Somewhere over South Pacific 
January 1, 1945 
 
Dearest Mom & all:- 
 New Years Greetings from high above the 
clouds.  A place you didnt expect them from, eh? 
Bummed a sheet of paper that might scratch 
these few lines.  And it is scratched as we are having 
a bit of rough sailing.  Quite an experience, quite 
a picture, the clouds as huge stacks of cotton floating 
around.  Will have to tell you more about it under 
better writing conditions. 
 Left yesterday, on last lap today.  A few more 
hours will put me at my destination. 
 A new year is at hand as we all wonder 
what it holds in store for us.  Do hope and pray 
it shall prove very happy for us all in the 
realization of our wishes for all to be at home 
together again for keeps.  Hope all of you 
have a pleasant day. 
 Must close now.  This ole tummy is sure 
weak.  Just wanted to say Hello from up here 
and will write more soon as convenient. 
 Love to all  Your Sailor Boy  Walter 
 
(Back of previous sheet: Blank except for Jan 11- written in lower right corner) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm. Walter Green, MaM 2/C 
Fleet P.O.   Navy 225 
FPO  San Francisco, Calif. 
 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
423 FLINT AVENUE 
ALBANY, GEORGIA 
 
Jan 16-45 
 
 
Ellice Islands----South Pacific 
Monday-----January 8, 1945 
 
My Dearest Mother:- 
 
Here at last my ship has come in bringing me some mail from both you and Leet.  It is 
first Ive had since arriving here and going for about two weeks without any was really 
getting me quite a bit..  Several mail planes have been thru here and expected some every day 
but none showed up until today.  Even now I know I dont have it all and maybe in the 
course of a few days will get some more from my old stand.  However, am looking now soon 
for it to be coming to me direct as think there has been ample time for you to have my 
new address and start writing me here. 
 
No doubt when you received that first letter you assumed I were in quite a happy 
disposition over my new location and probably I was.  However, now that Ive been here a 
week am afraid my attitude has changed considerably for conditions here are about as 
bad or maybe worse I think than any spot out here.  This of course is just in the 
manner of supplies, food and the like.  They just dont have anything here and dont 
seem can get anything here.  Were just too far off the path of the ships and so out 
of the way for any to come in here.  The food situation is quite deplorable even to the 
hospital.  And as for the supplies, well they just dont have a thing.  Even out of 
stationery just now.  Sure glad I had a bit when I come in and that you sent me will be 
a big help.  Have written Leet to send some more though will be a month or two before I 
get it.  Fortunately we have some here at the office such as Im using here that can 
use.  Much, very much more would like to tell you about it but regulations wont permit. 
Quite a bit of history wrapped up in this island especially in the early phases of the 
war.  Guess it will all just have to wait until I get back there to be told.  Anyhow, it 
is nothing to worry about and guess I can endure it if others can.  Fortunately the boys 
here have a few contacts enabling us to enjoy some good eating all along at night in 
the way of steaks, chops and the like.  Maybe it wont last too long for I have some 
very faint hopes my stay wont last much over six months here.  What then I dont know. 
Furthermore, from what Chester writes you guess it is better yet than being up there 
in the conditions as must exist which he cannot go into details about.  so dont let 
yourself be worrying any over it and know all will come out O.K. 
 
In the mail today had a Christmas greeting, V-Mail, from Dorris Holt in which he penned 
a few lines saying he was working about 16 hours a day and that they set up a post 
office in a tent using boxes for cases.  He always liked that overtime but dont guess 
this goes so good when he is not getting overtime for it. 
 
As far as the work here is concerned it is O.K. and very very light.  Busy just slightly 
just a short while each day getting the mail out.  Rest of the time we are sitting 
around, reading the paper, chewing the rag and the like.  Days when there is no mail 
is exceptionally light.  Had one the other day and doubt I did an hours work all day. 
Tomorrow is another one of them but promises to be quite busy otherwise inasmuch as a ship 
is in with seventy od bags of mail which we have to go aboard and carry up from the 
hold, bring ashore, load on truck and then deliver at office.  So probably will be a 
tired man tomorrow nite. 
 
Now my mail today was for a period a bit back right around Christmas day and must say 
there was a note of sadness in both yours and Leets, but this was expected for 
indeed we were both quite sad in those days, I mean we were all quite sad, with the thots 
of being apart and thinking of the past and all.  And too, as you mentioned, things of 
the past years made their contribution to all of it so that just wasnt the Christmas 
as all our hearts desired.  We just have to grin and bear it, hold fast to our faith, 
and pray that the next one will bring all the happiness as our hearts desire. 
 
2 
 
One of your letters I had been looking for for some time---the one concerning that young 
sister of mine getting married.  As you may well know it left me in quite a sad state 
all the things you spoke of.  So many Christmases we have had sadness in no small degree 
yet it may all have been a test for us.  At least us look upon it in this way.  I have 
felt ever since I received the news that it was going mighty hard with you with the last 
one pulling out.  Just wish it could have been that she could have stayed with you until 
we could have got back home, but then these things where our future may be at stake is 
something as cant be played with so perhaps it is all for the best.  Well I can imagine 
the sadness and loneness as is yours just now with her already gone.  Being around 
home so much, always there to be called on when needed, the closeness which must have 
been yours and hers in these recent years, and the suddenly she is absent, well it 
just cant be passed off lightly I well know though I do hope you wont let it get you 
too strong.  Especially at night when she is not around to talk to do I know youll miss 
her along with all the things you do looking after her.  But then she is a young lady now 
so must take her place as expected.  Just have to turn your attentions now to Rube and 
her two kids and let them occupy all your spare time such that I hope you will find 
some comfort and consolation in them and then in time well all be back there and believe 
me youll get plenty of attention and being taken care of I promise you. 
 
Sure regret myself that I couldnt be there to share in the ceremonies.  Would have liked 
so much to have taken her down the aisle.  A pleasure and a privilege as had long hoped 
might be mine and now it cant be.  Just another of those things we have to accept I guess. 
 
And surely I agree with you heartily she will make some man a fine young wife.  The way 
the world is going these days its hard to find one like her and I know she is smart in 
every way and will stand her ground with anyone.  Sure hope this boy is everything she 
believes him to be and they will make a real go of it.  Certainly one out of our group 
should do this much. 
 
One thing though I didnt like a bit was about you and your trying to work so much and 
couldnt stand it.  Mother, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, quit this.  Youre just not up to it 
now and you cant fool yourself.  This business of trying to work as you are, keep the 
house, stay up till midnite nite after nite, well it just cant go on with you at your 
age.  Surely you can grant this request of mine and Chesters when we are so away and 
helpless to do anything.  If you need money then just say the word and Ill try to send 
more home to you. I just cant help but let it get me when you tell me of all these 
things.  If you must work then just let it be a few days each week and do get your rest and 
plenty of it.  First thing you know youll be down and we way out here unable to get home 
and that will be just more than I can stand.  So again, I am begging you dont do this. 
And along with that I do pray you wont be grieving yourself away over Grace being gone. 
Should you do this and get down that kid would never get over it.  Its just one of those 
things we all have to bear up and take our share.  You know she loves you like everything 
just as we all do and would do anything for you, even to putting it off if you had asked. 
I think it was swell of you to give her the go sign, but lets dont spoil it now by 
letting our chin down and losing ground over it.  I do plead like everything that you not  
do these things. 
 
And certainly you shouldnt feel that you were back where you started years ago when there 
were none of us.  True it is we have all come up, become grown, and stepped out from you 
and home, but that certainly doesnt mean that you are now without us.  Instead I think you 
are more enriched for there are more of us along with a few swell little grandchildren.  So 
just look at the contribution you have made and rejoice in all of it.  How about it ???? 
 
Your letter about Christmas day though quite sad itself yet was intermingled with a lot 
of sweetness.  The day was sad for all of us you well know being so far separated from 
each other yet we were altogether in thot and spirit.  With you I remembered the last 
Christmas and the last day I had at home, and that nite when I bid you goodbye.  Now that 
 
3 
 
was a sweet sweet moment for me I assure you.  Not sweet in leaving, not by one bit, but 
you were just like a big baby laying there as I put my arms around you and kissed you. 
But that was nothing.  Just you wait till I can put them back around you and kiss you 
again a sweet sweet welcome.  Gee, oh gee, but youre going to get some sweet loving 
them I promise you.  And thats all the more reason why you must not work and must not 
grieve any to keep yourself all goof and strong for me when I get there.  Is it a 
Promise  ??? 
 
Must have had a nice little Christmas in a way with the kids.  I know the tree didnt 
seem the same and all the like as that, but the kids have their good time and that 
did count so much.  Sure would liked to have seen them in all their excited moments as 
you speak of.  I tell you Ive got to hurry and start me up a family 
so can have some more of them to enjoy ole Santa. 
 
Thanks for telling me about Marianna receiving her money order and also the box of 
beads and things.  Had worried much about those beads so glad to know she got them O.K. 
As for the five sent her started not to do it until had your letter telling about her 
coming by and talking about me and then decided I would.  Anyhow am glad she got it 
and was able to get something as the necklace you mentioned.  Perhaps should have sent 
some home to all of you but funds were a bit low just then so didnt.  Hope youll excuse 
me this time and surely will make it up when I get back.  Got a little remembrance for 
Leet, rather ordered her something thru a catalog out here but had nothing much in it 
as could get for the rest of you so just didnt.  Again I say just have to excuse me 
this time under circumstances.  So glad Rat was tickled with hers as you say. 
Sure hate the kid just put a 3c stamp on her letter as it will be a month or more before I 
get it. 
 
Quite surprising it was that she brot gifts for you, Grace and Rube.  Must be a change 
of heart down the way or something of the like.  But it does me good to know she done 
this and gets to see you all along as you mention.  Guess you have shown her those 
last pictures sent in ??  Im having one made for her but will send it direct myself. 
sure hate it they were scratched as they were and dont know what causes this.  Will 
probably know within the next month if it were the films or the camera. 
 
Speaking again of Grace the kid is getting quite a trip herself and will see quite a 
bit of the country, wont she ??  Will have it all over all of us getting to stay so long 
in the place she is going.  Plenty of snow she will have too.  First thing you know she 
will be an ice skater, maybe dancer.  All of which makes me that much more determined to 
see some of your hope realized in making a visit out to Frisco.  You just better put 
this down in your little book as a MUST for it is just that. 
 
Know your heart is a bit sad with other thoughts just at this time of the year.  On 
these things I shall make no mention for already have I written but will add here that 
you know my thots will be with you. 
 
Am anxiously awaiting another letter from Bud now.  Been some little time since last I 
heard from him and am quite anxious for one to learn the score with him.  Sure pray he is 
coming along O.K.  and feel sure he is but then I like to read it.  Hope you understood 
what I spoke about on that map situation and will pass the word on to him.  If you didnt 
get it maybe Leet will and if both fail will try again. 
 
Now, Mom, believe that puts me all up with the news at hand and the hour being late 
better turn in in preparation for the big day tomorrow.  In closing let me again plead 
for all the things Ive asked in this letter and just know we all love you so dearly 
and long to do all we can for your happiness.  So just keep yourselves for us until we 
get back and then well really have some celebration I promise you.  So good-nite now 
with a great big heart of love all for you. 
 
Your Sailor Boy 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm. Walter Green, MaM 2/C 
Fleet P.O.  Navy 225 
FPO San Francisco, Calif. 
 
Recd 
Jann 25 
45 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
423 FLINT AVENUE 
ALBANY, GEORGIA 
U.S.A. 
 
 
Ellice Islands---South Pacific 
Monday, January 15, 1945 
 
Dearest Mom and Rube:- 
 
Believe that would be the proper way to begin now with you two holding fort there now 
while I presume that sis of mine is now a married woman and done pulled freight.  But of 
course Im not discrediting the youngsters around there which I feel quite sure are very 
much in evidence.  Anyhow, well sit down for a long little chat again as I try to cover 
everything as can remember since you might be interested in since that last one.  However, 
there may be some duplications which you just have to excuse.  I think Im pretty near 
caught up for a spell with my correspondence in passing the news as can be told around to 
all those as might be interested such that sometimes I forget what Ive written others. 
So if there is any repetitions here of things already told you just pass her by. 
 
First of all dont get alarmed at this stationary.  Such stuff is so scarce around here 
I try to make use of anything as can get my hands on and found this so here she be.  The 
box you sent me for Christmas well I forwarded it on up here to keep from lugging it 
thinking it would be here shortly after I did but now I know better.  Not here yet nor 
do I have any idea just when it will be.  Had I but known back there could have had it 
put in with the Air-Mail and shot right on up here.  As is will have to wait until some 
ship pulls in here with it which shoukd be sometimes within the next month.  Until then 
well get along dont you fret and find some kind if have to use this official stuff 
around here.  Dont know when theyll have stationary.  Wrote Leet to send me out 500 
sheets of regular Air-Mail stationary from the printing shop or somewhere so should be 
fixed up when it does come in. 
 
Speaking of this writing business if I continue the manner of correspondence as has been 
here lately perhaps I better put in a duplicate order.  Gee, but Ive really been turning 
the pages out just like that five or seven pager you received along with all the others 
it was sent to.  Then of course there are the letters to Leet and others, the union back 
home, Marianne, some of the boys where I left and all the like and just last nite put 
in a four pager to ole Chester and now if this one turns out as Im thinking it shall 
well here will be another.  Funny thing, I used to go to the show most every nite down 
at 131 but here somehow Ive never got interested in going so that havent been but 
about twice since here and one of those had seen before.  Instead I sit over here 
burning this midnite oil tapping these keys.  But once I get around to having all the 
big news out regarding my transfer and conditions here and the like well maybe will 
quiet down a bit and enjoy a few pictures along.  But what I really started to say up 
there at first was that this censor says Im some letter writer.  Seems they havent 
had anyone before me as turned them out on the scale and as lengthy as I do.  But he 
dont mind it a bit and can censor them pronto and is a swell Lieutenant in every way. 
In fact, most on this island are quite swell and go right along with the fellows. 
And its sure good that way. 
 
Had quite a reading course on last night with all the mail I received.  Weather was 
pretty rugged here the night before so had no plane coming in from the states, but one did 
come from down south going to the states carrying our sugar-reports back in and brot me 
all my accumulation up to that time from down at 131.  Just fifteen letters in all which 
wasnt bad, do you think ??  One of them took the prize being addressed to me back in ole 
Boot camp, but reached me.  Was a post office news.  All very interesting and welcomed. 
Had a letter in it from Mrs. Dees. 
 
