Document: PROJECT ACTIVITY
Status: Uncontrolled document; revision 1.1

Introduction

My father wrote many letters while serving in the Navy during WW2. This was such an important time in history I thought that I might share. Frankly, I don't really feel like I own them. I hope my dad would agree. Maybe historians and old hands might enjoy the letters.

I've copied the letters exactly as they were written but his long hand and terms combine to defeat my best efforts to transcribe. If you are Navy and spot some errors, drop a line. Thanks. Any notes and alternatives of mine will be delimited by (( and ))s.

Right now I'm just "pounding" in his many letters. Corrections will be made later. Letters will appear in order. The capitalized words at the beginning of all letters are programming artifacts. Ignore them. I'll fix them later. Thanks.

his son,
Hugh F Shedd
hfs2@yahoo.com

Photos/Scans

• Ajax 6 church bulletin, inside, July 15, 1945
• Ajax 6 church bulletin, outside, July 15, 1945
• Ajax 6 menu, July 4, 1945
• Ajax 6 menu, July 4, 1945
• Stationery example "navyAnchor"
• Stationery example "navyBlue"
• Stationery example "navyTucker" (USS Henry W. Tucker 875)
• Stationery example "viaAirRedBlue"
• USS Ajax - 6 Band 1945 HPShedd, far right, sax with glasses.

The Letters

Total number of letters is now 53.

