRiDGE, M.D. 
 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
c/o DiANA SHOP 
ALBANY, GA. 
 
April 24, 1943 
 
 
Cord  memorandem pad 
Bread 
Sugar 
 
 
1943 
 
FRiDAY-APR-23rd 
 
Dearest Mother:- 
 Hello again.  Feel ashamed I Havent 
Written you more but hope you understand 
my shortage of stationery.  Really though there 
is nothing to say.  Have written Leet about 
all there is and know she has passed it on 
to you. 
 
 Signed my first papers today and that 
Means Ill be heading home in about a week 
and then to the Army in a month or so.  It 
does hurt to have to come back and it hurts 
here as we are confined worse than if in a 
pen it seems.  There are plenty disgusted men 
here and the other boys sometimes makes 
cracks at us as if we were a bunch of 
idiots or such.  But we make the best of 
it and do have a jolly good time in our 
limited way. 
 I know the Army will take us as 
They O.K.ed  us in first place.  I will go 
Back on the list and be called again in 
A month or so. 
 Have written to Mr. Gibson telling 
Him would be returning soon and wanted 
to go to work soon as I could.  Should e 
around the 1st I suppose.  Surely hope so. 
 
-2- 
 
 Want to engage some good biscuits on first 
Sunday I am back.  Want to see what the taste 
Like again.  Our meals are quite good but sure 
Miss my home cooking.  Also want to taste a 
Coca Cola again.  Havent had one since last 
Sunday morning.  It gave me a thrill last nite 
Just to see a Coca Cola sign. 
 Went to a real good stage show last nite 
And going to a picture show tonite and tomorrow 
nite.  If they let us will attend church on  
Easter. 
 Wrote Betty in Washington yesterday.  If 
Have to lay over in Washington will probably 
Try to find her if at nite.  Will probably 
write Gilbert a few lines today.  Tell Chester 
and John Story havent written them because 
because of no stationery. 
 Guess that is just about all the news 
Just now.  Would sure like to get a  
From home and would like so much 
to see an Albany Herald again.  And I 
must admit I am quite home-sick.  Hope 
everyone is O.K. and am looking forward 
to seeing you all again next week. 
 
    Love 
    Walter 
   
 
  
 
 
Apr 19, 1943 
 
 
MRS. RUBY GREAN 
C/O DIANA SHOP 
ALBANY, GA. 
 
 
       Charlotte, N.C. 
       4/17/43 
 
Hello Mother  Stopped a few minutes 
Here + thought would write a few lines. Am 
Going along O.K. with cat-naps.  Now 
10 oclock.  26 more hours to go to 
get to Bainbridge, Md.  Wish it was  
Georgia.  Need some of that chicken 
Now as they want 25c for a sandwich. 
We are on the go again so must 
Close.  Tell Chester where we are 
headed.  More later  Love - Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WilliAM WALTER GREEN, A.S.    FREE 
SICK BAY 4.31 
U.S.N.T.S. 
BAINBRIDGE, MD. 
 
 
MRS. WALTER GREEN 
P.O. Box  596 
ALBANY, GA. 
 
April 21, 1943 
 
William Water Green,  A.S. 
Sick Bay  431 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Bainbridge, Md. 
 
 
Mother 
 
        Bainbridge Md. 
        Tuesday  Apr 20th 
        1943 
 
Dearest Mother:- 
 Hello and how are you.  As for myself 
am all O.K. just sitting around doing 
nothing. 
 There is little for me to say I guess 
As I know Leet has told you everything 
So far. 
 This is some camp.  Plenty big. 
There must be between 3000 and 5000 
men here.  It is lot of fun in a way 
with the boys always hollering at 
you  Hey Mate  Where you from. 
 They say the officers here are 
swell too.  Havent been under any of 
them yet so cant say. 
 The food is O.K. and plenty of it. 
If you dont get enough at first then 
go back for more.  As for myself 
havent been back for anything 
except for a second cup of coffee. 
 Guess Leet told you about the 
weather?  You sure couldnt stand it 
here.  Today is much better.  The sun 
is shining and much warmer. 
 Well dont know anything more. 
Hope you are O.K. and dont worry. 
Tell Chester will let him know 
about it when I get more stationery. 
Tell Grace and Helen hello and 
kiss Lynda for me.  Miss that little 
kid.  You may write me here 
for few days.  Address on back 
    Love  Walter  
William Walter Green, A/S 
Sick Bay -  -431 
U. S. N. T.  S. 
Bainbridge, Md. 
 
 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
c/o Diana Shop 
Albany, Georgia 
 
 
April 26, 1943 
 
 
 
         SaturdayApril 24th 
 
My Dearest Mother:- 
 
Your letter came this afternoon.  Gee, how I have longed for some word from 
home.  I must admit I am truly homesick.  Here I have been gone just a week 
but it seems like a month already.  And how do I miss our good eating there. 
I have already told you Im looking forward to some good ole biscuits and 
All those other good things you fix for me. 
 
Mother, I just cant tell you what your letter meant to me and how I did appreciate  
it.  The room here was full of men gabbing, hollering and everything 
as I read your letters and Leets.  I just couldnt help it.  I sat there on 
my upper bunk and tears just started streaming down my cheeks.  Had to hide 
my face in my pillow and offer a little prayer of thanks to God that he had 
spared you for us this long. Truly no man has ever had a sweeter, more understanding 
mother.  And I want you to know I do love you more than any words 
of mine can ever say.  I have been so mean to you in the past and it does 
hurt me so deeply as I realize it.  I have so much to try to make up to you 
mother and if God will but give us time I shall surely do all I can.  Still, 
I know I can never repay you for all the heartaches I have caused you. 
Oh, but I am so very thankful that God has left you here with us sufficient 
long enough for me to come back into your heart as the son you once knew and 
loved.  Yes, mother, I am so thankful. 
 