Now today have a letter from Leet and one from you.  Know I am several letters short 
still which must have been in the mail an should have come here yesterday but was 
routed in another direction.  No planes in either way on Tuesdays and Saturdays so guess 
it will be Wednesday before it gets here. 
 
Your letter was directed to me here at my new address.  Had it dated Dec. 6th. though I 
know should have been January 6th.  Quite a nice sweet letter it was very much different 
from that last one and you surely know was glad in this respect.  Seems youre getting 
right in line now and that suits me.  Now that that sis of ours is gone along it is 
sure time for you to be looking out for yourself, getting things and enjoying yourself 
in every way and that is what we are insisting on so go to it.  But again I plead dont 
be trying to work too hard. 
 
2 
 
As for that little Christmas tree business, Well Im saying you just wait and see.  My 
predictions are that comes this next one and sure enough that tree will be setting right up 
in there for all of us right on.  Of course there may be others round about and surely 
all will be happy to have you drop in and see what ole Santa may have left.  Now how about 
it ?? 
 
Your letter tells me of a nice mail you got with four from me and two from Bud.  A nice 
haul there too.  Bet you were surprized getting all that at one time and it is good I got 
it off as I came to it or else Im afraid it wouldnt have got there.  Am wondering even 
now if everything was attended. 
 
Speaking of Mrs. Stephens writing the article and having my paper changed well already 
Ive sent in a notice to the Herald which they should have.  But really dont know when 
any papers will ever get to me..  Afraid itll only be about once a month as such mail as 
that hits here so seldom.  Surely the more you hear me tell of this place the better ideas 
you may get of just what a rock it is.  Never knew such a place existed so cut off and 
without anything.  Even so so much they could fly in here but dont.  So anytime you may 
find anything in the papers youd especially like me to see you better enclose it in an 
envelope as this one about Grace.  Would be very glad to read that article just to see what 
she has to say so remember to send me along a clipping, please. 
 
Im wondering now if you know as to my whereabouts ??  Evidently you didnt have quite 
all my mail when you wrote and no doubt it came in a few days late and trust you got the 
message.  Leet caught it right quick and think you have too.  Didnt bother to write 
Chester in any way leaving it to you or Leet to pass the word along to him.  In all the 
rush I was in just couldnt sit down and think while believe further you or Leet could 
explain it much more definitely and hope you have.  Havent had a letter from the boy in 
some bit of time now and quite anxious to hear I am. 
 
A letter from Leet today reveals she was quite surprized that I came up by air as she 
got her mail right along without hardly any loss of time whereas she was getting set for 
the wait she thought she was in store for while I went by ship.  However, I wrote the both 
of you that I was going there the same manner as Chester took his trip to Manus but she 
must not have caught it.  Naturally she was worried a bit waiting to hear or my safe 
arrival and guess you were too so both know am all O.K. 
 
Probably you have heard from Leet by now.  I know she has been plenty much in a rush since 
her mama has been out there.  Mrs. Patch an early riser dont let her sleep as late as 
she use to and they stay in a rush.  I might say though she has really been doing some 
raving about all the things sent for Christmas.  Enjoying them everyone. 
 
And Ive been enjoying some of my Christmas too in the last few days.  That box of 
raisins sent me---remember ??  Brot it along with me up here and it sure ate good with 
the eating business as it is here.  Sure gets me.  Think I better hop on the scales and 
see how much Ive lost these two weeks here as feel sure I have.  Still have the sardines 
which am saving for a rainy day, so to speak,  Now dont mistake me cause it rains most 
every day.  I just mean saving them maybe till a time as the other day when it was somewhat 
a storm at sea and too much rain to go to chow.  Had been dry for several days and our 
rain barrels were getting mighty dry and looked like our showers would have to go lacking 
for a while and then this came up and it poured and filled them up again.  Really I never 
knew would be so dependent on the rains for so much----water for everything it provides 
and the blame muddy looking stuff out of the rain barrels tastes right good at times 
when real thirsty.  Just shoo the tadpoles away and help yourself. 
 
Speaking a bit more on that eating situation we did have the best meal as Ive had since 
being here last night.  A great big T-bone steak as most covered my pan, French fries, peas, 
beets chow pickles, olives pie, bread and tea or coffee.  Having done without the nite 
before account of the rain, missed breakfast because slept too late, and only had fried 
spam for lunch well I was the hungry fellow and it did eat so good.  Tender as could be. 
But such as this is indeed rare I promise you.  Every morning is Saturday here---beans, 
beans, beans.  Gosh but I get tired of them.  About the best thing for morning is the toast and 
coffee.  The other meals too seem quite duplicates over and over again day after day.  But 
then,  I dont mean for you to worry about it any.  If the others can stand it I can to and 
maybe it wont last too long.  Have some very faint hopes this thing wont last too long, I 
mean my stay here.  I do have something on the way as will be mighty good when it gets 
here.  A letter from Nellie yesterday told me that the boxes from the union, at least one 
of them, had some canned chicken in it.  Havent received those packages as yet but they 
will follow me on up here and be mighty mighty good when I do have them.  In fact, as I 
wrote them, Im glad I didnt get them before coming for now I need it and will enjoy 
it so much more. 
 
3 
 
oh yes, in that mail of yesterday also received Maiannas letter.  Seems you mad a bit of 
error.  The kid did put a three cent stamp on it but put two of them which fixed it up O.K. 
Had just got a letter off to her that morning speaking of this then this came in. 
Well, I wrote her again last night telling her about receiving it and all.  She told me all 
of what she got for Christmas and the like.  Wish you would tell and show her where I am 
when she is with you sometimes. 
 
Now how about that Grace ?  Some time the kid is having, isnt she ??  Here I was thinking 
she had been hitched up since the seventh when it didnt come off until the eleventh, or 
did it ??  Dont guess Ill really know until I hear from you again.  Well I hope all went 
O.K. as planned and would like to see a picture if possible.  One thing as is good is that 
she is going to be there so close by.  Last nite in the letter to Chester I spoke about 
how the kid would be freezing up in Massachusetts and all.  But here she is going to stay 
on in the deep south and so close to home.  Maybe he can get a furlough all along and they 
can pay you a visit.  Or, why dont you make a run over there sometimes ?  Would be good I 
think.  If he cant get off and she can leave her man that long well maybe shell be paying 
you a visit all along.  Things ought to work out just all right. 
 
Say there, Rube, how you doing and how are those nieces of mine coming along ?  Give them 
both a great big squeeze and tell them it is from Uncle Walt.  Guess when I do get home 
to greet that latest edition shell wonder who in the heck is this ?  How about it ?? 
Well, I really dont know much as to say to you individually except glad youre standing 
by there and now in there with Mom to keep her in the straight and narrow path, you know. 
Its quite consoling to know you are there with her I do mean.  Throughout this letter 
have been addressing Mom practically all the way but you know all the chatter as I have 
in here is right along for you too.  You can sure tell that man of yours never to come this 
way, not to this rock.  If I could just turn loose and tell you all the things I know 
about it.  Some of the conditions and all here are almost unimaginable.  Many names this 
place carries such as Starvation Point; the Prison Rock of the Pacific, and all the like 
for there are few men here who havent had a court martial.  Perhaps you get just a brief 
idea of what I mean now.  Of course some good fellows around and through it all the mail 
business must go on and that fell my lot.  But again I say Im hoping it wont be too long. 
 
Two weeks no Ive had here and guess might say theyve passed off fairly easy.  Dont 
know if it is the newness of it, whether the ignorance were kept in because of no news 
bulletins or radios so cant keep up with the news, or just what, but do say has been 
quite easy on me and much moreso than at my former duty.  Getting back into the regular 
line of postal duties seems quite good.  Handling the mail dispatching mail, writing 
money orders, and all like that, well it does feel good to be in it again and hope this 
condition exists or rather continues with me for if so then feel sure can carry right 
along for the time as must remain here. 
 
The ole heat sure lingers with us though.  That ole thermometer seems fixed around that 
100 mark.  Keeps you sweaty all day and those showers at night, so long as they last, are 
really welcomed.  Then I have to wash my clothes here which am not use to.  But that is not 
so much for Im wearing just as little as can get by with. 
 
And speaking of this heat we may be in store for even more from two sources.  They tell me 
first it will just get hotter here.  Then, we are expecting to have to move the office 
into a hut where there are no ventilated sides as we now enjoy and buildings at both 
ends knocking off any breezes as might stir up.  Know we will roast when this comes about 
which guess will be soon but hoping like everything it wont be. 
 
O yes, speaking of this mail business did have quite a coincident yesterday.  Some few 
days ago we received a notice that mail for one James P. Tye, Lt. Cmdr., had been 
misdirected here and should go to Navy 207.  Well for several days I pondered over that letter 
wondering if it were Dr. Tye from home as I knew he wa s a Lt. Cmdr. though last I heard 
he was stationed in So. Carolina.  Anyhow, Saturday night I decided to find out so wrote 
a short inquiry letter brief and to the point mentioning my desire being to find out if it 
were one and the same person as I knew back home.  Well, Sunday morn our censor came in 
and got my mail ready.  Then, hardly ten minutes later, I was casing the mail for dispatch 
and what should I come across but a letter to Mrs. J. P. Tye, Fourth Ave., Albany, Ga. 
and it was from him.  Well you could have fanned me with a brick.  Now how about that. 
Wasnt that a coincident.  Sent my letter to him on but wrote some more on back that I had 
seen his letter and likewise put a greeting to Mrs. Tye on back of her letter.  And what 
I mean it was mailed right here on this island.  He is not here, at least to my 
knowledge.  The only explanation I can offer is that he was in transit through here and 
dropped the letter off.  A plane had come through a bit earlier yesterday morn.  Maybe 
that is another one for Mrs. Stephens. 
 
4 
 
And just the other day I had another bit of experience in unloading a ship.  This was easy 
going out in a boat, rather than an LCM such as are used when invading a place.  Youve seen 
them in pictures where the end lets down ?  Well all then was to go out and count them as 
they were tossed on.  The wore came later though.  Lashed up aside another one at shore 
had to toss them up and over onto the next one, then to the shore, and the on the truck 
and to the office to unload and stack inside.  Am glad there were only 74.  Last time they 
say it was 300 and unloaded at midnight in rain and under much more difficulties.  Then 
there was the time when the fleet was in and some 1700 sacks to be unloaded.  I dont care 
for the fleet to come in while Im here. 
 
Plenty tired that nite so thot swim would do me good.  Was first time Ive hit the briny 
deep since have been out.  Not so refreshing as Radium but done the job.  And lo and behold 
I even floated.  This water sure buoys you up.  No trouble at all to swim. 
 
Another incident or two was that several days ago heard a voice sa sounded familiar so 
came up and there was a fellow as use to work in FRO back at 131.  We had a nice chat. 
He is aboard a ship as was in here.  Then a few days later a face quite familiar walked 
in and there was another had met back at 131 having been on one of the last drafts to 
reach there before I shoved off.  We too had a nice chat.  So, in time may happen upon 
still others as have made acquaintances with along the road. 
 
Went to church yesterday as well as last Sunday.  Hold it here about the same time as you 
in the states, nine oclock.  The Chaplain is fine and enjoy his messages much more than 
the one back at 131 now.  The singing is better here too even though they have no piano 
or organ here while they did have one back there.  But dont have the little Servicemens 
League and that I do miss.  Speaking of church and Sunday Im telling you it is hard here 
to realize what day of the week it is.  Working every day find it hard a bit to keep up 
with and have to refer to calendar for a check-up at times. 
 
This thot comes to mind too about the mails.  Here getting it ready each day as it goes 
find we have some for practically every state in the union.  Surprizes me this place 
and personel being so small yet it is very true day after day.  Dont know of an occasion 
when have found any state unrepresented.  Ole Georgia is right in there too and quite a 
few of them from all sections.  My eyes are always watching to see if might hit one for 
ole Albany and did when Tyes letter came along.  The closest to it has been Waycross, 
Thomasville, and Wigham, I believe. 
 
Now Im telling you I just believe that puts me about up with the news for you back 
there.  Some letter again just as I promised but think this about gets everything out 
of my system now and hereafter no doubt they will be quite short Im afraid.  Oh yes, 
might put in a thing or two Ive seen around with the natives.  The other day one of the 
women pulled some kind of palm leave here in front of the office and right there in some 
five minutes had a basket woven.  They use them to carry cocoanuts and the like and I 
mean she could really put that thing together.  As for the cocoanuts Ive enjoyed quite 
a few of them too.  These natives can really get up these trees after them.  Just like 
a cat or squirrel they are up them in a flash, plucked the cocoanuts, then down to pull 
out their big bowie knife and swish---the cocoanut is cut ready for drinking and I do 
mean they are full to the brim---not so little as we get them over there.  Of course 
this is what they call the green cocoanut and really much better for you than the ripe 
ones though the juice is not quite so good.  Then too these cocoanuts are falling quite 
regularly and you never know when the next on is coming down or where.  Afraid sometimes 
one will pop me on the head and that would really be a pop Im telling you. 
 
But now I just must close and be getting some sleep.  About midnite I guess it is.  But then 
something new is being inaugurated here tomorrow whereby Ill get half a day off so 
plan to snooze late in the morning so can get up with my sleep then.  Has been good having 
all this chat with you and hope you enjoy it a bit.  When thru you might pass it along 
to Grace saving me writing another such lengthy one.  Perhaps will have to start making 
some copies for her, but well see.  Might be too interested inn that man to have time here 
to be reading all this chatter.  Anyhow, in closing, perhaps you can judge all is going 
quite well with me and Im sure hoping the same for all back there.  Just keep them 
letters coming, dont work too much, and know Im a loving you all the time. 
 
Your Sailor boy 
Walter 
 
TuesdayNo plane left this morning so thot would add just this word.  Upon awakening this 
morning found I had a visitor during the night I guess whom left his calling card.  A 
blister bug they call it left me with a nice size blister upon my neck about the size of a 
bird egg.  I tell you weve got everything.  Had it opened and applied salve and think will 
dry up pronto.  Funny thing, there are three of us in the office.  One had dingy fever, one now 
has heat rash and I entertained the blister bug.  We would all have to be different. 
[Back of Page 4] 
 
 
Recd at Greens 
Jan-29-45 
reached here Jan 25 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm. Walter Green, MaM 2/C 
Fleet Post Office    Navy 225 
FPO    San Francisco, Calif 
 
Feb. 8-45 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
423 FLINT AVENUE 
ALBANY, GEORGIA 
U.S.A. 
 
