Note the “see code” reference. It looks like Frank’s handwriting. Again, I haven’t attempted decoding any of the letters yet.

In this letter, Chuck is already thinking about what he wants to do after the war he hasn’t even been in yet. He mentions drumming. Playing in a jazz band was something he enjoyed through his life, actually playing weekly until his death in his 80s. He never worked on rail, as he mentions. I’m not sure what he did immediately post-war, but the bulk of the work he talked about was at the Coors canning plant.

Envelope (front); September 27, 1944

Envelope (front); September 27, 1944

Charles D. Paul USNR MoMM 2/c
USS Signet (AM-302)
c/o Fleet Post Office
San Francisco, Calif.

Mr. & Mrs. Frank O. Paul
Milford, Utah [crossed out]

2919 Brinks Ave
Ogden, UT

Passed by Naval Censor

Via Air Mail

U.S.
P.M.
Sep
30
1944
Navy

Air Mail
6 cents
United states of America

Envelope (back); September 27, 1944

Envelope (back); September 27, 1944

United States Navy

Letter home (page 1); September 27, 1944

Letter home (page 1); September 27, 1944

Letter home (page 2); September 27, 1944

Letter home (page 2); September 27, 1944

Sept 27, 1944

Dear Mom and Dad, (see code)
How are things at home now? Fine I hope. I guess you are still in Idaho. I haven’t had any mail for quite a while, so I don’t hardly know what’s going on. When I do get it, there should be plenty. I would write more often, but sometimes I feel a little sick out here. i guess a guy never does get over seasickness. At least I never have. By the time the war is over, I should be able to take it.

I took out a twenty-five dollar allotment every month, starting next month. Let me know if you ever get it. I may take out more later if things turn out alright. Did you receive the one hundred dollar money order yet? I sent it about three weeks ago? I hope I sent it to the right address. I guess Milford will always get you. I expect to send another money order in the next few days if we get paid. If I keep the money I will only get rid of it one way or another, so I want to send it home each time. A person goes for some time without a chance to spend money and when he does, I don’t know where it goes.

I have never figured out what I want to do after the war yet. I don’t like what I am doing now. I want to move around with excitement. I wouldn’t mind fixing on the railroad. I guess by the time I get home, all these jobs will be taken a thousand times. What I always did like best was drumming. There is always excitement and a good time. I would give anything to go through high school and drum again. I was always a little backward about playing scales, but I think I could play them anywhere if I had to do it over again. The thrill I got most was when we would march and it was up to me. I want to thank you over and over for that first little drum.

I have a picture album started and have tried to get as many pictures of places I have seen as I can. It is pretty hard to get them, but I managed to get a few. I’ll want to send it home as soon as I can, which probably won’t be until after the war.

How is little Don coming along now? I guess he is growing pretty fast. The last I saw him, he could say one or two words and run all over the place. I guess he can even sing now.

I hope to hear from you soon.

With love,
Charles D. Paul