Wed, Nov 10,
Hi Mary,
I've been back at Great Lakes a week now and tomorrow I shove off for destination unknown. Of course there are hundreds of rumors flying about as to where radio men are going. Some say San Diego, others Florida, Purdue, Northwestern, Pennsylvania. So naturally no one definitely knows for sure. But wherever it is I hope it's not Great Lakes. It is so cold here and in winter the temperature sometimes drops around 15 below zero.
Last Saturday and Sunday I roamed around Chicago on 12 & 14 hour passes respectively. That town is surely filled with things to do. Charlie Spivak, Ray Claridge, Jerry Wald and lots of other bands. One thing too, it's not difficult to get a date. The women just line up at the stations in line waiting for the Sailors to pull in. That's the only thing I don't care for. [page break]
I called mother & dad from Chicago Saturday night about 8:00. I didn't get back to camp until 7:00 AM Sunday morning and by eleven A.M. was out in Chicago again. I returned by 12:00 P.M.
Yesterday I met a fellow from Johnny Long's orchestra. He plays clarinet & Sax. Yeow! I took my horn over to the canteen and the lady in charge made me play over an hour. I was just about exhausted when she gave me package of Gum and bar of candy for my troubles. How sweet - I had played all morning in the barracks too.
Today I watched Great Lakes practice football opposite the O.G.U. barracks I'm in, which reminds me that I guess I won't be able to make it to Bloomington for any Game since I'm on my way someplace to school. At any rate if there's a possibility that I can make it to see you when in school I'll sure do my darndest. If I should get sent out west or down south the chances of seeing you again for a long long time are pretty slim. Radio school is 16-20 weeks, after which a short furlough and Zowie! then to meet the Japs. [page break]
I have a feeling I'll be fighting Japs, because that's all they pounded into our heads.
When I was home on leave I had a swell time. Carl Fetzer was home from Kiski. A boy died from an auto accident in the old truck. I gave Veen a small navy pin - she cried. We had lots of Dates and a lot of fun.
Well, I'll close now, but write as soon as I arrive at school to let you know my address.
Lots of love
Bud
[ILLUSTRATION 1: On envelope back — a naval warship with sailors visible, a sea creature (Loch Ness monster style) rearing out of the water nearby, birds flying overhead]
[ILLUSTRATION 2: "So Long" — Bud in sailor uniform with seabag at a train station; destination signs read "To here," "To there," and "CENSORED" with question marks; a puzzled bystander looks on]