Air Mail From Dip
Christian Olsen
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July 29, 1944
Air Mail From Dip
07/29/20 • 2 min
July 29, 1944
So. Pacific
Dear Mom & Dad –
Got your letter of the 16th yesterday & also at long last I had one from Dorothy. It certainly was nice to hear from her after so long. She tells me she’s sending you some films to be forwarded to me. Just in case you’ve misplaced my letter requesting the film you can use this one.
The war news certainly sounds good now, doesn’t it. Especially those Russians – only 20 miles outside of Warsaw. I look for a German collapse before too long. If only Japan would go that fast too.
Just found out the other day that the Gov’t has passed the bill to give every man who entered the army at age of 24 or younger a free education. That sounds great to me & I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t take advantage of it – do you? I’ll have plenty of money saved up to pay any expenses the Gov’t doesn’t.
Just came back from seeing half a movie tonight. It was a stinker so I walked out on it – figuring I had more important things to do. I’ve seen so many shows that I’m getting fussy.
We’ve had lots of rain lately here but the days have been nice & warm. We had a shoot yesterday in the rain & mud, but that’s to be expected now & then. We usually have pretty good luck with the weather.
I wonder how you folks think on the coming election. Would appreciate some of your views on the subject. We are going to get a chance to vote this time, you know, on an absentee ballot. I’m going to take advantage of it cuz as I look at it that’s one fo the big things we’re over here protecting.
No more news for now so I’ll say good night & write again. Hope you’re both fine. Say hello to everyone for me.
Love, Dorance
July 27, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)
Air Mail From Dip
07/27/20 • 4 min
July 27, 1944
Dear Marion –
Hello again – it’s me. I got a few things on my mind tonight, Marion, so instead of tearing out to the Cotton Club or Excelsior let’s just relax on your front-room sofa and have a little chat. Hmmm.
First of all – what do you think of the latest war news? Sounds swell doesn’t it! Gee – those Russians are certainly going places – only 30 miles from Warsaw. Boy, I’ve got all my fingers, toes, & eyes crossed for this war to end soon. Funny thing but it’s really hard to imagine myself as anything but a soldier – it’s been so long.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what I’m going to do when I get pushed back into civilian life again. Seems if the Gov’t has set up a pretty nice little post-war educational policy. Every man who was inducted into the armed forces before the age of 24 (and that’s me) is going to be given the opportunity to go thru college for free. Now that sounds mighty good to me – I think I ought to take advantage of an offer like that don’t you? As near as I can figure, I should be in pretty fair financial shape too when I get off the boat. Did you know that I’ll be getting a $300 mustering-out bonus? That will just about pay for all the new clothes I’ll have to buy. Of course it’ll be just my luck to have inflation set in & all my diligent saving will be a big waste of time.
You mentioned you were getting sick of shows – well, move over because there’s two of us. I just got back from seeing half a show tonight. It’s the only entertainment we have out here at night, so we go almost every night. Lately tho, I’ve been walking out in the middle of some of the “stinkeroos.”
Hey – what’s this business about you going after a Civil Service deal in Hawaii? Are you kidding? Hey, Marion, I’m surprised at you & somewhat puzzled to say the least! Only two letters ago you were telling me how much it meant to you to be back in Mpls. again amongst all your friends. Guess you must have a little “Richard Haliburton” in your blood. Of course, Marion, you know your own mind and if it’s adventure you want you have no other alternative but to take-off. I’ve heard a lot about Hawaii from the men in this Division – they were stationed there before the war. They say it’s a beautiful place & a lot of them have wives back there and expect to return & make the island their home. Now there – is that what you wanted me to say? One question – do you plan to make it your home or just go there for a lark & then return? Gosh, I wouldn’t be surprised if you turned up on this lonely isle some day! Hmm, d’ya think you could arrange it?
If you knew what I have sitting here beside me while I write this letter I’ll bet you’d be jealous, Marion? Now I’ve got you guessing, so I’ll tell you & make your mouth water – a highball. None other than a coke fortified with a “neck” of Schenley’s Black Label. The first I’ve had for weeks.
