July 21, 1942 - Dear Audrey

Jan Palson

21 Jul 2026 — 4 min read

Fort Ruckman - Nahant, Massachusetts (Credit: Capt. Gerald Butler)

I got about 12 different rides...

No, that is not a good joke. Imagine if this guy actually tried to find Mom. At least she's in on the joke and can explain that Dad thinks he's funny - ha ha. It's always an exhausting adventure getting back to base after a wonderful break down in East Hartford. Recall that they've passed strict laws against speeding in order to save fuel so burning up the road is probably not a good idea. Lucky the conductor is on the ball. Do you think they doctored the pass again?

Original Letter

Transcript follows.

Transcript - July 21, 1942

Bat H - 9^th C.A., Fort Ruckman

Dear Audrey:

I hate this place today. After being practically two days with you. I don’t see how I can stay here. Everything gets me. The food, the men, the Army life all seem unbearable. Nothing would seem right after being with you, but this morning was the lowest I’ve ever felt. You are such a wonderful wife and you treat me so nice – well, I guess you spoil me. I love you darling so much. Without you this life is not worth much. I’m not disgusted but I am a little discouraged. What the deuce will I do if they transfer me way off someplace and then I won’t be able to see my girl at all. I go from one pass to the next and just exist in between. My girl is the nicest (softest) and prettiest girl in the world and I love you all the time.

Remember that fellow that picked me just as I was leaving you. Well he got one look at you and he raved for five miles on how nice you look. He thought you had picked me up was just dropping me off. What a guy! He wanted to go back and meet you. Well I told him you were my sister and that you worked in P&W. Just kidding but he got interested. He works over there and he has the same day off as you and he is just learning to play golf. He asked me all kinds of questions and I strung him along. I told him to look you up and you would be glad to see anyone who gave your brother a lift. He thinks he can locate you although I didn’t give him much to go by. Is that a good joke? Maybe I should have waited until he approached you and then you wouldn’t know what to think. I’ll never see the guy again and it would be funny if he did locate you and then find out you are my wife. One thing I liked about him was his taste. He took one look at you and then couldn’t get over how nice you are and that’s how I’ve felt for a long while. It is too bad for him that you are my girl.

I got a ride with another fellow (all in all I had quite a time. I got about 12 different rides) who really burnt the road up. He pulled up in back of a truck at one time and the truck driver decided to stop for some reason and so the fellow I was with had to stand on his brakes. The car stopped short and threw me up and off the seat. My nose hit the sun visor and so I left a little skin there. Nothing to it only it surprised me because I wasn’t watching the road. I did a little walking and a little waiting in places but I finally got to Boston. I was kind of tired and I fell asleep in the subway and the conductor had to wake me up. From Lynn a lady in a taxi picked me up and dropped me at the fort so I had quite a time. The guard at the gate hardly glanced at the pass and I got in without any trouble.

This was around 1:30 or 2 o’clock. I suppose being tired has something to do with my feeling so low, but I miss you. That part I am sure. I am waiting to see you this weekend.

All my love

Leonard