Letter V : “Yep! Still at Sea”
Dear Letter V Yep! Still at sea
Mom, I was seriously thinking of tearing this letter up, as I couldn’t for the life of me locate an airmail stamp aboard ship. I kept at it though until finally fortune smiled down on me and success was mine. I have been pretty lucky so far at my card playing activities and should it hold out until we reach some civilized port, why I’ll be ahead and you will be pleasantly surprised when you receive my check for like amount. We can cable home money from abroad so might just as well take your advice — surprised? — and send it home for that day when we shall all return.
We have a large map of the world hanging up on the wall, which supplies us with as much amusement trying to figure out just where we are. According to figures, dates, times and patience, we should be hitting a port sometime real soon. In fact there is a rumor being whispered about that we will hit one tomorrow. Now this rumor comes from good authority seeing that it came from a fellow whose first sergeant is a second cousin to the uncle of the father of the first mate whose brother is third cook on this boat. Now, can’t you see why we are so glumly overjoyed? All kidding aside though, we should be nearing one soon.
We saw a movie last night down in the mess hall. It was quite an old picture, but luckily for me, I hadn’t seen it before, so therefore I spent my most enjoyable hour so far on this trip. The officers on this trip haven’t been having it quite as tough as us, but rough enough. In order to pass away their time they have taken up the game of badminton with a zeal and I must say have really kept at it until now this regiment can boast it has not only badminton players, but experts as well. By the way, I have also learned how to play the old card game of Cribbage. Ever hear tell of it before? Well mom, that is all for today, so once again I’ll sign off, but before I do, give my regards to all and I’ll write again soon.
Love and kisses, Everett
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE.
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Military Humor –

An awkward moment in After Steering.
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Farewell Salutes –
Manuel Albuquerque – brn: DOM REP; US Army, MSgt. (ret 21 y.), EOD specialist
Charles F. Blair – Howard County, MD; US Army, Vietnam, helicopter pilot
Dwight “Cee-Born” Curry – East Meadow, NY; US Army, Gulf War
Frank L. Duncan – Toledo, OH; US Army Air Corps/Air Force, WWII, Korea & Vietnam, aircraft rescue & Firefighter, (Ret. 21 y.)
Melvin J. Goldberg – Tom’s River, NJ; US Navy, Medical unit, doctor
Alfred Hammon – Plainfield, NJ; US Merchant Marine, WWII / US Navy, Annapolis Class ’47, Korea, LT.
Timothy Johns – Wayne County, MI; US Army, dental clinic
Richard H. Johnson – Manlius, NY; US Air Force, Vietnam, pilot, DFC & Bronze Star, Lt.Col. (Ret.)
Lyle J. Madison – Silverdale, WA; US Army, Vietnam
Jerry O’Rear Jr. – Anaheim, CA; US Navy, Afghanistan, corpsman
Jerry S. Schafer – Port Townsend, WA; US Navy, Vietnam
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Posted on September 2, 2024, in First-hand Accounts, Letters home, SMITTY, Uncategorized, WWII and tagged 11th airborne, 1940's, Airborne, Army, family history, History, Military, Military History, Pacific War, WW2, WWII. Bookmark the permalink. 121 Comments.













Your father was good at writing and let us peep into his not so pleasant journey via his dry sense of humour
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Thank you very much, Maria.
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Another prime bit of snark from Smitty: “Now this rumor comes from good authority seeing that it came from a fellow whose first sergeant is a second cousin to the uncle of the father of the first mate whose brother is third cook on this boat.”
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hahaha, like I said – Dad sure could describe things!!
Thanks again, Liz.
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You’re welcome, GP! 😀
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That map would have made the trip interesting especially when they finally figured out where they were. Your Dad had a very positive attitude in always talking about sending things for when he got home again.
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I learned to read a map at an early age, thanks to Dad. I don’t think he ever wanted to be left in the dark again, like he was there.
Thanks, Bev.
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Ah, what a respectful letter. Shame, I wonder how long it took until his mother received it.
I will look up Cribbage. Thank you:)
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Thank you very much, Patricia.
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Ha. I’m feeling about like the cross-eyed pirate cat.
I enjoyed this letter and the pictures a lot, GP. Cards can be a spectator sport when there’s nowhere to go and not much else to do. Hugs.
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And that explains it in full, Teagan!
Hope you and the cat feel better real soon!
See ya in the funny papers kid!
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I like Smitty’s explanation of the rumour and how it was passed around. Just typical of rumours! Plenty of good humour at this point, maybe there’s some hope for landing for them – at last!
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I suppose they all felt the voyage couldn’t possibly last too much longer.
Thanks for stopping by!
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Getting a letter with humor must have been wonderful for any mom!
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I would think so. If he can smile, it can’t be all bad!? eh?
Thanks, Diane
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This was moving and humorous as well. I must say, I’m enjoying perusing your blog! The photographs are also very special.
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I’m very glad you found it interesting!
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Cribbage? Badminton? If Smitty was at sea for much longer after that, he might have started knitting!
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If it would help to pass the time – I think he might do it.
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I get claustrophobia just looking at that card playing photo!