I wanted to tell you this before I left, wanted to tell you and Leet, but 
Just couldnt get up the nerve.  I wanted you to know that in my heart and 
Soul I am O.K.  Should God will that I become engaged in actual combat in 
this war and that my life would be taken then I would be ready.  I am telling 
you mother I have felt a heaviness in the past, but never in my life I dont 
believe have I felt so clear inside and so close to God.  It has meant so much 
to me.  You and Leet have contributed to this.  Both of you taking the other 
into your heart as you have truly mad me happy and with this understanding 
I think we have all walked closer to God.  You say you have drifted 
Away but mother you know this is not so.  I know you are ready.  I know in 
Your soul you are satisfied.  And I am so happy you are still with us.  Just 
Keep your faith and trust in God as we are doing, ask his help in your prayers 
And I know he will be there to help you as always. 
 
Mother, you just dont know how happy I am with Leet.  I just dont believe a 
Man ever loved his wife as I love that girl.  And I dont believe any man was 
ever loved by a woman as I am by her.  I do know ours is the perfect match and 
we are so extremely happy.  And, mother, she does love you so much.  I want you 
to know that.  She is interested so much in you and wants to do everything 
for you that she knows I would want to  do.  She is trying so hard to take my 
place while I am going and see that you are taken care of.  She dont 
want you to want for anything.  And I know you do love her too.  This does 
make me so very very happy.  You have been so swell holding up as you have.  I 
am so proud of you for this.  Just keep it up for me.  And just count on Leet 
in every way.  Shell stick by you and with you.  And know she is counting 
on you for I also know she needs you as a mother to her so much now.  Do it 
all for me, both of you, and I shall be so happy indeed. 
 
Mother, cant help bad over having to come home and the having 
to go through all of it again.  I couldnt help but feel you were proud of 
Me just as you said in your letter and I was happy and looking forward to 
the time when you could join the Navy Mothers Club there at home.  But, 
dont seem this will be unless I should come home and get me some false 
teeth and comeback.  It sounds crazy but if they had sent me to Great Lakes 
it would have been O.K. as they have a laboratory and would make them for 
me.  Just dont know right now what I will do.  Will just wait until I get 
home and talk it over with you all. 
 
I am going to church here tomorrow.  Wish I could spend Easter with you all. 
Do know I will be thinking of you and hope you have a nice one.  I asked 
for a lilly to be sent you and Leet.  Hope you get it and know it is 
with a heart of love. 
 
While writing you received a Special Delivery from Mr. Peek with a letter 
enclosed for the kid asking me to see that he gets it.  I havent seen him 
him since last Monday but will get it to him O.K. 
 
We are going to the show again tonite.  Will see Star Spangled Rhythm 
over again but anything to get out a bit.  Again let me tell you how 
happy your letter made me and do know that you are precious to me and I 
will be seeing you again soon. 
 
Love 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
          Easter Sunday 
          1943 
 
Dearest Mother:- 
 
Happy Easter to you. Hope you are enjoying it and know 
you are as much as you can.  Sure would like to be with 
you all this Easter Day, to go to church and all and sit 
down to a good dinner as I know you all will have. 
We had fairly good but nothing like I thot they might 
give us on Easter.  Ice cream was about the best thing 
we had. 
 
Been a good boy today.  Been to two church services.  The 
Catholics held Mass at eight and several of us went. 
Some were Catholics, some were not as myself.  As you 
must know I didnt know what it was all about.  In all 
due respect it appeared more as a show with a lot of 
pompuous ceremony by men in gaily colored robes.  The big 
man put on about five different robes it seemed and 
they done about all there was done.  The only thing 
we did was get up and kneel down.  Immediately after I 
attended the Protestant service and enjoyed it with 
its singing and all.  They have song books and all 
here for the boys to use.  The attendance at the 
Catholic service was much greater though than the 
Protestant.  They require that all men attend service of 
some kind. 
 
A fellow going in noticed my Masonic ring and on coming 
out inquired if they had a Lodge here.  Of course I 
did not know and told him. 
 
Everything mighty quiet here this afternoon.  Think will 
try to catch up on my sleep as the boys have been too 
rowdy at night so we couldnt sleep much. 
 
Am still puzzled over what to do when I get home.  Wish 
Someone could tell me.  Plenty things here I dont like 
About the Navy.  But then, I am most certain wouldgo in as 
a First Class Petty Officer and to the best of my lnowledge 
dont believe they give any ratings in the Army.  Just 
wish could find out about this when I come. Have 
written Leet to consider getting in touch with some of 
those Turner Field big shots that she knows and see what 
we can find out.  Perhaps you know some.  I feel most sure 
we could talk to that Chaplain Marshall though I dont  
know how much he could tell us. 
 
Guess that is about all this time.  Too late to mail 
your letter yesterday afternoon when I finished it so 
just kept it open to write a few more lines today. 
 
It was about one week ago this time I arrived here and 
suppose will be back home with you all by next Sunday. 
Am looking forward to it and a good ole dinner and chat 
and then Ive got to get my little gal off and squeeze 
her most to death- - -how about it??? 
 
So long for today and again hope it has been a nice 
Easter for you and do hope you received your lilly 
all right.  Do know it was sent with a heart of love to 
you. 
 
Your son 
Walter 
 
Wrote Marianna and Mr. Peck 
Today. 
 
 
 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
c/o Diana Shop 
Albany, Ga. 
 
October 15, 1943 
 
 
Dear Mom:- 
 
  They have put the 
O.K. on me for Navy. 
Even tell me now that 
Teeth are not required. 
Some business, eh? 
Home Saturday night. 
 
