May 29, 1943
Dearest Helen,
Well I surely was surprised to get your anniversary card on the 28th. What did you do? Give it to Mr Thompson. The notes on it were nice. We had a pretty good time in Mobile I think. Write and tell me about the Salt Lake city trip. Did you get to see a Mormon Temple?
This "life on the ocean wave" is really different to say the least. I saw a whale yesterday (the first I ever saw) and some seals today. I don't get up on deck much but I enjoy it when I get a chance. Several of the boys have gotten seasick but so far I have not. The water is very smooth so I really have not been tested.
The chow is still pretty fair. Elected a new mess treasurer so Misseu does not have the job now. I don't suppose he is sorry. The laundry shrank some of my clothes and busted the buttons on others. Will be an ace at putting buttons on things yet but don't think I will take over this job when I get back! Hope you will write soon as I miss you very much. The ship's store is open more often now and I am getting to be quite an ice cream and candy hound. I got my copy of Esquire the other day so I guess they got your change of address card. Wish I was where the weather is warmer. One would never think it is the first of June out here. I have been hooked with the 12-4 watch lately which is the reason I have not been writing much. I spend most of my time trying to get in some "sack drill" as sleeping is called. Our new room (I have been moved up to the second deck near Mr Thompson's room) is always full of people sleeping. The beds hardly get made up as someone is always in there trying to catch up on their sleep. I think my handwriting is pretty good considering that this is being written at about 0200. I hear the noise of the engine about ½ hour after coming off watch, but the engine room is nice and warm so that is something. Well I guess that is about all of interest now. All my love to you honey, Barney.
Lt (j.g) E.L.King USNR
July 5, 1945
Dearest Helen,
Well honey here I am again. The "glorious 4th" went by here with out much of a ripple. I certainly do remember the ones we used to have at the bluff. Worked on a couple of nose fuse paperweights for Daddy last night. My various projects are coming along OK and I'll send your box on out soon. So far none of your boxes have arrived. Some fellows got some yesterday mailed the 5th of May so in the future I imagine it would be best to send anything air mail. Took some pictures of the place but we have no way of getting them printed. The negatives came out fine, but no way to have them printed.
Am enclosing a money order for $100. I thought you could get the evening dress I spoke of and really make it good! Am looking forward to your pictures and your assurance that they'll be sent makes me feel better. I'm really sorry that I have to do my looking at something like that second hand. I could do so much more first hand!
I guess this letter will be a short one. Not much has happened since I last wrote. Of course as you can gather, I miss you all the time and look forward every day to the time when we will be together again. The rainy season seems here to stay. We have a time keeping dry even in a Quonset hut. We made curtains to drop down over the windows, but sometimes the rain gets in anyhow. I fixed my jeep up with regular vacuum wipers instead of the standard hand type and that is a help. My sport type raincoat made from the parka works well also.
Well honey, I guess this is all for now. Will write a better letter tomorrow. I hope you are feeling OK. Take care of yourself as you are very important to me. All my love Barney.