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haha, I can understand that!
Thanks, Geoff.
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I can only imagine how special it was for his mom to receive this letter.. So sweet and touching with great humor❣️
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Dad said that he saw no reason to talk about war with his Mom. Even later on in life, he only talked about the fun or funny times; only war stories with other veterans.
Thank you for your time, Cindy.
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awwww love your dad. 💕
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Thanks, Cindy! I really do appreciate that!
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💗💗💗
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https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Recent/Article-View/Article/3826900/in-memoriam-rear-admiral-kenneth-william-pete-pettigrew-usnr/
“had been an interment service for Pete at the Miramar National Cemetary in the morning. For that event there was a four-Navy-aircraft flyover. The four pilots were the CNO, who had flown out from D.C. for the pass, the Navy’s Air Boss (CNAF/CNAP), the current C.O. and a past C.O. of the Top Gun school.”
He was also a docent on the USS Midway. I think he was technical advisor for both Top Gun movies and his call signal, Viper, was used by one of the fliers in that movie.
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https://usnhistory.navylive.dodlive.mil/Recent/Article-View/Article/3826900/in-memoriam-rear-admiral-kenneth-william-pete-pettigrew-usnr/
“had been an interment service for Pete at the Miramar National Cemetary in the morning. For that event there was a four-Navy-aircraft flyover. The four pilots were the CNO, who had flown out from D.C. for the pass, the Navy’s Air Boss (CNAF/CNAP), the current C.O. and a past C.O. of the Top Gun school.”
He was also a Docent on the Midway as well as being an advisor on both Top Gun movies.
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A grand send-off for one who did so much for his country.
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I was impressed and hope you can winnow the info to a usable length. Thanks, GP.
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I had to leave too much out. That is very impressive and I’m leaving all the obits visible on the blog for the readers to get into them.
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Wonderful idea, GP. I knew it was too extensive but I didn’t want to decide what not to include. I was impressed to read that the CNO was part of the 4-man flyover. The cemetery is adjacent to Miramar MCAS. My father and step-mother are both buried there.
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I appreciate you telling us.
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Thanks for your like of my article on Eschatology; you are very kind.
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No problem. I like to read about things other than war!
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I know that you do. Israel was always defending her borders LOL
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https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/hugh-barnes-obituary?id=56210128
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/myheraldreview/name/john-bodie-obituary?id=56108650
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/gerald-nichols-obituary?id=56170750
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/roy-sherwood-memorial?pid=195148474
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/carlos-jensen-memorial?pid=194541737
Sorry for the name dump, GP. I know you will do them proud as time permits.
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Thank you, Pat. Never apologize – I’ll get right on it!!
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Good Man. Smitty and I are proud of you.
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Thank you very much, Pat.
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Our pleasure. , 😁
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Another delightful letter. Thanks, GP.
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Thank you for coming by and taking the time out of your day, Jennie.
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Always a pleasure, GP. Always!
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I never thought of them playing badminton onboard… I’m betting my father never strayed from poker games.
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Whatever passed the time, eh? 19 days of staring at the ocean could drive anyone batty, eh?
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I love the sense of humor your dad shows, G. I would have liked to have known him. –Curt
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He was easy to talk to, I know you two would have gotten along well!!
Thank you, Curt.
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I am sure you are right, G.
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Perhaps all those men (who survived) would have enjoyed having this photo… for a time.
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Perhaps.
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Evil times; 7:07am – Got this from Kim Komandos e-mail:
Zip it: If your phone rings and someone says, “Can you hear me?” or “Is this [your name]?” hang up. Scammers record your “Yes” to create voice authorizations for bank account access. Bonus points if you report shady numbers to the Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker.
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Yes, I’ve heard about that “yes” scam. No matter how safe we think we are, someone comes up with a way to circumvent it.
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It’s fun to read these letters. You can almost feel his comfort level, even though he’s probably not comfortable. In any case, I’m sure his letters were a comfort to his mother.
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Dad would always try to make the most out of any situation, but I’m sure a bit of ‘cover-up’ was included for grandma.
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I’m sure. They dealt with everything that was going on, AND tried to make it easier for others.
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Amazing, isn’t it. That’s pretty much unheard of these days! 😧
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Social media would have never survived in that era. Selflessness doesn’t sell these days.
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haha, oh so true!!
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The letter is fun to read. It provides so many interesting details about leisure-time activities on the ship.
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It is good they had something to pass the time. Sitting around thinking about home or where you’re headed might not be conducive to a healthy voyage.
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These letters make very interesting reading.
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Thank you, Chris!
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That cartoon about ‘ below the water line’ reminded me of a friend of mine who joined the Navy during Vietnam War days . He thought he’d joint the Navy and see the world . The officer asked what his talents were and he mentioned working on car engines . For the rest of his service he was below decks in the engine room .
Also , that photo of the soldiers crowded aboard kind of tells the whole story about their crossing .
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haha, thanks for the stories, Dan.
I agree. I always use photos because I believe they tell the story better than I can ever write!
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Everett’s humor continues to shine through. I chuckled at his mention of “this rumor comes from good authority,” as all rumors do 😀
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I got the greatest kick out of that. I’m happy you did too!