Love 
Walter 
 
FORT McPHERSON, GEORGIA  (postcard) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm. W. Green, a/s 
U. S. N. T. S. 
Great Lakes, Ill 
 
 
    Mrs. Ruby Green 
    c/o Mrs. Walter Green 
 PLEASE   -->  P.O. Box 596 
 BOYS   Albany, Ga. 
 
 
 
 
Oct 23 1943       Atlanta, Ga 
        Sat.  3:00 p.m. 
 
 
Dearest Mom  
 Guess you know I am headed 
for Great Lakes.  Sorry I cant go 
and be with Chester but this 
whole group except about 6 
are being sent to Great lakes 
to fill a quota.  No one here 
has offered any explanation 
but my paper stated that I 
was NOT to be sent to 
Bainbridge.  However, that 
didnt matter as we are all 
slated for Great Lakes. 
 The C.P.O. said he didnt 
tThink Chester would stay at 
Bainbridge but very little time. 
So, dont worry and it will all 
work out O.K. 
 In a way I am a little 
 
-2  
 
thrilled as I get to go to both 
of them.  And too, Great Lakes 
is the largest, most developed, 
and with more activities going 
on.  Radio celebrities are visiting 
there frequently.  So long as I 
must go I may as well have 
all the pleasure I can with 
it dont you think? 
 Great Lakes is about 32 
miles from Chicago so 
maybe will get to see the 
big city some day. 
 Am tickled in a way that 
I have been placed in charge 
of the group.  That puts both 
Chester and I in charge of one. 
Something to these Green boys 
of yours  Aint they?? 
 
-3- 
 
 Soon as you hear from 
Chester you will have to let 
him know.  And of course I 
will want his address soon 
as I have mine and let you  
know  
 Talked a while with 
Mabel this morning.  She didnt  
have car so couldnt come down. 
She is going home in a day or 
two. 
 Saw and talked with 
Mr. Wills over at terminal 
station a little while ago. 
 Called the Greens but 
line was busy.  May try again 
before we have to report back 
to headquarters. 
 
 
-4- 
 
 
 Believe that is all just 
now.  Will write again when 
opportunity presents.  Again I 
say dont worry.  Everything 
will work out O.K. and 
everybody will be all right. 
We just have a job to do and 
are out to do it so we may 
come home in peace.   Just 
hold tight to your faith in 
the good God above.  Give 
us your prayers and know 
that He will see us through. 
 
 Lovingly  your Son 
  Walter 
 
 
Hello to Grace!! 
 
  
 
 
  
 
Wm W. Green, a/s 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
c/o Diana Shop 
Albany, 
      Ga. 
 
 
 
Oct. 24, 1943 
       Sunday 6 p.m. 
       Enroute 
 
Dearest Mother  
 Still on the go and what traveling. This is 
the jumpingest train I have ever been on.  We 
are running 4 hours late.  Suppose to arrive 
Great Lakes about 5:30 but it will be about 
9 and that means no supper.  We visited 
a USO at Danville, Ill. and had sandwich and 
coffee.  Without sugar  but it ate right good. 
 We are due in Chicago about an hour and 
half.  It will be dark so dont guess will 
see much. 
 Passed through Nashville about 3 this morn. 
Wrote Marianna a card and asked someone 
to mail there for me. 
 Sure glad I have my over coat.  We will 
be on lake front and it is cold already. 
When there will get the breeze right off 
the lake  gee  Gives me the shivers to think 
of it. 
 Listen Mom  Have forgotten all the 
figures we fout on that farm for me.  Soon 
as you get my address send all of it to me 
Air Mail.  I want the estimate of your 
salary  amount received from rooms and 
the amounts listed that I paid as board the 
last 3 years.  I think that is all. If anymore 
you think I should have send it too. 
 They may keep us so busy the first few 
days so that I cannot write.  I will send my 
address though and will write soon as 
I can 
Hope you can read this train 
writing - Love 
  Your Son 
  Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm Walter Green a/s 
Company 1645 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
c/o Diana Shop 
Albany 
Ga 
 
 
 
Oct 26, 1943      Monday afternoon 
 
Dear Mother  
 Here I am all O.K.  Have 
visited dentist and guess O.K. 
 Some solace this is.  Greatest 
training station in World I think. 
Some 135,000 here I understand. 
Havent been able to see anything 
as yet as am still in Receiving 
unit.  Get examination and 
clothes tomorrow I guess. 
 I sort of wish Bud could 
have come her just because it 
is what it is.  Dont know if 
it amounts to anything except 
just to say it is the biggest. 
Bainbridge was said to have 
some 30,000 when I was 
there.  Perhaps there are more 
there now.  They do have 
 
-2- 
 
larger Chow hall than they have 
here.  Waited in line about an 
hour for breakfast this morn  
not so bad at dinner. 
 Georgia and No. Carolina 
just about make up this 
Company am in.  Some pretty 
nice fellows and some from the 
back woods. 
 Believe me it is plenty cold 
here.  And they say it is warm. 
Snow is slated in some 30 days 
some several inches deep.  Am 
wondering how us boys from the 
south will make it.  We do 
drill inside though. 
 Have my address now. 
Send me that information 
I asked for.  And get it 
off right away that I will 
have when needed.  The 
 
-3- 
 
address is -------- 
 
 Wm Walter Green, a/s 
 Company 1645 
 U.S.N.T.S. 
 Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
 No news just now.  May 
see a show tonight. 
 Let me have Chesters 
address when you have it. 
 