DATE:: June 05, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Finally make it! It's really a relief to be thru with all these Receiving Stations! We are now living like humans again rather than like animals. Today I received the first mail I've had in at least two months and it was really swell to get letters from all of you again. I sure am glad thaty you kept writing. It was sort of like reading a story, we spent all afternoon at it. I got at least fifty letters in one bunch. It won't be like that again though because they have mail quite often on this ship, good service whcih I am glad of. I'm very sorry about Aunt Babe. I darn near fell off the stool when I read that, gosh it sure must have been tuff on you, expecially Gerry. Please send me his address and Uncle Vic's (do I include Lorraine?) Gosh, she was the last person in the world whi I expected to go. The other stuff however I was glad to hear, swell letters all of them. Gosh, I sure didn't like being with out mail for that length of time. There are so many things to answer and to tell that I don't know where to start. Our letters are limited to two pages. I don't want the matterss because they furnish nice heavy ones here. They also furnish the mattress covers ahd a free laundry. Concerning the accordian, I have again changed my mind, please "don't" send it at all until I get more established around here and learn the score. Will you please send me the slides now that I haven't seen. I got the four color prints, they're swell. Thanks alot. I'm not too sure of what my setup is yet, but I think that it will be pretty good. I must have been out of my mind to want an advanced base for duty. The farther out here you get, the fewer conveniences the lasd bases have and the worse the living conditions are. Boy this last Receiving Station was really primitive, floorless tents, old cots, rugged heads. But the Ajax is really a clean ship. The quarters are relatively roomy, the heads are big and there's fresh water for washing anytime. This last item is really a luxury out here. Some of these ships have water hours and regulation. Also cold, good tasting, fresh water for drinking all the time. Alot of these things are stuff I used to take for granted, but learned to get along with out. Now getting them ((??)) really seems good. They have a "gedunk" bar here, slingo for ice cream fountain and that stuff tastes darn good in the hot afternoon. Also they have cold ((cakes?)). This is a big ship and I'm darn glad of it. You would be amazed at the equipment and shops they have aboard. It might remind you of a big manufacturing plant, they've got everything. I've got a lot more to say buy this is page two so; Have no fears about my safety, everything is under control. You can be pretty sure that when they take a ship this valuable anywhere, that area is pretty well secured. This ship services the fighting Navy and they aren't going to take any foolish, unnecessary chances with it - more tomorrow nite. love, Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 06, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Well, I'm still on this ship and feeling great. I'm not sure where I left off last nite, but I might tell you more about the ship. The living quarters are very comfortable and clean which is half the battle of life on a ship, for me at least. I ahppened to draw a lower bunk and a middle-height locker. The sacks((?)) are four high & the lockers are three high. They are square jobs with shelves and a couple little drawers. Mine is really packed. I think I've got plenty of cloths for a long journey. The laundry work here is free, all we do is put it in large sacks and the next time we see it, it is clean and on our sacks - quite a set-up eh? Another thing good, for me, is that they have another bunch cleaning up the compartment and the head. The head itself is also big and roomy. I take a shower morning and nite. It's easy to stay clan here and most of the guys do. The shop which we use as haed quarters is really mice. It is not only well ventilated but it is air-conditioned and you can really tell the difference in temperature. They also have one heck of a lot good equipment around for the jobs. Each guy get his own tool box sooner or later. Right now we're the "new" boys around here and hence we get all the "low" jobs. Later on I suppose however that we will get ours and get to work on some of the stuff we were trained to do. In the Navy they do everything according to the seniority system, which may have its advantages, but I know for sure that it has disadvantages. Remember my mentioning two other guys from the Chicago School who are assigned to this ship, well they finally pulled in today. They were just as relieved and glad to get here as we were. They got here three days behind us due to a mix up back at one of the islands. Say did you ever get that request of mine for a pair of leather soled slippers, ((black??)). If not will you please send me a pair. I would like about size 11C if possible, 2nd choice 10 1/2 C. They would be very convenient and handy around here. Mabye you could get your hands on some lanundry clothing dye or printers ink. I need something for my stenciling fo clothers so that my name on my clothes doesn't come off. If yu can please send it , if it's in a glass bottle, the way to send it according to the local "salts" is in a slightly oversized tin can. I appreciate the stamps dearie but out here we only need six cents for air mail. Well, I guess I'd better quit while I've still room to. Everything is OK, it'sjust like downtown, only not so many street cars! love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 07, 1945 (1 of 2 letters this day) SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad Marlyss, Well, they've finally put us to work, not the stuff we're trained for, but just plain old fashioned manual labor. The way they work it is that when some ship wants some havy work done they see the Ajax. For the most part the RTs aboard the individual ships can take care of the small console work, but they call us for bigger work. I've been to two different ships already so far. It's pretty interesting work. Today I ran into another guy I knew from T.I. who was stationed aboard one of these ships I was on - a ship which incidentally I am glad not to be on. We may get hot and dirty out on this job, but we can always come back and clean up and go up to the air-conditioned shop and read, write, etc. I'm really well pleased with this setup here. I'm afraid it will be quite a long time before I get second class because of the system here. There is a quota system and the ship is allowed so many chiefs, 1st, 2nd & 3rd. Right now they are pretty full and it looks like a long time before any of the old timers will be leaving. Also there are quite a few third class men here who ((??)) alone in this seniority buisness. Say I finally lost my dark glasses. Would you please send me another pair - a couple shades darker than the ones I had before and in the same style and shape, please. I'm not sure where I lost them, but I sure do miss them. This sun is really bright. Well, guess I'll quit for now. I can see that I'd better save a littel of my material because there's practically nothing to wite about after I'm through with the descriptions. love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 07, 1945 (1 of 2 letters this day) SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, It sure is swell to get mail out here from all youse. I'm getting your mail in twelve to thirteen days, which is darn fast for the distance it has too travel. They've really got us in the swing of things around here today. We left the ship this morning at 7:30 and didn't get back until about 5:30 this evening. We were working over on one of the fighting ships which is around. It is nice to get back to this ship at nite and get cleaned up again. I was swinging from one of the ((stacks?)) in a bosin's chair this afternoon. I'm glad that heights don't bother me too much. Will you please start a subscription for me for the "Sunday" paper only. I think it would be a good deal. Sch((aufelberger?)) and myself have liberty tomorrow. It's going to be interesting to see what goes on ashore here. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 09, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, My liberty today was really quite an experience. Sch((eufelbeger)) & myself went together. We left about 9:00 this morning and got back about 5:00 this afternoon. It's quite aways to this particular beach and it took us about an hour and a half in one of these big whale boats. When we finally got there, the joker in charge asked if we wanted the beer & sandwiches right away - definitely. So we had beer & sandwiches as soon as possible. The sandwiches were OK and the beer was cold, but it was too darn bitter or green. I had all I could do to down my three. The natives have set up sort of a trading center or bazaar right near the recreation center. They have all kinds of stuff, mostly little ((??)) made from small manilla((?)) hemp linen dyed various colors. They have hemp ((shirts OR skirts)), mats, purses and so forth. The prices however are extrememly high. They think that the lowest denomination of money is one dollar and all their prices are based on multiples of this basic medium of exchange. All the kids run around with foreign currency yelling, hey Joe! one dallah, one dollah, hey Joe! The natives are small people. They wear no shoes and their feet are as wide and flat propotionally as ducks. I bought you a purse made by them and I'll send it as soon as I can find a suitable container to dispatch it in. I would have liked one of those bolo knives but they ask - and get - fifteen dollars per on for these darn things. Someday I might break down though. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 10, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Say dearie just what are you President of down at that "darn old school"? Mother & Dad say the League, while Grandma said the Glee Club. Letter one sure is swell, but I'd like to get the straight dope. I've sure been working steady the last week. I've been over to other ships for the last five days straight and I'm going back tomorrow. I like it though, you see lot's of stuff and the time goes faster that way. Reveille on this boat is at 5:30 for some unknown reason. If we're going out on a job we eat early chow and leave in a small boat at 7:30. We eat noon chow on the other ship and return to the Ajax at 5:30. So you see we have a pretty full day. Usually I come back up to the shop - since it's air-conditioned - and write letters and talk for awhile. Usually everyone hits the sack by 9:30 at least. I'm going to learn how to run a metal lathe. We have a small one in the shop here and one of the boys has consented to give me the word on it. He's a machinist by trade so the Navy makes an RT out of him. They probably have some unknown reason for this procedure. Very queer. Anyway I plan on learning how to operate the darn thing - good experience or fun or something. Say I got a letter from you in nine days, which is really travelling for where I am. I assure you I've never been so far from home before! love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 15, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, I'm going to check up on the dope you gave me about not sending the accordian. I think maybe I'll go see the Cahplain on board the ship here and see what he has to say. Those guys usually have the inside word on such stuff. I hope I get some different dope. However they have a piano down in the forward crew's mess, whcih I may be able to play once in awhile. I'm glad I brought along these extra metal rim & frame glasses. Those are the ones I wear during the day. It's so warm that the plastic ones slide right off. These shell or plastic ones I wear at nite. Also it's a good idea to wear the unbreakable ones out on the job because you never know what's going to hit you. My skull is a mass of little lumps now from forgetting to duck for low overheads! These last few days I've been working on some of the gear which we were trained to fix. It is really pretty interesting work doing that stuff. Each job is a new challenge sort of. Today I had most of the afternoon off, the power supply was fouled up so we couldn't work on the gear. I bought some more sets of dungarees. The don't last more than two days at the most so you've got to have quite a few sets. Also I had a haircut. There is a regular barbershop here with three chairs, and they clip your hair so you con't come back for awhile. I also had a couple cups of "geeclunks"((??)) - Navy language for ice cream. There is a soda fountain here too, serving cokes everyday and ice cream every day except the two when there is geeclunk((??)) for one of the meals. I haven't found a box yet for that purse((??)), but don't give up. I'll send it soon - don't have much time to scout around for boxes. I've sent for my University Correspondent courses, but I suppose it'll be a long time before I get them, 2nd & 3rd class mail takes years to get here. love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 16, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, I looked into the accordian deal and I guess you are right about not being able to send it. However I've got an idea about it - which refers to Marlyss' accordian. I've decided I'd rather have the smaller one because I think the setup around here warrants it. See if maybe you can't take the small accordian apart - and send me the parts. I know of three sectinos which if can be broken into, maybe there are more that I don't know of. I hope the parts won't be too big to send. Making a case for it here will be a fairly easy matter. Let me know if this is impossible maybe I can get a chit for it from here. I sat around during the ship's band practice last nite. They're not so bad. I folled around with an old tenor sax. For lack of other amusement I might start practicing on it, but I hope the accordian comes thru. love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 17, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Well today was sort of a holiday. I guess we're just in sort of an inbetween period, finishing jobs and waiting for new ones. However I fear that tomarrow will be a busy day for your little boy. I'm on a working party tomarrow. Don't know what kind it will be yet, but they usually don't assemble the guys to play checkers. Every one up to and including third class men are eligible for these working poarties. Thus you can see that I would like very much to make 2nd class, but I'm afraid that it's a long way off. I sure hope you can disassemble Marlyss' accordian and send the pieces out here. Anyway let me know what samll pieces can be sent if any. They've got an opening for another tenor sax in the band and also the extra instrument is aournd, so I've decided to practice. Obviously I need a terrific amount of practice. I might say an infinite amount, but it's something to do and the evenings do go slow at times. I might be able to get into condition to play the darn thing in a few months! The band isn't too red hot and my type of playing might be unnoticed. So will you please send me a plastic mouth piece, acouple plastic reeds, and a reed clamp to hold the reed in place on the mouthpiece. Don't get any expensive one and please pack it small and send it first class because parcel post takes a few mohths. If you can send the accordian components, don't bother sending the accordian parts first class. Please send my picture slides, will you? That's too bad about your dance dearie, but I hope you had a good time with the fellow John got from school. By the way do you know John's address or hasn't he left the States yet. love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 18, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss. Well, even if it wasn't too hard work, that working party I mentioned last nite sure was long. We left the ship at 7:30 and didn't return till 7:30 tonite. There is a radio station here. At the present I'm listening to a rebroadcast of the Phil ((Spitaling's ??)) All Girl Orchestra. Boy they sure sound good, especially out here. They put some good stuff on the air, mostly music thruout the day, then at nite the various good evening radio plays, shows, etc. I guess they have access to all four major broadcasting networks from the States. I've heard a couple of these Command Performances with numerous stars on one show and they are strictly on the ball. Well, guess I don't have much more to say. More tomarrow nite. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 20, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Another thought on the accordian deal, if you can disect it, maybe you'd better number and note the contents of each package in case on doesn't arrive, due to poor mail. We've been doing some high work these last couple days. The ship along side us is supposed to have the highest mast for ships of its class. We're working right up there at the top. They say that it's 167 feet above the water, and that's really a ways up. It's been pretty heavy work and we've been working with the bosuns mates. What a group of guys! This life is leaving me feeling pretty good. The one important fact is that when I hit the sack at nite I'm sure I'll be able to sleep all nite undisturbed. Taps is usually about 9:30. Right after the evening show. Reveille is 5:30. This seems a little early but it's just on of the prices we pay for the other advantages. I don't think I've been up any later than 10:00 since I've been aboard. How's sailing? I suppose that by now the races have begun and things are really rolling. Hope you win some! love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 22, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, It sure must take my efforts a loing time to get home. I received a letter dated the 13th and you still hadn't gotten the word that I was on the Ajax. Incidentally I got one letter in only 7 days. I got on copy of a huge letter whcih was supposed to have been in duplcate. The AirMail seems to come thru swell, but the fourth class stuff takes a heck of a long time. Well, I'm finally getting used to height. I was up on the mast of the ship alonside today, 160 feet above sea level, clibing around like a monkey, with no apparent fears. I wish I could tell you more about what I'm doing, but so far the training they gave us hasn't been too helpful. Of course, being the "new boys" around the shop we get the stuff like, "Hey you, gimme a pair of pliers", "throw me that line", "Put in those bolts" and soforth. But I guess they all went thru the same stage at first. The majority of the guys in the shop have dah their time at sea for the rotation plan and 30 days leave, so we're probably their replacements and no doubt we will be taking over their jobs in a few months. Well, I actually did some practicing on the sax this afternoon after ((knocking?)) off time. I tried to remember some of the exercises that the MacPhail man gave me when I took those few lessons. My mouth is sort of sore at the present. I think that I might be able to work it into something pretty soon. Anyway I'm going to try to practice daily, if the work permits it. Please send John N's address as soon as possible, he will no doubt be leaving soon. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 24, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, I got your letters today with the "Div 9"((?)) added to the address, meaning you know I'm here. One of them came over in seven days which is the fastest I've seen around here yet. Please don't forget about the sax mouthpiece, reed, etc. I'm really practicing on the darn thing - I manage to get in about forty-five minutes after work Sat nite. We have good ((??)) when we stay on the ship. Usually we start at about 8:00 in the morning till 11:30 and then 1:00 till 4:30 in the afternoon. Sort of bankers hours eh? But of course we're not on the ship every day! The 6 cent stamps are good for all correspondance from now on so you may as well use them. Say the aviation business sure sounds good, especially that twin Cessna deal, except of course for the upkeep. That plane would really be a good deal for going places, but there wouldn't be much capricious flying. Those Keplinger letters were interesting. I'd like to see more after you're finished with them. Well, guess that's it tonite. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 26, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad Marlyss, We've been at our present anchorage now for one month, so according to the holy customs of our Navy I can tell you where we were last. So I'll start from when I left Pearl Harbor (Oahu). We went out of Oahu in a new destroyer. As soon as we passengers were aboard we were assigned General Quarter stations and I drew a position high up in the deals which aim the guns. We were at G.Q. for five hours the first day and along with the rolling of the ship, it was really an experience. After the first day we were only at G.Q. for an hour a day, but with the daily watches it seemed plenty long. It took us seven days to get to Eniwetok Atolls, but we had to travel slowly because we were with a convoy. These islands were the ones I mentioned as being extremely bare, as a matter of fact you could see the ships before the islands were visible. After a four day layover we set sail again on an L.S.T. It took us five days on this slow boat to get to Guam. Life for the passengers on this ship is pretty good, nothing to do but keep our compartments clean. At Guam we were held up for a little over two weeks. The place isn't completely built up yet, but the living conditions for the transients were better than at Eniwetok. Then we flew in a Marine manned air mail plane - a C-52 - from Guam to Ulithi. Ulithi was where we were to have gotten aboard the Ajax, but we missed it by about five hours. We lived on ((Asor OR Asar??)) for about five days and then took another and older LST up to our present anchorage. So that's the story of my wonderings except for my present location. I've been talking to some of the guys around here about this accordian deal. They say that the Red Cross might be able to authorize sending the entire accordian, if not maybe I'll((?)) get our chaplain to give me some kind of a chit for it. Any way see if the Red Cross can do anything and give the word. love Plymie S.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 27, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, The correspondence is comming thru swll, takes about seven to nie days for it to arrive. We have mail call just about everyday here and during bad times they give out mail every other day. I guess we have such good delivery because the ship doesn't move around much. How's the dock comming? I hope you get it up before fall so you can use it some. I haven't been swimming since I left Hawaii. I have a fairly low opinion of salt water bathing. Say did I ask you for the picture slides I took while I was at home? I'll sure like to see them. I could start a riot around here with those pitures of the snow and wintery stuff. The temperature is a bit high at times around here. I'm still managing to get in the sax practice. I'm getting to the point now where my mouth is pretty much in shape - the reading is still my nemisis. However one of the guys has strightened me out on rading time so maybe in the near future I'll be able to get some results. I'm reading 4th tenor parts now and since I don't know how they should sound, I'm forced to do reading. They have a big show comming up the 4th and after that I'm planning to go sit in on a few prctices and see how things work out, undoubtedly I'll have to listen to the faster ones. Please don't forget the mouthpiece, redds, clamp. Every things OK down here, love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 28, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad Mother, Marlyss I suppose this will b a little late, but Happy 4th and associated stuff. Those celebrations we used to have at the farm are one which I'll never forget. I can remember how anxious we were for nite time to roll around so you could set off all the stuff out on the golf course. Boy, we sure had fun outh there every summer. I suppose it was a pretty trying life for you out there at times. I can see now that there were a lot of things you had to give up to take us outh there each summer. I guess Gerry, Marlyss and myself had just about as much fun as you did on the party weekends. I hope I'll be able to run things ((??)) that sort as well as you guys did. I can remember your letting us stay up late Saturday nite when it should have been plain to us that we should be in bed. I know I'll never forget all the things you did, not only out there but at home all the time too. I guess these are all things which needn't have been said, because you undoubtabley realize all of them. Besides I know that I can't write all the tins I'm thinking now. For some reason tonite I just wish I was home a little more than usual. The more different people I see and talk to, the more hard it is for me to figure out how come I'm so lucky. I sure hope I can do half as well by my kids, if and when. All the little things I can remember would take ages to write down, and the longer I'm here the more things I think of to remember. I guess a guy has to be away from a good thing a bit to realize how good it is, not that I didn't appreciate and realize before, but somehow the values have changed. Probably the people we lived and played with had something to do with it, cause now when I see people of all kinds, I sort of get bowled over by how fortunate I was. I can remember now that there were a lot of wonderful things I took for granted when I should have been very thankful. Maybe a year away at school would be a good thing dearie, you'd sure realize fast what a swell place you live in and what wonderful people you've got for a family. Here's on ((??)) ((??)) not however! I guess this is sort of a peculiar letter, but it's just the way my mind is running tonite. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 29, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, This noon I heard one of the funniest radio shows I've ever heard. It was the Command Performance show presentation of a story about Dick Tracy. You probably saw the write up it had in Life a couple months ago. Bod Hope, Jerry Col...a((??)), Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Judy Garland, Andrews Sisters, Jinnie Durate, Frank Morgan, and many more. It was really a masterpiece of nonsense and music. If you didn't see the writeup, try to find it and read some, they can probably give you a better account of it than I can. It had us all in the aisles today anyhow. I can't figure how come I'm so ambitious but I've been practicing religiouly on the woodwind instrument. Actually I believe my reading is imporving some. I know for sure that I can read time better already, guess all I needed was a little application. After the ship's show on the 4th I think I'll try playing with them. Maybe you can find a good saxophone instruction book some where. I know I had a couple while I was taking - if you find them, please send them first class mail. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: June 30, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Have you done any speculation in the aviation industry as yet? I wouldn't go so far as to say you actually have, but I'll but you're in there snooping around. I imageine if you wait around long enuff you're liable to make a pretty good deal. Probably they'll be selling a lot of these Higgins Boats, LCUP's and other small boats before long too. I don't know as these boats are so hot, but with a new hull and the same engines, you'd really make time. Most of the guys around here are not expecting a peace too soon. But back in Guam, the bomber pilots were betting pretty big money on a finish in about 3 months. It seems rather soon to me, but they see a lot I don't too. I don't think this ship will return before the end, but I'm not sure. You haven't mentioned about a subscription for the Sunday paper as yet. I sure would like to see one once in a while. Well, guess there's nothing out of the ordinary which I can tell you tonite. I suppose anyway if was odd it would be censored. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 01, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss Maybe I mentioned this before, but I don't think so. There is a ship's company - which keeps up the ship - and a repair department - which does the outside work for other ships. Periodically the ship's company requisitions working parties from the repair dept. All men up to and including 3rd class are eligible to be put on these parties, so today I had another one. I worked for the galley, arranging stores in one of the refrigeration rooms. It's the first time I've been cold since I left home. This particular cooler was for fruits & vegetables and it was only about 35 or 40 in it. The one for meats they tell me is really cold, but I didn't find out. The room was about 20 X 20 and about 10 feet high, so you can see that they really lhad room for a lot of stuff. At least it was a cool working party. Please remember the sax instruction books. I'm still practicing. I got Geary's and Uncle Vic's addresses and I'll write as soon as I get the feeling. I've got to be in the right frame of mind for letters like those. Well, I guess this is ((??)) or ((??)) tonite. Off the record: one strawberry to other strawberry "If we hadn't been in the same bed together we wouldn't be in this jam now". love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 02, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Today we had the first holiday routine we've had since I came aboard the mighty A. When the repair department has holiday routine - a rare occurrence - everyone really craps out deluxe. Most of the guys catch up on lost sleep, but some stay up and play cards, write, etc. It's really a relief to have a full day to yourself for a change, but actually the day does sort of drag at points. I had the suprise of my life today. I was sleeping in the shop this afternoon and when I awoke I was sort of sweaty, etc so I took me a shower. When I came back up to the shop one of the guys was getting some parts for an officer and man. I looked at the officer and went on into the other shop where the guys were. Then it suddely hit me that that guy looked awful familiar, so I went and had another look. I said 'hey isn't you name Duff', and sure enuff it was. It was Nick Duff. He's an NROTC Ensign and is stationed on a Destroyer which happens to be in the harbour now. He and his man were over here after some spare parts for their equipment. I guess he's the assistant communications officer on their ship. You might call his folks and tell them that I saw him. He's really looking swell and he seems to be in pretty good shape. We only had about thirty minutes to talk over old times and stuff. He's not been in any engagement as yet, but I don't think he'll be waiting ong now. It was really quite a thrill to see some on from home! Well I got hooked for watches finally. The ((??)) 4 - 8 this afternoon and tomarrow morning. For this month I'm scheduled for watches every fourth day. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 03, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, In reguard to this seniority set-up by which they rate here in the shop, there are five guys ahead of us who have to get 2nd before us. I guess about the only incentive for the advancement is getting out of these working parties. I had liberty today. A short one of about five hours. We went to a nearby beach for the old beer party. I had six cans myself and it made me sort of dizzy, to say the least. I guess the temperature around here has a little to do with the effects. They have sandwitches too, just a regular beer picnic - this time it was Budweiser. They won't let us go exploring back in the hills anymore. I guess too many guys were going AWOL. They've erected a large fence and have installed S.P.s at all the gates with popguns. The native trading also has been curbed. I guess some guys died from their home brew liquor - don't worry I never even remotely think about that stuff. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 04, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, I was paid the other day for the first time since leaving Treasure Island and I received quite a sum. So I'm sending most of it home via the post office money order. There's no sense in losing it all in one envelope so I'm sending it in three separate letters, so be expecting them. This is the first one. They've been keeping us pretty busy these days, maybe things will let up for a while now though, I hope. I helped load stores last nite and I really got quite a bit of exercise. I think there will be holiday routine tomarrow, but I'm not too sure, one of the many rumors floating around now. Well, guess I haven't much to say now. I'm just going up to see Betty Grable in "Billie Rose's Diamond Horseshoe"((?)). It's really crowded tonite. Grable's SA no doubt. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 05, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Her's some more money fro my account or old socks or where ever you hide it. I was thinking maybe you'd buy me some stocks in some good company with the money. I'm sending home $240. I should be able to get a couple shares of something at least. But let me know what you thnk of it. I should start building up some ((??)) now as well as later. It's a cinch I don't need the money out here. Let me know if all the money orders got home. I just wrote Uncle Vic a letter. I don't know what he'll think of it, but I make an attempt. It sure is a hard thing to write a letter about. I'm not so good at writing condolances I guess. Well, we had holiday routine today. It's a good feeling to be able to spend your time as you see fit. Say you haven't mentioned the accordian yet. How is it coming, should I see the Chaplain? love Plymie H.P.S.