 
Ellice Islands---South Pacific 
Friday---January 26, 1945 
 
Dearest Mother and Rube:- 
 
Hello there, and whats cooking ?  And where are those letters Ive been straining my eyes 
for here days upon days??  Sorta got me puzzled for this has indeed been the longest time of 
all that Ive been without a letter from back there.  Know youve been plenty busy getting 
that sis of mine all married up but then think you might have squeezed a few lines in 
somewhere, or even with the event not coming off until the eleventh seems there has been time 
for a letter to have reached me.  Just so much want to hear about cant  help but be anxious. 
Do you know Ive received only one letter addressed to me here at the new station.  Written 
on January 6th. you hadnt heard anything as to where I was, Hadnt received the New Years 
greeting written on the plane, nor lengthy letter I wrote telling all about this rock. 
So here I am still wondering how it added up with you back there ??  On top of that am 
due to get all the dope on my kid sis signing that life-term with all the events preceding 
and following.  Gosh but I am in store for a whale of a letter it seems, or at least several 
and am sure hoping theyll be here soon. 
 
Guess you all might say Ive done a bit of neglecting too as has been a bit of a while since 
I wrote, about two weeks.  Well here this week mail service to states has not been so much 
so no need to write.  Kept putting it off hoping yours would come in and I could answer.  Did 
write one last nite as should have gone this morning but changed my mind.  Another clerk had 
to use typewriter a bit in fixing a test on a study course so that it was close on to 
midnite when I got it.  Quite determined to write I was that it could go this morn.  So sleepy 
was I though it just didnt make sense and I wouldnt mail it.  Now tonite all is better and 
Im getting an early start although the letter wont leave until Sunday. 
 
This will be one of those somewhat rambling letters as I tell Leet so often when there is 
nothing in particular to write about but just ramble around on first one subject and then 
another.  Your letter no doubt could offer some more definite subjects.  No doubt it will be 
here soon and can take them up thon.  A letter from Leet written about 10th or 12th is 
still missing though dont know where it is.  Possible it is one of yours may be with it. 
Anyhow Ill keep a hoping and a looking. 
 
Have had swell mail service from Leet recently getting letters two or three days in a row 
and they only five days in transit.  Best Ive had I think.  Believe she is likewise 
experiencing prompter service too. 
 
Speaking of the mail had a letter from Chester the other day forwarded from 131.  Written on 
December 26th. gave assurance he was O.K. in every way.  Of course this was prior the new 
activity up in that section but do feel sure hell be all right so just you dont worry. 
 
He was still inquiring about those letters to you on that invasion.  Going by ship as he 
says it is probably you have yours now.  May be Leets was mailed late and went by 
plane accounting her receiving it earlier.  Anyhow, Leet informs me she has sent you her 
copy of the letter and everything.  I asked her to as wanted you to read his story it was 
so good.  If you get yours or if you dont do hang on to all this for probably she will 
want it. 
Had me quite a hey-day on the mail situation last week with most fun as if it were 
Christmas.  Ole 131 forwarded me up quite a load including some 15 letters, several papers, two 
packages from the B.T.U., the sack of things I forwarded to myself before leaving in which 
was that stationery you sent me, and friend Davis down there sent me a box of eats in the 
canned goods line, box of cigars, and more stationary.  Im telling you it was mail day for 
me.  Some of the letters were post office publications, a few greeting cards and the like 
but all welcomed.  And was especially glad to get your stationery.  Now am pretty well set 
along this line as Leet has some 300 sheets more on the way to me though have no idea when 
 
2 
 
they may arrive.  Can make out until then I feel sure.  The boxes from the union had pecans, 
cake two cans fried chicken, and candy.  Still enjoying the pecans.  Cake is gone, so is 
candy and gee but it was good.  First like that Ive had in so long and I ate it all even to 
licking the paper---a bit gooey it was but that didnt matter to me.  The fired chicken is 
stored away for a rainy day.  And in the box Davis sent me the pork and beans have long been 
gone since last Sunday.  Funny thing, when he got my letter about how things were here and 
showed it to the fellows they chipped right in some cash then went with him to help get the 
stuff.  Didnt cost anything to send it up---just threw it in the pouch down at FPO and let 
her ride.  Of course I intend to reimburse them for already I think it is over five dollars 
easily, but it was sure good of them to do it I say.  And hes said anything I need to just 
whistle long as he is there and itll be coming up. 
 
Still on that eating subject must say I do get tired of the same thing over and over and 
over.  Most Navy chow halls serve beans on Saturday morning but here we have them every 
morning and with so little to go along with them.  The noon and evening meals they duplicate 
two and three times a week.  Ham comes so regular and always there are those canned beets, 
corn and beans day in day out.  Do wish there could be a little variety but seems not. 
 
Could this eating proposition be improved just a bit and a few other conditions bettered 
then would be quite content here the remainder of my time out.  Do confess that the time 
seems to pass easier and faster for me.  Few more days and February will be here and doesnt 
seem Ive been here a month.  Down where I used to be there was so much to upset the morale 
and the like in observing home life and all the like that while here is none of it.  Do hope 
this condition will continue and the time will slip right on by.  First thing you know ole 
Chester will be shoving in there and soon thereafter hope I may hit the states again. 
 
Ole war news looks mighty good these days with things a-popping on both sides.  Activity 
has really increased on our side while in Europe those Russians are really going forward 
on their March to Berlin  now only 138 miles away.  Just dont see how they can last much 
longer over there though they say Japan will still be in there pitching in 1946.  Would 
this might be the year when both would go down and wed all be coming home to stay.  We get 
the Honolulu newspaper here a day or so late and in this manner keep pretty well informed 
on whats going on as it does give us the latest news and quite complete. 
 
Oh yes, almost forgot one last word on that same popular eating business.  Wish you could 
enjoy some of these cocoanuts with me.  At first didnt like the juice so much but now have 
a craving for it so can drink several at a time.  The natives very good about this scampering 
up a tree, cutting down some 15 or 20, coming down and cutting them open fast as you can 
drink them.  The meat is quite good too---much unlike what you get when it is ripe. 
This is similar to the white of an egg, soft just like one, and much much better for you. 
 
That Dorris Holt really hit into it good going to the very spot where his brother is 
stationed.  Took him 36 days on water I think.  Had a big celebration with his brother there 
one nite along with Dodwell Clifton, Bo Cliftons brother, and one from Warwick, a brother 
to Mrs. Ivey whose husband is at post office.  Know they had a swell time.  Makes me think 
how grand it would be could I meet up with Chester out here. 
 
3 
 
Believe I told you he was working 16 hours a day at times ? Working mail standing most 
knee-deep in mud but theyre building them an office of course.  Hell be made Navy Mail 
Clerk there with several men under him.  No doubt being in a forward area as he is will go 
up to 1/C soon.  Had hoped on coming here I might go up in less time than usual nine months 
but it all seems out now as this spot doesnt call for more than one 1/C and that we have. 
Afraid Ill be coming back with this same 2/C but am not worrying any over it.  If it 
comes O.K., if it dont O.K. 
 
As for my coming up here seems I might have been on my way somewhere very soon for have 
word that several more from FRO-131 have been called on draft, some to go to the FPO there 
and others to the FPO where I stopped over enroute.  Believe I prefer this to either 
of those spots.  And it is believed that in course of 60 to 90 days ole FPO at 131 will be 
no more. 
 
What did you think of that incedent about Dr. Tye ?  Quite all right, wasnt it ??  Then 
the other day saw a letter to a W.O. at Turner Field while yesterday met a fellow from 
Quitman who is brother-in-law to a former clerk down there, now a rural carrier, whom I 
knew thru correspondence when Secy. of the Ga. Federation.  All kinds of things do happen. 
 
Believe I told you about that blister bug affair, didnt I ??  The other morn awoke and 
found had been visited again, so I thot.  Disturbed me a bit that none of the others were 
being bitten and looked like I was coming home all scarred up or something.  Took all my 
bedding out to sun, sprayed my springs, beneath my cot, and considered moving it.  Some 
fellow told me better let the corpsman here attend it so wouldnt leave a scar and went 
on to tell me what the blister bug looked like.  So I went down to have this done and 
really had my mind set at ease.  There is no such thing as a blister bug.  Had my doubts 
in the beginning but then didnt know what there might be out here so many insects and 
all.  What some fellows will tell you.  Seems it is caused from heat when youre sweating 
the skin rises a fills with water and thats what makes it.  Once picked it dries up 
quite easily and rapidly. 
 
Just remembered a question you had on back of your last letter asking what MaM stood for. 
Well I sure thot you knew.  Thot I had told you or Hambrick surely had.  You could almost 
guess just reading it.  Anyhow, the designation is Mailman.  Simple, isnt it  ?? 
 
Say Rube,  Leets been telling me how dependent she is on Hambrick supplying her with 
cigarettes.  Sure is good of him to get them for her and know she appreciates it and so do I. 
Sorry, I havent written him as yet.  Been too busy making love to that sweet girl of mine 
but do hope to get around to it soon. 
 
Tuesday morning, past, they had me out on the rifle range for a bit of target practice. 
Seems this is required of everyone here once every month or so.  My first came on an open 
range and though not so use to handling a gun yet thin I done quite good scoring third 
high with 89.  Top score was 96.  Missed target twice or would have given him a run for his 
money.  First time was just about to fire when someone else did and made me jump and pull 
trigger at same time and went wild.  Then second time was a bit tired out and my gun just 
weaved all over the target and missed entirely.  Maybe better luck next time. 
A letter from Leet yesterday says Mrs. Patch is on her way back to Florida and somewhat 
hot in the collar, a bit outdone and the like.  Plans were going forward for Mr. Patchs 
discharge and then they transferred him out to Colorado pronto.  Mrs. Patch went over to see 
him off and missed him.  Upon returning she had a letter from home telling about building 
a road through her place, they had cut down a favorite tree, moved the fence and were 
moving the house.  You can imagine how she felt and was ready to get back there.  Know Leet 
did enjoy having her though and will miss her very much for a little while at least. 
 
4 
 
That little girl of mine is a sweet bit of heaven Im telling you.  Gosh how I do love her. 
Thot was loving her all I could to begin with but since being here seems I have an 
overdose of it, sort of a siege on you might say.  The spirits and morale been so good just 
seemed to make it so.  Afraid sometimes may be overdoing it but cant stop.  You might think 
from my letters sometimes I was just now courting her trying to win her over.  Some guy, 
aint I ? Just happy over it though and had to pass it along as know you will be happy too. 
 
Our Mail Clerk here got sick a bit couple days ago.  Had to quit on us and go lay down 
pronto.  So were sort of carrying on between the other two of us.  Seems to be a touch of 
Dinggy fever but think he is much better now.  Does come over to the office and goes to 
the back and lays down all day. 
 
Now last Sunday did have me a bit of an experience.  Business slack we closed a bit early 
and two of us went diving.  Call it diving though the water is only waist deep.  Had us 
diving masks used for underwater.  Goes on over eyes, nose and mouth enabling you to stay 
under longer and gee how well you can see.  The glass magnifies everything and the sights 
underneath are something to see.  Fish of just about all colors there are that wont 
run from you unless you reach out after them.  Also see other sights under there, the 
coral and all.  Sure enjoyed it and am looking forward to doing this again soon. 
 
But here is the funny part of it all.  Went in with my shower slippers on which I shouldnt 
have done.  Should have worn regular shoes of some kind.  That coral is plenty sharp let me 
tell you.  And my shoes wouldnt stay on.  Waves would come up, knock me down on the coral, 
feet go up and shoes come off.  Falling over against the coral my arms got scratched and 
sometimes my feet when shoes came off.  Id go after my shoe and then the job of putting it 
on again.  Well one time one came off and really got away from me.  Thot sure it would land 
on the reef but nothing doing.   Soon the other clerk came along and went looking for it 
but couldnt find it.  So now my shoe has been put out to sea.  And the thing has my name on it. 
Maybe should send this other one out with a note attached that it is looking for the mate 
and when found please return.  But am thinking it would be one for the books should it be 
picked up somewhere, either on an island or by a ship, by someone who knew me.  Id 
really like to know just where it does go to.  Perhaps it will be reported by someone 
sometime.  You reckon ?? 
 
Now just look here will you.  Four pages it is on this rambling letter and what a rambler 
it is.  Have covered many subjects, havent I.  Well it is mighty good to have a little 
something I can write about for news is surely scarce around here.  Glad the ole spirits 
are in good order in this respect.  But Ive been talking all about myself---yet that is 
about all I guess can talk about.  Just had your letter could speak of some of the events 
back home as the new Mrs. in the family.  Guess youve heard from her and I am anxious 
to do so.  Just wonder how she likes married life business and all the like ??  But 
will know in time I reckon when I hear from both you and her.  Hope she isnt too busy 
loving that man that she cant drop me a line. 
 
Anyhow, believe that just about covers all I know to mention tonite.  Naturally Im hoping 
all is going well there, youre both, along with all the kids, getting along fine, not 
trying to work any too much and all the like.  So turn loose now and lets have a good 
ole letter from the sweetest mom there is and by-gorry know Im just a loving you and 
missing you every day as am most counting the days when I can say, Hello Mom. 
 
Your Sailor Boy 
 
Walter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WM. WALTER GREEN, MaM 2 
FLEET POST OFFICE    NAVY 225 
FPO    SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. 
 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
423 FLINT AVENUE 
ALBANY, GEORGIA 
 
 
ELLICE ISLANDS    SOUTH PACIFIC 
MONDAY    29 JANUARY 1945 
 
MY DEAREST MOTHER:* 
 
YOU JUST CANT KNOW MY JOY HERE TODAY IN HEARING FROM YOU AGAIN HAVING LOOKED SO LONG FPR A LETTER. 
COMING SO REGULARLY, LOOKED FOR SO EAGERLY, IVE MISSED THEM MORE THAN I CAN SAY.  BUT NOW I HAVE 
IT AND THOUGH IT BRINGS SO MANY SAD MOMENTS AND THOUGHTS, YET I AM TRULY THANKFUL FOR IT. 
 
