December 2, 1943

U.S. Naval Hospital, Long Beach, California

Dear Mom, Pop, Jerry, Mary and Mat,

   Mail just came in and what do you think I received. There was a letter from my dear mother written on October 16, 1943. The letter had a hundred different postmarks on it.

   I don't think I have acknowledged your package. It arrived Tuesday in the late mail. Thanks a million for everything. Thank you Mat for those cherries. They certainly made a hit with everyone here.

   I received a letter from Driscoll and he expects to be going across soon. He had just come back from a five day leave.

   I must admit that I didn't see Bob Hope. He was only a few miles away from the hospital at Alimatos Naval Air Station.

   Yesterday traveled into Los Angeles . Walked around a bit and finally ended up seeing Alvino Ray. ( I hope that's the way you spell his name). Boy that Los Angeles is one crumby town at least the business section.

   These Mexican zoot suiters invest every place. Remember, Los Angeles was the scene of the battle between servicemen and the zoot suiters. everything is quiet now, though. There are too many servicemen about. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoot_Suit_Riots

   In Bobby's last letter he mentioned that he might be home for Christmas. That will be swell.

   Someone just gave me a card mailed by Mom on the 26th of Oct. That traveled almost the same route as you earlier letter. Mat you better straighten things out.

                                              Your loving brother, son and nephew,

                                                                                     Jim