 Love 
 Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Green, a/s 
Co. 1645 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
Diana Shop 
Albany, 
Ga 
 
 
Oct 30, 1943  Great Lakes 
    Friday nite 
    
 
Dearest Mom  
 At last am getting a minute to write.  Believe 
me they keep you busy here such that the day gets 
by before you know it.  And with this Asst. Company 
Clerk job I am on the job every minute.  This 
Navy really keeps a check on everything a man does 
and every move he makes.  But I do like it more 
and more and will really be proud to wear the 
uniform and hope may make you proud of me. 
 Talk about speed but they really put you thru. 
Dont think Chester got it fast as we have.  Get 
our exam and clothes Tuesday  haircut Wednesday 
Service School tests Thursday  Physical strength test 
vaccination and 2 shots today and will have 
another School test tomorrow.  They say they 
are putting us through plenty fast. 
 Have done O.K. so far.  Surprised myself on 
the strength test being an inside man with no  
exercise.  Think I done about average on the 
School tests. I believe I done good except on 
the mechanical part.  I was dumb on it and  
done plenty guessing. 
 Getting along swell.  No sickness of 
Any kind and no bother about anything.  The 
boys are swell and everyone is happy in being 
in the Navy.  One of the real big shots came 
In today and they really put on a big show for 
him.  We couldnt see it though.  Did get a 
glimpse of it and it was sure pretty with 
all the marching bands and everything. 
 Hope all of you are getting along 
fine.  Dont worry about me for they really 
take care of you here in every way. 
-2- 
 Tell Grace and Ruby Helen and Doris hello 
For me.  There is hardly anything to write them 
Other than what I have written you but will 
Drop them a line sometime soon. 
 We have our hammock and all.  Didnt hear 
Chester say anything.  Just wonder if he has. 
 This is sure some place here.  Goes for miles and 
and miles and miles.  Cant imagine just how big it really is. 
 Speaking of Chester  Do send me his address so 
I can write to him. 
 Havent spent a nickel since I been here.  Havent 
had a chance to smoke but 2 or 3 cigars and little 
of my tobacco.  They keep you too busy. 
 Am liking my job as Asst. Company Clerk. 
The regular clerk dont know much which way he 
is going so I am doing most of the work.  These 
boys are like a bunch of kids.  They ask a 
million questions and sometimes over and over.  It 
tickels me to see how dumb some of them can act. 
Fact is have to sort of be a mother to them. 
 Believe that will be all for tonite.  Keep 
your good spirits up and everything will be 
O.K.  Just know I am fine and write me often. 
Maybe I will be too busy to write so often 
but am thinking of you all, missing you, 
and will surely write at every opportunity. 
  Love to you 
  Walter 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Walter Green a/s 
Co. 1645 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
Diana Shop 
Albany, Ga 
 
November 5, 1943 
 
 
Thursday Nite 
 
Dearest Mother  
 Well I got it.  Mail Specialist 
3/C.  And without any effort at all. 
Mr. Gibsons letter was all needed 
and the Lieut. was quite complimentary 
on my record.  He was a very nice 
and like able fellow but didnt 
know much about the Navy he 
admitted.  He was a Mason as he saw 
my ring and spoke of it a bit.  Dont 
know if that will mean anything 
to me as I dont know how much 
influence he may have but am helping. 
Expected something better but it 
seems must take that and when I  
return will be placed in an 
office on the base here and then 
get an examination and possibly 
then receive a higher rating. 
I will be named Asst. Mail 
Clerk and that means a little 
more pay.  So I feel some 
better about it. 
  
-2- 
 
 I had my annual rating slip 
from home with me.  When I received 
It didnt think it was fair and spoke 
To Mr. Heidt about it and he promised 
It would be revised.  That was what I 
Stopped for the nite I left but it was 
Not there.  Since then he mailed it 
To me and it was swell  100% 
in everything.  Mr. Heit wrote 
me a very nice letter offering 
his assistance in any way.  He  
said Mr. Gibson was very much 
in favor of this rating for me. 
You know  it made me feel good. 
 Had a bit of bad luck this 
morning. Dropped my pen and 
broke it.  Shouldnt have but it 
but I did.  Just one of those things. 
 Must go to bed.  Hope all 
is well.    Love 
 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Green, a/s 
Co. 1645 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
Diana Shop 
Albany, Ga 
 
Nov. 7 1943 
 
Sat Nite 
 
Dearest Mother  
 Your letter received and glad again 
to hear from you.  Also have a letter 
today from Bud.  He says therein that 
he is writing you so no need for me to 
mention these things.  I know he wants 
some Sea Duty.  You come here and get 
inbred with the spirit of the Navy,  
sing the songs  see movies of the 
ships and all and it takes 
Hold of you making you want to get 
into it.  From Chesters letter he 
probably will be visiting foreign ports 
and that will be an experience 
even though dangerous.  Expect my 
work will place me at some land 
base post office though that 
remains to be seen- 
 Speaking of my work and 
rating I had a little argument 
with a clerk here yesterday as to 
 
-2- 
 
the manner of preparing Registered 
Mail.  He proceeded to tell me what and 
how and I let him know I know.  He 
then came in that he had 18 years 
service and in charge of department in 
an office in a big city.  So I had to 
tell him I had 17 years service.  So 
he then come back that I was still 
in the Navy.  You see we have to say 
Sir to all Petty Officers so that I 
better shut my mouth.  Anyhow, I 
noted that he was only a 2nd class P.O. 
With all his received so felt some 
better over mine. 
 Sure have felt bad yesterday 
and today.  We got our [first] next shot 
and it was the worse one  the 
double typhoid.  It sure makes 
your arm sore, and also makes 
you feel sluggish and gives you 
a headache.  Some of the boys 
were up all nite.  Some really 
got sick.  But I come thru with 
just the headache- 
 
-3- 
 
 Dont worry about me and my taking 
orders.  I know it must be done and 
so I do.  They really keep you in a 
fast whirl and all and our Chief 
scares us officers of the Company along 
with all the rest.  Then when we 
are alone he is O.K. and just opens up 
and we have a nice chat about most 
anything.  He makes us know he has 
to do this so there will be no 
partiality shown and just yesterday 
he socked me 10 demerits for going 
to the Johnny before inspection. 
Believe me they are strict with you 
and dont allow you any privileges 
at times.  If you have to get out 
you just have to hold it till the 
appointed hour  may have to do 
2 hours  2 Happy Hours which means 
work. 
 