WRITING YOU AS I DID FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, THE LITTLE NEW YEARS GREETING ALONG WITH THE 
DETAILED SKETCH OF THIS PLACE HERE AND OTHERS AS I RECALL, WELL HAD BEEN QUITE INTERESTED IN ALL YOU 
MIGHT HAVE HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEM, WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF MY BEING TRANSFERRED AND THE LIKE.  BUT WELL DO 
I KNOW SO MUCH MORE WAS HEAVY ON YOUR HEART SUCH THAT YOU COULD GIVE NO THOT MUCH TO THESE THINGS. 
NO DOUBT THE EVENTS OF THIS MONTH WERE SUCH THAT DIDNT PERMIT THOTS OR EXPRESSIONS ON THESE 
THINGS ABOUT MYSELF.  I UNDERSTAND PERFECTLY SO THINK NOTHING ABOUT IT. 
 
MANY THINGS ON MY MIND AND IN MY HEART HERE TONITE AFTER RECEIPT OF YOUR LETTER TODAY WHICH 
PROBABLY I SHOULDNT WRITE ON FOR THE SOMEWHAT SADNESS OF THEM ALL.  YET, THEY BEAR HEAVY WITH ME, MY 
THOTS HAVE BEEN SO CENTERED ON THEM AND YOU ALL DAY, THAT IM AFRAID ILL SPEAK THEM OUT JUST THAT 
YOU MIGHT KNOW.  ONCE THEY ARE OUT WE CAN PASS THEM BY AND LOOK TO THE FUTURE AND ALL IT HOLDS IN 
STORE FOR US.  IN THHIS RESPECT WELL DO I UNDERSTAND YOUR POSITION IN NOT BEING ABLE TO WRITE BEFORE 
NOW.  EVEN AS I AM IN POSITION THAT SOMETHING OF SADNESS REIGNS WITHIN SUCH THAT I CAN HARDLY FIND 
WORDS TO EXPRESS MYSELF I KNOW YOU WERE MORESO AND HAVE BEEN SINCE THE BIG OCCASION BECAUSE OF 
THE THOTS AND REALIZATIONS AS HAVE BEEN YOURS. 
 
HAVE JUST FINISHED TRYING TO WRITE A LETTER TO LEET THROUGH WHICH SEEMED YOUR LETTER WAS ALL I 
COULD TALK ABOUT.  HATE TO BURDEN THE KID WITH THINGS AS THIS FOR FOUND MYSELF CRYING ALL THROUGH 
IT.  BUT SHE IS SO UNDERSTANDING AND OFFERS SUCH CONSOLATION IN MOOMENTS AS THIS.  AM AFRAID THE 
SAME SHALL BE TRUE HERE AND PERHAPS YOU AND I WILL BE SHEDDING THEM TOGETHER ERE WE GET THROUGH. 
JUST TURN THEM LOOSE IF YOU WISH.  PROBABLY ITLL DO US BOTH GOOD AND THEN WELL BE ALL RIGHT. 
 
YOUR DESCRIPTION OF EVERYTHING, THE WEDDING, THE DINNER, THE RECEPTION, ALL THAT THE KID HAD AND 
RECEIVED, IT SURELY MUST HAVE BEEN JUST EVERYTHING YOUR HEART COULD HAVE DESIRED FOR HER AND 
BEAUTIFUL IN EVERY WAY.  IM SO THANKFUL FOR THE BOTH OF YOU ESPECIALLY THAT HERE AT LAST ONE OF US 
COULD HAVE SOMETHING LIKE THIS.  IF ONLY I COULD HAVE JUST BEEN THERE.  IT MOST BREAKS MY HEART 
THINKING OF IT THAT WHEN THE LAST ONE STEPS OUT AND IN THE WAY SHE DID AND WE HAD TO MISS IT. 
SOMETHING NOW DONE AND CANT BE DONE OVER.  WHAT I WOULD HAVE GIVEN TO BE ABLE TO HAVE WALKED DOWN 
THE AISLE WITH HER.  A PLEASURE AND A PRIVILEGE AS I CANT HAVE NOW.  FRANKLY IT IS HARD TO REALIZE 
THE KID IS GROWN AND MARRIED NOW.  SITTING HERE TONITE HAVE BEEN THINKING BACK OF HOW SHE USE TO 
TALK AND ESPECIALLY CALLING RUBES NAME.  CAN THINK OF HER ONLY AS A SCHOOL GIRL THAT I DIDNT 
HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING A REAL BROTHER TOO IN THE REGULAR BUSINESS OF LIFE.  NEVER HAD OR 
NEVER TOOK OCCASSIONS MUCH TO SIT DOWN JUST WITH HER AND HAVE A GOOD CHAT AND TALK THINGS OVER. 
JUST DIDNT REALIZE HOW SHE WAS GROWING UP AND NOW SHE IS MARRIED AND GONE.  WELL CAN I REALIZE 
HOW YOU MUST FEEL, THE SADNESS OF YOUR HEART IN THESE MOMENTS NOW WHEN YOU ARE ALONE. 
 
MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU NOW IN THOTS OF THE DAYS TO COME, THE LONELY MOMENTS AS SHALL BE YOURS. 
KNOW I SHOULDNT WRITE THESE THINGS YET THEY ARE SO EVIDENT AND I REALIZE THEM SO STRONG MUST 
MAKE MY CONFESSION.  AM REMINDED OF HOW IN THE PAST MANY NIGHTS YOUVE SAT UP AND WAITED FOR HER 
TO COME IN, ALL YOU DONE AND GAVE HER TO MAKE HER HOME LIFE HAPPY, ALL THE CONVENIENCES YOU TRIED 
TO MAKE FOR HER SO THAT THERE WOULD NEVER BE ANY OCCASION FOR HER TO BECOME WAYWARD, AND I KNOW 
IN ALL THIS YOU HAVE BEEN FULLY REWARDED.  MANY NIGHTS I KNOW, ESPECIALLY IN THE WINTER TIME I KNOW, 
YOU AND HER WOULD SIT THERE LATE AT NITE ABOUT THE FIRE AND HAVE A LONG CHAT.  YOU SAY YOU HAD 
TALKED TO HER SO MUCH IN THIS WAY.  NO DOUBT THE KID KNOWS MORE IN THIS RESPECT THAN ALL THE REST 
OF US PUT TOGETHER.  A FACT AS THIS NEITHER OF US CAN DENY THAT ALL THIS WILL BE KEENLY MISSED AS 
WILL THOSE COLD NITES WHEN YOU AND HER WOULD TUCK AWAY IN BED TOGETHER. 
 
MY HEART IS HEAVY TONITE THINKING WHEN WE ALL COME BACK HOME SHE ALONE WILL PROBABLY BE MISSING, 
THE ONLY ONE OF US NOT STAYING THERE, WHILE IT SEEMS SHE ESPECIALLY SHOULD BE THERE.  JUST CANT 
FEATURE IT COMING IN THERE AND NOT SEEING HER AROUND, GETTING READY THERE AT NITES TO GO PLAY IN 
THE BAND, AND THINGS AS THAT.  BUT IT IS LIFE AND GUESS WE JUST HAVE TO ACCEPT IT.  SAD AS OUR HEARTS 
MAY BE WE SHOULD NOT PERMIT THEIR CONTINUANCE BUT RATHER SHOULD REJOICE OVER HER HAPPINESS AND 
ALL IN STORE FOR HER.  YOUVE DONE YOUR PART, MOTHER, AND A GRAND JOB SUCH THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE NO 
 
2 
 
CAUSE FOR REGRETS.  I KNOW THE DAYS ARE GOING TO BE LONELY, THE NIGHTS ESPECIALLY, WITH NO ONE THERE 
TO TALK WITH AND THE LIKE: BUT I DO PRAY YOU DONT LOOW YOURSELF TO GRIEVE CONTINUALLY ON THIS. 
INSTEAD, MAY FIND JOY IN HAVING PERFORMED YOUR DUTY AND THAT IN SUCHA GRAND WAY.  PERHAPS THE 
FUTURE LOOKS DARK SEEMINGLY WITH NOTHING ELSE IN STORE FOR YOU, BUT THAT IS NOT SO I ASSURE YOU. 
MUCH, SO MUCH LIES AHEAD IN ALL THE HAPPINESS IN STORE FOR US ALL WITH YOU RIGHT IN THE CENTER OF 
IT ALL.  THEN LOOK TO THIS AND FIND COMFORT THEREIN AND KEEP YOURSELF WELL AND ALL FOR THE BIG DAY 
WHEN BUD AND I WILL BE COMING HOME.  THAT IS THE NEXT MILESTONE I THINK.  SO FAR AWAY FROM YOU WE 
ARE BOTH SO CONCERNED AS TO YOUR WELFARE AND IF IT IS NOT GOOD, IF YOUR HEART IS GRIEVING, THEN 
OURS IS LIKEWISE.  WHILE ON THE OTHER HAND, IF ALL IS WELL AND YOURE DOING FINE IT MAKES IT ALL SO 
MUCH EASIER FOR US TOO.  YES, I KNOW YOUR HEART WILL BE HEAVY MANY MANY TIMES JUST AS MINE.  YOU 
WILL FIND NEED TO SIT DOWN AND TALK WITH SOMEONE AND LITTLE GRACE WONT BE AROUND TO SHARE THESE 
THINGS WITH YOU.  SO JUST DO LIKE I DO AND WHEN THOSE MOMENTS COME SIT YOURSELF DOWN AND TALK TO 
ME.  YOULL ALWAYS FIND A RECEPTIVE HEART I ASSURE YOU.  I KNOW WHAT LONELY MOMENTS ARE, OUT HERE SO 
FAR REMOVED FROM EVEN MY FRIENDS.  SO I KNOW HOW YOURS WILL BE.  YOULL REALLY MAKE ME HAPPY IN 
DOING JUST THESE THINGS, PLEASE. 
 
SHE SURE GOT A LOT OF NICE THINGS, DIDNT SHE ??  HOW I WOULD LOVED TO HAVE SEEN THEM ALL.  I KNOW 
SHE WAS PRETYY AS A PICTURE WITH ALL THOSE NICE DRESSES AND ALL YOU MENTIONED, THE DESCRIPTION 
MRS. NALL GAVE OF THEM, THE UNDIES AND EVERYTHING.  AND THEN THE GIFTS ON THE SIDE WERE SO NICE, 
ESPECIALLY THE SILVER SET.  SURELY ALL OF YOU WERE MIGHTY PROUD OF THAT AND KNOW SHE WAS THRILLED 
BEYOND WORDS.  SHE WAS INDEED DESERVING AND IM SO PROUD AND HAPPY THAT ALL THIS COULD BE HERS. 
 
LEET PLANNED TO SEND HER SOMETHING THOUGH SHE HASNT MENTIONED DOING SO.  PERHAPS WITH HER 
MAMA WITH HER SHE DIDNT GET TO IT FOR KNOW THEY KEPT HER QUITE BUSY.  BUT IF NOT ALREADY IT WILL 
BE THERE SOON.  DONT HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT IT MAY BE AS AM LEAVING THAT WITH HER.  SHE MIGHT FIND 
SOMETHING IN FRISCO SHED LIKE TO SEND, THEN SHE MAY JUST SEND IN AND HAVE YOU GET SOME SILVER 
FOR HER.  ANYHOW, YOULL HEAR FROM HER ON THIS IF NOT ALREADY.  SURELY THE KID HAS GOT TO HAVE 
SOMETHING FROM US.  FUNNY THING, HERE I AM STILL CALLING HER KID WHILE SHES MARRIED NOW.  AGAIN 
I SAY JUST DONT SEEM SO. 
 
THE DINNER YOU GAVE SOUNDED LIKE THE REAL THING.  HAVING NEVER BEEN IN ON ANYTHING LIKE THIS ADDS 
TO ALL MY DISSAPOINTMENTS IN HAVING TO MISS IT.  THERE CANT EVER BE ANOTHER NOW THAT WILL MEAN 
JUST AS MUCH.  KNOW IT WAS ALL A SWELL LITTLE AFFAIR THOUGH.  AND I DO KNOW FURTHER THE EXPENSES 
WERE QUITE HEAVY.  REALLY I SHOULD HAVE SENT MORE TO HELP OUT AND THAT I WILL DO.  NOT ALL AT ONCE 
BUT MAYBE IN NEXT MONTH OR TWO CAN DROP YOU A MONEY ORDER OR TWO FOR JUST A LITTLE BIT THAT WILL 
HELP AT LEAST SOME.  PROBABLY BE ABOUT MARCH THOUGH BEFORE ILL HAVE ANY CAN SEND. 
 
THE HOUR IS LATE NOW, MOM, AND I KNOW I MUST BE TO BED.  RAINING HARD HERE TONITE SO MAYBE CAN SLEEP 
GOOD, ESPECIALLY AFTER HAVING HAD THIS LITTLE TALK WITH YOU.  AGAIN I SAY PERHAPS I SHOULDNT HAVE 
WRITTEN AS I HAVE IN SOME INSTANCES, BUT MY HEART WAS ALL TOO HEAVY ITSELF AND I HAD TO SHARE MY 
FEELINGS WITH YOU WHOM I KNOW FULLY UNDERSTANDS BEING IN THE SAME MANNER.  AS I CLOSE LET ME AGAIN 
PLEAD THAT WE NOT LOOK UPON ALL THIS WITH THE SADNESS OF OUR HEARTS JUST NOW BUT IN THE LIGHT OF 
THE HAPPINESS THAT SHALL BE HERS IN THE DAYS TO COME AS WELL AS THE HAPPINESS OF US ALL AS ONE 
GREAT BIG FAMILY.  I DO TRUST SHE HAS MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE AND SHALL NEVER HAVE ANY REGRETS IN 
THHIS RESPECT.  GOOD-NITE NOW, BE SWEET, WRITE OFTEN, AND KNOW I LOVE YOU SO DEARLY. 
 
YOUR SAILOR BOY, 
 
WALTER 
 
P.S.DO YOU KNOW WERE ADVANCING TIME QUITE A BIT ?  THE LETTER WRITTEN ME ON THE 6th. OF THIS 
MONTH YOU DATED DEC. 6, 1945, WHILE THIS ONE WAS AGAIN DATED IN DECEMBER AND YOU GAVE THE 
DATE OF GRACES WEDDING AS DECEMBER 11, 1945. 
 
