1944 May 19 “I’m going to get myself promoted”

5/19/44 Italy V-Mail

Hi Toughy:

Damn it, I’m getting a little tired of the old stuff of being away from you.  Not that it will do any good, but one of these days I’m going to start agitating.  First, though, damn it, I’m going to get myself promoted.  I don’t know how, but I’ll be damned if I’ll come home in the grade I had when I left.

The pictures came yesterday, and were appreciated.  The one of you standing in the white dress with the red flowers on it wasn’t bad, but the others weren’t so hot.  They should be taken on a cloudy day, or at least out of direct sunlight, as it makes too much contrast.

The boss is gone for a couple days trip, and I am all alone in the old apartment.  Actually, there is damn little to do around here, but I am trying to keep busy studying, reading, and staying out of the bar.  I spend a good deal of time walking around this burg, and that is pretty fair exercise.

I hope Jack likes her pin.  I bought it because it looks exactly like something which she would have bought for herself 15 years ago.

That’s about the deal.  I think I shall go home and take a bath—cold water.

Tomorrow I play ball again.  That is interesting, but I don’t get but about 1 game per week, which isn’t enough.    Love, Cy.

1944 November 10: Hey! Leave the Navy alone!

11/10/44 

Hi Toots:

            What a busy little man I am.  I would estimate that I have roughly 100 letters or publications over the desk per day, all of which have to be acted upon or absorbed.  This is in addition to the difficulties inherent in this becoming a separate staff section, breaking in a new clerk, and the boss pulling out.  I’ve had practically the whole thing since the third day I got here, and apparently everyone is happy.

            From some of the remarks in Bob Fleet’s letter, I’m not the only one Tom has been too busy to write to.  When I last saw Burt, he mentioned that he had never heard a word from Tom or Mag directly in many months.

            I got a nice letter from Mary Huntoon finally.  She’s a good kid.

            There is nothing worth buying in this town that I haven’t already bought.  I spent 3 hours tramping around in the rain yesterday, and couldn’t see anything worth buying for anybody.  That is, nothing but one purchase.  Although it is for the house since you’re such an integral part of same, try to consider it as a personal gift.  I know it must look selfish for me to keep sending you things which I shall also use someday, but it isn’t meant that way.  I just buy good things when I see them, and unfortunately the only things worth buying are not personal articles.

            Maybe I can find a silk scarf like the one I mailed you for Mother, Nena & Emma.

            So you can drive a 5-ton truck now! * What in hell caused that.  I have trouble with a 2 ½ ton jobby.  Of course, I can drive one on any road or lack thereof.

            Glad to hear Anne Mercer is a momma and ok.  That may settle the kids down a little.  I wish Jack hadn’t come overseas.  I would have thought more of him. 

            Hey!  Leave the Navy alone!  They’re slick lads.

            More tomorrow.  Mover over tonight and let your imagination go.

            All my love, Cy.

*I believe this refers to Marty’s participation in the Women’s Volunteer Service.