-4- 
 
 Yes, Leila told me about Marianna. 
I hate this on her part as her disposition 
is such that she rather stay 
home than to cause any trouble.  I too 
have pleaded that she stick in 
everything as I know Margarets 
snobbish ways such that she would take 
special delight in such things  I 
would that Leet stick and show her 
just how much everyone there thot 
of her, but more especially that 
She would not back out on her 
account or anything.  Marianna 
has not written me since I have 
been here.  I too wish she would 
come to see you and all but truly 
that is too much to hope for. 
 Yes, am enjoying my work now. 
It is on my line all right.  And 
we have done all our main book 
work now such that we shall 
have much time free here after. 
And I dont have to do any of the 
work of cleaning up which comes 
3 times a day with a real one on 
Saturday. 
 
-5- 
 
 All that stuff Mrs. Patch said 
about Leila begging her to let her 
stay there is all much.  It is not so. 
She was not anxious to go and the 
Decision was made mainly at you 
suggestion.  I forgot what or when it 
was, but know it was and the we 
talked it over and that seemed about 
best thing to do.  If anything goes 
wrong there she will leave though 
I dont know where she will go to. 
Mrs. Patch wants her with her every 
minute I know.  And she stays on 
jump so I know she wont allow 
her to spend much time with you. 
But from Leets letters I know she 
is making efforts and does 
want to spend much time with 
you.  So be patient as I know she 
is trying for she does love you 
most dearly. 
 
-6- 
 
Know Chester will enjoy New Orleans. 
It is such a historic city. 
 Went to football game today.  Had 
to march about 6 miles.  Great Lakes  
won & it was a swell game.  They sure 
could kick and pass.  Our 1st touchdown 
came on a 40 yd pass and he run 44 
more to take it over.  A Big black 
negro was on Great Lakes team. 
Notre Dame plays here in 2 weeks 
but we cant go.  We are not eligible 
to attend games after 4 weeks.  That 
Saturday we go to Hostess House where 
we may have visitors.  Sure wish you 
all could be here but expense too much 
for short time.  You should have seen  
us marching to the game.  Sailors just as 
far as you could see and they were 6  
abrest.  Not all companys could go and 
what went were those not here 4 weeks. 
And with that limitation there were 
20,000 attending.  You wonder 
where they will put all these men. 
 Must go to bed.  Taps will soon 
blow and must get ready before lights 
are out.  Write often and know 
I love you dearly and long for you. 
Hello to Grace. 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Green a/s 
Co. 1645 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
Diana Shop 
Albany, Ga 
 
Nov. 15, 1943 
 
Sunday 
 
Dearest Mother  
 It was sure good for the morale to 
talk with all of you Friday nite.  Your 
voices sounded so good and all the talk 
in every way done me good in every way. 
Someone who had called home a few 
days before said dont do it as it would 
make you too homesick.  Well naturally 
I wanted to see all of you but that is 
and has been so already.  Talking with 
you didnt do that but instead gave 
me a delightful thrill that gave a whole 
lot of satisfaction instead of sadness. 
You know I wanted to be home, enjoy the 
cake and all that.  There was no one here 
to fix things for me and all that.  Instead 
it was just another day of work and 
everything here.  But dont worry, it was 
just another one of those things.  I know 
Ill celebrate when I do get home and you 
all will just fix every little thing for 
me.  Am sure looking forward to it. 
 Had planned the phone call a week 
or more as the manner in which I  
would celebrate.  Thot for a while I would  
miss as it seemed they never would make 
connections.  But finally it was completed 
 
2 
 
and I was happy.  Taps had blown 
and all the lights were out when I  
called but just wasnt to be denied if 
if it could be helped. 
 Know you are enjoying Chester 
being home except hell have to leave 
again.  That is always the bad part. 
Seems he is still a good talker and 
persuader getting a leave soon as he 
did.   Afraid I wont be so successful 
as I cant talk that good. 
 Dont worry if Dorris goes with 
him.  Im thinking that it wont be for 
long as he will probably be shipped. 
Then I promise Dorris will return.  It 
will be good for Chester to have Bill 
with him that long. 
 And please dont get so blue 
and pessimistic at all including 
Leets going with me.  You assume 
none of us will come home even 
before giving it a trial.  If we go we 
we will all come back I know and if 
that is not possible then well fix 
it so that you can come see us.  We need 
your faith and support in all this 
so dont be blue about it.  Your 
being so sort of makes us blue and I 
know you dont want to do that. 
 You mentioned sending me something. 
in the way of gifts  well you just 
cant hardly send anything as we can 
have just certain things.  More than this 
and we may be subject to demerits. 
As for cake or whatever it may be 
 
-3- 
 
You know this is always welcomed from home. 
It wont last hardly any longer than it 
can be opened.  We are instructed not to 
hold it but get our part first and then 
pass it around.  In this manner most 
everybody gets some. Then, next day, when 
the other fellow gets some I get some 
of it. 
 Wasnt that something about 
Marianna?  Sending it home to save till 
needed. 
 Guess thats about all the news 
just now.  Received your card.  Marianna 
sent one just like it.  Also have cards 
from Edna Fields  Nellie Brazier  C. C. & 
Elizabeth Hill.  Quite thoughtful of them.  Tell 
everyone hello for me.  Hope to get a  
chance to write Brother Stephens this 
week.  Love to you 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Green a/s 
Co. 1645 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
Diana Shop 
Albany, Ga 
 