[Reverse of previous page] 
 
Inco-Feb. 6-45 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WM. WALTER GREEN,  MAM 2/C 
FLEET POST OFFICE    NAVY 225 
FPO   SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF. 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
423 FLINT AVENUE 
ABANY,  GEORGIA 
 
 
Recd 
Feb 24-45 
 
 
ELLICE ISLANDS    SOUTH PACIFIC 
TUESDAY  13 FEBRUARY 1945 
 
MY DEAREST MOTHER DEAR:- 
 
JUST THE SWEETEST KIND OF A VALENTINE DID I RECEIVE JUST THE OTHER DAY SENT WHILE YOU WERE 
VISITING THERE IN ATLANTA.  SO GLAD AM I THAT YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO AND IT SHOULD 
BE SO NOW THAT YOU MIGHT BE MAKING FREQUENT LITTLE TRIPS UP.  JUST GO RIGHT AHEAD ANY 
TIME YOU PLEASE AND ENJOY YOURSELF.  BUT BACK TO THAT VALENTINE---THE GREETING AND ALL 
ON IT WAS JUST THE SWEETEST THING AND I KNOW IF REFLECTED THE SENTIMENTS OF THAT BIG 
SWEET HEART OF YOURS. 
 
HOW HERE IT IS JUST THE DAY BEFORE VALENTINE AND ALL I CAN OFFER IS A BIT OF A LETTER. 
A V-MAIL GREETING SUCH AS IT WAS HAS GONE FORWARD TO YOU BUT SENT JUST FOR THE PICTURE 
ON IT.  SOME PICTURES YOU WILL ADMIT THOUGH THE SENTIMENT THERE WAS NEVER SO TRUE.  BUT 
EVEN SO THE FEELINGS AND THOTS IN MY HEART I KNOW COULD NEVER BE REVEALED IN ONE OF 
THOSE CARDS NOR IN THIS LETTER, THOUGH THEY MIGHT BE QUITE SUGGESTIVE AS WAS YOURS.  ON 
THIS SPECIAL DAY WHEN WE MAKE MORE OUTWARD TESTIMONEY OF OUR LOVE INDEED MINE GOES OUT 
TO YOU OVERFLOWINGLY FOR ALL YOUVE BEEN AND DONE FOR ME THROUGH ALL THE YEARS OF THE 
PAST.  A MOST GRACIOUS HEART IS MINE INDEED FOR THE GRANDEST SWEETHEART, THE DEAREST 
MOTHER, A FELLOW EVER HAD.  SUCH A DEAR MOTHER, SUCH A DEAR WIFE, YOU AND LEET, MY TWO 
MOST PRIZED POSSESSIONS.  INDEED THIS SPECIAL DAY BECKONS AN EXPRESSION OF ALL THESE 
THINGS,  YET I MUST LIKEWISE ADD THEY ARE EVER PRESENT ALL THREE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-FIVE 
DAYS OF EVERY YEAR AND PERHAPS A LITTLE DOUBLE EXTRA ON THAT SPECIAL DAY ON LEAP YEARS. 
WISH THERE WAS SOME MANNER THAT I MIGHYT MAKE THIS MORE IN EVIDENCE, YET YOULL JUST 
HAVE TO TAKE THIS EXPRESSION FOR THE PRESENT UNTIL I CAN GET BACK AND THEN IT WILL 
SURELY BE DEMONSTRATED MORE DEFINITELY. 
 
TODAY HERE WE HAVE ANOTHER OF THOSE VERY QUIET DAYS WITH JUST NO BUSINESS AT ALL.  NO 
OPERATIONS TODAY, NO MAIL COMING OR GOING, AND WE JUST SITTING AROUND WITH NOTHING 
SPECIAL TO DO.  A VERY COOL BREEZE IS BLOWING JUST NOW, MIGHTY MIGHTY PLEASANT.  LOOKS 
AS IF A BIT OF RAIN MIGHT BE BREWING WHICH WILL BE VERY WELCOMED IT HAVING BEEN SO 
HOT HERE THESE PAST SEVERAL DAYS.  OUR RAIN BARRELLS ARE GETTING MIGHTY LOW TO WHICH 
THREATENS TO STOP OUR SHOWERS SO WE SURE WANT WATER FOR THIS REASON.  THUS IN THE 
QUIET OF THE AFTERNOON THOT ID TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT IN WRITING YOU A FEW LINES.  IT 
IS DAYS AS THIS AS I RATHER HATE TO SEE COME ALONG FOR THIS SITTING AROUND LEAVES 
YOU QUITE ALONE WITH YOUR THOTS WHICH IS NOT ALWAYS SO GOOD FOR A FELLOW.  AS LEET SO 
OFTEN EXPRESSES ID MUCH RATHER BE QUITE BUSY ALL THE TIMEAS IT KEEPS YOUR MIND 
OCCUPIED AND AT THE SAME TIME MAKES THE TIME PASS A BIT FAST WHICH IS WHAT WE ALL WANT. 
 
HAVE DELAYED WRITING YOU A FEW DAYS FOR A PURPOSE TRYING TO AWAIT RECEIPT OF ONE OF 
YOUR LETTERS SENT TO LEET WHICH SHE SAID SHE WAS SENDING OUT TO ME.  HOWEVER, SEEMS 
MY MAIL HAS BEEN A BIT DELAYED SOMEWHERE IN THE PAST WEEK FOR ITS CERTAINLY NOT 
COMING THROUGH AS USUAL EVEN TO TAKING SOME TEN DAYS IN TRANSIT WHEREAS IT HAS BEEN 
REQUIRING ONLY FIVE.  QUITE PROBABLE IT IS THAT I SHALL RECEIVE IT TOMORROW, YET I 
WISH THIS LETTER TO BE ON ITS WAY THEN SO AM GOING AHEAD WITH THIS WRITING. 
 
THE VERY SPECIAL PURPOSE FOR WHICH THAT LETTER WAS DESIRED WAS THAT I MIGHT READ  
SOMETHING VERY SPECIAL THERIN.  LEET WROTE ME ABOUT IT, THE LETTER YOU WROTE AND IN 
SOMEWAY DWELT ON THE SUBJECT OF HER THINKING OF AND CALLING YOU, MOTHER GREEN.  DO LET ME 
TELL YOU SHE WAS JUST THRILLED AND PLEASED BEYOND WORDS AND HAS ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGED 
ALL THIS TO YOU.  I TOO EXPERIENCE A VERY DEEP HAPINESS IN ALL THIS AND AM SO ANXIOUS 
JUST TO SEE WHAT YOU DID WRITE.  THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IVE WISHED TO BE AND HAVE HAD 
FULL CONFIDENCE IT WOULD BE.  HAVE REFRAINED FROM SUGGESTING IT TO HER MYSELF WANTING 
IT TO COME ALL ON HER OWN INITIATIVE WITHOUT FEELING ANY OBLIGATIONS TO ME IN MY ASKING 
IT.  SHE WAS VERY SWEET IN SPEAKING OF IT SAYING SHE DIDNT KNOW IN THE BEGINNING WHETHER 
 
2 
 
YOUD LIKE HER OR NOT NOR JUST HOW YOUD WANT HER TO BE.  WELL, NO NEED FOR ME TO COMMENT 
ON ALL THAT FOR I THINK SHE HAS TIME AND AGAIN DEMONSTRATED HER LOVE AND AFFECTION FOR 
YOU WHILE SHES TOLD ME EVEN MORE OF JUST THE FEELING SHE DID HAVE FOR YOU AS A MOTHER 
TO HER.  TRULY IM HAPPY OVER ALL OF IT.  SHE IS ONE MORE SWEET SWEET GIRL, MOTHER, SUCH 
AS I DONT BELIEVE I COULD EVER FIND HER EQUAL AND I DO LOVE HER SO MUCH, TIS SUCH A 
PITY I COULDNT HAVE HAD HER ALL THE WAY.  IT WOULD HAVE BEEN SUCH A COMPLETE HAPPY LIFE 
THROUGHOUT.  AND SHE DOES LOVE ME SO, MORESO THAN I FEEL SOMETIMES AS I DESERVE, BUT, GEE, 
IM SO HAPPY IN IT.  THEN TOO, HERE ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF DADS BIRTHDAY I THINK OF HOW 
PLEASED HER WOULD HAVE BEEN HAD I GOT HER IN THE BEGINNING AS WELL AS HOW MUCH SHE WOULD 
HAVE ENJOYED HIM.  EVEN SO IM STILL THANKFUL THAT I FOUND HER EVEN AT THIS LATE HOUR. 
SHES SO GRAND IN EVERY WAY, MAKES FRIENDS SO EASILY, EVERYONE WITH WHOM SHE ASSOCIATES 
JUST CANT HELP BUT LIKE HER.  BUT I AM TELLING YOU ANYTHING NEW ??  LOOKS LIKE WHEN I 
GET TO PRAISING HER THERE IS NO LIMITS. 
 
NOW HOW IS THAT NE BRIDE OVER THERE ?  HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR A LETTER FORM HER FOR HERE 
SHE HAS BEENA MRS OVER A MONTH NOW I BELIEVE AND NOT A LINE HAVE I HAD FROM HER.  MAYBE 
SHES TOO BUST LOVING THAT MAN OF HERS TO FIND A BIT OF TIME FOR A LINE OUT THIS WAY.  AND 
THEN MAYBE ITS JUST DELAYED SOMEWHERE ALONG WITH THOSE OTHERS AS IM LOOKING FOR.  WANTED 
TO SEND HER A BIT OF A VALENTINE GREETING BUT NO ADDRESS.  EVEN MIGHT HAVE MADE HER A COPY 
OF THIS LETTER THAT SHE COULD KEEP UP WITH ALL THINGS BUT STILL AGAIN NO ADDRESS.  PERHAPS 
WHEN I DO GET IT WILL HAVE TO SHOVE A CARBON IN EACH TIME AS SHE IS QUITE USE TO READING 
YOUR LETTERS AND KEEPING UP WITH THE NEWS. 
 
HAD TWO LETTERS FROM BUD CHESTER THE OTHER DAY TOO.  SURE WELCOMED THEN AS IT HAS BEEN A 
BIT OF TIME SINCE MY LAST ONE.  THE LAST ONE MADE EXTRA GOOD TIME I THINK.  POSTMARKED 
23RD. OF LAST MONTH WENT ALL WAY DOWN TO 131 AND BACK UP HERE TO ME THAT I RECEIVED IT 
SUNDAY.  YET IT IS THAT HE RECEIVED NONE OF MINE NOR DID HE KNOW ANYTHING AS TO MY 
BEING TRANSFERRED.  I NOTED HE INQUIRED OF YOU ABOUT THIS THINKING IT MIGHT BE THE POSSIBLE 
CAUSE FOR NOT HEARING FROM ME.  SURE CANT UNDERSTAND AS I WROTE HIM BACK BEFORE CHRISTMAS, 
WROTE HIM ALL ABOUT MY PARTY AND ALL ON LEAVING AND THEN THE BOOKLET SENT TO ALL OF 
YOU UPON ARRIVAL HERE AS WELL AS OTHERS OF AT LEAST ABOUT ONE WEEK.  FUNNY THING, HE 
ASKED ME TO SEE WHAT I COULD DO TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THIS MAIL BUSINESS AND THERE IS SURELY 
NOTHING I CAN DO.  ALL OUR MAIL GOE OUT FROM HERE BY AIR TO PEARL HARBOR AND IT IS MY 
BELIEF GOES ON TO HIM BY AIR, AT LEAST TO THE NEAREST POST OFFICE.  JUST WHERE THEY ARE 
BEING DELAYED I SURE LY DONT KNOW BUT WHEN HE DOES GET MINE HE SHOULD GET QUITE A LOAD. 
I SUPPOSE YOU HAVE WRITTEN HIM AS TO WHER I AM AND ALL ?  ANYHOW, I REPLIED RIGHT BACK 
AND THIS TIME USED AN AIR MAIL STAMP TO SEE IF THAT WOULD HELP.  HE WROTE ME A FEW AND 
USED A STAMP AND I TOLD HIM NO USE AS PRACTICALLY ALL THE MAIL OUT HERE IS TRANSFERRED 
BY AIR.  TAKE HIS TO ME FOR INSTANCE, IT WAS MARKED AS FREE YET GOT TO ME IN JUST A 
BIT OVER TWO WEEKS.  ANYHOW WELL SEE HOW THIS LAST ONE GOES. 
 
WAS HAPPY TO HEAR AND KNOW WHERE HE WAS AND ALL SAFE.  MY LAST WORD WAS THRU YOU IN 
WHICH SAID HE WAS ON MOVE AND WOULD ADVISE MORE LATER.  I WAS ESPECIALLY PLEASED TO KNOW 
HE HAD MISSED THIS LAST AFFAIR UP AT LIGAYEN BAY AND HE TOO EXPRESSED A DEEP THANKS FOR 
THAT.  NO DOUBT THAT AT LEYTE WAS ENOUGH FOR HIM.  SURE WISH HE COULD BE ON HIS WAY HOME 
SOON INSTEAD OF HEADING FOR ANY OTHER SPOTS UP THERE.  IM JUST WONDERING IF HELL BE 
RELIEVED WHEN THAT EIGHTEEN MONTHS PERIOD IS UP.  IM NOW IN MY TWELFTH MONTH WHICH SURELY 
FEELS GOOD AND HE SHOULD BE IN HIS FOURTEENTH OF FIFTEENTH WHICH IS EVEN BETTER. 
 
THAT SPIELL BOY, THINK THAT HIS NAME, AS HE MENTIONED SEEING IS ONE AS I DIDNT KNOW. 
BUT THERE ARE SO MANY OF THE YOUNGER FELLOWS WHOM I DIDNT KNOW.  NEVERTHELESS IT MUST 
HAVE BEEN GOOD FOR THE BOTH OF THEM TO GET TOGETHER AND HAVE THE CHAT.  DID I TELL YOU OR 
HAS LEET WRITTEN ABOUT TALKING WITH SOME DOCTOR, A SERVICEMAN, RECENTLY, WHO WAS IN 
FRISCO AND I THINK ON HIS WAY HOME ?  HE KNEW CHESTER REAL WELL THOUGH IT WAS ANOTHER I 
DIDNT KNOW.  THIS WAS ALL OVER THE TELEPHONE AND THEY INVITED LEET TO JOIN THEM BUT SHE 
DIDNT. 
 
