Following are letters from Alan to his sister, with the last two from people he knew. All the letters are presented so the reader can have a better understanding of Alan, and are not intended to be malicious or derogatory.
All of the letters have been reproduced as they were written. Comments that are not a part of the original letter are in parenthesis, the text is green, and in italics.
-Brian
August 31, 1946 (Saipan)
Hello Sis,
Orus is sort of peeved about Red Fair coming down every nite. He's been running around with his lower lip dragging the ground. Now you mustn't get concerned, but he said he likes the way you write letters. (Chuckle) maybe that's because he doesn't understand the finer points of life and stuff. Now if he did understand I'm sure he wouldn't have appreciated the letter so much. He says he wants to learn to dance all over again.
Sis, I want to ask you a few things. Sis, do you like Esther, I mean really like her? I want you to know now that I don't like Doris at all, I'm awful glad she left, I'm afraid she might talk Esther into something. Sis, she's no good. I know an awful lot about her Esther doesn't know. If she's around any I want you to sort of stay around. And if Esther gets frisky tell me.
All my love Sis,
Alan
(The handwriting changes for this portion of the letter..)
P. S. This is station “Orus W. Ford” broadcasting from the “rock of Saipan.” How is everything down California way? Fine! I hope. I still haven't found words suitable so I guess I had better not say anything about Saipan yet.
I don't know just where Red got the idea of me being peeved about Fair (or whatever his name is) coming to see you. I sure would have a good reason to be since I have known you for such a long time. And another thing I did like your letter. But I guess I ought to get an old married man like Alan to teach me the finer points of life!
September 22, 1946 (Saipan)
Hi Sis,
I got your short note in mom's letter. Now if you're so hard up for change to buy stamps I think I can spare a little.
Now you answer my letters I write, I want an answer on the last one.
We had a typhoon over here yesterday night. Pretty bad one about 95 mph winds blew hell out of stuff, tore up barracks, and stuff.
Sis I'm enclosing a picture of Mr. John Q. Ford, he finally decided to send one. You get on the ball and send him one, and don't forget me either. Sis I can't think of much to write. Oh! I just thought of something. About a week ago Ford and I, and Warren were on a small beer party here in the barracks, and the Base M. A. (Master-at-Arms) came up. Everybody real quick hid their beer all except Ford. There he was just madly guzzling beer in the middle of the room. The M. A. said “Boys you have to put the beer away.” Ford thought he left. He had another can of beer in his hand, and went outside to drink it. He was right in the middle of a big guzzle when the M. A. caught him and took him down to the brig. He sure did some fast talking and was back to the barracks in about a half hour. We didn't expect Ford back for a month or so, but he made it.
That's all now,
Love, your bud,
P. S. Now Sis tell me why you think I'm a fool for marrying Esther. She seems to be doing O.K. By me.
September 24, 1946 (Saipan)
Sis,
I don't want anyone to read this letter, I shouldn't even write it. But I can trust you. Sis I'm completely serious when I ask you this, I want to know what's going on . Sis, now please don't beat around the bush. It's very important that I get an answer immediately. You are going to decide a lot of things by answering this letter, so answer the questions honestly, and what you consider truthfully.
Sis, how does Esther act with other fellows? What does she do when she knows I'm not around to say anything.
Sis, I'm asking you because for some reason I think something is happening I don't know about, if I did I could straighten it out. I love her Sis, more than I've ever loved anything ever.
I have to know those two things I ask you. I'm putting all my faith in you to tell me the truth. An awful lot depends on you Sis. Don't let me down.
Alan
P.S. If you get around to it, tell Marie to write me. I don't know her address or I'd have written long ago. Be good Sis.
All my love
Your Bud
Alan
October 5, 1946 (Saipan)
Hi Sis
Got two letters from you today. Thanks for thinking enough of your old brother to write him. Sis please quit beatin around the weeds and tell me what you honestly think about what Esther does.
I won't ask you anymore, but I do want to know if you approve.
Sis tell Esther I said to find out who said that smart remark in the show. I want to make pretzels out of him, that reflects back on Esther, and dammit, I don't like that one bit.
You sure write a newsy letter. O. W. wrote you the day your last letter got here, so I'm sure you've seen it by now.
Mom said in her letter to explain about the wind. Well Sis, it blew awful hard while we were in the barracks after letters, and pictures, and stuff it tore the roof off. I guess the wind was between 90 and 100 mph here (a quick search of the web indicates that a class 10 typhoon hit Saipan, with winds up to 118kmph/73mph). Cause it tore things up pretty bad. One fellow at Kobler Field (originally existed approx. 3 miles from what is now the Saipan international Airport) was killed by a piece of flying steel. A couple of others were hurt pretty bad. The jeep O. W. and I were in got blown all over the road on the way back to the typhoon shelter. O. W. is a pretty good driver 'tho” and we made it without much trouble. Sis please answer what I ask you, it means an awful lot to me. I love my wife, and I guess I always will, but I do like to keep up on things.
