Wm W Green, Sp (M) 3/C Great Lakes, Ill. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave Albany, Ga Jan 4, 1944 JAN 4TH Wednesday afternoon Dearest Mom:- Hello again and I do hope this finds you much much better. We are far far on our way and believe me plenty tired of this train & especially having to travel as we are. The entire train is a pullman with no coaches on it. Due to arrive in Frisco about noon tomorrow. We are now some 3 hours late so I dont what time will get there. On top of this you know we are 2 hours behind your time. The boys have moved their watches back 2 hours to Pacific time. Wrote Leila some plans on a code we will use. Told her to tell you about it and sure hope it works. Believe me Ill put out a search when I get there to see if the Falcon is in. Gee, but I would be tickled to run up on little Bud out there. And will sure let you know if I do. Hope you got your record o.k. Had fun making it. The lady in charge said I made a good record & my voice was natural where as most of them are not natural. the record ended through before I did so it just cut off in middle of a sentence I believe. You know, some of the fellows with me say they were told at their interview that accepting this Mail Specialist rating meant immediate foreign duty upon completion of Boot but they didnt tell me. But I know Ill be o.k. so dont you worry. Just hold fast to your faith & prayers & we will all be home soon sure. Understand we are to go to work in fleet post office when we get there. Have no idea of how long will be there but will let you know soon as I can. So long as we are there no letter will be censored. Believe me we have sure had some beautiful scenery this day. Since morning almost all day have been in mountains & it is truly a gorgeous sight. There is hardly no signs of civilization out here. Now & then you see a lovely house all by itself while the villages of just a few houses and a store or two are hundreds of miles apart. You wonder how anyone could live like that & especially as cold as it is. We hardly ever see a highway & a car is truly a rarity. But back to these mountains. They are truly a picture with their lofty peaks so high in the air sage brush growing and all covered with snow everywhere. Sometimes you have to get on floor to see the tops when riding close by. And the when at a distance you can see them ever so high for miles upon miles. Sometimes we were riding in the valley and under mountains and again would be on top of the mountain some 1800 feet high We stopped in Ogden, Utah & it was at the bottom surrounded by mountains. Quite a sight. I sent you a postcard from there that will give you & idea what we have been thru. For a while though the mountains quit completely as we were then in the Utah Flats and believe me have never seen any country so flat. It sure was true to its name. And then we hit the Great Salt Lake. It is 70 miles long & 30 wide & we split it in middle. Nothing unusual about it as its just a large body of water. We are yet to cross the Sierra Nevada Mountains and go thru Reno, Nev. but guess will be tonite while we sleep. Guess thats about all the news I know just now. Dont know where Ill mail this. We are now in the real Wild & Wooly West in Nevada but havent seen any cowboys or Injuns. The towns are so little & far apart the train doesnt stop. Perhaps will carry on to Frisco & mail. Tell Grace, Helen, T.B., Lynda, Dorris & Bill all hello for me and again I say dont any of you worry too much & Ill be writing & keeping you posted on everything as I can. And dont you work too much Please Love Walter P.S. It is really snowing up here. P.S. #2 The news article in the paper last Thursday about me was sent in by the Personnel Bureau at Great Lakes. Wm W. Green, Sp (M) 3/C Great Lakes, Ill. Miss Grace Green 423 Flint Ave Albany, Ga. Jan 4 1944 Tuesday 4th 1:45pm Hey Gal:- on our way traveling 8 states enroute. Some traveling. Supposed to be on Pullman but this is a troop Pullman and our beds are 3 deep. Some 43 men in one car. Didnt sleep much. We are in the corn belt now & see nothing but corn fields. Seems we shall pass all the real scenery at night. Crossed Mississippi last nite. Get into Cheyenne tonite about 9 tonite. Go thru famous Reno, Nev. about Midnite tomorrow nite & also the Rocky Mountains. Would stay up if could see anything. We will cross the Salt Lake in day time. We have just passed Kearney, Neb. & it has started to snow. Having to go glad it could be to California thot I might see it but dont care about going any further. take care yourselves. Hope you can read this. Writing on train. Love to all Walter (Postcard with Salt From Great Salt Lake, Utah) 15870. John Cobb Beats the Eyston Record for Speed on the Salt Flats of Great Salt Lake MRS. RUBY GREEN 423 FLINT ALBANY, GA. Dear Mom:- Is salt rationed? Here is a bit for breakfast. Love Walter Jan 5 1944 Wm W. Green, Sp (M) 3/C Great Lakes, Ill. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave Albany Ga Hello Mom Just run in and grabbed a card. All O.K. Love Walter (Postcard from Cheyenne, Wyo.) Jan 3 1944? Wm W. Green, Sp (M) 3/C Great Lakes, Ill. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Albany, Ga. Dear Mom:- Been seeing such as this all morning. Sure a pretty sight. Plenty cold here too. This town surrounded by high mountains. Love (Postcard of Alta, Utah) een t Avenue Albany, Georgia Wm Walter Green Sp- (M) 3/C U.S.N.R. Imperial Hotel Room 315 San Francisco, Cal Wm Walter Green Sp- (M) 3/C U.S.N.R. Imperial Hotel. Room 315 San Francisco, Cal San Francisco, Calif. Jan 8. 1944 My Dearest Mom:- Hello there and hope this finds you all O.K. I guess Leet told you of my call the the other nite. I guess the kid was worried some with me calling here as late or as early as I did. It was probably about 1:00 A.M. your time. I had had the call in close to an hour and you see we are 2 hours behind your time out here and that is where all the difference came in. Well, it seems I have reached my destination, at least for a while, and possibly I wont be shipping on any farther than here, at least not for a long while. They sent us here to report to the Twelfth naval District for Duty and that means we are in Ships Company here though that dont mean anything special. But it does mean we will go to work here which we have done. If we were being considered to continue on then we would have been sent to the Receiving Ship and our papers would have been marked FFT which means For Further Transfer. So, am making plans to stay here for a spell. You still cant say how long as they tell you nothing as to when you will be shipped and all that. Some reception we got. Sent out here, reported, and they just told us to go find a place to stay. And we didnt know which way to turn and they say rooms and all out here are scarce as hens teeth and so we found it. We finally landed a spot in a hotel with 4 in one room and 3 in another. Not so hot but best we could do under circumstances. Presume we shall keep it until something better shows up. Two are not quite satisfied and I think theyll be moving out soon. The other 5 of us have been palling together ever since we were here, all married men and a fine bunch of fellows. They dont drink nothing but beer occasionally and in every way are O.K. and I like them fine and think well get along O.K. Of course in due time I guess will all burst up and get other places and the like as suits our taste. Living off any base we have to provide our own eats. I use to complain about our chow but now I wish I could get to it. Im telling you everything sure costs here. They take a sailor for every penny they can get without any mercy. They give us a bit of money to provide our subsistence with but the trouble is ever getting a pay-day. Some of these boys come out here broke but finally got a check. Its a heck of a situation and they just dont give a hang about you. Plenty bi place here and dont know when will get around to seeing all the things. Crowded as it can be so that you can hardly walk down the street.. And too, I dont know where to go to find out if any ships are in and they wont tell me at the post office. They say Ill catch on and learn but if Chester is here perhaps hell be gone by then. Am thinking of writing him an Air-Mail letter to New Orleans hoping it may be transferred here before he leaves if he is here. Had to work last nite and had to quit about midnite. Hurt my back a bit on the train and it bothered me so last nite couldnt work so they sent me to Sick-Bay. Im off duty now and taking it easy a bit. They give me a sun-ray lamp bath and massage as treatment. Guess this will be for only a day or two. Anyhow, did did get to work enough to see something of what it is all about. I can surely understand now why these soldiers mail and all is so slow. They are some 18000 sacks of papers behind here working them. I bet when some of these papers are worked theyll be a year or mor older. Im telling you I never seen such mail. Seeing all that mail prompted me right quick to decide to change my mailing address. Perhaps Leet has advised but just to be sure make it this way : Wm. Walter Green, Sp. (M)3/C U.S.N.R. Imperial Hotel---Room 315 San Francisco, California Using this address it will come direct to me at the hotel whereas the other address would require it to go through the whole Fleet post Office and there isnt any telling when I will get what has already be mailed but will surely keep on the lookout for it. I know I would never be getting my paper in any manner up-to-date. Leet told me you had your record but she didnt have hers. Am anxious to know how you liked it and surely do hope she hers O.K. and it is not broken. I got quite a little kick out of making them and it gave the folks in charge a bit of a kick the way I talked. Well, I guess thats about all I know to say just now. I must return to the Sick Bay for another treatment and the hour is near. Guess you are delighted to know that at least one of the boys will remain here on the mainland, at least for a while. Sure do miss all of you. Thot I was far enough yonder at Great Lakes but now being way off over here I surely feel loss, Im telling you. Havent had a letter in so long now and am sure hungry for some good mail from home sweet home. Do tell everyone hello for me and that I am O.K. and do hurry those letters on out with all the news and everything. Love Walter Friday---Jan. 14, [1945] 1944 Dearest Mother:- Hello and hope you are now very much better. Received a letter from you yesterday and another today along with Chesters. Seems they got crossed somehow and the last came first. Same thing happened with Leets as the last came first. Got five from her today, I mean six. Have had quite a heyday of reading, but Im telling you it really did the ole soul good. I get so blame lonesome and homesick way out here can hardly stand it so a letter from home is surely welcomed I mean. Wrote Grace the other day and told her most everything so far. My back is still taped up but they told me to go back to work today. Will take the tape off in the morning. Maybe going to work will help my lonliness some in giving me something to do more of my time. Your letter was so sweet, mom, and you say the nicest things. You know I love you so much and I am indebted to you so much for the past. I know I can never make all that up to you but believe me anything I can do to add to your happiness now is truly a joy to my heart. I guess that is the reason I dont like for you to mention any names and all of the past. I want to forget all that and never be reminded of it in any way. Just want to think of the present and future and all the happiness and all we may in store for us. As for my being happy now---truly I am---as happy a soul as most ever lived for I know I have the sweetest and dearest wife in the world and we are both so devoted to each other. She has meant so much to me and done so much for me. And I am so happy that she is ever thoughtful of you. She never writes that she dont mention you and tells me sort of how you are getting along and all. So glad you got your record and liked it. A man and his wife were present and in charge where I made them and they got a kick out of my making them. Guess Leets got broke as she never received them. I sure hated this as I wanted to keep them for the future. Shou d have carried them with me and put some heavy cardboard over them before mailing. Havent heard from Marianna as to whether she got hers or not. Chesters letter was sure interesting. The boy seems all thrilled over his venture. He sure has a nice set-up. Just wish I could say the same. But things here are in every way different from his and the more I see and hear of it all the more disgusted I become with it. Its bad to feel that way but I do and cant help it. Makes me sort of wish I had something like him. I know he will be getting an advanced rating standing in as he does at the earliest possible time. Wonder if Ill ever get one. Went thru Chinatown the other night and day. Wrote Grace about it. Am enclosing a picture of some of the things saw in what they claimed was the oldest temple outside China. Sure glad to get that code as to Chesters ship. That is what they told me I would be learning. Will be on the lookout for it but guess it will be some time before it gets in here if at all. Wired Leet today to change my mailing address back to Fleet Post Office. Our hotel is just a dinky little place and we dont like it nor thesection of town we are in so are looking for some place to go. I am going to try and find me a room in a private home and get room and board if I can Know I will like it much better. Believe I have written you that I would no doubt be stationed here and not have to go any further. Thot this was so about all of us but the boys woke me last night when they came in and said one of the boys was called on a draft today. So it still seems uncertain as to what they shall do with us. I surely wish I knew as I am considering bringing Leet out here. It is a problem hard to solve not knowing just what will be done and you all so far away I cannot talk to you about it. Guess will maybe wait for about a month and see how things go before making a final decision. Dont know though---may change and make it sooner. Glad you have got that paper in. Maye both of you will be getting your checks now. Let me know what you hear on it if anything. I understand Dorris Holt put in for his mother and his brother D.V. Had put in and they wouldnt grant both. So am anxious to know how yours turns out. so do keep me informed of anything if you get any news on it. Had quite a nice time last night. Attended California Masonic Lodge No. 1 here. The oldest Lodge in the State. Witnessed the first degree and had refreshments afterwards. The officers here all wear Tuxedos. Guess thats about all the news I have just now. Martha Ray is here in person with her troup that visited the boys oversees. On for a week and I hope I can get a chance to see her. Must close now, get a bite to eat and go back to this slave-house. Dont worry any about all this talk of mine. I am all right. Maybe it is just the first week here that is helping cause it all. Once I get settled and can get a place to stay perhaps will quiet down and feel better. Anyhow, do keep those letters coming as they do mean so much to me Im telling you. Sure glad you got paid for while you were sick as that is certainly as it should be and please dont go back till you are fully well and then dont try to do too much. So, now, good-afternoon, and know I do love you so very much. Your Son Walter P.S.About that first paragraph at top his page---letters addressed to Fleet Post Office will all come in O.K. and Ill get them. They may be a little late at times but they wont get lost or be sent somewhere that I have moved from and thus lost. W.W. Green, Sp(M) 3/C Fleet Post Office San Francisco, California Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Avenue Albany, Georgia Sunday, January 16, 1943 [1944] Dearest Mother:- Just completed a letter to Leet and one to Chester and have a few minutes more before I go to work so I will spend it with a few more lines to you. Have another sweet letter from you and again I say it sure does the ole heart good when these letters come in. This one was written last Monday, January 10th. Do know my thots were with you on this day. I know you were in some sad moments and wish I could have shared it with you. Indeed much has happened in these 9 years, much more I dare say than dear ole day would have ever anticipated and especially in the fact that his two boys were now in uniform. And how I have wished so many many times that he just knew how my life had changed and the happiness that I now enjoyed. I think his dear soul could rest more in peace. Still, perhaps he does know, dont you think??? It was interesting to note you may have relatives out here. Have thot for some time of dropping ole Gilbert a few lines. Perhaps I shall. Havent done so as I didnt have his address. Maybe he can tell me the address out here and it maybe I could find them. It would surely be grand if I could and they could let me stay with them, wouldnt it?? Why we might even work it out where all of you could pay a visit out here. How about it ???? I surely cant understand that write-up about Dorris Holt getting recommended for Mail Specialist 2/C. He must have pulled some strings or something as it is the first I have heard of anyone getting it. This place out here is full of them with years andyears of postal experience, many whom were supervisors of large offices and all like that and yet none got more than 3/C. If he does get it than good for him is all I can say though it burns me up to see him get it and me with the experience I have and not get it. It may be that he went to college that was the key point though I dont know. The Navy is just funny that way about this college business. Perhaps I could have been an Ensign, so they say, if I had just completed. As for all that other write-up well that is his record in college and all the like. The same as I he had to fill out all this information when he went in and thats where they got it. The Honor Man stuff, well there is not anything to that as it dont mean anything much. I was one of the candidates in our company but it is all with the chief who gets it and the usually chose a fellow with military experience somewhat and the like of that. We didnt even have any kind of election in our company. Our chief just sent out four of us and he talked to the few others in the room and sort of told them whom to elect and so it was. I dare say most of them are the same. You asked about a negative of a picture. Im sorry Mom but I just dont know where any of those are since I left. Have just forgot where most anything is. You just have to have another real good one made for the boy and if I ever get to a place where I can have them I too will want one you know. Am sending you a little folder of Frisco here showing some pictures of things have seen. We took a little tour the other day and visited