3 
 
THIS IN TURN REMINDS ME OF WHAT I WROTE YOU ABOUT MY LETTER TO DR. TYE OUT HERE. THE 
OTHER DAY I HAD A REPLY BUT NOT SO MUCH WAS IT.  SEEMED A BIT COLD JUST SAYING HE WAS 
THERE, WOULD BE A FEW MONTHS AND THEN RETURN TO SAMOA OR SOMEWHERE, THAT THERE WAS 
NOTHING HE COULD TELL ME, AND SHOULD I FLY OVER SOMETIME WOULD BE GLAD TO HAVE ME. 
YOU KNOW HE AND I HAD A LITTLE TALK ON OCCASION OF MARGARET AND I SEPERATING SO IM 
THINKING HEE STILL REMEMBERING THAT.  ANYHOW, I JUST LET IT ALL DROP THERE. 
 
SPEAKING AGAIN OF THE COOL BREEZE AS WERE ENJOYING HERE DONT GUESSTHIS IS FOR US 
MUCH LONGER AS PLANS ARE UNDER WAY TO MOVE OUT OFFICE INTO A QUONSET HUT WHICH IS ALL 
CLOSED IN AND IT IN BETWEEN MANY MORE SO THAT NO BREEZE CAN GET THRU.  WERE IN AN 
IDEAL SPOT JUST NOW AND I DO HATE TO HAVE TO MOVE OUT BUT SEEMS NO HELP.  THEY DO PROMISE 
US A FAN WHEN WE GET THERE WHICH WILL BE SOME HELP CAUSE ITS PLENTY PLENTY HOT THERE 
IN THAT HUT.  SUPPOSE TO MOVE WITHIN A WEEK THOUGH I DONT KNOW IF IT WILL BE READY. 
 
IN A WAY I MIGHT SAY THINGS HAVE TAKEN ON A BIT OF A CHANGE IN COMPLEXION AROUND HERE 
WITH A BIT OF IMPROVEMENTS HERE AND THERE.  WHEREAS THEY USE TO HAVE A SHIPS SERVICE 
FOR EACH UNIT AND NONE OF THEM HAD ANYTHING, THEY ARE NOW CONSOLODATING IT ALL INTO 
ONE PX AND DO HAVE A BIT MORE SUPPLIES EVEN TO CANDY AND THE LIKE.  ALSO HAVE AN ICE 
CREAM FREEZER THERE THOUGH ITS NOT RUNNING YET.  THAT WILL BE PLENTY PATRONIZED ONCE 
IT DOES GET STARTED.  ALSO WERE SCHEDULED TO GET SOME KIND OF WET WASH LAUNDRY SERVICE 
BUT AGAIN DONT KNOW WHEN IT WILL GET STARTED AS THERE IS NO SOAP ON THE ISLAND, EITHER 
SWEET OR LAUNDRY. TIS A GOOD THING I CAME HERE QUITE SUPPLIED WITH THESE THINGS.  ONCE 
THE LAUNDRY DOES GET GOING WILL BE BETTER ON THE CLOTHES.  GETTING SO SWEATY AS THEY DO 
AND HAVING TO SCRUB THEM WITH A STIFF BRUSH THEY TEAR SO EASILY.  MAYBE WONT BE SO WITH 
THE LAUNDRY DOING IT. 
 
DID I TELL YOU IN MY LAST LETTER ABOUT BEING IN CHARGE HERE FOR A SPELL ?  LASTED SOME 
TWO WEEKS MOST WHILE THE NAVY MAIL CLERK WAS IN HOSPITAL.  I SORTA LIKED IT TOO.  IF I 
KNEW ALL THE ROPES WOULD LIKE TO TAKE OVER.  QUITE A FEW CHANGES THINK ID MAKE IN ONE 
WAY AND ANOTHER.  BUT THAT IS NOT FOR ME HERE.  KEPT US PLENTY BUSY IN THOSE DAYS WITH 
ONE MAN OUT AND TWO SHIPMENTS OF PARCEL POST COMING IN BY AIRE OF SOME THREE THOUSAND 
AND TWO THOUSAND POUNDS RESPECTIVELY.  PUT IN A FEW EXTRA HOURS AT NIGHT MYSELF AS JUST 
DONT LIKE TO SEE ANY WORK STACKED UP ON ME, ESPECIALLY BEING IN CHARGE AS I WAS.  THEN 
TOO, KNOWING HOW ANXIOUS THE FELLOWS ARE FOR THEIR MAIL, ESPECIALLY PACKAGES, WAS JUST 
ANXIOUS TO SEE THEM GET THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  SO I DIDNT MIND THE EXTRA TIME. 
 
SPEAKING OF RECEIVING THE MAIL JUST RECENTLY WE HAD QUITE A REGRETABLE ILLUSTRATION OF 
HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO GET IT THROUGH AT QUICKEST POSSIBLE SPEED.  IN ONE OF THE HUTS 
THE OTHER MORNING A BAKER OR COOK, I DONT KNOW WHICH, LOOKED OVER AND ASKED ANOTHER 
IF HED LIKE TO SEE A CORPSE AND IMMEDIATELY BLEW HIS HEAD OFF.  OF COURSE I DIDNT SEE 
IT BUT THEY SAY HE SURE SCALPED HIMSELF.  THE FELLOW AS WITNESSED IT HAD QUITE A NERVOUS 
BREAKDOWN THAT DAY.  SEEMED TO BE CAUSED BY SOME TROUBLE AT HOME, IN SOME WAY THAT HIS 
PEOPLE DIDNT APPRECIATE HIM OR SOMETHING.  ANYHOW, JUST ABOUT A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER HE 
RECEIVED SOME MAIL AND THEY SAY IF HE HAD HAD IT SOONER THIS WOULDNT HAVE HAPPENED. 
THE MAILS ARE SURELY SOME IMPORTANT LITTLE THINGS AND IM ONE FOR GETTING THEM THRU 
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. 
 
DONT KNOW IF I TOLD YOU ABOUT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE EITHER HELD THIS PAST SUNDAY A WEEK 
AGO FOR A COASTGUARDSMAN LOST OVEWRBOARD FOURTEEN DAYS OUT FROM THE STATES.  IT TOUCHED 
ME DEEP THINKING OF THE CARELESSNESS ON THE PART OF SO MANY OUT HERE WHEREBY LIVES ARE 
SO UNECESSARILY SACRIFICED.  NO ONE SEEMED TO KNOW HOW THIS HAPPENED AND TWO OF THE 
SHIPS TURNED BACK TO SEARCH FOR HIM.  ONLY 21 AND HAD BEEN MARRIED ONLY THREE DAYS WHEN HE HAD TO LEAVE THE 
STATES.  IM TELLING YOU, AS FOR MYSELF IM EXTRA CAREFUL AT EVERY TURN I MAKE. 
 
4 
 
WELL NOW I DO BELIEVE THATS JUST ABOUT ALL I KNOW HERE FOR TODAY.  INDEED IT HAS BEEN 
A BIT MORE THAN ANTICIPATED.  IM TELLING YOU WHEN NEWS IS SCARCE AROUND HERE I MEAN 
IT IS SCARCE.  BEEN IN POSITION AT TIMES AS NEVER BEFORE, ESPECIALLY WRITING TO LEET 
AS I DO, GET MOST ASHAMED AT MY LETTERS AT TIME FOR ABOUT ALL I CAN SAY IS HELLO AND 
GOODBYE, YET I KNOW IT MEANS SOMETHING TO US ALL AT BOTH ENDS JUST TO KNOW ALL IS WELL. 
THINGS ARE GOING ALONG QUITE GOOD WITH ME, HAVE A BIT OF A BLUE SPELL OCCASSIONALY 
BUT NOT YET HAVE I EXPERIENCED ANYTHING AS I USE TO DOWN THE WAY.  I KNOW THIS PLEASES 
YOU AND ALL.  NOW YOU JUST STAY IN GOOD SPIRITS AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF AND EVERYTHING 
WILL WORK OUT SWELL I DO KNOW.  THE WAR NEWS IS QUITE GOOD IN THESE DAYS ESPECIALLY ON 
THE EUROPEAN SIDE.  AM LOOKING MOST EVERY DAY NOW FOR GERMANY TO SURRENDER YET I KNOW 
IT MAY STILL BE A GOOD WHILE OFF.  SURE HOPE IT COMES THIS MONTH THOUGH.  THEN WILL BE 
THE REAL PROBLEM OF SEEING THE REACTION OF JAPAN.  AND THEN THEY ARE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE 
ALL EFFORT IN THIS DIRECTION IT SHOULD MEAN MUCH TO US.  HOW I AM HOPING RUSSIA WILL 
JOIN IN THIS AS WELL FOR SURELY THAT WILL EXPEDITE THE DAY OF VICTORY.  WAS SORRY TO 
HEAR THE ABSENCE OF NEWS FROM MRS. GREES BOY AND DO HOPE SHE SOON GETS WORD FROM 
HIM.  WITH ALL IVE HAD I CAN STILL BREATHE A PRAYER OF THANKS THAT IM NOT A SOLDIER 
GOING THROUGH WHAT THOSE BOYS OVER THERE ARE.  SOME FELLOW READING IN LIFE READ WHERE 
SOME UNIT HAD BEEN ON THE FRONT ALREADY FOR FOUR HUNDRED DAYS AND THEY WOULD NOT 
RELIEVE THEM, ONLY REPLACE THEM.  SURE SEEMS AN INJUSTICE BUT THEN IM NOT RUNNING 
THIS BUSINESS.  SURELY I HAVE MUCH TO BE THNAKFUL FOR.  SO NOW WILL SAY GOOD-DAY TO YOU, 
HELLO TO RUBE AND ALL DO TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER FOR US.  AND AGAIN, LOVE TO YOU, 
MY VALENTINE. 
 
YOUR SAILOR BOY 
 
WALTER 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm. Walter Green,  MaM2/C 
Fleet Post Office 
Navy 225 
FPO  San Francisco, Calif. 
 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
423 FLINT AVENUE 
ALBANY, GEORGIA 
 
Recd.  Jan 11-45 
 
 
Ellice Islands---South Pacific 
January 1, 1945 
 
Dearest MotherChesterJunie & All:- 
 
Greetings, and a Happy New Year to you all as I celebrate my second New Years day marking one 
 
day completed  in my new station her.  Believe this second greeting Ive extended you, 
 
mother, and maybe youre wondering as to why one penned high in the air and the second on 
 
this machine tapped as you might surmise down on good ole terra firma.  Well Ill explain 
 
this in the course of the letter. 
 
     Chester boy, and you too, Junie, can get a rough idea as to my new location from the 
 
group of islands stated above.  Youll have to look mighty good to find them though for they 
 
are a powerfully small bunch with not any of them large in any measure.  And you may see 
 
now, Chester, why I doubt you shall ever be putting an appearance in here as it is so 
 
far removed from you just now---much to my regret.  However, a brief history as I listened 
 
to today reveals that in the earlier stages of this war this spot played quite a role in 
 
some of the activities out here and was visited frequently by certain unwelcome ones.  Though 
 
it appears so small yet at one time I believe some 6000 were stationed here though such a 
 
number does not exist here now.  And you might also note its proximity to the equator which 
 
as you know means the heat is quite strong.  The thermometer today hit 86 and thats 
 
not cool.  Rain is very frequent as well, in a manner as you use to relate, my boy, coming 
 
so suddenly, lasting but a few minutes and then gone.  But being inside gives us no bother 
 
and we think nothing about it. 
 
     Now about that double New Years as Ive had.  In my former ;location we were a day 
 
ahead of you in the sates.  [Beginning of sentence edited by military censor] 
 
where we spent the night only to be awakened about midnight by the celebrities.  Then, on 
 
New Years morning continued on to here where upon arrival found I had lost a day and was 
 
back to December 31st.  So, here I am having New Years day again.  It was on my trip  
 
yesterday morning flying high above the clouds I penned those few lines and now can get out here 
 
and walk a short ways and be a day ahead of you again for the line splits our island out 
 
here somewhere. 
 
     Perhaps you, Mom, might be interested a bit in my departure after I wrote so much 
 