How did the gals make out on Likk’s anniversary party? It certainly sounded like a rugged affair. Did anyone lose their equilibrium? Just wait ‘till all us jokers get back from overseas – will we have a blow-out then! We’ll have to rent the Spanish Room again. If you get too much don’t worry, cuz I’ll be right handy to take you for a walk. And I think you know what I mean.
Well I’m all talked out, so I’ll shut up & let you take over. Write soon. And pray for an end to this struggle in the near future. G’night.
Love, Dorance
July 23, 1944
Air Mail From Dip
07/23/20 • 3 min
July 23, 1944
S.W. Pacific
Dear Mom & Dad:
I’m back at camp again playing soldier after a most enjoyable 5 days leave at the Division Officer’s rest camp. It’s Sunday afternoon and a dreary one – it’s raining and has been since this morning.
I’m the “O.D.” today – just finished mounting my guard. In ten minutes I have to go out & take the “report” at retreat formation. I spose it’s mostly the weather, but my morale is sorta low today. Not even the encouraging war news seems to cheer me up. I guess it’s maybe just a direct result of having too much fun while I was off on pass. I surely hated to come back.
There goes the bugle now so excuse me for five minutes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
O.K. ready to go again.
The rest camp was situated right on the sea shore. It consisted of a lodge made from a wealthy Frenchman’s house, stables for a dozen horses, two quansette huts for quarters, a tennis court (concrete), & lots of beautiful palm trees.
The main diversion there was loafing & just plain everyday relaxing. Of course we got plenty of exercise too playing tennis, badminton, table-tennis & riding horseback. At night we had some good bridge games with the two Red Cross girls who were in charge of the camp. We had some very cozy evenings in the lodge playing cards alongside the fireplace – just like home.
Meals were really a treat. We had fresh meat twice daily, plenty of fresh vegetables, & real eggs for breakfast. We also had fresh milk – the first I’ve had on the island. We even had ice cream for two meals. The food was well prepared (French style) & well served.
Lee was out one afternoon for a set of tennis & some riding. We did both, although Lee had trouble letting his horse know who was boss. We had to spend most of our time riding near the stables – horse didn’t want to leave. My mount gave me a little trouble at first but I subdued him, & after that he went anywhere I wanted him to go.
When I got back to camp I expected more mail than I got. Only had 4 letters waiting & none from home. I know you’ve written tho so I guess the mail got hung up somewhere.
Gosh, I don’t know what’s happened to Dorothy’s mail. I haven’t heard from her since she moved. It must be lost somewhere.
The picture I’m enclosing was one that Lee had enlarged & gave me. I think you already have a small one of the same shot.
I’ll say g’bye now – keep your fingers crossed for this thing to end soon.
Love, Dorance
July 16, 1944
Air Mail From Dip
07/16/20 • 2 min
Sunday
July 16, 1944
Dear Mom & Dad:
I’m just going to write a short letter tonight cuz I don’t have much to say & it’s late. We played four rubbers of Bridge & it sorta ran over into my letter-writing time. I trust you understand how that can happen.
Haven’t had a letter from you for about five days so I have none on hand to answer. Mail service has been good up to now.
I went to church this morning & then spent most of the afternoon playing volley-ball. We have some rugged games because we’ve played so much that everyone’s getting pretty skilled. Our training program has let-up a little & we have afternoons off for athletics. We have a volleyball game almost every day.
I’m getting sort of a pass this week for three days. There’s actually no place to go, but it’ll give me a chance to go and visit Lee & Roge. I’ll stay at an Officer’s rest camp along with four other officers in the Bn. & spend most of my time with my two Mpls. buddies. Guess I’ll take some writing stuff along & probably scratch out a few letters while I’m there.
I still haven’t heard from Dorothy. She certainly must be busy with her new home. Of course maybe the mail is slower from N.Y.
Have you heard anything from Healy’s mother lately? I visit with Denny regularly & compare notes to see if you folks have communicated. I’d still like to be in C battery again.
