==================================================================== NOTICE: The information contained within this file may NOT be used or reproduced in any manner, in part or whole, by any individual or organization seeking to derive a profit or any other form of material compensation from it's useage or inclusion without the express written consent of the owner. The information contained within this file may NOT be be collected for inclusion or presentation, in part or whole, on any electronic publication system (I.E. Internet document, E-book etc.) without the express written consent of the owner. Please direct all inquiries to grimes@greenthing.net ==================================================================== Friday evening November 22nd USS Sierra AD-18 Tsingtao China Dear Mom & Dad: Well here I am again, still well and happy and I hope your all the same. I just received your letter of the 9th and sure was glad to get it too. What are your plans for Xmas? Are you all going to Swifton or will you spend it in Poca-? Is Sis coming home? I sure would like to be there but guess it will be impossible again. I'm glad for Allison that he's found someone he can care for, now that poor aunt Marie's gone. Frankly I didn't believe he'd ever marry again. I don't think I would have. Wish them both a Merry Xmas for me and I can't wait until I get to meet my new aunt, she must be very sweet. Say! I agree with that gift heartily, and there's only one drawback I haven't much money. Ha! I should have around 700 dollars the 1st of December. I'll get Phyllis Ann a wristwatch and get it sent to you, and I'll send you what I have left, about 50 dollars and if you will get the Kids and Dad something, it would take a load off my mind. I'm a fool when it comes to something like that. All I can think of is always something so darn expensive it's way over my pocketbook. At one time I had 177 dollars saved up for Xmas but when I transferred aboard the Sierra I had to spend it for a lot of clothing that I was forced to get, so there you are. You can't win. Next Xmas I can be at home and I sure hope I'm out of this rut or I should say "we" because that's the way it's going to be. Say! Did that radio of mine ever get there? I gave 45:00 {sic} for it so I wouldn't want to lose it. Ha! It's just the miser coming out in me I guess, but more than that I can't stand anyone cheating me. Well, to get off the subject of finances, my present status aboard the Sierra isn't any too enlightening. I've been raising cane, because of the rough deal I received when transferred over here, and have been promised a relief the 23rd, or tomorrow, and a release from duty aboard this ship. If I don't get it I'm going to raise cane until I do. They have brought up a new standing order that reads all 7th fleet personnel will be allowed to send two dispatches or telegrams home or anywhere for Xmas. There are 480 men on board our ship and 230 patients, which makes 710 dispatches that will have to be written up, sent to Guam and collected for. That is only if each guy sends one dispatch. If they send their maximum allowance of two, well that will be 1, 420 and two radiomen to do it besides their regular duties. Ha! Believe me it will take a lot of Xmas spirit to keep us from jumping over the side. Ha! I don't mind, and I'm not going to hurt myself any either. I'm saving all of my energy until I get out. God knows I'll need it. Well I'd better close before I write a book instead of a letter. Ha! Bye for now and take care of yourselves. Lot's of love. Your devoted son Charles H.-