Nov. 22, 1943 
 
Sunday 
 
Dearest Mother 
 Your letter received and glad 
to hear from you again.  Know you are 
plenty busy & I understand. 
 Sorry to hear of your disappointment 
over Chesters visit.  I know it 
could have been much happier for 
all but was just one of those things. 
dont feel about it.  Will try to 
make up for it when I get there. 
Sure wish we could spend Christmas 
together there but guess that was  
not in the books for us.  Well just 
have to hope and pray for another 
day. 
 Speaking of Christmas  guess Leet 
told you we get eleven days.  That 
makes us have to be here on Dec. 27th. 
Will have to leave right after Xmas 
but still get to spend Xmas day with 
you and we will have a big day 
together. 
 Have seen nothing in paper 
about Dick walker except that his 
pilot was a prisoner of war in 
Germany.  Would like to know what 
 
2 
happened to him. 
 That was something good for 
Ruby Helen & Hambrick.  Do hope they use 
it wisely. 
 I had written James Parrish but 
dont guess he will get it until it is 
forwarded to him.  Wish I could have 
seen him. 
 Talked on phone with Dorris 
Holt the other day.  He is in another 
camp miles away from me.  There are 
14 boys from home in his Company. 
Glad I am this far on the way but 
know would have enjoyed being in 
such a Company.  My chief said he 
would see if he could get me a pass 
to go visiting Wednesday.  Sure hope I 
see someone from home.  And 
there is another boy in another camp 
but dont guess Ill see him.  He is 
a Royal Arcanum man. 
 Leet wrote about joining the 
Missionary Circle.  Sure glad to see her 
do this.  She is truly a sweet and 
understanding girl and I do love her 
so much & know she does me.  If 
she ever comes to stay with me dont 
you worry for I promise we will be 
coming home and I do mean it!!! 
 I hear the boys coming in 
now will have to stay in training 
12 weeks.  Gee, but am glad that 
doesnt include us.  And those boys 
leaving here on Dec. 14 wont have 
 
3 
 
but 9 days leave instead of 11.  Again we 
are fortunate. 
 Had a grand letter from Chester 
written on his last day there. The ole 
boy likes Leet and naturally I am 
happy in this. 
 We are in our Service Week now 
and the boys are being sent all over 
the Camp to work.  Fortunately my 
job here relieves me except help 
cleaning up a bit in the morning. 
They say that after Service Week 
the time passes swiftly.  We are now  
counting the days each morning when 
we get up.  Helps pass them off. 
 We shall surely have a feed 
Thanksgiving day.  Am sending Grace 
a paper giving our menu and we 
can go back for more and still 
more for as much as we wish. 
 Have you thot of joining the 
Navy Mothers Club there??  You 
are surely eligible now.  Wrote 
Leet about this.  Dont know if it 
is open to Navy Wives or not but 
 
4 
 
seems it should be. 
 Have had rather warm weather 
for last few days but today is a bit 
cold with snow threatening again. 
 Guess this puts me up with all 
the news.  Am enjoying the Library 
now.  They have a smoking room 
with all kind of games and the 
boys bring in their musical 
instruments and enjoy  singing and 
everything.  Makes the days pass 
by more swiftly. 
 The boys all around us are 
leaving  one camp after another. 
new ones are coming in.  Soon we 
will be old timers around here. 
The boys on Service Week say new 
recruits are really coming in. 
 Well, will close.  Take care 
yourself and dont worry.  Am happy 
that everyone is saying such nice 
things about Leet.  Write again 
when you have time and know I 
love you dearly  
 
Your Son 
Walter 
 
P.S. Wrote Dr. Stephens the other 
day. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Green a/s 
Co. 1645 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
c/o Diana Shop 
Albany, 
Ga 
 
#2 
 
Nov. 22, 1943 
 
Sunday 
 
Say Mom  
 Forgot to tell you this.  You know 
I broke my Parker 51 pen?  Broke the 
barrell right in two such that the 
Lifetime guarantee didnt cover it. 
wrote them and they said send it to 
them.  Received it back yesterday 
with a new barrel just like new. 
They enclosed a note saying because 
I was in the Service it was Free 
How is that?  I am getting some of 
that radio gift we use to hear, 
aint I?  I was quite tickled over 
it. 
 
Love  
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Green  a/s 
Co. 1645 
USNTS 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
Diana Ship 
Albany,  
Ga. 
 
Nov. 30, 1943 
 
 
Dearest Mom:- 
 Just time for a few lines before going to  
Show.  Received your letter.  So sorry about 
Your arm and please dont neglect it.  Go 
Ahead and see the doctor and get it fixed. 
 Had a letter from Rube telling me 
about Thanksgiving.  Asked me to forget the 
past.  Cant quite go all the way on that 
unless Mr. T.B. could be man enough to make 
a few apologies. 
 Received the box from Leet with all 
the goodies.  Sure was a delightful surprize. 
She told me of your contributions.  Am sure 
enjoying it too. 
 Sorry the Xmas cards didnt come in. 
Maybe some could be bought from 
Ackers and printed.  Leet said she gave 
you some money on these.  Dont know 
whether for B.T.U. or what.  Anyhow 
help her get it straight.  I forget 
how many boxes the B.T.U. ordered 
but 4 I think.  Anyhow they paid 
60c a box for them.  Then, the cards 
for you and Grace I was paying for 
 
them myself.  I didnt collect anything 
from you on these as I was paying for them 
out of the little profit we were going 
to make.  So help get it all Straight 
with B.T.U. and all. 
 Had a good snow last nite.  About 
2 inches deep this morning.  Really 
looks pretty. 
 Mariannas address is 
217 Elbeter St.  Nashville. 
 Must close.  Write again soon 
and do take care of your arm. 
 