quite a few of the places. It was interesting all right. The visit to Telegraph Hill and up in the Cloit tower enabled us to see the whole city, Alcatraz, Treasure Island and all. We got a good look at the bay and the ships and naturally I was wondering if ole Chester perchance was on any of them. And that street car line you see, well it is a wow. Almost like a roller coaster. You really have to hold on going up and down these hills as it does. And when we went down to the wharf where you see the crabs and all on display. I was hungry as a bear and wanted to stop and eat. Dinners hit you for about $1.50 I guess but I was ready to pay it. However we didnt have time so I had to put it off. But Im going back and get me one. Am back at work now. My back is o.k. They took the tape off yesterday morning and all is well. The work not so bad and it surely keeps me from getting so lonesome. Go to work at 5:30, off at 10:15 till 11:00 for chow, then again have 15 minutes from 1:30 to 1:45 as tea-time they call it when we rest, and off at 3:15. Get up in morning about 11:00 and have breakfast and then have dinner about 4:00. Where we eat dinner they pack us a lunch of 2 sandwiches and a piece of pie for 30c and this is what we eat at 10:15. Perhaps will be changing shifts with a week or two and maybe on daytime work a while. Work is not so heavy and not so slave-driving as first thot. We have a bit of fun along with it and makes it easier. I would still relish finding some good eats at reasonable prices. We havent had hardly any green vegetables since we have been here. Hope I can get a place with room and board as it may give me some better foods than what I am getting, and surely more of a variety. Forgot to tell you in my letter the other day that I bought an 85c haircut. Got one at home and paid 50c for it and thot that was too much. Now paying 85c---well that is something. Better have my hair all clipped off again it seems. Had a surprise the other night. One of our boys was called in a draft. He tried to get deferred a bit but nothing doing. Told him he would leave sometime after the 17th. That sort of upset us a bit as we thot we would be here. Now we dont know what to expect. They said they were 170 behind in their draft and have only some 300 Mail Specialists here to choose from. It seems they just pool the whole bunch and pick names in some way regardless of how long you have been here and the like. So we are all just sitting by now wondering every day if we might be called. It may be yet Ill be going places. Got another pay-day yesterday. The whole amount of $43.00. Quite a check, eh?? Surely nothing like what I used to draw. The next one I hope will be for a bit more. Tis a pity all that deferment at post office couldnt have happened a bit sooner so that I could be back at home with you all. I know my recent letters have been plenty blue and all with my homesickness. This was all helped with me being off duty and just walking all day long by myself. Am much better now with being back at work and my time quite occupied. Believe that is about all I know to say just now. Must beig closing and going and get my dinner and get ready to report to work. Sure wish I were home and could attend church and all instead of going to work. Havent been since I been here. Went out last Sunday to go, last Sunday night, but was a bit too late when I got there as I had to find the church so missed. However, when I get on a day-time run Ill make it I know. Hope you and Grace and all are well and good now and taking care of yourselves and again I say do keep those letters coming. My time is quite filled these days and I may not get to answer right regularly but do know Ill be writing frequently and keeping you informed as to things as they happen and all. Oh yes, in throwing the mail my first night I came on a paper and right quick told the boys working with me that that was an Albany Herald. I have them throw too many of them at home and received them at Great Lakes that I know the type of address they use. The paper was rolled so you couldnt see the title but I peeped in and sur enough it was. For a boy a boy named Blalock stationed here for transfer, a Seaman 1/C I believe. Dont know him but do know the name but uncertain in white or black. May try to find him though. He may be working in the Post Office here as so many are that are stationed as he is. Then next night found another Herald but this one was going back home. Couldnt help but wish I was wrapped up in that one. Also handled a package of eats going to a mate that was mailed back in October 1942. Some mail this is, eh?? And the Ar-Mail hereyou should see it. On two nites I have worked there has been some 300 or more pouches of Air-Mail only each nite headed for Pearl Harbor and points west. My paper here is about out now so I will close this time. Be sweet, write me often, and do know I am thinking of all of you every day. Love to all Walter W.W. Green, Sp. (M) 3/C Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif MRS. RUBY GREEN 423 FLiNT AVE AlBANY, GA. She got here O.K. Jan 23 1944 Sunday 4:30 a.m. Dearest Mother:- Here I am sitting at the ferry dock waiting for the sweet girl to come in. And it would be raining. This is first real rain since I have been here and just when I did so want it to be fair. She She arrives in Oakland and takes the ferry over here to Frisco. I was going over there at 4:30 but evidently the trip was cancelled due to rain as they have it posted that next boat will be at 6 so I just sit here and wait. Wonder will I sleep any today?? If not will sure be a wreck when I go to work tonite. But who cares! Leet sure must have made a quick decision on coming for a letter written Sunday afternoon said she was still waiting for me to say when. Then Monday just as I had got to bed I get her call. Was I surprised when she said she was leaving that nite!!! Got me all upset a bit as I wasnt quite ready for it. I made a comment or two about it and then heard that sweet thing start crying- and I couldnt say no then come what may. It was all O.K. to come on but thot there might bet lots of little things needing attending before she left and I wanted time to think to be sure nothing missed. However quick decisions are oft times best and I am sure this shall be. Have been in a puzzle for some time wondering when to give her the word. Now that is done my mind is at ease and everything O.K. 2 And now that she is on the way & almost here I am just too excited for words. I just know it is the best thing all way round. I know Ill be so very much better off- happier- and all that with her here with me. I am just so happy now that she decided & came on. And have I been busy??? After she called Monday I didnt sleep. And beginning Monday I started out looking for a place. Im telling you I never saw so many no vacancy signs in all my life. Every day I went & went & went and all in vain. I went to most every housing agency in town- to the USOs & read the paper. Wednesday was my day off and if I walked 1 mile I bet I walked 25. I covered this town from one end to the other over & over again. It went on into Thursday & I was still looking. And Thursday afternoon the good Lord answered my prayer again and I landed a place. I was just about to give up & engage a hotel at $2.00 a day when I made another visit to the Naval Housing Bureau. Was about to be told nothing as yet when one of the girls the chief of a room which had just been reported in. 3 I asked them to give me just 30 minutes grace so I could get there first & I hit it out- and landed it. Boy . Was I ready to shout. And best of all it was the nicest and cleanest one I had looked at. It is far out but has a little city right there. It is located just a block from the huge City park and on other side of park is the beach. Im telling you it is just a grand location as it seems many wealthy folks live all out in that section. The couple we rent from are just fine it seems & says anything I want just ask for. The lady seems so kind in every way. Our room is a real large front room with 3 windows and has a gas heater in it a nice soft bed- real nice thick rug- dresser- 2 tables- a bed table- rocker- 2 straight chairs. And the whole house is so clean. Then too we have use of the kitchen. I get it all for $8.00 a week & I am telling you this is plenty cheap. Started to take one room with nothing else at 35.00. I was expecting to come out at not less than $40.00 a month & most probably $45.00 or $50.00. So you can well see how I was about ready to 4 shout to run up on this. Up till then I hadnt been able to sleep at nite but believe me I have slept the past two nites. Have it all fixed up for her now with some flowers in there & some of these California Oranges- Seems I can hardly wait for her to get here now. I know she wont work for at least a month but maybe then she will. She can make almost double here what she did at home & believe me they are begging for help. Sure wish you were here. The weather is so warm & you would like that & you too could make so much more out here. Dont you want to come??? Even though you dont you need have no worry about this little boy or us forgetting you at home. Not one bit- Mom- cause I am still begging to get back home. I catch myself sort of crying all along cause I want to get back home and close to all of you- I just have to admit I am truly a homesick guy and Ill be that way just so long as I am away. And Ill 5 always be thinking of and loving you sweet mom- you can sure count on that! Got a short letter from Chester tonite beginning Dear William which was my signal. All that I could get was that he was telling me he was sailing & must have been written aboard ship as he said first day was smooth sailing- I have written him twice but he had not received either of them at that time. Will write him again soon to N.Y. Also a letter from Dorris Holt. I think you read the paper wrong on him. It must have said Seaman, Second Class and he was being recommended for a rating. Accoording to his letter to day he is not getting a rating now but will have to go to a post office school at Sampson, N.Y. for some 7 more weeks and then will get his rating. He is working on it though to see what he can do in not having to go to school. He is to let me know how he comes out. 6 Well, Mom, it is about time for Ferry so better close & go get that sweet girl. Hope you can read this. Been so busy this week havent had time to write and this is written so crazy I do hope you can make it out. Excuse me now for several days while I get sort of caught up with my loving & then will be writing again & often. Be sweet and do please take care yourself and know I do love you so much Your Son Walter Wm W. Green, Sp (M) Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave. Albany, Ga Wednesday Jan 26, 1944 Dearest Mother:- Hello again and believe you me your son is a changed man these past few days since this sweet girl of mine got here. Life has really become sweeter now and whereas I use to feel quite loss with time on my hands and nothing to do it is now that every minute is full and in fact the days entirely too short. And I am really eating again and not having to look everywhere to try and find something worth eating and at a reasonable price too. Leet says she is going to get me all fat again. And I know Ill save money on it permitting us both to eat cheaper than what it was costing me to eat alone. And that reminds me Thanks for the pineapple. It is sure good and have been having sandwiches for my lunch at work every day. You see we have to take a lunch and eat at work about 9:30 at nite and the sandwiches 2 I been having cost 10c each and nothing to them. My pals envy me now with having all these good things. Im telling you no one should regret her having come out here. I am so glad she came on when she did. Another of the fellows wife and baby have come out. They are still at hotel not having a room anywhere as yet. And I believe Leet said some 20 or more Wives were on her train coming out to their husbands. And she sure seems happy in being here. I almost missed her coming in. Was supposed to take a ferry at 4:30 but it didnt run. So I waited till 6:00. Understood train would arrive at 6:50 but that is time they were due in Frisco while I thot this meant Oakland where you board the Ferry. So when I arrived at Oakland her train was already in. Well I got off on the bottom and she got on on the top deck and there we missed. Soon as I saw the trains were in I chased back for the Ferry, just did make it and there she was. Seems everything is just opposite to what it should be. When she came in it was raining. Today it is raining and on top of all this I have the first cold I have had since being in the Navy. 3 I must say the weather cold as it is in Chicago is better on your health than here and at home there. However I got my cold at work I think. It is heated very little. Have been working on third floor which was o.k. but Monday nite they put me on first floor and it is quite open with wind blowing in and the like and that is where I got my cold I think. But it is getting better now. I have tomorrow off and sure hope it is not raining so we can get out a little. Went to show yesterday and that is about all we have done. The lady we rent from is sure nice. Everything is so convenient and she wants to do everything she can to keep us satisfied in every way. She has another room with a kitchenette in it and perhaps well get it later. Sure glad to know Helen is back with you. I know it makes it better for all of you. Am enjoying so much the cake she sent. Taking it in my lunch too. Do hope she comes along o.k. and that Lynda gets through o.k. How is Grace and tell her dont give up hope - I am going to send those pennants just as soon as I can. Guess little Bud is out on the high seas now. Sort of envy him 4 getting to make a trip as that. They must be heading for some important spot with a load big as you say it is. I am writing him giving my address phone# etc. About all the things left behind well we have no worries there. I know they are in good hands and as for the bank box you need not be so particular in having a witness with you. I know my mom is o.k. and will look out for me. And right away I am needing something out of the box. Please go down and get that pkg with all of Leets insurance papers in it and send to me. There are several policies in that group insurance she had and they are all in one of those envelopes with Royal Arcanum on it. Send me the whole group. I want to arrange to continue the life insurance and must have these right away. Then too I am needing my ration coupons with us cooking our own meals. All my gang made application for one before Leet came so we could make our own sandwiches. Havent sent my paper in yet but will do so today. About the book you have I dont think there will be any check-up on it if you wish to keep it. If you want to turn it in there just use all the points you can and turn in. Or, if you wish to just to send it to me 5 and Ill turn it in. Just let me know what you do. If you want to you can tear out what is good right now then mail to me and by time it arrives some more will be good and we can use it to stock up our pantry and the I can mail it in. Am enjoying my work better now. They have changed me from primary case to secondary. I am working 131 sacks all labeled to ships. Have one sack addressed Fleet Post Office New York, N.Y.. I have put a number of [sacks] magazines - all kinds as American Liberty Esquire and others in it for Chester. You see there are some Inoperative ships and magazines to them are not deliverable so we can have them. I just write Chesters name and ship on each one and throw it to New York. Dont know when he will get them but sometime soon maybe. And I have a stack of them here for Leet. It is quite interesting to watch how the mails are sent out. They start out with the name of the ship on it but before it gets out of building this has been taken off and a code number 6 put on. And speaking of Air-Mail they sure have it. Ive seen 300 or more bags for Pearl harbor and points south nite after nite. Well guess thats about all for this time. Be sweet, do take care of yourself and attend these two things I have asked and\write often. Love Your Son Walter P.S. Some scribbling this is Hope you can read it. Wm W. Green, Sp (M) 3/C Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave Albany, Ga. Information of Feb 8 house & etc. in here Saturday Jan 29 1944 Dearest Mother:- Just a few lines while Leet fixes dinner. And speaking of dinner believe me I am sure enjoying some good eating once again. I just know both of us will put on weight now. Still raining here. Fair one day and rain the next. Not hard but steady. And my little old cold still lingers with me. Had a swell letter from Bud yesterday. Guess you also heard from him. Mine was from Baytown, Texas. Couldnt imagine who in the world it was from as he left his return address off so it wouldnt be censored. That kid is sure getting around and having some experiences. And he sure stands in with all his officials. He will really get some where in this ole Navy and will know all about it when he gets out. He will really be an old Salt then. I bet he is having fun being able to run the ships and do all the other things he says he is doing now. 2 Speaking again about that eating We sure miss those Georgia Vegetables. Only a very few that w know can we find out here. Most everything out here is a strange looking object with a foreign name. The lady of the house offered to show Leet how to fix any she wished to so maybe will give the a try. Understand chicken is scheduled for Sunday dinner. Sounds good to me. Have you done anything with my ration book yet? If not just send on out here to me so we can use it like I said. You get some points out if you need them. About that Income tax business am afraid I cant say as I dont know how Chester had it. If you write him am sure he will get it in time that he can advise you what to do. Then, when you have all your figures together take them up to the Post Off to office of Collector of Internal Revenue and they will help you make it out. Dont hesitate for that is their business. But do go soon as you can so as to avoid the rush that will be there a bit later. I dont know if you have to report what you got from Chester thru the Navy or not. Be sure and inquire for they have the records on this. And, if needed, I presume you can take credit for support of Grace 3 at least the last 4 months of last year. You might also ask Chester if this will be o.k. with his report, etc. Had my day off Thursday and we did have a time. Left home about 2:00 and returned at midnite. Went sightseeing to a big follies stage show and had supper at Fishermans Wharf. I got two fish dinners for us and was that a meal. Had some of several kinds of fish and it was surely good & we liked to have popped so full we were. Have another day off next Friday and will be out and seeing again. Listen mom for your information we now live at 1907 