2 
about it.  First of all never did get to bid my officer in charge adieu.  Dont know that it 
mattered so much though would have liked to done so.  Tried to catch him Saturday afternoon 
but to no avail and Sunday morn went by his hut but he was still asleep.  Perhaps will drop 
him a few lines in a few days.  As stated before though it was with a bit of sadness as I 
left those fellows for they had all been so swell to me in every way.  However, did get away 
without breaking down as I feared though had to just break away from some of them.  Several of 
the closest friends came down early and remained with me until I left.  My departure was a bit 
hurried too which helped me leaving I guess.  Might put a word here to you, Chester and 
Junie, that Thursday night before leaving I gave a party affair and we did have a swell time 
with everyone enjoying it immensely.  The hut was quite filled from about 5:30 until 9:30 
with even the night crew coming in groups and joining in.  Had guitar playing, singing, and 
a few beers to pass around.  Your Bud gave them a few of those good ole Rebel yells and 
cut-the-rug for them a bit.  We all did have a good time too.  Then Sunday morning we boarded the 
plane about noon and in about three hours was at our first stop.  That trip was quite an 
experience.  Something Ive wanted since being out here---a plane trip.  Was my first up there 
some 8000 feet playing hide and seek among the clouds.  They sure were a picture and one 
wondered how in the heck they could float around so easily.  Smooth sailing it was all the 
way.  My first glimpse of the stopping off place was as a thick jungle but this soon gave 
way to more cocoanut trees than ever Ive seen.  The whole island seemed infested with them. 
We slept that night amidst a grove of them. 
      Once ashore and with several hours on my hand my rambling nature got me and out I 
struck to see what could be seen.  Naturally I was headed for the FPO as a fellow or two whom 
came out with me and one who preceded me a few days were supposed to be there.  Caught a ride 
to the spot and on the way was quite observing.  Nothing there as I had been use to.  All I 
could see was these cocoanut trees and other growth with camps of servicemen all in them. 
Quite a contrast to where Ive been where there was a bit of a cit, shops, stores, and all 
the like.  Finally arrived at my destination only to find several more there than anticipated. 
Had a nice little session with them there at their hut chatting.  Went down and had chow with 
them and just enjoyed a good visit all the way around.  Spent about an hour and decided better 
find my way back which I did, then to the show to see a picture Id already seen at 131 
after which hit the sack, awakened at midnight by the revelers, and then at 4:30 to get 
3 
ready for the last lap of my trip. 
     Now this second round was the one as got me.  We hit a squall about half way and then 
came some rough sailing.  Remember telling about the officers on your trip, Chester  ?  Well 
that was me all over and I wasnt by myself.  We hit those air pockets and swoosh---and Id 
lose my seat and felt like would lose my tummy.  Time and again thot would have to get hold of 
a bucket.  However, found a place to lay down which made it not so bad.  Then too it didnt 
last so long and we were out for smooth sailing again.  Left about 6:00 arriving here about 
noon.  Now the first glimpse of this place and it did look like an isolated spot as one 
wondered what in the world could they have here.  Already Ive mentioned some of the history or 
this place.  However, once ashore and it didnt look so bad as the time passed along 
am thinking more and more shall enjoy it all right so long as have to stay here which I dont 
think will be any too long.  And perhaps too,  this change may make time pass a bit faster for 
me which will help tremenduously you well know.  This morning had occasion to ride about over 
the island and see spots of it.  Will say this much, there are places where a fellow couldnt 
very easily run an hundred yard dash and stay on land.  Very easily could stand on one side 
and toss a rock on the other.  But of course that is in spots as I said.  On a whole it appears 
not bad. 
     Once her came to FPO and got acquainted.  Oh yes, forgot to say, this place too is 
quite infested with cocoanut trees too.  The FPO and our hut are right amongst them.  While 
writing this afternoon saw one of them come falling down close to our shack.  Just hope one 
never beans me on the head or Ill be knocked-out kiddo.  Then in front of us of course is 
the broad pacific so far as the eyes may see with a few islands dotted about as you may 
judge from your maps.  But as I was saying I came on into the FPO here and got aquainted. 
Must say the fellows here seem a very likeable and congenial group as one will enjoy 
working with.    So it all gives promise of being quite a good deal I think.  On top of this Ive 
met various fellows on the island here and they are all a likeable bunch.  All of them 
somewhat stationed here they get along together as a big happy family which is always good 
and makes the work better. 
     Whipped out last night I retired rather early but not for long.  Some New Zealanders here 
were celebrating the New Year and they came over.  We chatted and had a nice sociable evening. 
They brot along some beer and shared it with us.  Then on the midnight hour all joined hands 
4 
and struck up ole Lang Syne after which retired to peaceful slumbers.  And so closed my first 
night. 
     Now a few rambling details about the place here though dont know how much will be 
passed through.  As believe Ive said, there is no place to go, nothing to see, nothing to 
do, with the picture show as only recreation.  However it does offer one advantage in that 
there is nothing here giving the slightest hint towards civilization as was at my former 
location which possibly served only to keep spirits down making one wish to be home and 
all.  So long as Ive got to be out here do believe a spot is better all the way 
around and certainly hope it shall prove out just so. 
      Some several chow halls on the island though it is said the one we eat at is the best on 
the island and the meals Ive had there so far have been plenty good and better than what I 
was getting.  One good feature is tha t I dont have to sit down amongst a bunch of jigs, 
as we call the negro, as we had to do back yonder at 131. 
     The water situation is a bit of a problem having to use rainwater for practically 
every purpose except to drink and this is distilled.  So feel can get along on that score. 
      Our hut we live in is just all right and beats my former living quarters.  Most of them 
here are a bit on the native type with thatched sides.  Ours, however is all wood and  
screened in.  Have a large living or reception room with two tables, several large chairs, a 
cooking outfit, and a Victrola though most of the records are scratched.  Need your assortment 
of records out here now, Grace gal.  Then a nice large bed room with quarters for three 
with screened in sides giving plenty ventilation.  Also a small nook built on providing a 
wash basin and shower all there within the shack.  Quite a little set-up, isnt it  ??  Just 
now even a washing machine in there too though they say it is to be moved.  Dont know 
just how the washing will be done then but some arrangements will be made O.K.  Our living 
room and bed room are partitioned off so that lights from one wont disturb the other.  Now 
one fellow may read and write in one while another sleeps in the other which certainly 
couldnt be done down yonder with some eighteen men all in one hut and lights had to go out 
at a certain time no matter what you wished to do. 
     Regulations are not strict here permitting most any manner of suitable uniform. 
Perhaps soon Ill be cutting my trouser legs down to, Chester, as you speak of having done 
and as so many of the boys wear here to help keep cool a bit.  Also, from all reports the 
5 
officers stationed here are quite a swell bunch of men being very considerate in every way of 
the enlisted man so much so that they are somewhat as just one of the bunch at times. 
     The FPO here is a bit of a small structure and from all indications the work is not 
heavy which should make everything O.K.  We are somewhat on our own though there are those in 
charge.  All work together and get the work done and so it goes.  May have to get up in the 
middle of the night sometimes and go out and unload mail off a ship but this is a bit seldom 
so wont worry on that score.  Here today weve had half a holiday which is just all right and 
something I wouldnt have got down yonder.  Also got going a bit this morning in the manner 
of cancelling up the mail and I must confess it sure felt good to be back in the groove in 
the regular postal duties as I am familiar with.  That as Ive been in just wasnt for me and 
as get more into this just know will like it even better which means plebty much you should 
know from all Ive written about it in the past.  Have occasion as well to drive a truck 
hauling the mail down and the like.  But what trucks.  I thot them in New Caledonia were bad, but 
they are ritzy as compared to these.  No dout the heat and rain is the cause of such  
deterioration cause theyre really in foul shape. 
     I understand that here we get a free ration of cigarettes and smoking tobacco which is 
just all right for me.  Im always ready for anything as is free and am smoking cigs abit 
more than have been ever since they gave us a free package back in Caledonia for Xmas. 
      One, rather two, things Ill sure miss and that is a radio and our news publication we 
had down there.  Radios are very very scarce here.  Sure wish I could get hold of a small 
midget set somehow.  Was wondering if Davis Radio might have such an outfit ??  Know the 
fellows here would appreciate having one.  As is we have no way at all for keeping up with 
the current news so that by the time we do get it if at all am afraid it will be quite stale. 
Wrote Leet she might have to keep me posted so Id know what was going on.  But, if it cant be 
Well it just cant be and thats that.  Maybe China coast will be invaded and the war won 
And we still sticking mail down here in complete ignorance. 
     Now, I believe thats about the whole story as I know to tell.  Think Ive covered about 
every point as may be touched upon.  If anything more come to mind will pass it along, and, 
if any of you have any questions shoot them to me and Ill  answer if at all possible. 
However, Im warning you here that no doubt my letters may be rather short on news from here 
6 
on out for after all this is said leaves little to be added for there shall just be no news 
hereabouts.  And I feel sure the censor will welcome this bit of information after the mass of 
writing as Ive done today.  Here before working in as large a group as I was with things 
happening all along, places to go, things to do and the like, well it offered subject matter on 
which to write a bit and that will not be so here.  Just thot would pass this out now so all 
would understand. 
     Another thing to you, Chester---seems I might have a point on you.  Im now an established 
member of the Shorter Snorter club, or something like that.  Had often heard of them but 
paid no attention to that qualification making one eligible.  Was informed last night as to 
my eligibility the qualifications being you must fly over a thousand miles over salt water 
which was done on this trip up.  If I recall right your trip was about 800 miles, just a bit 
short of the requirement.  Maybe you did make it.  I dont know.  Just never heard you mention 
it.  Guess I have to get me a new dollar bill now and start getting signatures as is the 
usual custom. 
     Im reminded of your recent engagement at Leyte wherein you said it was an 
experience always wanted and once attained you was ready to be on your way home.  The same goes 
with me.  Out here Ive wanted to fly a bit and visit at least one other island than where I 
was.  Well now Ive had all that so Im plenty ready to be on my way home. 
     Rube, gal, how is that ole man of yours ? Still sitting around back there enjoying 
state-side ?  Lucky rascal.  Better tell him to get on out here for he just dont know what he 
is missing.  I understand now that quite a few of the fellows returning from out here are 
getting their leave and when reported back are assigned to ships, mostly Air-Craft Carriers. 
Their orders, when they leave out here it seems, recommend that the NOT be given any 
land-base assignment as they are experienced Mailmen with oversees service or something like that. 
He mentioned this as a desire at one time though dont know if it is still so nor whether 
They would consider him for this or not.  Just thot would pass the word along but no doubt he 
Knows this already.  Will try to get around to dropping him a line sometime soon. 
     Junie, how are you and that BIG man coming along ??  Been some little while since last I 
wrote for which I hope youll excuse as there was just nothing as I thot of interest down my 
way.  Moving here into a new spot with a few more experiences perhaps is a bit interesting so 
passing the word along to you as well.  And how is MY boy, Bill ??  I bet hes a honey and 
7 
growing like a bean-stalk.  Gosh but would like to see him now.  Bet he will be able to talk 
that dad of his down when he does put in there and might mow him down in other ways too. 
Give him a good ole squeeze for me too. 
     Gracie, gal, how is the bride-to-be ??  Guess you are getting plenty much all excited 
as the days draws nearer.  Fact is Im doubting youll get to read this letter for possibly 
you will be on your way ere it gets home.  Maybe mother will forward to you that you can 
read for would be some job here writing this all over again.  Ive wrote most of this story 
over two or three times already to Leet, Rat and all of you.  On the last lap conceived the 
idea of the joint letter again.  Anyhow, Im still pouting cause I cant be there to join 
in all the festivities. 
     Now, Mom, you dear sweet one, how be you getting along ??  Wonder have you been worried 
any since knowing Id be on the move??  Perhaps youve worried lest Id be disappointed and 
if so hope this letter eases your mind in every respect.  Perhaps too you might be worried 
a bit in the way I way travelling and on this you can likewise rest easy for all is safe 
and sound here now and so long as Ive got to  be out here think this just O.K. where there 
are not so many personalities to deal with, work not too strenuous and all the like as 
that.  Everything is going to go along just fine I feel sure so everybody should be happy. 
     In closing thinking on a more serious nature I am thinking strong ole January has much 
in store for you though I do hope and pray you will accept it all in the finest spirits. 
First of all the last of your cilluns is fixing to step out to begin a life of her own in 
making a home for herself and her choice.  It should be so you must admit and I trust you 
will be happy knowing she has someone to take care of her now.  You bet Bud and I will keep 
an eye on her too.  However, youve just added to your family another son-in-law and maybe a 
few more to call you grand-ma.  So all should be well and happy in that and hope you will be. 
But my thots are more concerned, in a way, with you on a few days thereafter as the day comes 
again when der ole Dad left us.  Even now my heart is heavy in these thots as I know yours 
are and shall be.  Hard and all as the present day life is have wished so many times he might 
be with us in these days.  Know he could give Chester and I both a big boost ever so often 
out here.  Then Id like very much for him to be there with Grace in these days to see his 
pride and joy step out.  And certainly you know Id cherish the opportunity for him to know 
all the happiness as I have found confident hed find much pleasure and joy in Leet and she 
8 
likewise in him.  They would have got along so well I know.  Then, loving kids as was his 
nature he would have found untold joy with all these grandchildren, Bill, Lynda, Gail and 
Rat, so much as possible as well as still others WE are hoping for.  Yes, I bet he would have spent many a 
playful hour with them.  But these things cannot be, all vainful thots they are as the Good Lord saw fit to call 
him on to richer rewards ere these opportunities presented themselves.  And certainly it  is 
not for us to question His Will.  Yet human nature is such our hearts cannot be but heavy 
thinking on these things.  Perhaps I shouldnt write in this manner, yet just couldnt 
resist for these thots are on my heart just now.  As that day draws nearer no doubt my thots 
will be sadder but shall try to refrain from speaking in this way again for it is not good 
for any of us.  No doubt this letter will reach you about that day so that you may know I 
am thinking of you and with you.  Just have to keep that sweet chin up, Mom, and carry-on for 
all of us. 
     Now the hour is quite late and so must be on to that sack for a little shut-eye that 
may be ready to really to get under way with the job at hand.  Closed half-day today might put 
a little extra work on us tomorrow at which time Ill probably get into the groove 
in finding out all I can on the job at hand.  Hope all of you are O.K.  in every way and am 
asking each and everyone of you to be dropping me a line often for doo need mail very much 
out here in this spot.  Use address in manner as shown below.  And now, again extending 
the New Years greetings to each and everyone hopeful it shall have very very much 
happiness in store for all of us and that ere it ends we may all be home together again, I am, 
Your Sailor 
Walter 
 
William Walter Green, MaM 2/C 
Fleet Post Office 
Navy 225 
FPO San Francisco, Calif. 
 
P.S.  Just had to add this word to you, Mom.  That Jane Parker fruit cake you sent me was 
Really delicious.  Served it the night we had my party back down yonder and it went so 
Fast.  When I saw how it was going I rushed pronto and got me a good nice hunk of it. 
Many fruit cakes had been passed around and some were difficult to give away but this one 
The boys raved over and wanted more.  Yep, thats an invitation---Ill take another just 
Anytime you find one handy.  Will go mighty good with the coffee we make here in the 
Office during the morning. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wm. Walter Green, Mam 2/C 
Fleet Post Office   Navy 225 
FPO    San Francisco, Calif. 
 
 
Mar 9- 45 
 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
423 FLINT AVE. 
ALBANY, GEORGIA 
 
 
Ellice Islands    South Pacific 
28 February  1945 
 
Dearest Mom & Rube:- 
 
Greetings again and here in the lateness of the evening 
hours will see if a few more lines might not be headed 
your way.  However, having written the both of you so much 
as in those last letters and so little or nothing having 
happened here since believe I can make sure it will be a 
very very few lines 
 
Believe this letter will follow very close on the heels 
af the other one sent you, Mom, though this is written 
approximately a week later.  Just another of those 
experiences when the planes didnt go so the first one 
lay by here several days.  Even so this one may do the 
very same thing.  Just never can tell. 
 
I myself have been in one of those most desperate moods 
here of late watching, waiting, hoping for mail 
with day after day it being all in vain.  Leet likewise 
has been in this plight according to a letter from her 
received today.  And no doubt you too have gone thru that 
long period of waiting.  Just dont realize all that a 
letter doe mean until they stop coming.  We were due 
some earlier this week but seems they had a bit of 
trouble up the road.  Just what the outcome may be I 
wont hardly know until last of week probably.  The mail 
may have just got wet and then it may have been lost.  Im 
sure anxious for that as think Leet had some information 
therein as Ive specially been waiting to hear.  And of 
course was wondering if maybe some of yours was on it. 
Evidently not though as just today I do have one from you. 
 