The last time I flew I took my camera along & took some aerial photos. Doubt if they’ll get by the censors but we’ll see. Haven’t had them developed yet. Say – I’d surely appreciate it if you could get ahold of some 120 film for me – preferably Panatomic X which is handled by Kodak.
Didn’t want to take another sheet just to say good night so I turned it over. Besides this paper is too heavy & might go over the airmail weight. Will write again when I get in town on pass.
Love, Dorance
*P.S. Be sure to check out the article on Air Mail From Dip in this Sunday’s Star Tribune! -Christian
July 7&10, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)
Air Mail From Dip
07/10/20 • 5 min
S.W. Pacific
July 10, 1944
Dearest Marion:
For heaven’s sakes what’s come over you – three letters in one week! You sure have me back on my heels. I’d better get this pen going right now & catch up before you get mad & quit.
I certainly had an enjoyable time today. Spent a large part of the morning flying one of our grasshopper planes. They are training me to be the aerial observer when we go into combat. I’m fairly lightweight & that’s what they want because those cubs have to take-off & land in just any old excuse for a field. We aren’t s’posed to take the stick ourselves (just practice adjusting fire) but for the last 4 or 5 flights, I’ve done most of the piloting myself. Hate to brag, Marion, but today I did five “tail-spins” in a row without a slip up & then learned how to do some “lazy-eights” & “wing-overs.” It’s wonderful – guess I should have joined the Air Corps instead of the Army. One of these days I expect to load up an extra tank of gasoline & head out over the open seas – ending up right at Wold Chamberlain field. Or maybe I’ll set it down right in your own back yard (maybe even right in your lap). How would ja like that?
We’ve been playing bridge most every evening before show time. I’m learning, I guess, but am still pretty much of a clerk at the game. I’ve gotten over trumping my partner’s aces tho so that’s something. You & I will have to team up against Mr. & Mrs. Stensrud some quiet week night next year. Eh? Say about Aug. 21, 1945 – am I being optimistic? I hope not, Marion, cuz I’m getting so fed up & sick of this war that I don’t care what happens anymore.
S’cuse me for being so pessimistic all of a sudden – my morale is sorta low tonight. Your letter came just in the nick o’ time to cheer me up some.
Say, Marion, I’ve been meaning to ask you for some time now if you have met my Uncle yet. He works up there at Soo Line – name, Charlie Alquist. Don’t ask me what dept. he’s in cuz I don’t know. I wish you’d look him up & say hello though. I’m sure you’ll like him – he’s full of fun.
Tsk, tsk, Marion, losing your temper on the green – I’m surprised at you! Don’t you know you can’t play golf worth a darn when you’re mad? Now let’s cool down.
Yes – I surely would like to see your tan now. I’ll bet your back, shoulders, & legs are pretty nice. But to get back on the subject – it’s the winter season down here & I’ve lost most of my healthy color.
Did you now that on July 17th I will be celebrating the third anniversary of my entry into the custody of the officials of the U.S. army. If you are “up” on your army slang you will know that that is one complete “hitch.” In the old prewar days one would have to reenlist on that day if he was sucker enough to lay himself open to 3 more years of that sorta living. Today it means just 3 more years serves, however there’s one bright beam – I now get one fogy. In other words an increase in pay of 5% of base pay. Which amounts to a $7.50 a month raise – nothing to lose any sleep over but it all counts.
Gee it’s too bad about Hiawatha being so affected by all the rain this year. I sure used to like that course how about you?
When ya going to send those pictures you promised??
I enjoyed the jokes you sent. I mean the ones your boss didn’t appreciate as much as you. There were some dillies in there.
Well gotta get up at 0500 in the morning so, Marion, as much as I hate to I must say g’nite. I’ll see you in my dreams. Write.
Love, Dip
July 4, 1944 (to Marion Sneen)
Air Mail From Dip
07/04/20 • 5 min
July 4, 1944
S.W. Pacific
Happy 4th!!
Dear Marion –
Eh gads – I’ll bet you think I’m a cad, blaggard & a scoundrel for not writing! Well gosh, can I help it I had to go out in the field & play soldier for a week? But anyway I’ll catch up & make up for it – you’ll see.