DATE:: July 07, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: menuJuly4 HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, I received the letter you forwarded from Bather. I'll go down & see the Chaplain about the accordian dad, maybe he can get some thing done for me. Have you sent the kodak colored slides yet. I'd sure like to see them. Thanks for the sax parts. They're not here yet but you said they were sent. Please send the instruction books for said instrument too! Also here is the third and final - for a while - money order for the investments. I guess I asked for quite a few things, but they're stuff you cna't get here. If you can get it, will you please send me some Colgate's tooth paste, probably better send it in an old tin can, so it doesn't get squashed. We actually had this "piece de resistance" for dinner last Wednesday, it was stupendous. I found existing to be quite an effort after the meal. Besides this meal we had "holiday" routine all day - complete crap out! My progress on the sax has reached sort of a slowing up point - my lips don't hurt so much any more, but I can't control my fingers well enuff as yet. I'd much rather be spending my time on the accordian however, but I'm helping my reading of time a little. A couple guys have warned me about what the weather will do to the reeds of the accordian. I guess they will be pretty susceptible to rust and corrosion, it's so warm and moist. I hope Marlyss, that you don't mind a few rusted notes on your accordian. Maybe something can be done to prevent the rusting, but I don't know what it could be. ((On side of menu)) Let me know if you got all the money orders, if not the numbers of the one or two you did get. love & kisses Plymie