Yep, I finally scored my first mail since last Friday 
I believe it was you.  You just dont know how welcome it is. 
Only fifteen pounds of mail came in here for this whole 
island so you can see how fortunate I was with one from 
you and one from Leet while there are yet four missing 
from Leet.  It may be there are some missing from you 
to Rube---just in case you have written and I make no 
mention thereof. 
 
2 
 
Yours and Leets of course came from the north.  Now in 
the afternoon there comes one more welcomed letter from 
Bud and directed to me right here straight.  It must have 
Came around through where he use to be as I had imagined 
His letters now would be coming from the north as well. 
But no matter which way it came you know it too was very 
much appreciated.  Dated Feb. 3rd. evidently he has come 
out of the China Sea and all.  Not yet do I have that 
letter from him while in this one makes mention that 
they are getting to enjoy swimming, trips to the beach 
and all the likeso must be O.K. and Im sure glad. 
 
This letter of Buds was addressed to both Leet and I 
though most of it was direct to me.  Seems he was in a  
position of wanting to write both of us but news being 
so scarce just decided to put them together and maybe 
make a little more.  Well, I owe Junie a letter and it 
being about time for Buds weekly letter again I was faced 
with the same difficulty.  In fact I had not been a bit 
occupied last night would have written them in just this 
fashion.  Now here he comes with this and has stole my 
idea.  Oh well, great minds run in the same channel, dont 
they say ?? 
 
One thing I was at last gratified in learning that he 
had the word of my transfer and all.  The name of the  
rock and everything.  So know some of you passed the 
word along as requested.  Said he had a premonition on 
this all along---in fact wrote me somewhat as much just 
last year shortly before I did transfer.  Evidently 
though he doesnt have all my letters telling him of my 
party down there, all about my leaving and everything. 
I say this as he is inquiring conditions under which the 
transfer came, whether I asked for it, was ordered up 
here, or what.  Just before writing us he received 31 
letters from all of us some of which dated far back into 
October, but seems these Ive mentioned were not among 
them.  Oh well, surely he has them by now and has the 
score.  Talking about asking for this place as I did--- 
believe Im the only one here as has that 
reputation.  On every hand the boys tell me of assignment to 
this rock ever being held somewhat as a threat over them 
when stationed at other much more suitable locations. 
Well, Im getting along quite good so no need to holler. 
 
3 
 
Then too, thot I was something the other day receiving 
those 18 at one time as I did.  Wonder how it must be to 
get 31 as he did.  Still think I was doing plenty good 
having received mail more regularly prior then than he. 
 
Asking about how my transfer came about and he had an 
idea this was coming about as I was too far removed said 
they needed my on up there and sure wish I could come up 
and he could have me out as did the Spell boy.  The rascal 
said he thot of me and how I detested ice cream when he 
served the Spell boy such a heaping bowl full.  Boy Oh 
Boy, what a pleasure that would bee but Im just afraid it 
is all too good to be ours to enjoy, at least not this 
time. 
 
Though not with him I did have me quite a fill of ice 
cream just last nite.  In cleaning up our office for 
moving what would we find hid away but a state-side 
ice cream freezer.  Now everybody is our friends.  Well we 
got in good with the cook here, a white fellow, and fixed 
things up.  Says this is something he too had been waiting 
for ever so long.  Brot out some ice cream mix, canned 
cream, powdered milk, and all soon a gallon was 
ready.  Originally plans were to make it and put in 
freezer, I mean ice box, until tomorrow nite but no room 
so had to take care of it then.  And it would be my luck 
to be absent.  They ate their fill and still had some.  Had 
me paged at show but I hadnt arrived.  One of the fellows 
was good enough to come looking for me and found me just 
before I got to the show and so too had my fill.. And 
it was so good.  Now we can look forward to enjoying it 
some two of three times a week.  May get sick of it, but 
Im ready to go thru all necessities to see that done. 
 
Then too this letter from Bud was the first one in which 
Ive had an expression form him on the event of Graces 
marriage, what he thot about it and all the such.  As I 
had hoped and somewhat expected it was all good with 
him approving.  Id written him advising of my response 
and asking his sentiments.  Said he felt the gal was old 
enough to know and guess this was The One so all O.K. 
Then too, he seemed very happy and pleased that you done 
so much for her and made the occasion so nice and all 
as you did.  We would have liked to have been there and 
 
4 
 
done all this ourselves, at least been in on the doing, 
 
but that we couldnt do know again we both appreciate so 
much your making everything so nice for her in just what 
she wanted.  Know you done a bang-up job better in every 
way than anything we might have done, but then you know 
wed like to have been looking on to say the least. 
 
Now whats this, Mom, that youve been holding out on me? 
Chester done give you away saying you were quite worried 
in learning my new address as NAB.  Well my dear girl you 
just dont fret one bit.  That merely stands for Naval 
Advance Base and is title as every place outside the 
states goes under.  The one at Pearl Harbor is a NAB, at 
Guam, all the spots Chester has been are all NAB.  You 
might better think of it as a Ship for that is what it 
amounts to really and instead of using the name of the 
ship as with Chester you merely us NAB.  I wasnt for 
sure when coming here if I were to be attached to the 
Base Post Office---NAB in other words---or to the FPO 
which serves all the units on the island.  In the Base 
Post Office Id just serve the men attached to the Base 
here while in the Fleet well we handle the mail on a  
large scale for the Base Post Office, Seabees, Nats, 
Naf, Army and all the like.  Does that make it a bit 
clearer know ??  Well should I transfer anymore and this 
pops up again youll understand O.K. eh ??  Im sorry it 
dd trouble you any though.  You should have asked me. 
Anytime something as that comes up dont be hesitant to 
speak up.  Its ofttimes better as may not mean a thing 
just as this instance. 
 
That sweet girl Leet of mine is really having a time 
having at the time of writing this letter of today gone 
a week back there without any mail.  Says she is ready  
to start butting that head of hers against the wall if 
some dont show up.  I know just what she means and I  
knew this was coming when our mails got so fouled up. 
And shes in for a bit more of the same thing again. 
Poor thing, every time the mail is delayed like this 
her hopes go sky high that I may be on my way home 
though Ive told her over and over again this just 
wouldnt be as Id be right on out here my full 18 
months OR MORE.  Wish she could be right but it just 
aint in the books.  Dont know what you may have been 
thinking with your delayed but anytime such as this 
 
5 
happens just try to abide your time and patience a bit 
remembering this occasion and that no doubt it is the 
same thing happening again with the planes being held up 
on account of a bit of bad weather. 
 
Now hello to you, Rube, and hows things going, and how 
are those kids coming along  ??  Sure hope sickness and all 
has left them and all of you doing just O.K.  And Im now 
looking for a letter from you again in these days.  How 
about that Frisco affair ?  Have you thot anymore on it ? 
Might just say here that Leet has had a time with a cold 
these past days.  Lingered with her for some time and she 
dont seem to be able to throw it.  No, Im not saying what 
to do there.  Just giving a big hint you know.  And have you 
heard anything more from Hambrick as to his getting a 
leave or when he may be shoving off ??  It would sure be 
fine.   Know hes be plenty happy to get back home for even 
a short stay as it might be and would have a grand time 
with the kids.  Sure wish Bud and I could be looking 
forward to this possibility so soon.  Maybe our day will come 
though.  Would be good for T.B. to get this as no doubt 
soon after he returned would be sent out maybe to the 
Philipines, maybe farther, depending on just how far 
advanced our forces are at the time.  
 
Does look like about all Im talking about are these 
few letters received.  Well thats just about all I have. 
And there is one more to go, yours, Moma short, sweet 
one as you said read between the lines on which I sho did, 
but must say the news it bore was quite distressing.  Was 
sorry to know in the first place of Graces illness 
which do hope has cleared up by now.  Shell miss that 
touch of yours right there I know, but then maybe Jim 
will catch on fast and Im sure make every provision 
as needed anytime she is sick. 
 
My real grief though comes in learning of the death of 
Buddy Greene.  When I read this I wanted to turn loose 
and squall.  Dont know when one has got next to me so 
close and so deep as this.  Perhaps it is remembering 
hearing Mr. Greene talk about him so much and how much 
they thot of him.  Dont know why but somehow far back 
 
6 
 
when I use to hear him speak of Buddy I had a funny 
feeling the boy wouldnt come back.  Just today read in the 
news that upon downfall of Germany 200,000 to 25,000 
soldiers would be released monthly from the army.  Now it 
is he wont come back at all.  I tell you I just want to 
cry my heart out for them, reach back, I mean reach out 
and pull back time and make this not so; yet, I realize 
too well it is.  Do feel sorry for Mr. & Mrs. Greene 
and especially with them with the letter written just 
three days previous telling of his promotion.  If only 
something I could do yet know there isnt. 
 
But let me get away from such thots as that for it is 
surely not good for me.  Told you in the last letter as 
to our having to move, didnt I ? Well were under way 
proper now.  The office is considered completed though 
we still havent got everything in order.  Today we 
started moving our living quarters.  Its a bit half-way 
now so that were occupying two residences.  Guess will 
take until end of week to finish, so much junk I do 
have.  And how I do hate this.  Bet it is ten to twenty 
degrees hotter over here in our new place.  The  
afternoon sun just beams in while the cool breezes blow in 
the shade of the old place.  Oh well, they said move an 
who am I to argue. 
 
Did I tell any of you recently of getting some fresh 
cabbage and turnips ashore here ??  Well they sure did. 
Now you know I never did go for either of these much, 
but Ive been back quite a few times for that second 
helping of cabbages just because it is a fresh vegetable 
and not some of this dehydrated mess.  A bit of vinegar 
poured over it and was good eating as Ive had 
anywhere out here, and I do mean good !! 
 
And it sure looks that Bud and I have to get 
acquainted with our townspeople all over again when we get 
back.  Reading the list of births for November in a  
Herald yesterday and hardly a name did I know.  Will be 
full of new people, new faces, new names when we do get 
back and well be quite strangers about town somewhat. 
 
Listen, Mom, getting my little pay tomorrow Im going 
 
7 
 
to drop a five spot in here for you to apply on some of 
the things for Grace.  Know it is not much but maybe will 
help just a bit and use it just anywhere or anyhow you 
wish.  Im not caring for what it is spent but just wanted 
to help a bit more as I know you have your hands full. 
 
And listen, do you still have that copy of my letter to 
Jim and Grace that I sent you ??  Well when you are 
though would you mind sending it along to Leet ??  I know 
Leet has heard from them along with all the rest of us 
and naturally shes interested in all that goes on so 
just thot shed be interested in knowing what all I had 
written the newly weds.  If youll do this for me will 
sure appreciate. 
 
One thing more now and well close.  This thing has 
really turned out to be much longer than I anticipated. 
What I wanted to say was that our laundry business seems 
to at last be on the start.  Weve been assigned our 
marking numbers for the clothes of which we cant put in over 
25 pieces a week---wonder if I have that many pieces in 
all ??  This morning was day for mine to go in but havent 
had time to get number on so must wait until next 
Wednesday.  Well I dont mind.  Have enough to do me until then 
and Ill sure relish being excused from that scrubbing 
which does wear down clothes plenty. 
 
And sure enough now Im going to close as promised.  I 
say again just didnt know was going to write half this 
much in the beginning but am glad I found something to 
chew the rag over.  Hope all of you are O.K. in every way, 
looking after and taking care of each other, that Lynda 
and Gail are coming along fine, Rube, and will soon be a 
seeing of their daddy again; and do know Im coming along 
just fine as my time grows shorter now by the day.  Yep, 
Im most to the point of counting the days now until Ill 
be back there with all of you.  And surely know Im a  
loving all of you as I do miss you so much.  All of you 
write often. 
 
Your Sailor Boy 
 
Walter 
  
 
 
 
[Envelope Without Address] 
 
Feb 
14 
1945 
 
[Valentines Day Card] 
 
WM. WALTER GREEN,  MAM 2/C 
FLEET POST OFFICE-NAVY 225 
FPO SAN FRANCISCO, CAL 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
423 FLINT AVE. 
ALBANY, GEORGIA 
 
Hello Mom Dear.  Not much of a 
Greeting but best I can do.  How true these 
words as my love goes out to you. 
 
Your Sailor - Walter 
 
 
  
 
 
 
[Western Union Telegram Envelope] 
 
Discharge 
Day 
 
Nov 24 
1945 
 
1945 NOV 24  AM  7  07 
 
.QA18 TA68 
T.FA127  NL  PD= SAN FRANCISCO CALIF 23 
 
MRS RUBY GREEN= 
423 FLINT AVE ALBANY GA= 
 
FREE MAN AGAIN CIVILIAN FIRST CLASS RECEIVED DISCHARGE TODAY 
FEELS GRAND LETTERS ABOUT CHESTER SWELL BREAK WILL 
BE HOME BEFORE CHRISTMAS LOVE 
WALTER. 
 
 
 
 
 
[Postcard from San Francisco California showing multiple attractions] 
 
MRS. RUBY GREEN 
423 FLINT AVE 
ALBANY, GA 
 
[Printed upside down on return address flap] 
 
 
WALTER GREEN, Sp (M) 3/c 
Fleet Post Office  San Francisco, Calif 
 
[Arial Picture of Alcatraz Island] 
 
Saw this from top of Telegraph Hill 
 
 
[Picture of Cable Cars on California Street] 
 
Rode back to town on this.  Like a Roller Coaster 
 
[Printed upside down on return address flap] 
 
WALTER GREEN, Sp (M) 3/c 
Fleet Post Office  San Francisco, Calif 
 
 
Saw this from top of Telegraph Hill 
 
[Picture of Ferry Building] 
 
Here is where we both came in 
 
[Picture of City Hall] 
 
[Printed upside down on return address flap] 
 
 
WALTER GREEN, Sp (M) 3/c 
Fleet Post Office  San Francisco, Calif 
 
Saw this from top of Telegraph Hill 
 
[Picture of Crab Pots on Fishermans Wharf] 
  
Had fish dinner here  and was it grand 
 
[Picture of the Cliff House and Seal Rocks] 
 
Havent been here yet  Next time