Page St. in home of Mr. & Mrs. Paul D. Rogers. Phone number is Evergreen 2174. It would have a Green to it. Also, should you need me home for any reason the best and quickest and most surest way to get it all done would be to contact the Red Cross there advise them what you want and ask them to attend it for you. Would of course have to pay the charges of the telegrams and the like but such matters 4 as this would have to be investigated and all that before approved and the Red Cross is immediately accepted as reliable in such instances. Then too the proper one to get in touch with here would be Commadant Twelfth Naval District Federal Bldg. Civic Center San Francisco, Calif. And in so doing you should give my resident address and phone number here as well as saying I am on duty at Fleet Post Office. I believe that would be sufficient. I pray there shall be no need for all this but just thot you should have it in case. Do believe this shall be all for this time. Oh yes When you get your telephone bill let me know how much that call amounted to. That is our bill and I want to pay it. Leet got away in such a hurry she forgot it. And Speaking of Leet that sweet kid still thinks she is in a dream about being out here and all. Anyhow send that bill! Hope Grace & all are o.k. Saw your name in paper as having attending Band Mothers meeting and saw where Band gave a concert. Must close now. Hello to everyone Kiss Lynda & Bill for me Be your own sweet self Write soon & know I do love you so & Leet says hello to all of you. Your son Walter. San Francisco, Calif. Friday, Feb 11, 1944. Dear Grace:- Hello There kid, and how you doing??? Hows your health and all that?? Better take good care yourself now for I believe you have a big job on hand there. Sounds like you sort of have a Hospital or something. But, I know you can so get in there and show them. Seriously, speaking, do look after that Mom of ours. Chester and I off as we are we have to depend on you now, Kid, so stick in there for us and let us both know how things are going all along. And one thing especially, do all you can to make Mom quit doing so much housework and to go to sleep earlier in the evening and get more rest. She can do it and should do it. I know it is a real job but do try and insist for us. You do this for all of us and maybe some of these days we can do something for you. How is that ????? I wrote mom and told her how to get in touch with me if she ever needed me. Told her to tell you and Rube. Just to make sure I am mentioning it here again for you. In first place the best thing would be to go to the Red Cross there and tell them what you wanted. If a request comes in thru the Red Cross well those in charge here will O.K. it right off, whereas, if you do it individually they will do a lot of checking back and forth probably before anything is done. You know Mr. C. J. Bott there, I think ?? Well I believe he is connected with the Red Cross or could tell you whom to see and the like. Now in sending word out here it would be sent to: Commandant---Twelfth Naval District---Federal Building---Civic Center---San Francisco, Calif. 2 In telling them about me you would give my full name and rating in this manner: William Walter Green, Mail Specialist, Third Class. Then you would give my residence address as 1907 Page Street. And, You might give my telephone number. I dont know it now but if I remember will add it to bottom of this letter. In addition, you would also advise that my duty station was the Fleet Post Office on Bannon Street. I believe this would be sufficient. You see there are so many here and all in the Twelfth District they need to know all these little details that they might find me if needed. And, if it might be further needed my service number is: 832-34-11 I think that would be enough. Dont know if you will ever need it and trust you wont, but did want all of you to have it and know what to do just in case. So much for all that. Gee, but wish you could have been here last Friday. The USO had their Third Birthday Celebration. Dont know if it was everywhere or not, but they did here and quite an affair it was. Had a grand show for the occasion put on by service personnel. Leo Carrillo, the stage and screen star was Master of Ceremonies and quite a guy he is. After the show there was dancing and all that. They had the Battle of the Bands with some eight service bands competing. They were good and naturally I thot the Navy band was the best. All this held in a hu ge auditorium here and I mean there was a many a person there. Why they had 4,000 sponsors, I guess that is the name, anyhow, girls to dance with the boys. Civilian personnel was admitted some such as Leet and all and they had some 5,000 of these admissions. And of course the service boys had their uniforms were their tickets. And I didnt need any of those sponsors as I had My Gal. We did enjoy it though and thot how much you would enjoy it could you have been here. They were sure shaking some hips out there on that floor. 3 In the paper this last Sunday was a picture taken in the Stage Door Canteen. Cant tell much about it but thot would send it that you may get a bit of a picture as to how crowded and all it were. They also took pictures of the birthday celebration and if I can find them will send those too. They are planning quite an affair for Valentine but I will be working so we cant take that in. And, I notice on the billboard of a theatre here that Cab Calloway will be here in a few days in person. We shall see that. Want to join us ??? I tell you and mom just better save up your nickels and get out here and take in some of these things. I know you would enjoy it all so very much. Well, guess thats all. My time is sure limited and I find so little time to write. You just have to excuse these brief letters but as these things come along I want to tell you about them so do. Was sure sorry to hear about your English friends deaths and all. Would sure like to meet their people and all. Must be mighty nice to write you as they did. And now again, do take care of Mom and turn loose and write us sometimes. Leet says hello to you and she sure is one happy gal on being out here and I am an extra happy Sailor boy for it too. As ever Your Bud Walter P.S. Telephone # is Evergreen 2174 #2 In this picture the tables are where the fellows eat. The girls dont. You show identification card when you enter & they give you a ticket & this takes you down the chow line for a sandwich, cake, coffee & cigarettes (2) W.W Green, Sp (M) 3/C Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave Albany, Ga. Feb 12 1944 San Francisco, Calif. Friday, Feb. 11, 1944 My Dearest Mom:- Hello there sweet Gal, and how you doing these days ?? Have you been looking for a letter and wondering why in the world I didnt write ?? Im telling you this writing is a problem with the little time that I have. You see from the time I leave the house to report to duty until I return it takes twelve hours. Then, sleeping some eight hours there is only four little hours left and I dare an at least an hour of that is taken up eating and still more time in having a bath, shaving and the like. Im telling you the truth I get plumb lonesome for Leet here cause I get to see her so little some days. Yet, I know she is and that is sure a lots to me. But I did want you to have an idea a bit of how my time is and why I cant do any more. Leet has mentioned several times that she dont see how in the world I ever found time to write every day before she came. Well, in those days I just didnt have anything to do but eat and write and living a bit closer had just a bit more time and all that. I do get mad sometimes cause I dont have this time and cant call any of it my own now. Have been to town three times already trying to get one of these typewriters as I have oodles and oodles of correspondence to take care of. Have failed till this morning and now there are two of the available and here I am with only two hands and have about the least time to write in of any morning as I have been here. Oh, well, Ill get what I can done and then the other will have to come along in due time, etc. Have two letters from you, one to me, and the other to the both of us. They were both mighty sweet ones. And let me tell you one thing, just anytime you get ready to have a little chat just set your sweet self down and write away and believe me we will chat with you. Naturally I was all upset over the doctors report on your health and all. I have been afraid that you would just keep on until you got yourself down. I know you dont like it and all that, but listen, Mom, you know well enough you just cant outdo ole Mother Nature. She has been at this game lo these many years and always she holds the upper hand. So just make up your mind on this and resolve to be patient and just take it easy. If the house gets dirty a bit well let it be so and dont worry over it. It is not mandatory that everything must be spick and span always. Just let things go all along and take care of yourself for me and Bud. I want you to rest and for goodness sake quit staying up so late at night. Go on and get to bed and rest. You got in the habbit of staying up late. Now lets reverse that thing and get in the habit of going to bed early and getting some good sleep. I do hope and ask you to do that for us. Itll sure take a lots of worry off both mine and Chesters mind I know. And speaking of Chester, glad you wrote me as you did about what he wrote you to let you know where he was. I thot I understood but now that you have done that I know exactly. I got my letter out again but he didnt spell any word out. He did get the first three letters GAL in the first three sentences. I guess he thot I would figure it out from there and so I shall be more attentive when such letters come again. I know we must quit writing on these things. I was reading in a Navy book last night about such things as this and it did warn so much against it and that in time one would get to the Naval Intelligence Bureau as they found these things out. Perhaps though we wonr write any amount to this extent. Just say where we are and let it go at that. And I wonder did you ever write Chester relative to filling the Income Return ? A paper was published here, newspaper, with some questions and answers. Thot I would sent it along to you as it may be a help. Especially that part relative to rental of your rooms and all. You should take some credit on them for upkeep 2 and the like. I believe Chester has been taking credit for these things, I dont know, so I do hope you can get in touch with him on it. I know it will be hard to do. Reckon Dorris could tell you anything on them ??? If not and you cant get a letter to Chester and the like I guess about the only thing is to go up to the Collectors office there in the Post Office Building and ask them to help you. And if this do go early now as soon their office will be packed. You can read this newspaper I send you and know what all information is needed. You say something about going to church. Mom, I sure wish I could. I do miss all this very much. Its so here that you dont know hardly what day it is and especially so with me going to work one day and getting off the next. But as I told you in the beginning you see how limited my time is. About the only way I could go would be to get up about nine Sunday morning and run our heads off trying to eat, was the dishes, get ready, get a car, and go to church, and then I would only get about 4 hours sleep and I might drop off to sleep in church. I go to work at 5:30 at night and so cant go then and there you are. I would like so much to go, but it just seems right now I cant. Soon as I can you know I will. Do appreciate Dr. Stephens asking about me. Say hello to him and all the other folks back home there as you may see them. Leet wrote Mrs. Deese and the B.T.U. the other day. Guess Mrs. Patch has gone her way to Jacksonville. This was somewhat a surprise though Leet says she threatened it so much she was not such surprised. Guess you have all our keys and everything there now and sure appreciate your taking care of all of it. In forwarding my mail to me-----when you come across a circular or something like that just write on it somewhere in the corner this notation: Address Changed By Official Order and drop it in the mails. It is supposed to come on through without any additional postage and I guess the boys there will send it on to me. And I suppose you have Leets Bath Robe and brown dress, I believe she said. Well fix those up for mailing if you can send them along as soon as you can. She needs the bathrobe especially. Ill watch the postage when it gets here and then when you let me know how much that telephone bill was Ill send you a check for it and the postage. I know this is a lots of trouble and everything but do know we appreciate it so much. You also mentioned our taking some pictures. A lady in the house here with us has a camera and has offered to let us use it. Perhaps we shall get sometime but you know how the regulations go, especially on the coast, as to taking pictures. Maybe we can get some in the park here though. And speaking of the park, gee but it is a sight to see. Sure wish you could come out. You could spend a whole day rambling through it and not see near all of it. I dont know when we will ever get to see all of it. We have been strolling through twice now. Last Sunday we went for a little walk and believe me it looked like a young city there were so many people out there. And all manners and kinds of playthings, rides and all for the kids. Gee but you can have fun just watching it all. And at the other end of the park is the coast, and I do mean the Pacific Ocean. We went there last Friday and spent a short time. Out there it is a bit like a carnival they have all the little shows and the like but the price of admission is plenty high. They also have a sort of curio or gift shop and you find most everything imaginable in it. You could spend several hours in there just looking. Out just a little is the Seal Rocks and you can see the seals all over the thing. Then too, you can see all manners of ships. Some of the boys on a visit they made said they saw a submarine going down. While we were there we saw some three dirigibles, evidently on some inspection cruises. It is quite interesting and all and perhaps we shall visit some more, especially when it gets warmer, if I am still here and all that. 3 Speaking of being here, we have sure been putting this mail away, I mean. You know I wrote you I didnt think we would work the last sack till after the war ?? Well Im telling you every sack of that stacked mail has been worked once at least a week ago. That was in the Primary section. Now we have it in the secondary and whereas a few weeks ago it was stacked way up it is now practically all gone and me the way we have got rid of that mail. This morning just before leaving I went over to see if they has Chesters ship listed and sure enough it was there, the Panda, (IX125). I got the code number on it and it was 40 and that meant it went to Navy No. 717 and that in turn is somewhere down in the Gulf, I THINK. Dont know how to spell it. Maybe you can get a map and find it. Look for some kind of Bay down there somewhere and I think it starts with and M. Sounds something like Milne Bay. Perhaps you may be able to locate it and if so that is where he will pick up his mail, I presume. Of course these numbers will change according to the movements of his ship and all. And speaking of mail. I found quite a cute little Valentine yesterday and sent to the boy. It was addressed To someone in the Service. I forgot the actual wording of it but it said something like this----Its NO MILITARY SECRET that there is one guy in the service that rates tops with me---or something like that. It was cute and I liked it and am proud of that rascal, I mean, I MEAN !!!! And I sure wanted him to know it tooooo !! I know dear ole Dad would have been mighty proud of him too. He had no idea that his two boys would be wearing the uniform of our country I know. He had no idea we would facing this thing as we are and all that. And I know he would one proud man were he with us today. Perhaps he is with us and we just dont know it. And surely you know howw my thots and all, my love, and everything will be with you comes this February 14th. Hope you may find a way to get out and put a few flowers out for him. If so just get some for me and let me know how much they are and Ill include all this in the check I send you. And speaking of Valentine, I am telling you I mailed a little rememberance to you yesterday. It is not much, moreso a sort of souvenir, but it is something nice all right from way out here in the west. Just wanted you to know so you could be on the lookout for it. Wanted to insure it, but had to get it on the run so could not wrapp it enough in the time I had that they would insure it. You just dont know what a problem it is to try to get to town here and find something and not know where to go for it and the streets so crowded you can hardly move along. Anyhow, I do hope you like and enjoy it. Leet thot it was mighty pretty and all. My cold is about gone I guess. You never can tell it may hop back up anytime with this weather as it is and working in the condition as we do with dust and all everywhere. And we are having some mighty pretty sunshine again. Has been for several days now. You just never can tell. Itll rain five minutes and then the sun will be out fro thirty and then itll rain again. Off and on it goes like that and you hardly ever know what its going to do next. But, when the sun does shine its all mighty nice and pleasant out here. Thats when I wish you could be here and enjoy it. Am anxious now to hear about Lynda and Rube. Do hope they both do well and come along all O.K. Also regret hearing about Aunt Mamie. And was sorry to hear about the two English boys. It was mighty sweet of their folks to write you and all. I guess I met the boys and have a faint recollection of the painted picture there but there were so many all along none of them registered so deeply on my mind. It is all sad, I mean. We go to shows here and see those things and Im telling you it gets all over a fellow. I would be most happy to meet and visit with these people if ever I got to England, but it seems just now Ill never go in that direction. 