DATE:: July 11, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: naveBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad Marlyss, We've been working over on a little "carrier" for the last couple days and they've really been keeping us pretty busy. It was my first time aboard a carrier and it sure is interesting. I think they're impractical though, because the darn flight decks are too short for a plane to come in on. I really would like to see a landing operation sometime, there must be quite a lot to it. I played the piano over there too. They have a darn good upright piano on the hanger decks where their band practices. My fingers are pretty stiff now, but I could still play a few pieces. They also have a regulation basketball court on the hanger deck and I had a chance for some fooling around. We were there on a Sunday and they had a basketball game with a team from another carrier. It was really fun, just like downttown only not so many streetcars. We have to go back tomarrow but wi'll no doubt have a full day, except for the piano at noon hour. You never mentioned anything about the slippers, please don't forget them, 10 1/2 D or C. I haven't had a chance to see the cahplain yet, but I'll go down as soon as I get a day on board. love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 12, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: navyBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Well, we were over on the same carrier again today, so I had a little piano workout at noon. It sure is great to play again a little. I'm still working on the accordian deal, as soon as I get a day aboard ship, I'll go see what can be done. Say I really got a big charge out of the "Aysop's Feelkes"((??)), they're really clever. Also the clippings were interesting no end. I received my glasses intact, they're really nice jobs, thanks alot. They are the correct shade, but I'm not so sure you need have another pair made up. I didn't have to wait too long for these when ((I))lost the other ones, but do what you figure best. I got Charlies forwarded letter. Say that must have been nice for the Hanson's haveing Stew & Rose home at the same time. Gosh it's been a long time since I've seen Steve, two or three years I thnk, at least it seems that long. He told you where I am, I'm probably still there, because we haven't moved yet. Your mail is positivily not censored so you can say what you like. Our laundry is temporarily on the blink so's I gots to do some washing. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 13, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: blueNavy HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, We finished up on the carrier early this morning but we had to wait for the small boat to come back to the Ajax. Therefore we had a little free time you might say - so I really had a good time on their piano. I must have played for about two or three hours there. It was really great. I played a lot of pieces I'd never heard before, it really surprised me, what I could do after I got going alittle. Anyway I wish the piano aboard here was good enuff to play. I'm still working on the squeezebox deal. We came back about noon and the warrent let us have the afternoon off. I had need of new shoes ties ((??)) so I bought same and also one haircut - and I do mean haircut, really a sort heimie. It's nice to have a little time off to strighten out your personal matters like the afore mentioned crud. How's the sailing going, by now you should be pretty got at it. I'd like to go sailing with you sometime. By the way did any of the boats ever get named? love & kisses & stuff like that thar, Plymie H.P Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 14, 1945 #1 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, I saw the Chaplain tonite and he told me how I can get the accordian out here. I wrote you a letter to the office requesting said instrument. He is going to add a letter of his own to make it official. Then I guess you take both letters to the post-office and they will accept the crate for shipment. The Chaplain's letter will probably give you a little more dope, but I think it's some sort of a deal like sending it to the ship's band. I think it had better be packed a little better than the other one was becuase it will no doubt take a terrific beating. Before you send it can you have an "H.P.Shedd" put in "small" letters in some inconspicuous place on the case and the accordian - nothing is yours lessen you have a name on it. Don't ((Don't, underlined)) put the name in big letters though, just in a little inconspicuous place please. Well, it looks like I've got a good opportunitiy to really learn how to play the squeezebox so will you see if you can locate some really good instruction book or lesson books for said instrument. I'd like to practice with some sort of a method. Well, I hope the thing gets here in a couple months. Remember I'm referring to the small accordian, Marlyss' one. love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 14, 1945 #2 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, I took the letter of accordian request down to the Chaplain this morning and he had me add a few P.S.s which you will see when you get the letter. I sent it to the office. I'm really pretty sure that you'll need a wooden crate for it. I worked in the fleet post office for a few days and the parcel post & stuff like that really takes a beating - tossed around, outside in the weather, etc. Also will you see if some sort of a small lock arrangement can be put on the case, please. I expect it will take about two or three mohths to get here. How about those Keplinger News Letters, they were interesting. I'm reading that sort of stuff now. I read Time from cover to cover every week. Now for some unknown reason I find it interesting. We get the little Pony edition - minus the advertisements. Believe it or not I'm getting to be a fairly proficient gas welder. Some of the stuff we've been working on has called for replacing metal parts, so I've had a lot of chance to practice at it. The dark glasses you sent ((??)) the welding glggles make a pretty good set-up. love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 16, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: churchBulletin01 HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, We had Holiday routine today and it was enjoyed much by all hands. ((??)) you see the stationery is one of the Church programs. Usually they have some sort of a picture in this space, the choir, band, etc. The church services are pretty good, but I can't see eye to eye with a lot of things that are said. I guess I'm not the right type. The way they see it, all people are bad and should spend their entire life trying to make up or repent for their sins - well everybody to his or her opinions. You asked me if I need money - probably before those money order got there. But I haven't spent more than $15.00 since I came aboard and most of that was on clothes. I got in about an hour and a half practice on the sax this morning too. The mouthpiece, etc, isn't here yet, but it will be no doubt before this letter gets home. I'm going to try playing with the next Thursday, just the easy ones of course at first - probably a ((??)) time. love & kissis Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 18, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRebBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Remember when I left fo S.F that you told me to look up Ray ((Habermann OR Halermann OR ...) on a certain ship. Well his ship is tied up along side us now for repairs. I went over to see him this evening and we had a pretty good talk. I'll probably go over again tomarrow as their ship will probably be here awhile. We had a swell session, talked about four hours stright. You might call his parents and tell them where he is and that he's looking swell and in good health. I guess they've see a little action, but no damage yet. It's great to see a friend out there. I got your letter reguarding instructions for the small accordian and I suppose by now that you've received mine. They are pretty much the same except that the Chaplain said his say so would do as well as the Captain's in this matter. Anyway we'll see what can be done with the two ((letters ??)) which should be there by now. If it doesn't work the way I sent then I'll go higher up. That was tough luck about the sailboat dearie, but maybe it'll be fixed before the season's over - we hope! That's a sexy name you picked for the boat - how about the motor boat? love and kisses Plymie S.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 20, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mohter, Marlyss, In case you can't get in touch with ((Haleerman's OR Halaman's OR ...)) mother, his dad's initials are R.E. They will probably be glad to know where he is and that he's feeling great & healthy. Materal for writing is pretty scarce at the present. I've been aboard the ship for quite a while lately working on an antenna. We're just about thru with it, quite an overhauling job we gave it, if I do say so. Well, I personally am feeling pretty good. I get plenty of sleep and food. It hasn't been too hot laetely either so sleep has come pretty good. The correspondnent course I sent for hasn't come yet. I suppose they got in the 3rd class stuff - if so it'll be quite a while before I get them. Just a check on the accordian - it's Marlyss', some sort of inconspicuous indentification, a lock if possible, and a good set of instructions and lessons. love & kissies Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 22, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Well, I really had fun tonite, it was quite an experience! I played with the band for the first time. I was attempting the 4th tenor part. I managed to keep up with them during the easier pieces or passages pretty well, but there was a heck of a lot I missed. They had a lot of little runs and passing notes that I couldn't get, but I'm going down tomarrow - if we have holiday routine - with the 2nd tenor man and he's going to help me over the rough spots. I find that its pretty darn easy to read the time, it's the actual notes that get me. I thought it would be the other way around, but sitting next to one who's playing the same rytham helps quite a bit. You actually have to read way ahead of what you're playing in order to come even close to reading correctly. Anyway it's alot of fun and I think I'll get something out of it, because I'm sure putting alot into it. They had just gotten a new batch of music from the States so they went thru all new pieces - one time I'm worrying about the fingering, next time it's the notes or maybe I've lost my place. I was sure a busy boy for awhile. The band ((??)) of - ((??)) me - three saxes (1 tenor, 2 alto), two trumpets, a trombone, base, drums, and piano. The guys said that the 4th sax helped fill out the group a little. I guess they need one more trombone to really fix them up. It is a pretty good sounding bunch for just a ((thrown)) together gand for the crew. They've been playing quite a few other places too, lately. Besides our own ship, they've given the vaudeville show on two other ships and the band with out the acts has played over at the officer's club - so you can see that they've got a pretty good circuit so far. They're thinking of doing the show over at the hospital ship, but no difinite word yet. Out of all the guys there are only two who ever played professionally before, as sax man and I'm not too sure about the trumpet - if they can't read the new stuff fast enough, the first time, you never know it, they can fake it well enough to cover up. I guess there's tricks to every trade. Quite a long commentary on the music life around here, but it sure is fun. Soon I hope to be writing you as a regular member - if I keep up the present work, it shouldn't be long. It practically started from scratch about six weeks ago - now it's a fair sized ((??)). love Plymie - did you ever get the three money orders yet? - AR-5 stnads for Auzilliary Repair - ship number 6 there are about 9 or 10 ships like this I think. H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 26, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, This time lag in the letter writing is a funny thing. I guess we repeart ourselves quite a bit, but I guess it can't be changed. I hope that by now you've received the letter the Chaplain wrote. Just to check if you haven't sent it alrady - it should be Marlyss's accordian, ((??)) if possible, inconspicuously marked with "Shedd" someplace, and a couple good instruction books. I hope it is well created, because as I said, the mail takes abeating. My evenings have been pretty full this week. I'm finally playing with the band - perhaps I should change the playing to trying to play. Some of the stuff goes suprising well, while most of it goes about as suspected. ((??)) just I that my biggest trouble would be reading, but actually can read faster than I can finger the darn thing. We had a practice session for the saxes alone tonite and it really helped out alot. I think I could go on indefinitely naming my faults on the sax, but you know already what they are I suppose. The band is going over to the beach Sunday to play at the officer's club. I'm not so sure I'll go though. I'm afraid I'll louse it up. Boy they sure have to play some of the pieces fast! I've been able to practice every morning on the ((??)). We have revalle at 5:30 and ((??)) doesn't go down till 7:00 so you can see that there's ample time there for it. But I'd rather be spending it on the accordian, so I hope that you forward some good insturction and exercise books. Say I'm wondering if you could send that rubber mattress. I don't need it yet but about seven guys in the shop have been out here of 19 months so there due to go back to the states pretty soon. Seeing as how they all sleep in the shop - air-conditioned shop - there will be spots open so we new boys can move up. If you do send it, you'd best put it in a small wooden box and register it if possible, because that's something which shouldn't be lost. Now, I know you use it for hunting etc so you might as well wait till you're thru with it because these guys won't be leaving for a while yet anyway. Or another thought. Maybe they can be bought now, if so you might see it to get me a smaller one and keep the older one yourself. Anyway let me know what you think. I can probably dig up a regular mattress to sleep on till the rubber one gets here. Thanks for the ((strings??)). I got the word on the tooth paste today, but not the stuff yet. love & kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 29, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, I received a non-skid checker set today with no explanations but your signature, so I presume you sent it. It looks like a pretty clever little gizmo, I'll see if I still know how to play the game. Thanks for it! Well, for some reason I'm not sure of yet, I'm now working over in the instrument shop loacated in the same room as our radio and radar repair shops. At the present there's been sort of a lull in outside work so we haven't had much to do. I'm now learning how to wind coils and transformers, there's alot more to these simple operations than meets the eye. I've learned the controls of the metal lathe on which they're wound and also there is a special machine for winding coils with 10 & 20 thousand turns. It's pretty interesting work for awhile, but as soon as the jobs start comming in I hope to go back to the other stuff. They do same pretty delicate work over in the instrument shops, it's good experience anyway. There are three guys working on only movie machines and sound amplifiers - some of these projection machines are really big. I'm going down to the band practice tonite, I hope it works out a little better this time. I still lack quite a bit of speed in fingering, but alot of it isn't heard because of the noise. I guess Bather has had quite some experiences already - his letter mentioned, the Borneo show and another one I suppose ((??)) around there too. He's still feeling great though. Did I tell you he's on an L.C.I., 32 man & 4 officers - pretty small love and kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: July 30, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Boy, I've just had quite an experience. The ship's band - including yours truely on a weak but enthusiastic 4th tenor - just returned from an engagement on the beach at the officer's club. Needless to say, I made quite a few errors and several pieces I didn't even attempt to play, but tried on most of them. It was really a lot of fun. It seemed sort of like a band playing a summer engagement at some big resort. This officers club is really quite a setup, for being so far from civilization - pretty different from the enlisted man's area. I thought that I might see some of the guys but there were none around. Well, buy now the accordian is probably on its way. I hope - along with a couple good instruction books for practicing said instrument. Guess I don't have much more tonite. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: August 01, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, I just got a letter suggesting that maybe the small accordian wasn't the one to have out here. Well, I realize that it isn't the instrument the other one is, but I still rather have the smaller one - because I think the big one is just too much to have around here. I remember that down at Stillwater it was a pretty big deal to have around. So for the base keys I think I can figure them out in a little while even if they are smaller and closer together. Please ((<-underlined)) send Marlyss' accordian, it's definitely the one to have around here. The band's going to play tonite on the boat deck before the show. I guess we'll be able to get in about an hour and a half in before the show starts. I think it's going to amount to an informal practice session - ((nine all OR mine will)). I'm still practicing but I hope you found those lesson books so I'll have a little more definite procedure. Well, not much more to say tonite, hope I don't flub up too much at the "concert" Marlyss' accordian, love and kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: August 03, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Well our, oh, shall we say, concert up on the boat-deck wasn't so terrific as might have been expected. It's out in the open and therefore no group would have sounded too great. I guess the fact that there are no enclosing walls is the reason. Besides this unavoidable situation, we weren't quite in tune., a fact which, added to the natural ((?)) mode in musicianship, caused some pretty wierd sounding noises. We played for about forty-five minutes before the show. It was pretty well accepted, all things considered. Did you ever find the sax instruction books? I received your letter today saying that you'd received the accordian papers. Also I'm glad you said you were sending Marlyss' accordian. Please don't forget to enclosed some instruction books in the case. They have a pretty nice custom aboard. Every member of the crew gets a personal birthday cake on his birthday. I guess they make quite a few every day, as there are about 900 guys in the crew. One of the fellows in the shop had his today, it's a round, two-decker, job, not too big, but pretty good tasteing. I sure was handed a lot of cigars today. Every time a man makes an advancement in rating, he dishes them out. Well about 15 guys in our division were giving them out today - there were a lot of happy boys around here, to say the least. That's pretty swell about the fur coats. I'd like to see your picture in same. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: August 04, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: plain HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, ((French word?)), dis-reguard last nite's commentary reguarding the accordian, because today I received your letter concerning same. I know that you're right in my being able to have more fun with the big accordian, so I guess I'm glad it's coming. It really is easier and nicer to play. My big reason was probably mostly in attitude. You know how people are, 'Oh there's a nice big keen accordian, that guy must be really good to have such an instrument.' Well maybe if I work hard enough at it I'll get proficient at it. I don't recall having any accordian books, but send them anyway please. The type book I(('m)) interested in mainly is one with systematic exercises and pertinent instructions along a progressive path - quit a sentence. Anyway just to sort of simulate my taking lessons on the thing is the main idea. I remember trying to play Marlyss' accordian while I was home and I thnk I did have a rough time with it due to its size. Actually I think I(('m)) glad you did overrule my idea. When it comes to leave maybe I'll send it home, because I seem to remember a big weight difference. Thanks a lot for sending it. I guess I can start expecting it about October 26. Say, I'll bet Squeals W. ((not sure of name)) was pretty glad to get home. He's been away quite awhile, nestc'pas((?))? love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: August 08, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: plain HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Well, I'm still working inside over in the instrument shop. I don't know how long I'll be over here, but I hope it won't be much longer. I'm in the transformer and coil winding department and just a ((?)) figuring out of what work is involved will show that it's pretty routine work. I still don't know why I'm here, but that's the Navy way - they send you to school for a year and then you end up winding wire! Maybe I'll be thru in a couple weeks though. I don't mind the actual work, the bothering thing is that I'm losing good time in which I could be getting some good experience on the other work. The more I think about it the madder I get, so you can see that I don't think about it much. We went over to another repair ship Saturday nite to give our show - the band went with. We had a swell time. I'm getting so I can play the show's tunes pretty well, but this sight reading stuff is still pretty ragged. We've got band practice tonite again - it's really a lot of fun. Every Tuesday, Thurs, & Sat eve we get together. On the shows off the ship, we take a little "suitcase" organ for the pianist. It shouds pretty good too. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: August 09, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: plain HAND:: hadn PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Say, that really looks like a swell plane. You say that it offers only "flying", well at the present I know one guy who isn't going to want to do too much scampering about the country. It sounds to me like the kind of plane you always talked about wanting, not too expensive to go up and just fool around. I'm glad you are going have some sort of machine at home anyway, when we come back, because flying is really high on my list of things to do. It sounds like this job lands pretty darn fast for it's flying speed. I suppose that's OK though. I'm sure seeing a lot of types of airplanes out here, it's getting so I don't even bother to look up anymore when they go over. I think I mentioned the engin warm-up session I witnessed on the carrier - every prop was turning over, that was quite a sight. I can well imagine what a mad noise it is when they're actually taking off! Thanks a lot for sending the tooth paste, I got the word not the paste today. For some reason we have no tooth paste of any kind at Ship's Service, nothing but that darn powder. It sure is taking along time for my University correspondence courses to get here. I sent for them at least six weeks ago. Now that I'm working in this instrument shop I have a more scheduled day so I can make more definite plans. I'm sure looking forward to the arrival of the accordian. I'll probably drive everybody nuts here in the shop with it, but I think I'll be able to practice mornings with it on the boat dock. Usually no one up there early. Please don't forget some good basic instruction books for the box. Just who the heck is this W. Kiplinger((?)) character? Was he a senator or representative or what. How does he come by all this info and how much of it is valid? Some fo the stufff looks like just so many words. I mean I can't see that he's actually saying anything definite, or maybe he's just trying to give trends in the big city. At any rate he's only one man and I'd like to know what his background is and how much value you place in what he says. Don't stop sending them or anything because I like reading the stuff, it's just that I'd like to know who he is. Didn't you used to get two letters like this? You say that you haven't much to write about in the newsy way, well there's not too much here. It would be better if I could tell about the work, but I guess that's taboo. There's a lot of rumors going around about the war's ending around here now. I'd like to believe even one of them, but they are all pretty far fetched as far as I can see. love & kisses from Plymie