Love 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Green a/s 
Co. 1645 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
Diana Shop 
Albany 
Ga 
 
November 26, 1943 
 
 
cinnamon 
 
allspice 
 
milk 
 
nutmeg  - 11 
 
cloves 
 
vanilla 
 
grape juice 
 
2# raisins 
 
2# currants 
 
1 # citron 
 
1# dates 
 
# almonds 
 
# cherries 
 
 @ orange & lemon 
Peeling 
 
1# fig preserves 
 
 
Nov. 26 
1943 
 
Thanksgiving 
 
Dearest Mom:- 
 Today is Thanksgiving and I feel I must 
send just a few lines to you for surely I have 
much to be thankful for especially in a 
dear, sweet, thoughtful mother as you. 
I am so thankful that God has so 
graciously spared you so long that you 
are still with us.  I know I have brot 
you much heart-aches in the past and so 
I am doubly thankful because I have 
found my way back home into your 
heart as the son you use to know. 
I pray God will permit me to contribute 
to your happiness now in every possible 
way. 
 I feel happier and more thankful 
this Thanksgiving as I havent  in.  I 
know not when, even though I am 
not permitted to be with you.  I have 
such a wonderful, dear and sweet wife 
in Leila that truly contributes to my 
happiness.  I do love her so with all 
my heart and I know she loves me. 
Her love, your love, together with mine 
in return gives me every reason to be 
filled with Thanksgiving. 
 
 My B.T.U. was truly thoughtful as I 
presume you know.  They mailed me some 
personal greetings written on cards with 
scripture verses on the back.  You dont 
know just how happy this made me feel.  I was 
tempted to cry with joy. 
 We have had quite an easy day. 
Held a mass service this morning of 15 
minutes.  Got a haircut this afternoon. 
Otherwise on our own.  Had a swell 
dinner.  The best yet and cooked grand. 
turkey was real tender and they sure 
filled our tray.  Full as a tick when I 
got up.  Sent Leet a post card mom. 
They wouldnt permit us but one card. 
 One thing we are thankful for 
is that in just 3 weeks we will be 
on our way home.  We leave 3 weeks 
from today.  That will surely be 
one happy day for all of us. 
 Hope you are well and 
everything is O.K. and am looking for 
your letter. 
 
Love 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
Diana Shop 
Albany, Ga. 
 
December 13, 1943 
 
Sunday 
 
Dearest Mother!  
 This is my last card that I brot from 
home.  Just wanted to say be on the lookout 
for a good pork ham for me.  Sure want 
some when I get there.  Everyone here is 
in high spirits with time getting so 
short.  Snow is here again and I mean 
its really coming down.  Hope its thru by 
Thursday.  Had another nice visit with 
James Parrish, his wife & children, Dorris Holt 
& Charlie King yesterday.  Hope you & Grace are 
all O.K.  And will see you soon 
Love  Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
W.W. Green a/s 
Co. 1645  U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
 
Mrs. Walter Green 
P. O. Box 596 
Albany, 
Ga. 
 
 
Wednesday 
 
Dec 9 1943 
 
Dearest Mother:- 
 Received your welcomed letter.  Hope you are all o.k. 
now and Grace is better and out again.  I am just 
feeling grand.  With the time drawing closer and 
closer for us to be on our way home everybody 
here is truly jubilant so much so they have 
become almost uncontrollable.  Im telling you 
it surely feels good. 
 Everything we are doing now is in terms 
of going home.  Final exams are being held. 
Last things being done.  Weve had our rifle 
range  gas drill  Plane recognition and 
those things.  Practically every day now is some 
final.  Have our final review Saturday and 
hope no more drilling after that.  Next week 
will get our dog  tags  Identification card 
tickets home & all that.  Got our dress jumper 
the other day.  And next Tuesday the Company 
will have a little party. 
 Visited with Dorris last Saturday.  Had 
swell visit.  Was very fortunate as others have 
to get passes but nothing doing.  While there 
found James Parrish and we all got together. 
Sure done all of us good.  Tell you more 
it when I get home.  James & his wife may go 
this Saturday and go to Hostess House for a 
get together. 
 We leave here next Thursday & I expect 
get home Friday afternoon.  Thats all I can 
say just now.  Will probably wire Leet more 
definitely when I know. 
 Well be busy sure enough this last 
week so probably this will be my last 
letter.  Am sure looking forward to coming 
home.  Tell Grace will sure appreciate her 
helping Leet get Home ready.  So until then, 
I am, With Love -  Your Son 
Walter 
  
 
Wm W. Green A/S 
Co. 1645 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
DIANA SHOP 
ALBANY, GA. 
 
 
Dearest Mother: 
 Now dont laugh.  Isnt 
this one for you.  Taken 
as fast as you could hop 
up & down.  These boots 
sure make you look 
like heck.  Were 
really getting ready to 
leave this place!  See 
you Friday. 
 
Love 
Walter 
 
(Picture of Wm. W. Green in Navy Uniform) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W Green, M Sp 3/c 
O.G.V. 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
423 Flint Ave 
Albany, 
Ga. 
 
 
Dec 27, 1943 
 
Monday 
27 
 
Dear Mom:- 
 Have just a few minutes now before 
lights go out.  Havent time to write 
much.  Have written Leet and she will 
probably come by & tell you the few 
general things I am able to say just 
now.  Arrived o.k. and on time.  Didnt 
sleep much and all tired out tonite. 
Besides trying to get straightened 
out.  Had bath & shave and maybe 
will get some sleep.  Hard to get 
back to this after such a grand 
time at home.  Seems cant call tonite as 
phones all tied up.  Will try to 
write tomorrow.  Sure hope you 
are feeling much better.  Tell 
Grace & all hello for me. 
 