I'm enclosing a short note to Miss Smith so you can give it to her.
Love and stuff
Your Bud
Alan
P. S. O. W. sure wants to see you in person, I think he's going to send you some money, so you can have some pictures made.
October 12, 1946 (Saipan)
Hi Sis,
Got your letter today, I would appreciate it if you'd tell me about the rumors, about Esther. Honest Sis, I want to know what's going on.
Now! I would like for you to give me Marie's address. Also Jamie's address now please, hon get those addresses.
How is the little Ford going now? Sis, I hate to harp on the issue, but Sis will you kind of look after Ester for me. I know it's a big order but please try Sis, it means a lot to me. I want to keep tab on stuff. You see Sis you write me one thing, and Esther writes me something else. Awful damn queer seems to me. I'm sure you wouldn't lie to me but one of you are. Sounds like I'm getting smart with you, but I just have to know.
Sure it seems silly me asking all this stuff Sis but things are “tuff” in the east too.
Well Sis be good
Love you
Alan
November 20, 1946 (Saipan)
Well, hows my sweet ornery Sis tonight?
I got a letter from you today so I figured I'd write back and say sweet thing's too you. O. W. got two letters from you today, and he's been running around with a smile on his face like a skunk eating crap of a hair brush.
Say how did the pictures I sent turn out? I was a heavy little cuss when they were taken, I weighed 172 lbs. I don't weigh so much now, only 166. I haven't been eating, but 2 meals a day for about 3 weeks now.
I was transferred from the garage to transportation, I drive a GMC 1 ½ ton 6X6 now. They've got some dumb gook's driving some of the trucks. I got in a brawl with one of them today. He gave me a nose bleed, but I beat hell out of him after it was all over. I got some good skinned knuckles tonite.
You know I haven't had a real good fight since I've been here till today.
Gosh! Sis I haven't an awful lot to talk about tonite, but I'm doing my best.
Last Saturday some stupid swabies were fooling around with some dinymite caps, and two of them were killed, one got his left arm full of brass, another 4 are blind now. But such is life I guess.
I haven't been swimming much since I've been here but I think I'll go next Sunday. Damn was it hot today, believe it or not it was one hundred and forty in the shade today. And me in that god forsaken truck with the engine running at about 180 degrees. I never sweat so much in my life. Right now beads of sweat are standing out on my arms, and sweat is running down my back, and it's 7:30 at night.
I had Esther buy all you folks Christmas presents cause I can't very well, being over here. Well Sis, bye till next time.
I love you
You're big bud
Alan
P. S. Say Sis, if you'll get a big picture of yourself I'll pay for it.
November 25, 1946 (Saipan)
Hi Sis,
I got your note yesterday, so I figured I'd write a little to keep peace in the family. I haven't been doing much lately. I haven't had any beer in about a month. Mainly because I every dang cent I make to Esther. I think we have about $370.00 now. That is from what I've sent.
I've been hauling beer, and food for the gyreens (Marines..). I have to be down on the docks at 8 this morning to haul for them some more. Sis, how is my Ford running now? And what will it do in low gear? I have to sign off for a while, I'll finish this at noon.
It's noon now, so I shall continue. I hauled pipe fittings all morning probably do the same this afternoon. My god Warren and Lukie are a bunch of thieves, and bounders fresh eggs are impossible to get here, but they got two dozen this morning.
Vick stole a case today of 3 cartons of cigarettes, and two packs of envelopes. I'm falling behind I haven't stole anything in a week.
Oh! Sis I think I'll send a muscle picture to you or that is another roll of film to mom. Well Sis, I can't think of much more to write about so I'll sign off.
Lots of love
Your bud
Alan
P. S. How is Esther acting lately. Bad, or worse?
December 20, 1946 (Saipan)
Hi Sis
You have been writing one heck of a bunch of mail to me lately. I have been a snake in the grass, and haven't returned much to you. I writhe in the dirt at your feet, and beg forgiveness.
Marie finally got around to writing me. I have been led to understand Ronnie doesn't approve, Esther doesn't approve, and everyone in general is in a great uproar. Well tell Marie in my honest opinion I believe her.
Then tell her to write to me, damn has she already become a slave to life. To grovel in the dirt a slave to this hairy brute Ronnie. Of course I admit I'm a slave. Me a hundred and sixty five pounds of monster, am the slave to my small insignificant wife of one hundred and eighteen pounds of well placed curves, and such stuff.
Now on the other hand Ronnie may be about 6 feet 5, and have huge muscles. In this case I shall refrain from asking her to write me. Tell her she might pull a little sharpie once in a while, and slip me a note on the sly. Hell Marie and I have been friends ever since I can remember, and I would wade bear crap up to my chin for a mile to say 'hello” to her.