DATE:: August 10, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Here's some more money for the collection. Please let me know if you get it OK. I was planning to send a little more but I had a run of not-so-good luck. You never said what kind of stuff you bought with the money, or isn't there enough((?)) yet to get some of real good value. I think I should start buying some stocks or bonds pretty soon now - maybe you can think of some substantial stuff. Well, we've just had a change of command, we now have a new skipper - a full Captain. When he took over there was a personnel inspection and a brief ceremony on the boat deck with all persent. The former captain sort of reviewed the ship's history and the new one said he was glad to be aboard. Not much of a ceremony. It sure is odd that one man can demand and, of course, get so much attention! I can't quite see it, but I guess it's the Navy way! It sure is swell that you finally got that lot next door for a new building - it sounds like we're going to have quite a set up with it. But 1947 sounds a long way off sight now. Well, we got the word this morning about Russia - it's startted a whole new series of rumors - but I think it really is going to shorten things tremendously. Love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT3/C

DATE:: August 11, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Had our usual Thursday evening musical get-to-gether. I guess I've sort of hit a dead point or something. I just don't know what to practice any more. I hope you found those sax instruction books that I used to have. Right now I think it is the fast reading rather than the actual playing which is the big-bottle-neck on my road to success. Band goes over to the beach again Sunday, this time I think it's the Chief's Recreation Center. I was ashore again today. When I left the States I didn't plan on any more Shore Patrol Duty, but my visit today was on exactly that sort of a mission. I still don't see quite why they need S.P.s there ((??)) on ship, probably a couple sentences in the ((BL??yach??o)) Manual require same. At least today we acted very unofficial. It amounted to just another liberty as far as we were concerned. As you no doubt could have told me - warm beer tates like h---! but definitely! I managed to trade two warm ones for one cold one - it's a lucky thing that beer doesn't mean as much to me as it does to some lads. Also watched ((?)) mighty Ajax soft-ball club soundly trounce some other team G-4 - pretty interesting game. love (your darling boy)? Plymie