Love 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Green, Sp. M 3/c 
O.G.U. 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
423 Flint Ave 
Albany, 
Ga. 
 
Dec 28, 1943 
 
Tuesday 
28th 
 
My Dear Mom:- 
 Hello and I do hope this finds you much 
much better and maybe up again.  Im getting 
along o.k. but sure hard after such a swell 
time at home.  That was surely the happiest 
week of my life I do believe.  Everyone 
was so kind and thoughtful in every way. 
And say what you will about that ham 
and turkey but they were kings food as 
compared to this up here.  How I wish I had 
a cup of coffee right now. 
 Sorry could not call last nite but this 
building has 800 men in each end and only 
3 phones and the line was too long.  It was 
still there after lights went out.  I thot 
might call then but was so tired when I 
hit the sack was right off to sleep. 
 Some place this is.  All in my barracks 
are rated men.  All just waiting for their 
name to be called in a draft.  And about 
all anxious for it to bee called so they 
can be on their way.  Two drafts left 
today both bound for California. 
 Thot I was hitting it swell as I am 
on the D row and we have had no 
detail work at all.  Most every row has 
some special work as K P  guard duty 
 
and all that except mine.  So thot I 
was going to take it easy.  But  This afternoon 
my name was called.  It was about time 
for the drafts to be called if any so I 
was a bit jittery.  On going info found they 
were calling up the mail specialists  6 of 
us.  We were instructed to report to main 
post office which we did and then 
went to work immediately.  Now we are 
to report there at 8:00 every morning and 
work until 4:30 in the afternoon..  Just now 
we are doing directory service.  Just how 
long we will be there I dont know.  They 
say we are the first ones sent over in some 
time as most of them have been sent 
to California.  They talked as if we 
might remain here several weeks.  If 
we are taken out of O.G.U. and assigned 
to Ships Company then we will be 
stationed here.  But, so long as we are 
left in O.G.U. guess we will be 
subject to a draft call anytime.  And 
thats all I know about it just now. 
Hope to investigate further tomorrow 
and see what I can find out.  Will 
let you know as I do. 
 They have scattered our Company to 
the four winds all over this place.  The 
boys with ratings are in barracks 
with me while I see others when we 
go to chow.  This place is surely full 
of men. 
 Tell Grace I saw the boy she 
picked out in the picture only once 
and couldnt tell him then that he 
had interests in Georgia. 
 
3 
 Oh yes  one of the boys I met in the 
post office and he is stationed here was from 
Fitzgerald and I know some of the clerks 
over there. 
 We are claiming our title now.  The 
card given me on my return had my 
rating on it.  So it seems Ill be here 
for a spell so am saying to write me at 
this address  
 
Wm Walter Green, Sp. M. 3/C 
O.G.U.  Brks 210-B, North 
U.S.N.T.S. 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
 Thot I was going to make some extra 
cash as you can go to Campbells Soup Co. 
in Chicago each day if not on detail 
and work 8 hours and make about $4.00 
net.  My post office has knocked me 
out of this now. 
 Guess this is all for this time. 
Sure do miss all of you and anxious 
to know how you are.  Write soon. 
 
Love 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm W. Green, Sp (M) 3/c 
O.G.U.  Co. 1645 
Great Lakes, Ill. 
 
Mrs. Ruby Green 
423 Flint Ave. 
Albany 
Ga. 
 
Thursday  30. 
 
Dec 30, 1943 
 
Dearest Mom:- 
 Have liberty tonite and visited 
Waukegan.  Sort of city like Albany 
in a way.  Stopped here in USO to  
drop you & Leet a line. 
 Have no more news except 
I am still working at Post Office. 
Do feel sure I can say this I 
wont be placed in Ships Company 
as I first thot.  If so they would 
have already taken us out of O.G.U. 
I think they will just let us stay 
there until the work is caught 
up & then ship us out.  I did hear 
rumors today that Mail Specialists 
would be called Saturday with 
3 going to District of Columbia, 13 
to California and some more to  
Chicago to a V. mail school.  I 
Cant say this is true you just 
dont know what to believe. 
 
 
They sure lose no time 
here with most of them. 
Most of my company, except 
those attending Service School 
have already gone.  I bet 
close to 1000 men left here today 
and most of them are headed for 
West Coast.  I dont know of any who 
have been sent to New Orleans.  Most 
of mail I have handled is being 
forwarded to California.  A big 
draft of Firemen left today for 
Bremerton, Washington.  And I hear 
about these Mail Specialists that 
none are being placed on ships now 
but sent to either California or 
New York for transfer to island bass 
in Atlantic or Pacific.  So, all I can 
is sit & wait. 
 You were speaking of Buddy 
when at home.  They say every Lieutenant 
has strings.  Have been thinking of 
this  dont know if he could or 
would help me, but he might 
could even to getting me placed 
down south in Georgia or 
Florida.  Think it over and if 
you wish you might write 
 
Aunt Montie.  This is 
precious in this too.  I sort of 
hate to do this but we 
have to forget all this in 
such a condition as we are 
in. 
 A group of Storekeepers 
left here today but I had to go 
to work & didnt find out where 
they were sent. 
 Well, guess this is all. 
Write me soon.  Hope you are well 
now.  Tell Grace am sure enjoying 
her candy. 
 
Love 
Walter 
 
 
P.S.  Had letter from Marianna written 
on 26th.   Very nice letter.  She had 
flu & couldnt meet train.  Said she 
called station and had me paged, 
and wanted to ask me to come out 
and see her.  Was tickled with 
handkerchiefs & said she had something 
each color could go with.  She had a 
good Xmas it seemed. 
 
My address is William Walter Green, Sp (M) 3/c 
O.G.U.  Co. 1645 
U.S.N.T.S 
Great Lakes, Ill