Honestly Sis do you see any real bad reason I shouldn't write to Marie? Esther doesn't care (I don't think) anyhow she shouldn't. Tell Marie I don't think Ronnie should care either, so there!
I guess that's enough of that so I'll talk about things in particular. Esther has been writing to me real good lately. Although she said some smart bastard made a few passes at her at the show one Saturday night. Made me sort of mad so I wrote her a big long letter, and asked all kinds of questions, ans felt real stupid after I did.
I'm sorry I can't write anymore, Sis, My mind's gone blank.
I love you
Your Big Bud
Alan
P. S. I'll send some more pictures as soon as I get out of sick bay.
January 9, 1947 (Saipan)
John A. Hawkins, LTJG, CHC USNR
AIEA Naval Hospital, TH
Navy #10
Chaplains Office
Mr. Leonard Van Leuven
Rt #2, Box 233
Redlands, California
Dear Sir,
Your son, who has been a patient with us for a short time, asked me to correspond with you regarding his condition and immediate transfer to the continental limits of the United States. I realize that by the time you receive this letter you will have been aware of his plans and very likely have seen him personally (Alan passed away 14 days after this letter was written). I will, however, respect the trust and confidence your boy has entrusted in me and send a brief message of good wishes and encouragement.
I realize that there seems little to be encouraged about as to the present condition of your fine boy. I am not cognizant of the extent to which the doctors have alerted you in regard to the boy's condition. I know the the boy is not quite aware of the nature and prognosis of his illness. He has no reason to know; you have. The condition, being serious to the point of fatality in many cases, leaves little room for empty words of pointless encouragement. I do know, however, that in any event that may occur you may be comforted and encouraged in knowing that your boy stands high with both man and his God. Although there seems little justification for many events in life from the earthly perspective there is a higher, a more real and definitely a more substantial and inclusive a perspective and explanation and reason from the point of view of the almighty creator. There can be little if any comfort if we assume all reason, all right, all value, all end of process and all good to be restricted entirely to this, our realm of reality and explanation.
You may be steadfastly assured that if things work out satisfactorily from our earthly point of view and your boy is restored to health that it is in the plan of God; but be equally assured that if the lad doesn't make it here, that justice IS done elsewhere. That same great reality which first gave you your son and your other blessings also sees to it that justice and good are done throughout ALL of life and eternity.
I liked your boy; give him my regards. He's not too much older than I. I hope that I am misled in my interpretation of his illness and that you have occasion to deride me for my attitude. If, however, I am not, please be straight in your thinking regarding the ways of life. Things DO add up correctly in the end.
God bless you, sir, and your family. My prayers are with you all.
Very respectfully,
John A. Hawkins
LTJG CHC
March 22, 1947 (Saipan)
Mrs. Van Leuven
I've been planning on writing for a long time but didn't know what to say. I haven't been writing very much to anybody recently but today I wouldn't put it off any longer. Things aren't the same here without Alan. All the fellows knew him and were his friends. I guess he and I were about as close as two guys get overseas. We use to sit for hours after a movie at nite, and tell of things we did back home, and what we would do when our overseas was over. Things like that just don't seem right. He had so much to live for. I'm glad we were able to spend a little time with him before he left.
Warren, Ford and I went with him to the airfield when he left. I was aboard the plane with him just before he left. One thing you can be thankful for is that he got home for a while and you got to see him. Things like that are sure hard to handle. I lost my oldest sister last summer, and I don't think my mother has gotten over it yet. I've inquired at the hospital about Alan's things but they didn't have anything.
I've asked the fellows too for pictures and things, but to no avail. I received these pictures back from home two or three days ago and I think they're the only one's I have that you don't already have. Alan never seemed sick to me until after he had gone to the hospital. He was always scrappin' with the fellows in the barracks, just foolin' around. He'd been in the hospital about a week before he got really bad I think. I do remember him loosing weight though. We use to so much fun with the pool table in our barracks. Alan taught me about all I know about the game. We had planned (as fellows will overseas) to come see one another after discharging. He was always talking about his '34 Ford coupe and all the things he use to do to it and with it, and how fast it was.
Orus and I are planning to come see you if we possible can when we get stateside again. I'll be more than glad to do anything or tell you anything about Alan. It's sure a shame he had to spend his last months over here. If he missed you as much as i miss my mother (and I think he did) . It isn't easy to be shut off from all the things you're used to.
Well, I suppose I better sign off and go to chow now. I'll say again how sorry I am for not writing sooner but I never was good at writing or saying things at times like that. If you care to write again I'll be glad to hear from you.
One of Alan's many friends,
Vick
P. S. Tell Esther, I'll try and write soon – (there is a Readers Digest coming every month for Alan. Do you want me to send them to you?)