4 Well, Mom, I guess thats about all for this time. We are bot O.K. now and every thing and believe me this girl out here is really taking care of your Son. I dont want for a thing. She is the most attentive thing you have ever seen. I can wear a clean pair of socks every day as I wish and anything else as I please and the the ones pulled off are all washed and ironed and everything. And she is trying to feed me anything and everything I want and all that. I do get a kick out of it all and am more and more thankful that she is here for it is so different now than what it was and I am so much happier and all with her here. Believe me these other Mates that came with me are quite envious of me that I have my wife here. However, one pother fellow has his wife and child out here too. Plenty of the boys in the Fleet Post Office here do have their wives with them here. We dont get to go much on account of this time, get to a picture by rushing around about once a week, but all in all we are here together and enjoying each other and that is so much. And now in closing, let me again plead and beg with you to take care of your sweet self, get plenty of rest and everything. you have done your part and served well. Now you just relax and let us kids take care of you. Hows about it ??? And do write again and often. You know you have all day there to do it in. And, if I dont get an answer to you right away just understand why and know Ill surely do it as soon as I can. And now I must say good-day from us. I believe Leet is at the house cooking some kind of fish and I must get back there and eat and get to work. Anyhow, good-day, again and you know we all do love you so much- - - - - - Your Son Walter P.S. Received the Registered letter O.K. Many thanks Ill take care of ration books in some way. No. 227 Feb 14, 1944 From Walter My pin sent from San Francisco Cal for Valentine 1944 To Mom Feb 14, 44 from Los Angeles Got this with my pin Feb. 18, 44 (Valentines Card Cover) (Valentines Day Card Inside & Verse) And How !!! Walter (Valentines Day Card Back Cover) Wednesday, Feb. 16, 1944. Dearest Mother:- Received another letter. Guess you have mine by now and understand why I hadnt written any sooner and all. I dont want you to think for a minute that you are being neglected for surely you are not. Came up yesterday and got a letter off to Bud and back here today to write you a few lines. Got your letter one day and the next day one from Bud and a post card telling me his address was changed. He told me a bit about how hot and all it was and being in a new place with mixed nationalities and languages and the like. Of course I knew from what you had told me where he was. He also told me he had my letter so am glad to know that too. He mentioned in his letter that he was afraid we couldnt on this Frisco meeting we have been planning as he was quite sure he would not get up this way. Now I have a letter from Ruby Helen and she say he is far on his way over here according to a letter you had received. So, maybe he will get here. Im sure hoping he will and to be more sure am sending him instructions again as to how he can find me and all that. Ill do my best to see that this is placed in the mail going out of here in next day or so and most probably tonight so he may be the more sure of getting it. Worked on night in the Air-Mail section a few nights ago. Gee, but they sure had the Air-Mail up there I mean. Wish I could get assigned to that section. Have been asking for it but am afraid they just wont give it to me for once assigned here it is quite difficult and I imagine a lots of red tape to be changed if they do it at all. So perhaps I am as far as I will get until they change me from here if they do. Think I told you about how we had got the mail all up here and all ?? Well, they are working now to get this work cut down a bit. Where I usually get off at 3:15 in the morning I got off this morning at 1:45. They say for a while they are going to cut our work 1 hours every other morning. That will give us more time on these days and will surely make it nicer I mean. I thot they were going to cut us down to an 8 hour day of work but it seems not so, at least for the present. Anyhow, we are all mighty glad to get this and hope it continues if nothing better shows up. At least I can get to be with Leet a bit more for it has been where I hardly seen her her except while I was eating and maybe for an hour extra. Also I am off this coming Sunday night and we are planning to attend both a B.T.U. and Church. Now, how is that ??? And, the lady staying at the same place as we do says she has a roll of films and maybe we will get some pictures taken Sunday and will send you some. It wont be many with it being her roll and all and her husband will be in too. He stays at Treasure Island and comes in every week-end. But will be glad to get them. And speaking of this lady----she is learning me how for you to take care of Spooter and all. She has a dog and it stays in the house and in the room with her. And she feeds it what an ordinary human would eat. She wouldnt think of feeding it regular dog food---thats not good enough for it. I mean it burns me up sometimes to see and know the way she does that dog. But that is all her business, I guess, and I have nothing to say or do about it. And then, the landlady her has a blame cat and it is somewhat same way in staying in the house. They treat them as if they were kids. And the cat is the worse for she, I mean he, goes all over the house, gets all over the table and everything and you are liable to find cat hair in most anything. I say the dog is much better trained than the cat. The cat slipped in our window once and wet on our floor. I sure didnt like that. We then have another lady that really has a kid. But what a woman. She has a man in the service and I think she is nothing more than a regular whore here. The landlady called in the police this morning to see about having her moved or something. She goes out with men and stays all nite, she hardly ever comes in and if she does the phone may ring any hour of the night for her and she will be gone again. And the poor little kid---her grandmother looks after her most of the day but about 5:30 in the afternoon they put it in its room and to bed and locks the door and she goes home. The kid stays there all night by herself if her mother doesnt come in. And such a cute kid it is. It is a shame. Well, I think that caught up with all the news and gossip. Still having nice weather. Got a very short letter from Marianna the other day. First I have heard in some time. Am anxious now to hear from Bud again as to where he is and all and you quit being so worried and all about him. He is going to be O.K. and you just have faith in that. I must run now to get to work on time. Tell Grace hello. Sure sorry to hear you are having such a time with Lynda and do hope she is O.K. now. Love to all of you Walter Tell Rube got her letter & thanks. Am answering in a day or so. W.M. Greem, Sp (M) 3/C Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Avenue Albany, Georgia San Francisco, Calif. Saturday---Feb. 26, 1944 Dearest Mom:- Your letter last night when I reported to work and believe me it was most welcomed. Eased my mind and everything to get one like that as compared with those others when you were thinking we had forgotten you and all. I think you know something now of what conditions and all I have been up against in writing and all. I am still sticking around ole Frisco here and still working in the F.P.O. You just dont know when they will tell you to get ready but I am expecting it most any day now. I dont hardly think they will leave me be over a week after our examination. However, I may be over at Treasure Island for several weeks. You just can never tell. Have practically all my stuff rolled and most of it in my sea-bag ready to be rolled up when they say get that gear ready sea going fashion. Dont know how Ill be doing that though as we had several men on each one when we fixed them in Boot Camp. When I wrote Bud that I was going I told him he better come here and help me as I couldnt do it by myself. Reckon Leet and I will just have put it on the floor and tussel with it till we get it ready. Have been up town this morning, rather afternoon, buying me a rubber stamp to mark my clothes with and also got my identification bracelet. It is now engraved and sure looks good and I am mighty glad to get it all done before I do have to shove off. So glad you received the pen and all O.K. and that you like them. Wasnt much but sort of cute. And do quit worrying yourself over not sending us one. All those little things are for us to do. I really had a thrill last night at work. You know as I told you we look up mail that is for men who have been moved or something from their original address and present is unknown. As it would happen they assigned me to a tub that handles the Graves, Gray and Green. That is the majority. Of course any in between these I also get. And I mean there are plenty of Greens and quite a number of Walter Green. Anyhow, I was looking up one after another when lo and behold what should I come across but one for C.R. Green, SK3/CUSS Panda I almost shouted. It was such a thrill and it was from there at home. I presume it was from Doris though there was no return name on it. The letter was torn a bit so that I could see inside enough to know it was written in red ink. Well, they dont have his card on file here as yet but I put the correct address on it. I just wanted him to know I handled it so where the initials were I wrote in Chester Rhodolphus. I know hell grin all over when he gets it. Then, at top I wrote, By WWG and said over and on the back I wrote him a little note. It was mailed back in January and sent to him at New Orleans. I would sure like to see the boy when he does get it. And this reminds me, hereafter from the time you receive this letter you can send my mail to me at the house address. I mean your letters iin particular until you know my new address. Then, Ill get them so long as I am here and when I leave Leet will probably have my address before you do and she can forward them on to me wherever I am. And henceforth when you write me use my full name. And, I presume you are doing this with Chesters letters. If not do address them Chester R. Green. It being that he is moving all around it will sure help him get his letters prompter if you have his name in full at least this much for this is the way it is on the card or will be when they put it in the files here. 2 You mention my insurance and all. Well it has been taken care of. We have the record book out here and everything has been taken care of by check. They were mailed on Feb. 15th. I presume the one you paid 60c on was for Marianna. I mailed a check to Mr. Findley and left that he could put in for 6 months at one time as that is the way I pay it. I wish you would see him and if he can do so just refund your payment and go ahead with the check as I said as our books are set up for this and it would get it out of line a bit if otherwise. However, it wont be but 3 weeks out and that will be O.K. if he cant make the refund and if he dont you let me know and Ill reimburse you when we pay for all this other that we owe you and you will have to let me know what it is. Dont hesitate to do so as we want to do it sure. And I do hope you havent paid Johnny Fuqua anything. I didnt know whether he still had it or whether in a draft or anything so I sent a check to the company for a month and asked to advise how much it was a quarter and am waiting to hear from them on this. Do let me know about this one too and if you have paid then see if Johnny wont take that check and just make you the refund on it. Now, Mom, I want to have a little heart to heart talk with you if time permits. And please try to understand and dont feel hurt in any way at the things I say as I do believe it is all for the best and I think you will agree if you sit down and think it over. You say you are having troubles about the room down there and that you have written Chester asking him what to do. Well, as for our room we DO want it and if necessary will keep paying the rent on it. But as for the other I just cant say except I dont know what you would do with all that stuff if you had to move it out. Anyhow, YOU ALL AT HOME MUST SOLVE YOUR OWN PROBLEMS. Please, please, please dont be writing Chester all this kind of stuff. The kid has his hands and his mind full out yonder where ever he is. Surely you cant expect him out there to give you any reasonable kind of thot to conditions at home and what to do. If he were there he could solve it, but, where he is it is just unfair to ask him a thing about it. His whole mind and all is centered on the job he has at hand. He MUST NOT have anything to divert his attention from that. He MUST be alert and on the job all the time for whatever may come up. He has one main objective now and that is to get back home alive and every bit of his energy is devoted to fulfilling that objective. He never knows at what minute the enemy might strike. He must be keen at all times ever looking for this moment he can strike back with everything at his command. His mind MUST be free from any outside worries of any kind that he can give every thought to this task. Having any worries at all on his mind as to conditions at home and trying to solve them may cost him his life and none of us could ever forgive ourselves for this. Surely to cant expect him out there on the ocean to sit down amidst the surroundings as he may find himself in and give any serious thot as to what for you all to do back home there. I tell you in all sincerity it is just unfair and I plead with you NOT to write him these things but on the otherhand make your letters cheerful as you possibly can and at least let him think that all is well at home and then he can do a better job and his mind will be free, and all his energies devoted to carrying through the task at hand and so hurrying this ole war along that we all may be coming home soon. I know you can reason with me in this way and see it as I am trying to put it. It is a bit of a problem to you right there. Just imagine what it is to him out yonder far away from all of us and so long between times that he hears from any of you. Months may pass before he gets such a letter and could answer so many decisions as this would probably be to no avail. So lets just quit such business and confine our letters to the bright spots and make him feel good and that everything and every body at home are o.k. We all MUST sacrifice so much to this end and I know you are willing in behalf him. another thing, and I do hesitate to mention this. You speak of buying that sofa from Mrs. Patch and at the same time you seem to be needing money. Then why not let the sofa go and use your money for the things you need. We are 3 all sacrificing financially. Mine and Chesters salaries both have been reduced some two hundred or more dollars a month but we are going on. We can just cling to the essentials. Just so all of you at home should do likewise. Use your money wisely and if any surplus save it for the time as you may really need it. Use it only on the essentials and so long as you can get by with what you have then lets do it. As the ole saying goes which we here on every hand---We are at war. And we all are just now really beginning to feel the sacrifices and all as we have to make so lets just plan to make them and do the best we can till that brighter day dawns. Naturally he nor I want you to do without anything that you need and all. But until you really need it and it is an essential then I say lets be content and make out. I do hope you understand what I am trying to say. So much for all that and I hope I havent hurt your feelings any. I have just tried to talk plain with you. You see I am in this game too and I am having my experiences from both sides. We are out here now just squinting trying to get by till the next pay day but just so long as we can live and eat then we are satisfied. But naturally it worries me and I cant help it I think you are in need for anything as I have said I want to do everything I can for you now trying to pay back some of the heartbreak I have caused you in times past. And this I will so much as I can, but then sometimes this to has its limits. So please understand me Ma and know it is cause I love you so that I am saying all these things. I want every body happy. I want my Bud to come back for I am crazy about that boy. Ill do all I can you know, but also I want everybody to be a little thoughtful of the other and lets just all pitch in together in this thing and we will all come out on top. Now how is that ???? Do let me know. So goad to know Grace is about to go to work for Southern Bell. I had thot of that as a likely job when she got out of school. It will surely help all of you Oh yes, now I didnt mean dont buy that sofa if you need and want it and have the money to spare for it. Go right ahead if you do. Leet hasnt mentioned whether she thot her mama would sell or not and I think shell write and find out and will let you know if she does and the price. I just wrote that as sort of an illustration. You know best what all you can do and so you go right ahead with whatever plans you wish to. My time is up now and guess I must close. Dont know anything more as to where Chester is just now. If I find out anything before I leave will drop you a card or something and tell you. Dont worry now over what I have written. Just try to take it as I have tried to present it all in the interest of the boy and all of us and again do know we all love you so and want to do all we can for you. And will write again soon if I find time. Leet wont probably write anymore until I am gone. She stays busy staying close to me and trying to do for me everything she can for the time that I am still here. Love from the both of us Your Sailor. Walter P.S. Dorris Holt gets in here today. Had a letter from him two days ago telling me he was on his way. Seems I stay just a jump ahead of him all along. At least will get to see him and have a little chat with him before I go I reckon. over Sat. nite Am off duty. They let me off till Monday morning at 8:30 when we report with our gear. Told us we would be off Sunday. Then I went to Officer of Day and asked for rest of the nite off & he granted it. Got off about 8:300 nite. Saw Dorris Holt today. He came out just long enough to eat with me about 5:30. He goes to work Monday morning about 8:00. He says there were 20 from the Lakes & there are 20 leaving here. Sure was good to see someone from home. More later as I know & learn it Love Walter W.W Green, Sp (M) 3/C U.S.N.R. Fleet Post Office San Francisco, California Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Avenue Albany, Georgia Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1944. Dearest Mom:- Greetings from Oakland. That was the Summer in which I started my first letter but which I did not finish. You see I was off today and we decided to run over to Oakland across the bay for a little visit just to look the place over. As it would on my day off it began to rain this morning, rather last night when we turned in. Then it quit and the sun was shining so nice that I thot all would be well and said lets go. We went. But hardly had we got there when the rain hit us again. I stopped in a Servicemans place there to find out what to see and the like and spied a typewriter and they said I could use it. So, when it started raining we went back there and I started to write but soon stopped. It was a small room and so much going on in it till I just couldnt write sensibly so quit and decided to wait till I