DATE:: August 13, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad Marlyss You probably heard the big news as soon as we did - we're not sure yet what is happining, but there's to be some sort of an announcement tonite which will be concrete, one way or the other. Gosh, I can't tell you how I, and everyone else, felt Friday nite when we just got the news. I didn't write till now because everyone has been so elated etc that I wasn't sure of what I'd say. We were in the radio shop sitting around, some talking and a game of pinochle going on. Old Peeke ((Peelse Peclsi Pecke)) was the first to hear it and he jumped up and yelled like he was crazy or something. The announcer repeated it several times and then we really started yelling and jumping around. A couple of the older fellows actually had tears in their eyes, something about a grown man crying that sort of gets you. Then we went up on the boat deck((s)) and just about the entire crew was up there dancing and screaming. I'd say it took about two minutes for the whole harbour to get the news. Then all the ships turned on all lights and started playing their searchlights around the sky. Everyone's fog whistle and air horn was blowing continually, and what with all the vocal efforts, there was a heck of alot of noise and commotion. There were a number of small craft along side us which added their efforts to those of the mighty. And then they all started shooting their recognition flaires and landing flaires into the air - ressembled a 4th of July celebration. It was a sight I'll vever forget as long as I live - searchlights all over the bay((sky?)), rocket flares [roman candle gizmos] shooting all over, and everyone yelling, laughing, some just standing quietly. One thing was really pretty. One of the large fire-fighting tug-boats had its large stream turned on - at least 50-60 feet in the air and lord knows how long. Another ship had a large searchlight aimed right at the stream and spray. The effect really pretty. The excitement outside lasted for about an hour and then continued in other forms inside the ship. It was really a nite I'll never foget. We were up till about 2:30 talking about the States and related subjects. Then Saturday when we heard that the government hadn't accepted, there were a lot of bitter boys., We heard that a survey of the man in the street was 70% for continuation and other things like that - put those 70% in uniform and see how long they want to continue. Arguments of that sort went on all day. We couldn't even fathom the governments not accepting the offer, maybe all the high politicians and war profiteers are afraid of their jobs. Well you can see the trend of thought. Anyway, I guess we're supposed to hear something definite one way or the other tonite, let's hope!! Thanks alot for all the stuff - I've received the stencil ink, the colored pictures [how about some more raw ones like ...] and the sax parts. The new mouthpiece is pretty nice, but I'll have to get used to it before I can see how well it works. Love and kisses Plymie H.P.Shedd RT3/0

DATE:: August 15, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 2 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, By now you've probably got all the stright dope on the finish of the old struggle out here - pretty swell, isn't it. The announcement we heard today came as sort of an anti-climax, we had our big outburst last Firday nite. Everyone feels pretty swell now about the whole situation. Of course now the big talk is about dischage and there is really a lot of crud concerning the subject floating around here. I sure hope they give the SA's some sort of a different deal, if not I'm afraid I'm going to have a little time to serve - note the similarity to a judge's sentence to jail - before I get out of thie darn outfit. However there is one fairly reasonable rumor circulating that the Seabees and SA's will be treated differently, let's all hope so. The peace hasn't changed our routine a bit around this ship, except that there's less work to do. The old "regular" Navy men sure do take it ungracefully. I actually believe that some of them feel that it shouldn't be over yet, that we should wipe them off the earth. They want Halsey to ride the white horse and other ((??)) hype like that. Well I guess they're going to get their dear Navy back pretty soon. I have no idea how soon they'll let us out, but it looks pretty ((??)) now. They're going to have to force some to stay because I think there will be too few ((??)) to man the ship, and I haven't served very much time as yet. This menu that is enclosed is the one we had Saturday noon after the big celebration - it was a hurry up deal ordered by the new Captain when the news came. The picture on the front is one taken of part of the harbour during the big blow-off. It shows pretty well all the rockets and stuff that were shot. A good meal too! Say, that medical technician sounds like pretty good stuff. It will be interesting. It seems yummy after your religion but I guess everyone too her own thinking. I think you've got a good idea too about going away for a couple years and then finishing at Minnesota - what a school!! I realize that I mentioned Marlyss' accordian after, ((??)) that was just to be sure you got the info. The more I think it over the better I like the idea of this big box - it'll be alot easier to get the effects and to play "Andy Ain't Mad At Nobody"((?)) quote unquote. Bather is in the harbor at another anchorage nearby. I don't know if he can get over here but I sure hope so - it would be really nice to see him. I think I'll send the colored slides back and I'll mark on those particular slides, which ones I want prints of. They are sure good. The snow scenes make my mouth water. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT3/C ((??)

DATE:: August 17, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Who is this Jimmy guy who took you up in some Beechcraft? That must have been some experience, a pretty neat plane, ((n'est-cepas))? I can't see any reason for your not taking flying lessons, dearie - if you wait till I get back you'll have a pretty long wait. The Navy point system came out today and it looks pretty dark for guys like me. You probably know about it by now though. I'd feel pretty bad if I actually believed it was permanent, but I think that there'll be quite a few changes made in the near future. They give a terrific advantage to the married man, equivalent to 20 months service time. Leave it to the Navy to screw things up, even the Marine Corps won't follow their system. Well, all I can do is hope - they plan to release 1 1/2 million in a year. I might make it! They have these cat's eyes you mention in some sort. I've only seen a few of the ones you mention with the actual slits in them. But if I eveer see another on I'll try and get it. Some of the guys around here have made stainless steel rings for them as you say, they look pretty neat. How about some pictures of you guys around the place. Did I say that I was going to mark some of the slides for prints? love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT3/C

DATE:: August 19, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, The talk now, or course, is all about "points" and how soon we can get out of this crazy outfit. You've probably heard how the Navy system works and realize how few points I have towards a discharge. It looks pretty black for this boy at the present. I guess young, single guys get the old shaft and are supposed to make up the peace time Navy. However there is a bright side, they plan to remove about 2 million in a year. I think I should make that bunch towards the end. You've never mentioned anything about the accordian instruction yet, so I'm wondering if you've looked at any yet. I guess Shaft's put out one by Charlie Magante((?)) - maybe that one and a couple more. I guess there's plenty of time yet though. The 2nd tenor man in the band just received his clarinet form Cleveland - it took seven weeks to get here. I received a letter from Charlie - he's on some little island which I don't know of yet (1/4 mile by 1 mile). There are 4 RT's there and I guess he has a pretty good deal. It sounds pretty good to me. The only drawback is the cleanliness deal. I imagine clothes wahsing, etc is pretty poor, but I'm, surprised at the things guys get used to. Have you any more plans reguarding the new plant. It sure is swell that we've that new lot now! love & stuff Plymie S.P.Shedd RT3/C

