U. S. S. PRAIRIE
3 February 1946
Dearest Family,
I dont know whether this will find any of you home, but anyway your bound to receive it sometime.
In my last letter I informed you that my transfer was near at hand. But in accordance with the usual navy way, I have lately been told that I and all other men not ready for immediate discharge are to be honored with another trip onto the blue Pacific. Yes, the ship is leaving for Pearl Harbor on the sixteenth and I'll be right with her. Our tentative plans are to pick up ComDesPac and then return to San Diego for indefinite duty. At present we are scheduled to be back in the states by the fifteenth of March. But since the plans are tentative, God only knows what may develop in the navy. At any rate, as badly as I feel about going to sea again, my one consolation is that by the time I return to this promised land I'll definitely will have points for discharge on March 15. If only things continue as planned, I should be ready for civies late next month. I remember I swore mutiny if I had to go to Pearl, but the chicken in me is too apparent to lead me into anything like that. And another thing, I might as well be busy my last month as to sweating out a month in the states. That last portion was something I thought up to encourage myself- I don't mention the swell liberties I could have while waiting for those points. Lets see- liberty in hawa Pearl is okay, but I ruined my whites by wrapping my rifle in them and I shall not spend more money for those unnecessary items. Well, I might as well break out the old checker board again.
Hm, I should have a camera in Pearl- maybe I can pick up a cheap brownie somewhere- or else borrow one. Oh nuts, this is going to kill me. Confound it!
My jap rifle is on its way home, and should be there soon. Ahem, I sent it collect. As to the clothing you wanted Mom, I'll wait until the ship gets underway before buying anything cause not only is it cheaper, but also the ships store wont be opened until then anyway.
Pop, I've told some pretty big stories in my day, but I bowled 146 a few days ago- believe it or not. I also have the score sheet to prove same to you. My average is well into the 140s now- so warn Mr. Chamberlain, and Collier to watch their steps- and to start practicing.
sorry this is so short- lots of love.
[Signature: "Bud" in handwriting]