got back here in Frisco which we did. Did get about a bit and did see just a little. Went to one museum and it was quite interesting. If it just hadnt rained it would have been nice but this is a mean nasty rain and it did hail a bit with it. Have your card and letter from Americus. So glad you got to go over to Mables and all and hope you enjoyed yourself very much. I am truly at a loss though to understand why you write me as you did in both the postcard and the letter. It sure doesnt make me feel good a bit and truly doesnt help the morale any. Seems you have an idea that now that Leet is here with me we are just out to have a good time and to hang with all of you back home. I dont know why you feel that way as my letters are still as they were. I got behind just a little on that last one and tried to explain, but other than that I have been writing you along every four or five days or at least once every week with an extra one thrown in all along and that is as it has been. I just wish you could be here with us some, especially myself, and see how the days go one after another and nothing accomplished seems to me. I just fight for time even to have a few minutes with Leet. Sleeping till noon, and then I dont hardly get enough sleep and rest such that when I go to work I am sometimes all worn out before I ever get there. Anyhow, I sleep until noon, get up and eat, and it takes most till 1:00 or 1:30 before we are through what with getting up, washing and all the like. Then Leet has got to fix the dishes and many times I go back and crawl back in the bed trying to get enough rest and all that I can go on. On other days I am trying to scratch a few lines to you or someone I owe a letter to, or am trying to read a few lines in the paper and all that. Leet may get back in around 2:00 and when I stay up Its the little time I have there that I can spend with her. Soon though she has to go to the kitchen again to fix dinner for me to eat about 3:30. Then, in this bit of time I have to shave and bathe now and then and all that. Eating about 3:30 or 3:45 it is about 4:30 when I get up and then I have to run and catch a car to get to work on time. Seems I just stay in a run from the time I get up till I go to work and that goes on day after day. I just wonder sometimes wont there ever be (Map of Metropolitan Oakland Area) a moment or so I can spend in ease with her. When I get behind with my writing I just have to sacrifice everything else, even sleep, and get up about 11:00, run to town here to a typewriter, write as fast as I can, then rush back and hope to get a car quick, then get home, swallow my food fast as I can, grab my lunch and off to work. And if you think that is any fun youre truly mistaken. And I mean there is no letup in this business. Every day is just alike and it goes on and on. Even on the days I have off I have to sleep half the day so that it is about 3:00 P.M. before we can even get started somewhere and then it is most to late to get out and see anything with them closing at 5:00. And you mention Leet letting you down. Ill tell you one thing, she is really doing everything she can for me and she truly stays busy. She stays plenty busy I know. I dont know how much she has written but I am quite sure you have got more letters from her than anyone else. And too, I dont know how many she has written since being here nor while on way but surely it has been several and she was just four weeks here yesterday and that would be an average of at least one a week. Now maybe I shouldnt be writing all like this but, Mom, it just aint fair to me for you to accuse me of all these things when I am out here tied up as I am and trying to do all I can. Go knows I dont mean to be like that and that I most surely havent forgotten you nor anyone else back home and am so anxious that we could all come back home. I do hope you havent and dont write Chester anything like that. The kid out yonder as he is has enough to worry about and things like this would be just added weight on his mind and all and then he really couldnt do a good job. And I say this especially about the financial end of this picture. If you need money let me know and dont say anything to Chester about it. I havent any just now as we will have to squeeze to get by till next pay-day, but then maybe I can send some if you need it. I sure dont like to be way out here and know you are in need and wanting things and all like that and cant do anything about it. Dont know what I can do but will try to work something out so can give you some more. Dont guess you have received anything yet from the Government on me ??? Anyhow, again, dont write Chester of these things and you need not worry about me not writing him. I am going to keep in touch with him and you can bet on that. As for telling you anything---well there is just hardly nothing to tell. It is the same here day in and day out. Many a day passes that I dont get out the house until time to go to work. Some mornings we do manage to run our heads off and get to a show and then I hardly have time to eat and all. Outside that, every day is the same and there is just nothing for either Leet or myself to tell you. We did go to B.T.U. and church last night. They had a very good unioun and a grand program. It was real good. Had about 250 in attendance. The services were real good too. I guess he was a member of that church but a sailor, a Storekeeper, First Class, led the singing and he was really swell. Sounded more like a revival song leader. They have beautiful baptistery there with a painted window and the light is fixed so it changes colors from red to green to blue and all like that. I didnt get to see it so good but what I did see was sure pretty. Another thing, I start working in a new section tomorrow. I will be in the Fleey Records part. This is providing correct addresses on mail for mates that have been transferred and the like that the address is incorrect. At least that is as much as I know about it. They say this is a temporary appointment though I dont know what they mean by this. It is a sitting-down job. Well, guess thats just about all I know to say just now. Oh yes, if I could have the time I spend in going to and from work to write in I could do plenty corresponding. Hope Lynda pulled through O.K. now and that Ruby Helen is coming along O.K. Do keep us informed about her. Had a letter the other day from Dorris Holt. He finally got his rating as mine but he had some five Lieutenants and James Parrish working on it to do it. I sure didnt think he got any 2/c as you once thot. Time is up at this place now and we must be on our way. It is raining and nasty outside. Just keep on writing Mom, and do please know your boy out here hasnt forgotten you one little bit and still loves and all of you and always thinking of you and wanting to get back there. And I know I can say the same about Leet here. So just remember this and if a bit of time slips by just forgive me and think of what I time I have here trying to write and all. If I use a pen it takes me several days to finish because I have so little time at home to write. So just remember all that and write all you can and we will surely do the same. And do know I do love you so very very much. Your Sailor Boy Walter Wm. W. Green, Sp (M) 3/C Navy No. 131 Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif Last letter he Sailed Mar-4-44 Saturday Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Avenue Albany, Georgia Happy to have had you in our services. May God bless you. Lewis J. Julianel Mr. & Mrs. W.W. Green 1907 Page St., San Francisco 17 (2 Postcards from First Baptist Church, San Francisco, California) Treasure Island, Calif. Thursday MornMar. 2, 1944 Dearest Mother:- If I can keep my eyes open long enough will see if I can finally get a few lines to you. I believe Leet has been writing most every day and telling you how things were going. Everything here is so uncertain and they keep you in a turmoil so you hardly know which end is up and never know what to expect next. Leet wrote I believe and said I wouldnt be in last night but I did finally get away from here and got there about 7:00 P.M. That has been the only good thing at allI have been able to get out of here every night and go home but even then I have had so little sleep and have been so whipped out with each days events till right now I am just about to peg out. Started you a letter there at the house last night but I just couldnt ######## finish it I was so tired and all and Leet said she would write you today. Well, for the first time I have a few spare minutes and have rented this typewriter so I could write a few lines for I just dont know when Ill be able to write again. Im telling you I have been thru forty-leven hells this week. Leet told you what a heck of a time we had getting off Monday with it raining as it did. Well it has rained about every and all thru it have been coming and going and it sure is no fun. Anyhow, we came out here finally Monday, sit around most of the day just waiting, waiting, waiting for them to do something with us. And this place is just teeming with men, some 17,000 to 20,000 here and they are coming and all day long. You dare not lay anything down of it may be missing when you return so have had to just hang on to things as I waited and all that is so tiresome. Suppose to have a locker to put my things in at night but none available. I did lock some of it up in another locker though with another mate and so got by that night. Anyhow, I didnt undo my hammock and all till Tuesday morning when I came back and I just had got it undone, opened and changed uniform to the working suit and they told us we were on a draft to be shipped over to Goat Island. Then I had to go 2 and change back on my uniform get my hammock and roll it up and everything. Got this done then had to stand around and wait again. Finally they got us and over to Goat Island we went. Arriving there was the same process, sit and wait, and wait and wait. Finally they got us fixed and assigned to bunks. Over at Goat Island is where most of the prisoners are kept and we were scheduled for guard duty at different times over there. Well, I was fortunate enough to rate liberty again that night but before I could get out had to get my hammock unlashed and bed mad up and all that stuff. Did this then found out I had to have a hair-cut before I could get out---they give you a personal appearance inspection before allowing you to go ashore. Finally got this and checked out. There were two special shows on I wanted to see so we went to the shows on Monday and Tuesday getting home about 9 or 10 and then had to fix supper so that it was after midnight both times when we got to bed but I was off asleep most immediately. Wednesday morning I got back out to Goat Island and learned we were on draft again to come back over here to Treasure Island so had to go back up and do up my hammock and stuff again and the wait and wait and wait. Finally they got us again and brot us over and thru the sam process we went of waiting and waiting. Im telling you I got so tired and worn out thru it all. Sitting down we were most all just nodding all the time. Well we finally got fixed again and learned that we rated liberty over here and that was welcomed even as late as it were. Got there last nite, went to P.O. to see if any mail, had supper and it was about 2:00 this morning before I got to bed and then had to get up at 5:30. So you can well imagine as to about how I am feeling just now. Finally it seems we will be allowed a bit of free time and too I think I rate liberty again tonite and believe me Im going to bed this afternoon soon as I get there and try to catch up on some of my sleep. Leet has told you what this is all about. I thot when they sent us over to Goat Island we would be around for awhile, but then the draft to bring us back over here really put us on the move and we leave just any day now. We are scheduled to ship out Saturday but announcements on the bulletin board are to the effect that it may be any day now. So I just cant say what day it will be but probably Saturday for sure if not before. Makes it quite tough telling Leet 3 goodbye each morning not knowing whether Ill see her again or not. It will be bad for her I know when that day comes around and I wont come in. None of my crowd hardly want to go and I mean we really dont. I think Leet has told you where we are scheduled to go---to New Caledonia. It is a small island down just to the right there of Australia. Quite safe now as you know and they say the sea lanes through there are very safe. I think it has some 4000 people there, mostly black, a few French whites who will have little or nothing to do with the natives. Dont know if we will ever get to go over to Australia or not but hope I do being that close. However, I dont expect we will remain in New Caledonia. We go there and there are about 30 Mail Specialists going and no doubt will be busted up there and sent out to other bases in that section. Ill have to tell you that by the code if I am sent somewhere else. Another of the 7 that came here with me is in our crowd and still another one went there sometime ago. We shall travel on a transport and from what I can gather it will really be full. I know that too is going to be some hectic traveling with room enough to just turn around probably. I think the ship will be the U.S.S. Epic though I cant say for sure. Yesterday we were issued some special equipment which was a bit of Marine equipment consisting of two work suits, a sun helmet and a regular helmet, two pair of shoes and I do mean they are blookities, hight tops and all, a pair of rubber boots, a raincoat and hat, rubber sheet, cot to sleep on, a knife, 30 Carbine rifle, six packages of shells, and canteen. Now dont get worried over all that. We will be attached to a Marine unit somewhere no doubt and this is issued just for an emergency if it should come. In other words they figure it that it is best to have it handy in case it is ever needed but I doubt that we we will ever have any need of it. I am leaving most of my clothes and things here just taking a pair of the blues to wear and a shirt to work in and one pair navy shoes. also will of course take my undies and the like. 4 And I think Leet has given you my address as William Walter Green, Sp(M) 3/C-------Navy No. 131-----Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif. Leet was asking this morning about my mail if it should get there ahead of me. I dont know. It will take us approximately 27 day to get there so I suggest if you write then it would be well to write in the lower left-hand column Hold for arrival or something like that. Guess thats about all there is that I know and can tell you just now. Dont worry as I will be O.K. and am quite sure we will be traveling in a convoy with escorts and all. Am writing Chester telling him where I am. Most probably he will be around in that section and I may see him yet. Sure hope so. I wrote you once about Chester getting his mail at Milne Bay. I made a mistake as to location. It is over there somewhere in that section and probably around the New Georgia Island though I havent as yet been able to find it on the map. That is about all I can tell you as to where he is just now. Mr. Patch is over there in that section. I think he is at New Zealand just now but he went to New Caledonia at first. Guess thats about all I know to write just now. Sure am worried about Ruby Helen and shall be anxious to know how she gets along. Do pray nothing happens to her. Keep me informed as you can. Was sure sorry to hear about Jo Smiths wife. I know she was getting along fine as I used to see her all along. Now must write another letter or two and my time is about out on this machine so will be closing. So glad you are to get that money from the government and hope it soon is coming in. Let Leet know when it does so she will know about the rent and all as she will have close living for a while until she goes to work if she does. And I must say again dont know just how long it will be before youll hear from me again, but dont worry. Ill be all right and Ill be writing just as soon and as often as I can. Glad to hear that Grace has that job and know she will like it and tell her hello for me and Ill drop her a line sometimes if I can. Be sweet yourself, dont try to do too much work. Do take care of yourself, pray for us right on 5 and do know we do love you so very much. Love over and again Your Sailor boy Walter P.S.Had another thrill the other day. Walking down the street I saw a face that was familiar though I was not sure. It was a sergant in the army. I went up and inquired and called his name and it was him. Sterling Gay, a boy that I went to school with I believe and use to live at 431 Residence. Havent seen him in some 20 years I dont guess. This ole war does bring lots of us back together along with its hardships, doesnt it. Must close. #2 Got a chance to write Grace a line after finishing your letter. #3- Heard we would stop enroute at Honululu. #4- Thursday nite- Did get home again and have had some sleep. Sure feel better. #5- The box with Leets things arrived today. Thanks so much. W.W. Green, Sp (M) 3/C Navy # 131 Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Cal. