Dec. 22, 1954. From Airman Charles to June. Letter 8 of 10 in collection.

As Christmas approaches in 1954, our young airman writes his new bride from overseas, his letter a blend of playful affection, quiet loneliness, and the everyday shuffle of military life. Between mentions of found money in a sock, Santa arriving by helicopter, and weekend orders to Madrid, his heart stays anchored to home…. to June, and to his infant daughter he hasn’t seen walk yet.

22 Dec, 1954

Dearest June,

Hello, Angel. How’s my baby tonight? I love you and miss you very much. Are you being good for me? I am for you.

I didn’t do very much all day today. This morning I got your telegram and was very glad as well as quite relieved. What did it cost you?

Also this morning I got $27 for expenses during my stay at Kilme and Nouanseur.  I found $20 we had left in the sock.  I feel rich now, but for a while I was getting a little worried.

The suitcase I had sent out by parcel post came this afternoon.  I hear there is a lot due in here on Jan 6 with autos.  I think the car will be on it.

Base operations keeps calling up asking me to go on these flights to countries.  I’m trying to save money for you to come over so I try to get out of it.

This afternoon I was supposed to go to Germany for 4 days.  Instead I’m going to Madrid, Spain for the Christmas weekend – taking off Friday morning and coming back Sunday.  I probably can’t get by on less than $30.  I guess though if I’m going to any of these places I had best go before you get here.

I still haven’t gotten a letter from you.  Mail comes in here only about 3 times a week.  It sure is a screwed-up mess.  I moved into the new hut today.  The US children had their Christmas party today.  Santa came down out of a helicopter.  There is a USO show tonight at the theater, so I guess I’ll go.  The move isn’t very old – My Favorite Spy.

Honey, I miss you so much.  I guess you’re glad to have a kind of vacation from cooking and keeping house.  It’s not any kind of vacation for me.  When I’m not with you nothing is right.  You may not want to come over to be with me.  If you don’t, you don’t have to.  In fact I don’t want you to. I can find something to do without you I guess.  After all, it is a long way for you to travel by yourself and we do need the money.  I miss Dawn too.  Is she growing any and can she walk any better now?  I still want those pictures.  Be sweet and take real good care of yourself and Dawn for me.  I love you both very much.  I love you.

All my love, 

Charles 

P.S. I love you.