1 point for each month overseas.
5 points if you received the bronze.
5 points for any additional medal
5 points for the purple heart.
12 points for each child under 18.
Note Dad's use of the then popular phrase, "Gee whiz!" I think it disappeared after the 1940's. The only place I hear it now is in movies from the 1930's and 1940's. I was wondering what American slang phrases are now popular that will also disappear in time. There are so many, but here are some I came across:
I went to the beach to "catch some rays."
I "goofed up" on the math test.
We have to "hang tough" on our decision.
Hey, "what's going down?"
This job is "pure gravy."
That food tasted " yukky."
Bob is a real "couch potato."
His girlfriend is a real "airhead."
Who's bringing the "booze?"
Guam
Dear Mom & Dad, * Vi,
How is everyone there at home? I sure hope everything is going alright. I haven’t written to you lately, because I was waiting for your new address, but in the letter I received from you today, you hadn’t moved as yet. I’m sorry, honest.
Gee whiz, I thought Eddie was sure of coming home. I hope they take him, though he’s short 1 3/4 points. I want so much to hear he is home with Marge and Ronnie. I hope and pray he makes the grade.
Well, the latest rumor is that I am going to get four of those battle stars we were gypped out of. If I get them, that will be twenty points more and I’ll have a grand total of 69 points. There has been a lot of trouble on the count of those. One time I was supposed to have 51 or 52 points but ended up with 49 over here. Some fun. Anyway, IF I get those this month, I’ll be home for X-mas, but remember I said “if.” I know now I’ll be home when the baby is born. That helps an awful lot.
Thanks a million for sending my request box. I haven’t received it yet but it won’t be long. I’ll sure be able to drink some of that Pop-Ade. The boys too. I gets so darn hot here that when anyone goes fishing and gets a fish, all they have to do is clean it and put salt on it, and eat it. It’s already fried.
Say Mom, do you mean to say you have won $160 already at bingo? Egads! That’s a small fortune. How about loaning me five? No change? OK, I’ll take the ten!! I’m just kidding, I don’t need any money. If I ever do need any money, Mom, Bonnie will send me some. Thanks just the same. If I ever needed money and didn’t ask her, she would be hurt. She’s sure a wonderful, sweet little wife.
Well, there isn’t much I can write about this island or anything else, so I’ll close. Tell everyone I said “Hello” and to write. Did Jesse & Bee get my letter? I guess they didn’t. Bye for now. Take care of yourselves. God bless you and watch over you. I miss you terribly.
Your loving son,
Elwood
p.s. Please don’t tell Bonnie about this possibility of us coming home by December or X-mas. If we don’t get more transportation from Guam and Tinian, we may not get there in time for X-mas. I want to be absolutely sure before I tell her, OK?