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave Albany, Ga. (Censored), March (Censored) 1944 Somewhere on the Pacific Dearest Mother:- Well here I am 3 days out. Shoved off (Censored) morning about 9:15. Boarded the ship (Censored) about 2:00. Thursday was the last night spent with Leet. Sure hated to leave her Friday morning as I felt it was last time I would be with her before my departure. But we both took it with our chins up. It was not mentioned. She just said Hurry back as she did each morning I left. And I replied O.K. Called her again Friday nite and (Censored) morning just before we left for the pier. When we boarded found quite a few already on having come from Shoemaker and other places around. And they continued coming aboard on into the nite. We have Sailors, Soldiers, Seabees, marines and Waves (nurses) aboard ship along with officials of all these branches. Chester wrote us how nice his ship was fitted up. He should have this pleasure of a transport along with some (Censored) more. Im telling you it just cannot be described. One has to experience it to really know it. These bunks such as they are are 4 deep and your gear piled on. Our pea-wats and rifles put beneath the mattress we sleep on, and we sleep with life-belts on. You can imagine how comfortable it is. There is no hot water and what there is except the salt-water shower is turned off most of the day. We stand up to eat and have chow only 2 times a day. I did volunteer on a little work detail each day and get 3 meals. Already we are enjoying dehydrated potatoes, powdered eggs and the like. Hardly no walking room, and no chairs or tables. In our bunks there is hardly room to turn over. I mean it is an experience I shall never forget. But hard as it may sound it is lots of fun. My mate and I have had many a hard laugh at it all and thinking what all the fellows we left behind are missing. And we do crack our sides as we do think of these conditions and how we never realized we could live like this nor that it would 2 happen to us. Surely we dont as yet fully realize we are gone I dont think. First day out the ole ship rocked and swayed a good bit. I sure got dizzy as did many of us and some of the boys had to heave a bit. I stayed in the bunk most of the day. So long as I lay down it didnt bother me. Second day was smooth sailing and today she is rocking a bit but dont bother us as yet. Weather has been fine so far and it is getting much warmer. Dont know where we are except on the ocean but am thinking we are getting within a few miles, I mean a few hundred miles, of (Censored). Dont know if we may stop but if so we will not be permitted to go ashore. Did I tell you about how long it would take? Forgot whether I did or not. Anyhow, I hope I can mail your letter about March (Censored) if not before. This ocean is quite a sight. We are allowed on deck during morning and afternoon. All we see is water but it is sure good to get some fresh air. Does make a fellow wonder how he would like this kind of life. Perhaps if I had the run of the ship and could go all over it might enjoy it more. Dont know how ole Chester really likes it but I just dont think it is the life for me. Out where we are now the water is surely blue. Guess that is about all I know to tell you just now. From here on it will be about same thing day after day throughout the trip. I am feeling fine, eating hardy, and getting plenty rest lights go out at 7:00pm and on again about 6:00am. And most of day am sitting on deck or laying in bunk. You should be here as you would have to rest. So have no worries about me as I am all O.K. and will be so. 3 Sure wanted to get another letter from you before I left. Hope it is awaiting me when I arrive. So anxious to know about all of you and especially Ruby Helen. Trust she is coming along O.K. Do keep me posted all along. And do take care of yourself. That just must be done while Bud and I are out here doing our job. Will write again in a few days though there will be so little to add. Be sweet, tell everyone hello for me, and know I do Your Sailor Boy Walter P.S.- Ask Grace does she know where the home of (Censored)? #2- Have written Jimmy Robinson a note. Will be quite a while before it gets in paper but just wanted you to watch for it. W.W. Green, Sp (M) 3/C Navy 131 FPO San Francisco, Cal. Air-Mail Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave. Albany, Ga. U.S.A. (Censored) Dearest Mom:- Hello to all of you again. And gee but I am so anxious for a word from home to know how all of you may be. We are almost at the end of this journey and we will be all so glad to stand on land again, get a good bath if you can get one and a change of clean clothes. Im telling you Ive never been so nasty, so sweaty and smelly over so long a time before. Nite after nite weve slept in sweat. May not know how to act when I get clean clothes on. The trip has taken much less time than we thought. That too was mighty welcome. And a few things have happened since I wrote Grace. (Portion of letter censored) (Censored portion continued from previous page), but both O.K. I now yesterday we knew how Columbus felt as we saw some land. Just a sort of hill protruding out of the water and so far couldnt see it clear on account fog but it was land and everyone was hollering and excited. Then last Wednesday went to sleep and woke up Friday morning. I didnt sleep all that time. We passed International date line and thereby lost a day. Will pick it up on return trip. Guess thats about all excitement and otherwise things have gone on about as usual, day in day out same. Am broken out with a heat rash. Putting ointment on it each day. Once I get a bath and not have to sleep in sweat will clear it up. Bought a 50c haircut on board today. Have it cut down to a nub now. Sure is cooler and I wont be bothered with combing it. The soldier said I sure had a head of hair. Have been attending a few devotional services in the mornings and day we have enjoyed some card games. Plenty gambling going on but not for us. Have a mail clerk from Blackshear, Ga in our group. And I sleep next to a lad from Atlanta but he is not a mail specialist. Guess thats about all the news. They took up last mail on board yesterday so cant mail this until we land. Will maybe add a little then but if not you will know all O.K. when you get this. Sure hope have some mail when we get there. Will write again soon as can. No doubt will be busy a day or so getting settled, washing up my clothes and the like that I may be ready for my next trip. Write soon and often and tell me all the news and do know I am thinking of all of you and miss you like everything. Very much Love Your sailor Boy Walter P.S.- Have written the B.T.U. Mr. Mills Mr. Wills and will write Dr. Stephens soon. Also wrote several at post office. Gee I wish you could see one of these tropical sunsets. Such a picture they make, so beautiful & all. (Censored) Still sailing. Had a nice sunrise on deck this morn and I may attend a Bible class this afternoon. An official said we would dock in morning and they have armoured embarkation uniforms so guess we are almost there. Will sure be welcome to get off here. Forgot to tell you yesterday a bit more excitement of Friday was they announced we were in water then 5 miles deep as if it hadnt been deep enough. Listen- You remember the place I told you Bud got mail and I said it was down close to Cuba then I wrote and changed it and told in what vicinity it was?? Looking at a map last nite I found it. It is at the southern end of New Guinea. I dont expect you will find it except on a large scale map but that is where it is. Mr. Patch is there somewhere and gets mail at same place. Hope this is passed ok so you will get it and know this much at least. Will close again now. May add a line tomorrow. Love W P.S.- Use my serial number 832-34-11 on all mail hereafter. (Censored) Well Mom, this is it, Grand Central Station, I mean Land Ho. Looks good though and quite a bit of civilization even automobiles. And there are mountains aplenty. You see little settlements all along but hey have nice looking buildings. Plenty of islands too. (Censored) (Censored) Just got to see a little. So many went on deck they sent us all below. Ocean sure has been rough this morn. Guess we dock real soon so this is all for now. Will write again soon as I can. Love to all Walter Wm Walter Green, Sp (M) 3/C Navy 131 FPO San Francisco, Cal. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave. Albany, Georgia U.S.A. New Caledonia Friday Dearest Mom:- Hello again and how are you all? Yes, I am here and O.K. but what an ordeal to get here. The day we came ashore it poured down rain, we traveled an mile or two on open barge and the ocean sprayed us. Then ashore we travelled in open truck and our driver took us some 10 miles in country to wrong place where we stood in pouring down rain for some 30 minutes and then returned same way. Arriving at destination we were drenched. All time my sea bag had been laying in rain and it was soaked. Now tell me, isnt that enough to get too disgusted for words over? Believe me I was. Got my clothes on the line next day and dried them out a bit. Some place this is. Much more civilized than you would imagine. Did get to see country a bit on my truck trip, but I havent yet seen all that stuff as you see in pictures. Very little in the town part. No show or anything like that. Perhaps a souvenir place but not much in it. Did get to see a cocanut tree with a few on it. One thing they do have is rain and mosquitoes. It may rain at a minutes notice. And we have netting for mosquitoes. Saw some other nite and had to kill some. Here we are stationed somewhat like Boot Camp as you cannot get out on liberty except you be in Ships Co. Theres nothing to see so thats O.K. But I mean to tell you there are some men here. Plenty here when we came in. Our Ship unloaded here and today a smaller one came in. At times the chow line seems to be a mile long or more. If we did not know where we are might think were back in real civilization. Have an open theatre here with change of program every nite but seating space is very limited. Ive been every nite but come in first one on account it started raining and I had enough of that. I went to work here Wednesday morning doing some as my last in Frisco. It is a pitiable shame how some of some of these fellows handle the mail. Some just do duty there until called on draft they are not Mail Specialists. I do find some consolation in my work to know and see I am helping the boys get their mail that others have handled so carelessly. I do know and how I do know how much a letter means, doing without as I have on this trip. Gee how I would welcome a letter from you to know how things are at home. I know there is mail for me here 2 but the way it is handled dont know when I may get it. My card was not in files so mailed marked No Record and tied up with similar mail and put up. Itll be run thru again in a week or two and if I am here should get it. However, some new mail came in today and I found a letter from Leet. It was #9 and all was well so I assumed everything and everybody was O.K. It sure did me good to get it I am telling you. And now I know some 8 letters at least are here from her besides that from you & others. Will be rearing now till I get it. So anxious to know about Rube and how she is. My work is not hard, just regular. Others here about got to lay around in sun all day but we have to work. We do have a radio just over my desk and have good programs all morning. The station is here and for the Armed Services. So that part is nice. All of us are working here now. Four have been assigned her to Ships. Co. Some 10 more may be but dont know. We have all answered questionaires as to our postal experience which will probably be used in assigning us out to duty. Quite a pleasant experience my first day at work and again today. The chief in charge looked very familiar. I kept inquiring on thing and another of him until it came to light. He was president of clerks union at Milwaukee and I have seen him at National Conventions since 1935. Today a 1/C 8K was in office and he looked familiar. So again I inquired and found another convention man from Seattle, Wash. He knew my name well and remembered my publication. Well Mom thats about all news just now. Sure hope you and all are well and good and not worrying any. Just know I am all OK and everything is well. We, some of us, may stay here and others may go on. I want to get my gear all straight as I can and be for whatever might come. Will be writing again in a few days. Keep writing as you can and know I miss all of you so and do love you. Your Sailor Boy Walter P.S. Be sure and put my serial # 832-34-11 on all correspondence. Wm Walter Green, Sp (M) 3/C Navy 131 FPO San Francisco, Cal. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave. Albany, Georgia U.S.A. New Caledonnia Monday Mar 30, 1944 Dearest Mom:- Hello there you sweet girl. Now Now just close those eyes and relax in a good ole soft chair and do a little imagining and Ill be talking to you over the phone as you wanted. Am so sorry now I did not, but honest mom I was so frustrated and everything I just didnt. Like you I was not thinking I would be leaving for a long time. When it happened I was moved so much and so tired when I went in at nite I was hardly good for anything but to go to sleep. Rushing around trying to get everything tended to, having to get up so early, got mad with myself cause I didnt seem to be being fair to Leet. But she was so sweet about it all and just wanted that I get my rest. I thot of calling but it seemed I just couldnt get the time. The I thot of the cost and so short time as we would have. I didnt have much to leave with Leet and knew she would need it all to live on. So, with all this, mom, I just didnt. You do understand, dont you? I just know the good Lord will take care of and keep you safe for us until all this mess is over and then we will really have a happy reunion indeed. I have your letters, mom, and they are just the sweetest things ever. Have all you wrote to Leet and to me. Leet sent me all your letters to her. God only knows how welcomed they were. I did so much want to know how all of you were, how Rube was getting along, how Grace was, and just everything. As I read your letters one after another I just wanted to get off Page 2 and have a good ole fashioned cry. I did enjoy them so much and have peace of mind and heart now that I have heard from you. You know, I hadnt heard anything from you since that letter I wrote about Chester. That you would understand and so glad you did. Regret my first letter was delayed. Thot something when I didnt hear on this before I left. But all is well now. So now rest your sweet self and know I am al OK in every way. Eating 3 meals a day, working of course, getting good sleep, and just feeling fine and fit in every was. Oh yes, also seeing a movie every nite except should it rain. So you see all is well. And from all I can gather all will continue to be well wherever we go. So have no worries. Yesterday, the head man of all Post Offices in this area was here. No doubt we will be on the move soon maybe before the week is over. Ill welcome getting somewhere that the crowd might be a bit smaller so wouldnt have to stand in line for hours to get chow or go to canteen. Guess what, sitting here on my bed writing I overheard someone say Valdosta and Columbus. Now I find the lad sleeping over me is from Barwick and a friend of here from Brunswick. Now how is that? Tell Rube I said congratulations and everything. Gee, How I have worried over her and am so happy everything has happened. Quite a niece I have, eh? You will just have to send me some pictures of the young lady. Kiss her for me. If I could just get out might buy her a sarong thats about all I could get around here. Page #3. Speaking of pictures We did make some in Frisco and I believe Leet will send some to you or Grace. If you want more let her know. Also asked her to send one to Bud. Speaking of Bud Dont worry too much about him. Quite sure he is all right. He no doubt is travelling about so they dont have opportunity to put off any mail and too, it going as regular mail takes quite a while to get to you. Were you surprised to get mine so soon? Expect you have some by now and it didnt take any 6 weeks, did it? And listen, that place I tried to tell you about Bud. Well you know where Mr. Patch is, dont you? It is located there just about like the Florida Keys. I have a post card on the way out here from Bud. Have a letter from Bill Sanders giving me some everyday news. Quite something Jim Bush defeating Howard Clark as he did. And it seems Hambrick is about only one left at the office. Do wonder how he has been spared so long? And sis Gracie is working? That is good. Just hope she likes it and makes good at it. Tell her to give me a ring sometimes. Maybe will get around to writing all of them sometimes. Sure dont have much spare time. As for your sweet self it is so good to know you are gaining weight and all. Leet says she is. Now all that is grand. Just keep it up. Dont worry. Dont be off trying to work too much. Just take it easy and take care yourself for us. That means everything to us. Page #4 Leet seems so satisfied and doing so well where she is am sure she shall stay. Believe she feels she is closer to me and that seems to mean so much to her. And she just dont believe Ill be gone long and wants to be there when I get back. Dont know how long will be gone but I am thinking big things will be happening soon. Now thats just about all I know right now so will close. Oh yes, have written Journier Dept. B.Y.U. Mr. Mills & Mr. Wills. Hope to write Dr. Stephens soon. Anyhow, wont mail this till tomorrow so if anything comes to mind will add it. Goodnite now and thanks for those sweet letters. Keep them coming. I need them so. Ill be writing again soon. And do know I love you so. Your Sailor Boy Walter P.S.