Smyrna times., 1944-08-17

A T. ". OF, U 1OSlludslSA
San Francisco, California
balance of address on application
Paul, your letter was indeesd a
bit out of the ordinary but was
just as pleased to receie it as any
that has arrived in the past. In
this letter you have asked me some
very direct questions, and request
ed my opinion. One thing quite
sure, old man, Dribbles will never
dodge an issue when you set it up
in front of him as you have done.
On the other hand, want you to
realize that an opinion is only an
opinion at the best. Like advise,
you can read it when you get your
copy of The Smyrna Times, then
act upon it as you may see fit.
The same will go for your Buddies
also. So let's start to find out
what really do think of your case.
In the first place, you and your
Buddies are experiencing a very
natural reaction when you state
that you would like to have a
break, as you term it. What you
really mean is change of scene
something different for a spell
from jungles and fighting. You and
your Buddies want to get back
home most of all, but would settle
on change of sorts which would
allow you an opportunity to take
in huge slice of civilization again,
as you put it.
Well, that break is bound to
come. This rotation plan is not
just a morale builder for the par
ents as you have stated. 1t is a
morale builder, but for the Service
men, not home folks, and your day
will come-perhaps very soon.
Things are stepping up in the Pa
cific area, which reflects that
means of transportation, convoy
ships, etc. are becoming more and
more available as time goes on.
Yes, and the same ships that carry
troops and munitions of war out
your way, will be utilized to carry
cargoes and American Boys back
to the States.
Some of these Boys, may God
bless their brave hearts, will be
listed as wounded-some will be
sound of body. This is one point
that you have in your favor for
which you should be very thankful,
Paul. The very fact that you and
your Buddies are all in one piece
will mean more to you in after life
than will the date upon which you
will arrive back in the States. Yes,
it will Paul-no matter how much
you want to be here. Never before,
in any war in which the United
States has been engaged, has the
welfare and the morale of the
troops been so we'll cared for as in
this one. Your Uncle Sam has you
constantly before his mind. Some
have Jared better than others
that will always be true. Right at
the moment you and your Buddies
have this grippe. You have put in
two years of foreign service over
in the Pacific area during time
when the going was mighty tough.
Whether it will prove to have been
the toughest, only future opera
lions will tell. One thing rather
same to say is that you fellows
will be back in the States quite a
spell before we take the Japs over
for good and all. Then, while Our
Boys are putting out over in the
Pacific area as you have done, you
will be the ones who are looking
on from the safety and comforts
of modern civilization. Things will
be in direct reverse for you and
your Buddies from what they are
to-day. That's my honest opinion
Paul. Now, as to a suggestion
which you might try if you wish.
1t will work out 100 percent of the
time if you will do your part.
In this world there are two class
es. those who have and those who
have not. Strange to say many
of those who have part of the
treasures of life do not possess
others. 1t is seldom that you find
a person who can truthful tell you
that he is perfectly happy. Men
who have wealth may not have
domestic happiness-their health
may be lacking. Poor folks may
have good health and a happy
home, but are worried about fin
ances. Therefore, it is not hard to
sit down and picture yourself into
depressed frame of mind, or to
build yourself UP pretty right all
depends on how you direct your
thoughts. )
If you look always to those who
have more than you have of the
things of life, you will never be
happy. On the other hand, if you
look down upon those who have
less than you, your lot will never
seem quite as bad as the other fell
lows.
Your comparison as to the other
falloUc who GRO horoa or, f,,r