DATE:: August 20, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: HAND:: PAGES:: START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Holiday routine today again. There hasn't been many jobs for the Ajax lately. I guess they figure there's no sense in getting the stuff fixed anymore. There has been only one sonar job for the last week. They've still got me over in the instrument shop wrapping wire (transformers, coils), but there aren't many jobs there either, so everyone has taken it pretty easy lately. The warrant in charge of the RTs keeps saying that he's going to put me back with the RTs pretty soon, so maybe I actually will get back there pretty soon. I am getting some experience over in the other shop, but I'm not so sure it's the right kind of experience. I think the band is giving to play up on the boat dock this afternoo about 4 o'clock. That new mouthpiece is pretty good. I can get much more volume and it's easier to blow. ((??)) I can't use the plastic reeds too well. I guess they're strictly for loud ((??)) work. Tehy seem to have very little tonal quality. So I'm using the regular reeds again, with pretty good results considering who's playing the darn thing. Heard a little on the radio that some big shots are investigationg the Navy point system. One guy can't do much, I know, but maybe he will start the ball rolling at least. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: August 22, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, What exactly does the word "skip" mean - you mention it alot with your sailing - and I'm not too sure what it means. These clippings remind me of something - could you air mail maybe one newspaper every week. I'd sure like to see one now and then and as soon as the football season starts I'll like to see the Sunday sport sections. Having a regular subscription is not much of a deal - very few of them ever get here according to the boys. These Kiplinger Letters are pretty interesting. He hit some of the war finish stuff pretty good. Would you please send via air mail one orchestra arrangement of "Sentimental Journey". We have 4 saxes, 3 trumpts, ((trebel)) base, piano, drums ets. You'll probably have to get an arrangement with other instruments included, but pelase send it all anyway. It's a pretty good piece and it seems like it should be easy. These bomb clippins were interesting. No doubt they were pretty influential in ending this old raucus. Please let me know what you think about the air matters. I could use it for awhile, but if you go hunting keep it until your thru for the season. I darn well better be back by next season. I'm sleeping in the shop now, it's really pretty nice - cool, use a blanket. I can really sleep now. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: August 23, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: viaAirRedBlue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother, Dad, Marlyss, Well not much news today, still working over in the instrument shop wrapping transformers. We had our records and health records checked today. I'm not sure what's behind it all, but I'm hoping they want everything in order for the big layoff. I guess everyone is getting engaged or married now days. I knew about Patty Leaper's but I was sure suprised to learn about Sweeney's. I figured her sister would beat here to it. I guess I'm going to be quite a bit behind along that line, but I'm not too worried about it at the present. I'm having a little trouble with Grandma's present, but it should be there in a short while, so tell her not to give up hope. I'm sleeping up in the shop now and it really is a relief from that hot compartment below. Lately it's been pretty warm here and the guys sleeeping below have really been sweating it out. How's the car running lately - I guess it'll really get some use now that the gas rationing is off - you might as well take it over Marlyss if the other cars come into use again. I figure you can probably be pretty good to it. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: August 25, 1945 SHIP:: (guess) USS Ajax 6 LOCATION:: (guess) Leyte Gulf, Philippines STATIONERY:: plain HAND:: hand PAGES:: 1 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss I suppose you saw the August 13 issue of Time. Did you notice the article on the forth or fifth page which describes one officers opinion of the mighty Navy - boy it does my heart good to see stuff like that get in print. I only wish half of the stuff I'mve seen and heard about would be put in print - what a revelation! The slippers and tooth powder came yesterday - thanks alot. Gosh those are sure swell slkppers. It really feels great to wear them around after work. Gives my regular shoes a chance to dry and air, but my feet enjoy them the most. They fit just right! Well life around here is getting to be pretty much routine - the fact that the war is over doesn't make the time go any faster either. We had a pretty good band practice last nite. It seems the Nave puts out orchestration bits for ships - well one of them finally arrived. It contained some pretty good songs but as yet we haven't tried all of them - Artie Shaw's Begin the ((Begin??)), Nite & Day, and Woody Harmanns((?)) Woodchopper's Ball are a couple of them. The old 4th tener is still plugging along, but I'm afraid it's a long trip. love Plymie H.P.Shedd RT 3/C

DATE:: March 25, 1946 SHIP:: (guess) USS Tucker LOCATION:: Yokosuka, Japan STATIONERY:: tuckerblue HAND:: hand PAGES:: 3 START_LETTER:: Dear Dad, Mother, Marlyss, Whenever anyone mentions Japan, you automatically think of Tokyo, and now I will be able to say that I, too, have been there. Yesterday, on our second liberty, we finally made the entire journey. We did make one stop however for a good cause; we wanted to get a set of embroidered dragons which Oriental sailors sew to the inside of there dress-blue jumper cuffs((?)). But we couldn't get any on account of because they ran out before we got there. The town, Zushi, was very interesting thought so we didn't waste our time completely. After you pass thru Yokohama, it's practically impossible to distinguish between towns; they just seem to run together. The main station in Tokyo must have taken quite a few bombs, because there is no roof and much wreckage strewn about. We went first to the Red Cross house, known as the Banker's Club, to warm up with some coffee and donuts. It is quite a snazzy place. It must have been an old millionaire's home. There were a million Jap girls milling around, serving the food, dusting, picking up magazines, etc. It is a pretty nice place with all the games and conveniences you would expect in a RC((G)) center. It's not any nicer than the one in Yokohama, but it's bigger. After we warmed up we went roaming around for a while, but we didn't see a heck of o lot. All ((?)) most of the big buildings are in pretty good shape. The loop was too far away to walk to, so we decided to go back to Yokohama ((?)) Olympic Club for some dancing and beer. Well, it turned out that they had run out of beer, and withot a quart of beer I can't see dancing with those women, so we went back to Zushi. We finally ((?)) a little two-bit beer parlor up a narrow crooked street and there we had a couple bottles - 5 yen per one! It was really a unique place, very oriental - I can't describe it but the setting was really odd. There was even an old character who kenw a little English who went to the different tables and talked with all for a few minutes - the "perfect host" routine. To make it even more interesting it rained like mad all night. Boy were we ever soaked when we got back to the ship! I don't know how they plan to stop inflation with their new money, because a guy can still get 20 yen (new) for a pack of cigarettes. The people are more cautious in buying them along the streets, but in the shops you can actually trade with them. I got a pretty cute handkerchief for 1 pack. The picture is of MacArthur's Headquarters there in Tokyo - a pretty nice building eh? They even have a radar installation - to wit the antennas on the roof. The streets are all fairly wide and nice, but there's hardly any traffic so they look deserted. All in all, it was a pretty dreary looking place the day we were there - maybe the rain. Well, this will be the last letter for some time as we are going out tomorrow morning. I'll send one though as soon as we get in again. love & kisses Plymie

DATE:: April 04, 1946 SHIP:: (guess) USS Tucker LOCATION:: Pearl Harbor STATIONERY:: tuckerblue HAND:: type PAGES:: 3 START_LETTER:: Dear Mother Dad Marlyss, Well, now I'm a heck of a lot closer to the dear old fatherland-C'est Bon! What a trip-I never thought that it would take as long as it did. The main trouble was that the old boys wanted to play games, so on many days we barely make nine knots good. I knew that we were supposed to come here when we left Yokasuka, but I figured it would be best not to menttion it until we actually got here. As a matter of fact we did have our orders changed twice enroute, we almost went down to Eniwetok for some obsure reason. The voyage took a long 14 days-these dar ships are not so smoth riding either. I never really lost an chow, but I did't feel so good for the first three days. Now that I am used to this pitching and rolling I can say that a guy can get used to almost anything. It beats me how these tin cans used to stay out here for so darn long-here we have been under way for only two weeks and already there are so many different things crapped out that we just made it in time. The fresh water evaps sprung a leak and we had to go back on water hours, there were leaks in the foreward boilers and the engin room. However they did use up all our good chow, planning to get more now that we are back in a rear area. There were eight destoyers and the battle-ship, Iowa; but when we came in there were only six DD's. The Iowa went straight to the States (Long Beach) and the other cans went to Midway with sick crewmen. Don't get any ideas about this ship going back to the States while I am still aboard, because it is a pretty well established fact that it won't for quite awhile. The Tucker has been overseas for only four months, a fact which doesn't lend itself readily to convincing the big boys that they should send the ship to the States. Anyway I'll elegible for release on the 15 of May, which isn't too far away! The picture this time shows what is left of the main railroad station in Tokyo-sort of a mess isn't it? You can see right out the roof in most places and the former floors are nothing but mud now. I haven't made libery ((spelled that way)) yet, but I sure am looking forward to it. After the "terrific" liberties I have made in the last year even Pearl will seem like a wonderful place. I'm looking forward to about thirteen quarts of milk and a lazy afternoon on the beach! Don't know anything about it but it seems to me that there should be much fewer service men around now. If I'm right, things will be nicer and I might be able to do some things without having to line up first. I got a lot of typewriter practice on the way over since there wasn't much else to do. We found a short wave station on which they broadcast the news in voice at dictation speed. I still can't keep up with some of the announcers, but it's comming right along. I was surprised at how good radio reception is at sea. On one of our really sensitive receivers we picked up all kinds of stations in Florida, India, France and New York. We were listening to harbor traffic back in Tokyo and Manilla. I am grateful for one thing thought, we had very little trouble with the electronic gear all the way over. That was about the size of it for the rest of the trip. I think this letter is sort of scatterbrain, because there are about a hundred guys around here yelling and talking so it's hard to concentrate. Did you ever get that check that I sent a while back? You probably gave the word, but we haven't had any mail for quite a while Love Plymie