- Put my Navy number 832-34-11 on all mail. Wm W. Green, Sp (M) 3/C Navy 131 FPO San Francisco, Cal. Easter 1944 Apr. 1944 Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave Albany, Georgia U.S.A. Wm Walter Green, Sp(M) 3/C Navy 131 F.P.O. San Francisco, Calif. Mrs. Ruby Green, ET ALL 423 Flint AVE. ALBANY, GEORGIA My heartfelt Wishes to you, one and all, for a most Happy Eastertide. Just Wish I could express it in a more Material Manner. Out her amidst these surroundings and engaged in these activities one finds it a bit difficult to remember times, seasons and dates. But this one is eternal and for it we are all thankful. Mu thots are of you, my love goes with you always, and especially at this season all of you! Your Sailor Walter Wm. Walter Green, Sp(M) 3/C (Censored) Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Avenue Albany, Georgia Sunday Afternoon---New Caledonia April 1944 Dearest Mom:- Now hello there and how you doing? Well how you like this getting a letter on the typewriter ??? Aint it sumpin ??? Ive been getting around a bit here, met up with three fine fellows in the office here, and they kindly allowed me to use this. I come up lots of nites and chew the rag with them. One is a Federation man and we go over these affairs and all. Enjoy it quite a bit. In fact this would be quite a place to work. The office is here and their living quarters in the back. Everything right at and all. And they are getting three of the kind of men you would enjoy working with, all honest and everything. One is about to leave for his return to the states. Wish I could get this spot for a while but nothing doing as a mate in Noumea has already been assigned. Well, had my interview last week. Did I tell you ?? Forget whether I did or not but dont think I did. Anyhow, the head man of this Fleet Post Office was here last Sunday and interviewed a few and then about Tuesday was back and got the rest of us. Inquired quite a bit as to my experience in the Finance work. And when leaving one of the Lieutenants suggested that quite a few of our men were carriers and it would be well for me to get with and discuss this with them as a help to them as well as renewing myself on the subject. Naturally I felt quite good on this. And now I believe I know my destination, at least for the present. The Chief called me up the other day and told me they had assigned me here for duty in the Fleet Records Office. And I might add here that this Chief, the one I have known since 1935, has been mighty good towards me ever since I have been here. Anyhow, he told me this. Well, it surprized me for this has nothing at all to do with the regular functions of a real post office. It merely attempts to keep a correct file of addresses and supply them when needed for the mails. And I dont care for this kind of job. I told him this and he talked with the other chief here and together they suggested I speak to the Lieutenant in charge of the office here. This I did and he advised he would carry the matter to the head man and see what he might say and he had a place probably he would use me and if not then I would remain here as assigned. Well, later in the day I got my reply. It was that I would remain here, BUT that this was a temporary assignment----that in a short time, perhaps several months, I would be placed in one of these spots dealing in finances where I might render better service to the Navy. Well, now that sounded much much better to me. I dont mind if they mean it that way and will do so. It will give me a chance to be around here for a while and see the place a bit, and then move on elsewhere. Outside of that now I know nothing. I am supposed to be assigned over to Ships Co. here but so far nothing more has been said or done. Today several of our boys were called up and shipped out of here to Noumea. Whether they shall stay there or not I dont know. Some will, some wont. I just dont want them to put me here and forget me. No mail now in several days. Sure do miss those letters when so many days pass by like this. I should get a good load when the next does come in. I guess yours is the same way there. Oh yes, you know Frank Allen, Mr. J.O. Allens boy that married Mr. Gibsons daughter ?? Well he is out here somewhere in the Seabees. I saw it in the Herald shortly before leaving Frisco. Looked his card up yesterday and dropped him a postal card last night. If I knew some of the other boys full name, boys from home, would look them up and maybe drop them a line. I am enclosing a bit of a view of the place here that you might get little idea of it. There are some other views which I dont have just now but maybe in a later letter will be able to send them too. I know you are all anxious to hear from Bud. I too would really like to get a letter from him. I wrote him the other day and soon as I know more as to my destination for the present will write again. And of course I wrote him while coming over. But I believe he usually uses the Free permit on his letters and so they will be quite slow in coming in to you. So dont worry too much as they have to get some place where the letters may be put off first and then they have to get there in Frisco and even then it takes so long to get across the country to you. I just know hes all right, hes just gotta be, you know, and we will all be hearing from him soon. Now I do believe that is all for this time. Just done got to the place where a fellow dont have anything hardly to write about. We did have the day off and I basked in the sun most of the morning. working inside as we are we dont even get a sun tan around here. It was the first day we have had off while others here have day at the time. Hope everything and everybody are O.K. now. Tell Grace Ill be writing her a line soon though I dont know what it will be about, and it has been quite a spell since I had a letter from her. Anyhow, do know I am al o.k. right on and pray all of you are. Write as often as you can and know I will do the same. Your Sailor Walter (photograph of New Caledonia) (Photo caption: (Censored)-the business centre) Wm W. Green, Sp (M) 3/c Fleet Records Office 131 FPO San Francisco, Cal. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave Albany, Ga U.S.A. Monday Dearest Mom:- Gee but I am all smiles today and feel so good. Better than any day since Ive been here I do believe. Been whistling & signing and just working away. Now how is that? Quite different from way I started out yesterday aint it? After all my little chat, and then a grand little service last nite, a good show, and a real good sleep I awoke this morning feeling quite good. The this morning I got some mail and no doubt there will be more before he day is over. So you see I have really got cause to be feeling so good. Im telling you a letter can do plenty in itself. Have 2 letters from Leet and one was written on back of your letter to her. She sends me all the letters you write her. Wants me to know everything. Gee Mom, that was such a sweet letter you wrote her. I am so happy in the lovable relationship as exists between you two. So different from the past and I mean long ago past!! Leet does love you I know and all of this makes it so much easier and all on me out here and I know you both shall continue so. She wants to do all she can to add to your happiness. She wrote me that she was thinking of inviting you out. Wee I am just leaving all that between you two. Just dont know how long will have to stay out here but if the war is still on when my leave comes it would sure be good could you got out then some two weeks before I would be due so you might get your sight-seeing pretty well done and then we could enjoy the time together. Would save time for me all right. I doubt Chester would be off at same Page 2 time and surely he will go home. If we could be there at the same time then surely Leet & I would go home. But all that is in the far distant future and we can take care of it when the time comes. And if you wish to go to Frisco now well strike out. Gee but I was so glad to know you had heard from Chester. Know you would in time. Guess Ill hear in a week or two. Sure will welcome it. And to think he is down here so close to me. Do hope he gets my last letters telling him where I am and how to find me. Would sure be a happy moment for me. And the ole boy is now 2/c. That is fine and I am sure proud of him. You asked Leet if I were getting the Herald. Not yet but it is on way. Takes it long as it did me to get here. Guess Ill be getting it sometime. Should you see anything good in them cut it out and drop in your letter as I may not get them all. So glad you liked the pictures. Sent one to Bud. Hope Leet could send you the negatives. And youre gaining weight? That is swell. So is Leet from all she says. Dont know about myself as have no scales. Sure glad to know Rube is doing so good and soon to get settled. Know she will like it and all. Had a letter the other day from Doris telling me all about Bill, how he was growing the things he was saying and all such as that. Appreciated it I did. Page 3 Well mom guess that will be all. The day has passed now and no more mail came in. Felt sure there would be some from you but nothing doing. Guess it will come next time. So I more reason to be glad Leet sent me her letter. Relieved my mind on lots of things, and was sure glad to get this news from home. When your letters come in if Ive missed replying on anything will do it then. And of course will be writing soon anyhow. Oh yes, seems to be a habit now my being absent on Leets birthday. Last April 19th I was in Bainbridge, Md. and this year am way down here. Lets pray we may be together next time. Guess thats all now. I am feeling just fine and fit as a fiddle. Hope all of you o.k. Know I do miss you so much and love to all. Your Sailorman Walter William Walter Green, Sp (M) 3/c 832-34-11 Fleet Records Office Nay 131 Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif. Wm. W Green, Sp(M) 3/C F.R.O. Navy 131 FPO San Francisco, Cal. Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave. Albany, Ga. U.S.A. Easter My Dearest Mom:- Well here is is Easter away out here so far from home. And there are no new Easter togs being worn out here. Frankly the day slipped up on me without my realizing it was Easter. They held a sunrise service this morning and I missed it as I didnt hear the announcement last nite. I surely hated it and couldnt help but cry over it. I got there just as it were breaking up. Got a program and am sending on to you. Maybe next Easter out here will be more awake to what is going on. I shall get to the service tonite and trust Ill find some consolation at least. You see, I am very much depressed and despondant. Just so blame blue and out done I can hardly stand myself. Cant concentrate on my work or do anything any good. Seems I just wander around in misery all day long, cant muster up a smile or anything. Just now I wish I had never seen this Navy. Feel almost as if I want to go over the hill as they say and how I do welcome the nights. Going to the show gives me a bit of relaxation and then to sleep and I forget it all till the next morn. The whole thing is I am all alone now. All the fellows coming here with me are gone on and left me here. They are all going out into the real post office work while I am stuck here in this Fleet Records Office. I know the speak of sending me out later, but I just cant believe they will. Ive talked with others here and they all bear me out that Ill probably be here for the full time. And I am helpless to do anything about it. So help me I cant understand why they picked on me. I had more Page 2 actual experience than any man in our group but that means nothing. They do everything just backward it seems. And the boys who weny off done so in groups Two or more went to each place all over the section just north of us. They all had a pal and I was left alone. You see Mom, I just so much want to get out of here, up where the action is and get in there and do some real post office work. I dont care what it is just so I could make a real contribution. Wish sometimes I didnt have this rating if it meant I could get out there and do something. Guess you and Leet are happy that I am here where it is all quiet and I should console myself with this, but I just cant help it cause I want to go and do. Some record to bring home of coming right here and the back when it is over. The boys had the laugh on me when they left me here. I know Leet will be upset and you too to know of my disposition but please dont worry. It will all come out O.K. Im wondering if this may be a bit of test of my faith? You know, from the time I came into this Navy have tried to put myself in Gods hands to direct me where I should go, shield and protect me and in time return me to my loved ones. And He had dealt so kindly with me. I know definitely of several instances that I have full confidence He was answering my prayers. Now out here since I have been here have repeatedly asked His directions as to my destination. Well my selfish desires were that I did not wish to remain here. Have wondered if it were His direction that I stay here or was my faith being put to a test. Am afraid I failed. But how I have prayed for an understanding. Page 3 But let me hush all my troubles. I know you have enough of them already. Now how did you all spend Easter? Bet you went sprying around all dressed up in new outfits. Was thinking this morn how I would like to be there and Leet and I and all of you could be going to church all dressed up. I mean Id welcome the change to put on civilian clothes again. But I do hope you had a nice Easter in every way. Sure would welcome a letter from you. Havent had one in a week I dont believe. My spirits get so low when days go by without any mail. I know some is on the way but I do so wish it were here. Know I would feel so much better. Do have 2 letters from Marianna, one direct and one forwarded from Frisco. Says they may be moving soon. Something there is closing up. Must be what Paul is connected with. Says she is in a playlet at school and seems to be doing O.K. Also said she got the Navy pin I sent her from Great Lakes for her birthday she never had said she received it so I asked her. And also said she got my picture. And told me her and her mother were planning to have a picture of her made for me and asked if I preferred one size if billfold or a large one? Havent decided as yet. Well, Mom, I went off and here I am back again and in very high spirits with my blues all washed away. Can sure sing praises tonite when I go to church. Easter has been a blessing to me as regards my disposition and all. Im all smiles now with a cheery hello for everyone. You just cant imagine the difference in me. You Page 4 see it was like this I wanted to know something so asked the chief this morn could I see him a while this afternoon. Hw invited me up to his room to have a beer and attend the baseball game. I did and had one of the most enjoyable afternoons since Ive been here. I wont go into all the detail but summed up he appreciates a man of actual experience as I have which is only 3 years less than he had. Well he said he felt quite sure they were holding me here for a spot elsewhere and I would be sent out in a short time. He has offered his assistance in getting me placed where or rather in the real post office work. And I do believe he can and will. He has sure been swell to me ever since I have been here. Furthermore he says maybe we can fix up and take a trip up the island some Sunday afternoon. And then he told me a place or so to go. So Im telling you I am all smiles tonite and so thankful for that friendship. It may be the way God used to answer my prayer as it has been on my mind for days to consult with him. We talked on other things dealing with our work and all but wont go into that. So now all is O.K. and Im all smiles and out to take the place in and see all I can so Ill be sure and have it done if and when I am called. Now I must go to church and say my thanks. I can sure sing tonite. And you should know this week has been so long for me the days I mean as I would find time on my hands. My little New Testament lies just under my pillow and I have found so much comfort in reading it in these moments. Yes, Mom, the good Lord is with me. Goodnite. Your Loving Son Walter Wm. Walter Green, Sp(M)3/c Fleet Records Office Navy 131 Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif. Apr. 27 1944 MRS. RUBY GREEN 423 FLINT AVENUE ALBANY, GEORGIA U.S.A. Dearest Mom:- Dont have any news especially tonight but a few spare minutes and just thot would drop you a few lines to let you know all is well with me out here. Your Easter card came in todayhad one a day or so ago from Doris. Yours was mighty sweet all right but my feelings had a real let-down as I read your wishes that I might attend services somewhere. I did go all right but didnt make the full sunrise service and have regretted it ever since. Forgot to mention in my last letter that my second month ashore was under way. The 22nd. of this month was date it started. This is an anniversary I would gladly have done without. Attended the Christian Servicemens League last night. Us Baptists were in the majority through attendance of several colored brothers. We hope to institute little prayer-meeting groups over the place realizing the power of prayer and what it may accomplish here. Had a nice suprize this afternoon. First, however, they took some pictures in our work-room here today. Dont know what the purpose nor where they may be used. You might see them in the paper sometime but know you couldnt recognize me. Anyhow, as I was leaving and stepped outside someone shouted--Hi there W W Looking around I greeted a young mate that attended Boot Camp with me. He is first Ive seen of my company since leaving the Lakes. Quite a joy it was. He to is stationed here and will serve in the dental work I believe so no doubt will be seeing him again. Now here is a bit of news for you. Found some scales yesterday and weighed myself. Now just imagine how much I hit ?? The ole marker stopped at about the one hundred ninety marker. Gee whiz, I said too. I thot something should be showing up. However, that is not all me. You see those shoes we wear are quite heavy themselves. Dont know how much they weigh but doubt that all my clothes would go even ten pounds. So I am saying I should be hitting it about 182 and thats some ten pounds more than when I left Frisco. So seems to be faring with me, doesnt it ?? I do eat Im telling you. Its not always so good but seems to agree and so I just put it away. Perhaps you should do the same. I do eat stuff I never much thot Id eat. Maybe I better go on a diet now. Now I just dont know anything more to write about. Just wanted you to know was thinking of you and all and do miss all of you so much. Hope all is well and good back there and now anxiously awaiting the next good mail which I know will be bringing me more mail from all of you. Say hello to everyone for me. Oh yes, my last letter from Marianna was a real nice one and best Ive had in a long long time. And shes writing a bit more often now. Must close. Goodnight, sweet dreams and love. Your sailor Walter (Blank V-MAIL ENVELOPE) Apr 29 44 Wm. Walter Green, Sp(M)3/c Fleet Records Office Navy 131 Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif. Apr. 29 1944 MRS. RUBY GREEN 423 FLINT AVENUE ALBANY, GEORGIA U.S.A. Dearest Mom:- Inasmuch as the office will be closed tomorrow afternoon thot would take advantage tonight in using the typewriter. It does save so much time, can tell you more, and then Ill be able to enjoy a full afternoon again of rest and relaxation. Im sure that will be O.K. with you. Day before yesterday received your letter, one from Grace, Leet, and Dorris Holt. Quite a mixture and enjoyed them all. The one from Grace had the picture in it and it sure good of her. Appreciate so much her sending one of these. Sure some bad weather you are having thereabouts. Believe me Im thankful no tornados have hit around there. I read in our publication a short time ago about some of the bad weather and all there in Alabama. Have had a mate working just beside me here from Thomasville, Ga. He is a SK and awaiting transfer. Anyhow I told him all about the weather and all there. We get to talking about home and all and then I do get homesick. Hope you know by now that is all is well with me as to my work, disposition and all the like. Guess you do think I get awfully blue at times and when I do I just open up and tell all of you about it. Well it sort of gets the load off my shoulders when I do and I know you dont mind. Leet joins you in wishing I may remain here for the safety and all it affords. Did have a letter the other day from one of the boys who came with me from the Lakes and on out here. He was sent on north of here and writes back that at least I am stationed at quite a modern place as compared to his station. Speaks of the mud there being ankle deep and the like. So, maybe Im fortunate after all. Anyhow, it is not worrying me anymore whether I go or stay. The only thing I care about now is that of getting back home and Ill that just as quick as theyll give it to me. Guess I got a bit despondent today through talking with some of the boys. They are not anticipating the end of this war before 1948 at the earliest. It sounded mighty bad to me but I just cant believe it is going to last that long. I truly pray it shall not. Had a change of work today. Have been on the record files supplying the correct addresses but now am on the dispatching case from whence we send the mail to the Fleet Office down at the main base for dispatch. That is the mail which has been serviced through our files. It is a bit more in line with post office routine. Was a bit tired after the morning tour as my other job has been sitting down all the time and must stand for this. However, after