Oct. 1st 1943
8 PM
Dear Tidi,
Well, well, well. So the big sister has finally set the date, time and place. Ah, what a thrill - relief - it must be to know that you've got a man bound and hooked. Gee, especially now that they're so scarce. Why just tonight the radio said that men would be rationed after the war - 3/4 per gal. But all kidding aside, this'll be the biggest moment in your life and also the largest step. I only hope it's the most successful - of which I'm sure it will be. The possibilities of my attending the wedding are very small so about the only thing I can do is to wish you and Tommy all the happiness that there is and that throughout the years of married life that are coming, your associations may be as blissful and pleasant as any that have ever been.
Tonight I'm on the 8:00 - 12:00 PM watch in the Boiler Room and have plenty of time to write letters - to those whom I owe letters.
This is my service week now [page break]
and although most of the men in my company are working in various parts of the camp I've seen little duty. So far I've spent all my time - up to 10 hrs a day with the Drum & Bugle Corps. Beginning Sunday I go on calls for Battalion Buglers. Then maybe I'll get to be regimental bugler - which would maybe get me into temporary Ships Company. That is I'd be in charge of a D + B Corps for about 60 days before seeing sea duty. But I also would like to go to service school. If I don't make service school - ships company would surely do in a pinch.
Last nite I went to the Christian Science service here. It was nice. I met Bill Graham, a friend of Gaines and Marge. He has been at Great Lakes since May - 60 days in sick Bay with Hernia which ordinarily took 90-120 days to heal. (He gave a testimony on it.) and is starting his leave tomorrow. The worker here is very nice and accommodating. He tries to make the services as near like those at home as possible. Also beginning Sunday - there will be Sunday church services at 8:30 A.M. It's a relief to know that at all [page break]
times there is something and someone to turn to when a difficulty arises.
Tomorrow Great Lakes plays Pittsburgh in football. Great Lakes is favored. I may get a chance to see the game if things work out. Indiana plays Wabash - one game they should win. It looks like Purdue is going to take all honors this year. No doubt that makes you very happy.
I've got some more letters to answer now so I'll close for now. Please remind mom about my horn.
Love & More love
Bud.
[ILLUSTRATION 1: Wedding scene — Tidi in gown saying "Come on dear — just once," Tommy in top hat replying "just be patient," "Roustabouts" pulling her train; Mom and Dad at left with comic "odds" above them; Bud in USN uniform watching from the corner]
[ILLUSTRATION 2: "The Honey Moon 1943 Style" — Tommy pedaling a small wheeled contraption, Tidi behind him with bouquet; sign reads "Marshals — Gas Coupons Cut," "Just Married" on the back; caption: "DON'T Fret Harriet ANN"]