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🙂
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Your father wrote in an honest, descriptive, conversational manner. In other words, he was a very fine writer.
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Thank you. I always thought so, but he didn’t.
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Smitty’s letters are a pleasure to read. You are fortunate to have these first-hand accounts and photos from your dad’s service in WWII.
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I do consider myself very lucky. I feel I had the best Dad in the world and I can hear his voice when I re-read these letters.
Thank you very much!
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“We can cable home money from abroad so might just as well take your advice — surprised? — and send it home for that day when we shall all return.”
I loved this humorous sentence especially the word, “surprised.” You can tell that Smitty and his mom had a wonderful connection. In every letter, there is a theme of hope, of coming home – truly profound and memorable.
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Dad grew up ‘man of the house’ and I think they generally grew up together.
Thank you, Rebecca.
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Those world maps have shifted quite a bit over the decades. I see paolsoren has beat me to commenting on how information was gathered in the Army. Your father had a way with words and could have been a writer.
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He did on a local level, but never thought he was any good and left it at that.
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Too bad he did not pursue writing. I would have enjoyed reading his work.
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And me as well. Wish I had pushed him! He enjoyed it!
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My dad learned cribbage in the Navy as well. He loved the game.
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I can’t recall ever seeing Dad play it, probably because Mom didn’t know how.
Thanks, John.
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My dad and grandfather played a lot.
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Glad he enjoyed movie night. I wonder what the film was?
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I’m afraid I never learned that.
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Love the origin of the ‘rumour’. Most rumours I ever heard had similar provenance! 😊
Best wishes, Pete.
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Thanks, Pete. I’ll bet the rumor-mill hasn’t changed much either!
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A lesson on how to beat boredom (no digital fallback either).
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Did you notice how close those bunks were? Now that’s what you can say is real social media, lol.
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Such a dry sense of humour and very British.
Glad to hear your week went well. Mine went a little like this…
After 6 weeks of volunteering, caught a bus from Lviv (Ukraine) to Krakow (Poland) with a holdup at the border of 8 hours, the trip took 12-plus hours. If you were to drive the stretch and not stop at the border it takes around 4 hours.
Two nights in Krakow, then a 3am start for the 4am train journey from Krakow to Frankfurt via Berlin (2 trains). This journey took 11 hours. Resting in Frankfurt for 4 nights before taking a late flight back to Australia on the 4th and arrive in Sydney early in the morning on the 6th.
A very long week! 😉
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YIKES! You had quite world-wind tour, eh? How long did it really seem the trip was?
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It’s been 18 months on the road but it was supposed to be 2 years.
Had to cut it short as our tenants didn’t renew the lease (downsizing and married in July) for another year, so our house is empty now and need to return. Ah well, 18 months is better than no months. 🙂
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Thank you. Yes, quite an experience.
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Enjoyed his description of information by scuttlebutt!
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I think it’s pretty clear how Army rumors are verified, eh? It must be why Dad always said, in the Army, believe none of what you hear and only half of what you see!
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All too true!
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I love that Smitty never lost his sense of humor. Mom must have loved getting these letters.
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She must have, but she died when I was 8 and had not found the scrapbook as yet.
Thank you so much, Jacqui!!
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Fascinating letter from your dad, GP, with all the information he can share. I’ve heard of Cribbage, but have never played it. Playing badminton on a ship while being transported to battle must have been good for the men.
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The officers at least. But then again, no one knew quite what to expect.
Thanks, Tim!
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I like the detailed information network
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Clear as mud, isn’t it?! haha, thanks, Derrick!
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The rumor mill is a classic. What a great sense of humor. Thanks, Smitty & GP for the great post.
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Thank you, Don.
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love this letter! have to do something to pass the time –
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I can imagine the boredom!
Thanks, Beth.
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Happy Labor Day, GP. Great ‘toons. Is that you in the shorts back in the day? Gotta love Smitty’s sense of humor.
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hah! I avoid cameras like the plague – always have!
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“glumly overjoyed” ha
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haha, I think Dad made his point, eh?!
Thanks, Joy!
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learned to play cribbage back in 62 @ Bethesda Naval Hosp. From retired Sgt Major while there for a football injury. He had some stories. Love the blogs. L. Fiddler 62-68 USMC Army Guard – 73-76. Aka the Rooster
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Well, L. Fiddler, USMC, if you have any other stories you’d like to share – All of us here love first-hand account stories, good or bad.
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We do!
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Stamps in a military environment on a ship? Really? I always thought that only Germans were the masters of such correctness to the end. 😉 Best wishes, Michael
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hahah, never underestimate the pettiness of the hierarchy! Even the post office wanted it’s share.
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” a fellow whose first sergeant is a second cousin to the uncle of the father of the first mate whose brother is third cook on this boat.” Sounds a lot like the way you find out important things in the Australian Army.
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hahaha, the Army is the Army!
Thanks, Paul!
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I’m trying to envision officers playing badminton on a crowded ship. Smitty’s letter was especially humorous this time.
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haha, I also loved the rumor mill description. I believe that’s what gave him the line, “Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.”
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Thank you, Ned.
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Thank you, James.
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