the day was done it didnt seem so bad. May reduce some of the extra poundage Ive put on. Anyhow, perhaps will like it better in time and it does familiarize me more with the terms used throughout this area just in case they should ship me out elsewhere. Only Mail Specialists are supposed to do this work hence my assignment. (Continued next page) [Editorial Note: next page does not exist] Wm Walter Green, Sp(M)3/c FLT Rec. Off N 131 FPO San Francisco, Calif Mrs. Ruby Green 423 Flint Ave Albany, Ga. U.S.A. Got Sunday Apr 30 Sunday April 16, 1944 Dearest Mom Not much news but Sunday just seems the day to write you. We have a bit of time off and writing offers me my best joys out here. My Mail sure came in Friday 4 from Leet, 2 from you, 2 V-Mail and that card from Chester, 1 from Frank Moye at home, 1 from Mr. Patch, and 3 Heralds. Sure had a picnic. Then next day another from Bud and a Herald. The papers are coming to my new address now, but the dates are scattered. Sure good to read home town news even if so late. Saw article about Aunt Mamie which you wrote about. Guess it is all best. Didnt know Carson was in Italy. You were wrong about Chester getting my mail. He says he did along with 14 from home. Know he was happy as I know what they do mean. But he didnt know I had left the states. I cant understand as I sent him an air-mail before I left telling him of it. His last letter posted March 14th and written In Port. He must have been near here as he mentioned the heat, thatched huts, and the coconut trees. But did seem to be enjoying himself. I sorta envy him getting to travel as he does though I know this is so much the safest place. It was amusing to read of his watch duty and then sitting up in bed asleep account being on duty so much. Sure hope he has my letters now telling him where I am and how to reach me. Gee but I do hope they pull in here and he can get out here to me. Page 2 - So Doris thinks Id be too reserved for the initiation crossing the equater? She might be surprized. You cant very well be reserved in this outfit. But much to my regret, we didnt have any initiation. Too many on board. Take your [ Censored ] the [ Censored ] and you will have almost as many as we had. So you see it would have been quite a job. They just gave us a card. As for your letters to me they came thru o.k. and not bothered any. Maybe you can ask questions sometimes, but you better keep a list of them if you do. Sure glad to know my check is finally coming through. The first one should be a nice sum/ Hope it helps out and especially in getting Grace thru school. Seems this will be all I can do for the kid. Sure hate it. Know Chester will be pleased in your gaining weight and your health in general. He joins me in not wanting you to return to work. It was amusing to note W.G.P.C. still has the serial story going Joyce Jordan, M.D. Now Mom guess thats all for today. I need not remind you its pretty lonesome out here for all of you. Hope all are O.K. and kiss Bill, Lynda + Gail for me. Your last letters were sure sweet and do so much good so keep them coming. Love to all and kisses to you Your Sailor Boy Walter (V-Mail Envelope) May 20 44 MRS. RUBY GREEN 423 FLINT AVENUE ALBANY, GEORGIA U.S.A. Wm. Walter Green, Sp(M)3/C Fleet Records Office Navy 131 Fleet Post Office San Francisco, Calif. May 2 1944 Dearest Mom- Here I am again, not much news, but just wanted to write. No mail now in several days but did get some 5 Heralds today and enjoying them so much. Had a colored USO troupe here last night and enjoyed them quite a bit. Would you believe itwinter is setting in here ? Everything a bit cooler than has been and I have my dungaree coat out now to wear at the show and at night. The blanket feels quite good too early in the mornings. Had pay-day yesterday. The first have had since leaving Frisco. Sure was needed too as my finances had about hit bottom. Feels good to have a few nickels in your pocket again. It looked mighty small though compared to those I got twice a month in Frisco. Well, seems my washing days may be over soon so long as I am here. We have a laundry installed now and should begin operations in a month or six weeks. We will get our washing done at 75c a month. Plenty cheap, isnt it ?? And it should eliminate some of the stealing off the lines when fellows put clothes out to dry. So far I havent lost anything out there. Lucky I do say. Sure had another swell day last Sunday. Enjoyed it so much and felt so good after my bath and all. And the services that night were just grand. The Chaplain here is Lutheran and I do like to hear him read the Scriptures. He makes them so real. And hes a good singer and the boys to turn loose on some of those good gospel hymns and we do sing plenty each Sunday evening. Had quite a disappointment today. You know I was never one to go asking for anything. Just so I planned to just wait and thot they would grant my next rating automatically. Talking with the boys found I better start putting in for it if I expect to get it anytime soon. So last night I spoke to the Lieutenant when he came by the office and I was in here waiting. He said I might get it if there was an opening but that first I should be recommended by my Chief and for me to speak to the Chief today and tell him to consult with him, the Lieutenant, on the matter. This I did and the Chief just said they had talked on these things yesterday. Well, changing my job I changed from one Chief to the other. So, trying to get all support I could I approached my former Chief, the one I knew, and told him what had been done and if he could speak a word for me it would be appreciated. He tells me then there is a rule out here that no man can be recommended until he has been on the station 90 days. I asked didnt I get any credit for time put in in the states and he said No ! Did my spirits go down ?? Thot I might have a little news as for all of you next month but now they seem shot to pieces at Itll be 4 months or more before I ever move. Just as I said---Chester will be 1/C before I ever move if I ever do. It is sure disgusting Im telling you. Maybe will go up before this thing is over. Well mom, guess thats just about all of the news as I know of tonite. Oh yes, saw some mail Monday for Kenyon Sellarsthe basket-ball player,--remember ?? Looked up his card and he has already been transferred out of here. Sorry I missed him. So now will close. Am all O.K., like my new work fine, getting along swell, but sure hungry for some mail from all of you. Guess it will be in in a day or so sure. Just keep writing and Ill get them. Say hello to all and know I love you so very much. Your sailor Boy Walter Wm. Walter Green, Sp(M) 3/C Flt. Records Off. N-131 FPO San Francisco, Calif May 2, 44 MRS. RUBY GREEN 423 FLINT AVENUE ALBANY, GEOTGIA U. S. A. Monday----April 24, 1944 Dearest Mom:- Hello there, sweet thing, and how you doing these days ?? still eating plenty and gaining weight >> And I know you are still going plenty without asking that. Well now if you just mixed a little good sleep and rest with all that it might be plenty good. You know you got to be the Belle of the town for us boys out here. As for myself, well Im just fit to be hog-tied and killed I guess. Am just faring so good and all till its pitiful. Seems Im getting fat off this land myself. The boys today accused me of being pregnant. Sure wish I had a pair of scales so could weight as I do believe Im putting on a little at least. This little bay-window Im toating around aint there for nothing. Maybe Ill find one soon and will let you know the results. Must ask your apologies about yesterday. Promised Id write at least every Sunday and want to get in some extras during the weeks. However things went on such a way yesterday just couldnt get it done and after I tell you about everything I know your good heart will excuse me this time. Had a grand day yesterday. Sure enjoyed it complete. Worked 3 hours during the morning. Then to chow and what a chow. They serve some right good meals at times and sometimes load your platter you just cant take it all and that was me. I filled to the brim. Then grabbed my blanket and retired to one of the little hills here, stripped down and sprawled out under the sun. Gee, but that feels so good to get out there and relax and all. Took a good sun-bath for some two hours. Chester writes he is doing the same thing on board ship and he is getting a good sun-tan. Well, mine is so far between I cant get any tan but I do like to get out there and rest some. Anyhow, the followed a good hot bath after which time for chow again. Then to church and then the show and it was all so very good. Dont know when I have enjoyed a day any better if at all. I had planned to write you right after the bath but the office was closed and couldnt get to a typewriter and time was too short for the pen so I took the time and saw a bit of the ball game here. And thats why I didnt get a letter written---didnt know the office was locked up on Sunday afternoons. So now that you know all that surely you will excuse me I hope ??? Gee, Mom, I wish you could see this place out here from the hillside there where I go. Leet was worried when I told her of this activity that there might be some females around but they are extinct out here at this place. And our camp is right amongst the hills so to speak. Every day you see the boys out enjoying the sun in this manner. Anyhow out on the hill there you can look out and over the way the mountains raise there lofty peaks so majestically. A light blue haze surrounding them, sometimes a cloud dips down over them. It is as pretty a picture as you ever saw. How I do wish all of you could see it. Then looking out the other way you see the vast expanse of the Pacific ocean stretching out. Then, to top it all off scattered here and there you see Ole Glory flying honorably in the breeze and you know all is safe and secure. It altogether is a picture indeed. How I wish I had a camera and could send you some snapshots of it. Received your letter to me direct the other day and too Leet mailed me hers. I told you she sent me your letters too so Id keep up with Page 2 all the news all the time. Guess you were thinking I was awfully blue. And no doubt that you have my Easter letter you are convinced I am. But please believe me that is all gone now and I am just enjoying it here more and more as the days go by. Im all satisfied an if they wish to leave me here that will be O.K. too. Had a letter today from one of the boys who went on up and I mean everything is swell here as compared to where he is according to his letter. so maybe it is better in every way. And Leet is really well satisfied that I stay right here. She feels Ill be safer and all and can get back home the quicker. I cant answer that last statement any. It was mighty sweet of you to send her the scarf and I know she will appreciate it. Probably she wont get it on Easter but it will serve as a birthday present too and thats killing two birds with one stone and all O.K. Have had several letters from ole Bud. He knows now that I am here, at least left the states and headed here. Have written him several since Ive benn here telling him how to get to me if he should come in and feel sure he has all this mail by now surely. The boy is really going places isnt he ?? This last one tells me how he will be eligible for another advancement in 4 months. That is as it should be, BUT, is not as I shall be. The time limit is supposed to be waived out her and half-time required for each advance. But in this mail business it is NOT done. Some fellows out here say they were not given credit for this time they put in in the states even. Some have been up for advancement since last November and not yet have they received it. All of it sounds most discouraging to me. No doubt Chester will be first class before I ever make the next move. When I do get to second then will have to go nine months instead of the 4 as he does to get my first and the 18 more will be required before I could ever become Chief. Well, Im not planning on this thing lasting that long and they can have all the ratings if theyll just get it over and let me get back home. There are some reasons for a lot of these things no doubt. It may be as the old saying goes---its not what you know but who you know. Chester stands in good where he is and that is in his favor. There are so many of us till we cant get anywhere and too, certain conditions prevail against lots of us that will hold us back. Im not counting on going very far in this mans Navy. Maybe you will understand later. Today received a nice little booklet with Sunday school lessons in it sent to me by the church there at home. And I wrote Dr. Stephens the other day and have another in mind for him in a few days as I find time. And speaking of this-----I do think my prayers are being answered, mom. Remember my telling you in that Easter letter that perhaps my faith was being tried ?? Well my prayers have continued and to it I have pleaded that if there was any service here I might do that God would open my eyes to it. That prayer I believe has been answered. The other day I invited a young lad in my hut to accompany me to church last night. He hadnt been since hes been here and he accepted. We went last night and I was quite happy in it. After church and while waiting on the show to start we sat and talked of reading the Bible, praying, and lots of things along this line. I think it was good for the both of us. Then too, yesterday morning I invited the fellow working beside me who is also in my hut to go with us He did NOT accept. Page 3 Well things were rather quiet at work yesterday morning and I engaged him in quite a conversation. He is a good boy at heart, believe in the Bible and in God, yet does not believe in the Church. At least he cant see into the various things of the church and all. Summed all up his mind is confused. He has the various things of the church all mixed up. He mentions things of the Catholics, of the Christian Science, of the differences in baptism and all such as that. I really thing at heart he is Baptist yet he cant understand it all and says it wont do him any good to go and all the like of that. Well, now that may be the very reason why God had me placed here and if so I am happy in the opportunity for service and trust I may do at least one soul some good during my lifetime. He has promised to join me for church some other time and Ill keep after him you bet. I hope I may find time sometimes to take a little walk with him and get him alone and have a little talk. Dont know if I can answer his problems but surely the good Lord will give me the right answers. And that is what I want to write Dr. Stephens about and ask his prayers. And you know I am counting on yours and too I have told Leet and asked hers. So with all this backing me Ive got to make good. Have also learned they have a sort of Fellowship Club or something of that kind here on Wednesday nights. Im going to get around to them and of course will ask their prayers. But thats not all. Some of these young fellows make me shudder the the way they take the name of God in vain. I have some little pamphlets about this and will pass them out at the opportune time. Here too I hope to get the fellows alone when it is done. So you see I am making these moments down here count for something and finding great joy in it. So you see I am not so despondent after all, am I ??? If ole Chester could just drop in to see me now well Id really be fixed. Last Monday there was a notice on the bulletin board of the South Pacific Masonic Club meeting every first and third Mondays. It was first I knew of it and couldnt attend that night. Besides I dont want to get out anywhere until after I have a pay-day as finances are mighty low jus now. But am going to get around to itabout next meeting I thinks. Seems they just have open meeting somewhat, some entertainment, an address, and sometimes refreshment. Will let you know much as I can when I attend. Know I will enjoy it and will get to meet Masons from many places no doubt. So Hambrick was reported ?? Well he sure got delayed a long time all right and I guess it was good until Helen came through. No doubt it will now be several months before he goes. I do wonder what he went into and what he will choose when he gets there. Let me know all about it. Im getting the Heralds now. Sure is good too to be reading home town news again. They are coming straight thru now to my ne address. Had a very nice letter from Nellie Brazier the other day telling me all about things going on in B.T.U. and Sunday School. And yours too told me these things. Sure is some good work going on back there and how I wish I could be in the middle of it. Page # 4 Ive told you already that I am satisfied if I stay here and all. Well, I have reasons to believe that I shall stay here. I cant say this as certain, but just an idea gained through conversation with some of the boys. Possibly the same reasons could be said to account for this as it is about our rating advancements. Maybe in time you will understand what I mean by all this. Oh yes, listen, Ive been enjoying a can of those Bobs Pekons out here. Brot them with me and opened several days ago. The eat mighty good at night after the show when I lay down before the lights go out. All in all Im getting around to saying that sometimes when you may have a little package coming out this way it would be mighty nice should you drop in a box or two of these things and one of them Pekon rolls would be good too if you can find one. We have candy all right, but this is just something extra from home, you know. So glad my check has come through at last. Leet was tickled too in that it meant a bit of savings to her. You are doing fine with it and I know Chester is pleased as myself. Perhaps youll have the ole shanty there all fixed up swell by the time we get there. Wish you had cut out that piece from Albany Journal about all of us and sent to me. Would like to have read it. Well, mom, have really turned loose a nice letter tonight I believe. Must be closing now as I believe Ive said about all there is to say. I might add that a V-Mail may follow tomorrow night to Grace and it would be well to have this letter handy when it does come in. So now Im going to say good-night to all of you. Hope all are well and everything, Tell Grace hello for me and Im thinking of her and all. Guess ole Rube is settled now in her place and all. Hope she makes it O.K. when Hambrick has to leave. Would sure like to see that new niece of mine and bet Lynda is a cutter around her. Ole Bill I guess is growing right on up. Chester says hed sure like to see the ole boy and Doris but long as he has got to be in he is glad he is out here. Anyhow tell them all hello for me and Ill be writing them all along as I can. Just keep your sweet letters coming to me. They mean so much and I wont delay my next letter as I did this time I promise. And do know that I miss you like everything and love you like everything, you sweet, sweet, mom. Your sailor boy, Walter