What a week we spent out there playing war – the wettest week since we’ve been on this island. It rained for the first four straight days of the maneuver & then let-up to a slight drizzle. We were soaked from the beginning & wet at the end. Whoops – what am I saying! As though it wasn’t enough that it rained – on the first night a strong breeze came up – our tent came down. There we were running around in our drawers pounding tent stakes – rain coming down to beat h---, & knowing all the time that we were a week or more away from dry clothes. It’s rough Marion – don’t ever join the army!
But now we’re all very much happy again – got back day before yesterday. All my morale needed was a cold shower, clean clothes, & a hot meal. We lived on C & K rations all the time out there.
Today we’re enjoying the first real holiday since coming to this spot. We didn’t have to stand reveille this morning – nor do we stand retreat tonight & no drill. And on top of it all we had real “honest to goodness” fresh eggs – the kind with a shell. They’re also a “first” for us on this island. Guess they’re trying to make-up for the soaking we got last week. Think so?
Haven’t seen Lee for a fortnight now, but will try to get in touch with him either this coming Saturday or next.
Pardon this stationery, Marion, you probably recognize it as the famous “second sheet.” You’re right – I use it to save on weight, cuz my mother tells me my letters come with postage due. She wanted to send me some light stuff, but heck this typing paper is great. So, if you don’t mind –
Your letter of June 7th came while I was out on the problem, & yours of the 14th came today. I sure like your recent step-up in letter-writing – keep it up.
No – I don’t mind your leaving a letter for 20 minutes for something important like eating, but anything else is out.
I’m not letting my hair grow – in fact I’ll probably have it chopped down to 1⁄4” tomorrow again. D’ya like it that way? I’ve had it short for so long now I know it’ll never be combable again.
Your habit of sleeping on the streetcar really tickled me. Can you guess why? Yeah – I do the same thing! At least one evening every month I used to have to walk or take a streetcar (if handy) back from M’haha Falls. My big error was getting too comfortable. I used to slump down & draw my knees up on the back of the seat in front. I’d start out in that position with the good intention of reading but soon discovered it was much more conducive to “end o’ the line” sleeping. I’m lucky – don’t have those “civvy” worries anymore.
Yes, I was home for about ten days as a brand new 2nd Lt. fresh from O.C.S. Didn’t you see me in my glittering gold bars – I thought I had flashed them quite thoroughly? Well anyway, Marion, there’ll come a day!
What do you mean when you say you were confused by my card folder from New Zealand? I don’t get it! I merely bought it as a memento of that fair country.
From the looks of the sketch, I’m sure I’d like the grey & white polka-dot dress & as far as dating you in it you know I’d like to do that! I’m especially fond of the wide shoulders & square neck – very nice. Marion you’re a clever gal! Don’t know if you knew it or not but I definitely favor the informal type of dress. I’d rather see a girl in a sweater & skirt than a formal any day. Am I crazy? I accept your Leap Year invitation for a date in that dress – how’s about wearing brown & white shoes with it – “spics”? O.K.?
Can’t take my fingernail polish off (inspection tomorrow) but I’m going to hit the hay. G’nite.
Love, Dip
July 2, 1944
Air Mail From Dip
07/02/20 • 4 min
S.W. Pacific
July 2, 1944
Dear Mom & Dad:
Well, finally we are back again at home base after a grueling 6-day maneuver. And was it a wet one! We had 3 straight days & nights of it. It’s quite a treat to get back to a shower, dry clothes & a square meal. We live on K&C rations when we’re out there you know – strictly a canned diet.
By the way before I go on – this paper is just some GI second – sheet typing paper. Hope you don’t mind – it ought to cut down on that costly weight. It works pretty good too, because I can use a sheet of lined paper beneath to keep my pen from going up-hill. That’s one habit you & I have in common, mom.
On this problem I spent most of my time as aerial observer. The job consists of flying around in the “grasshopper” & observing & adjusting fires on various targets. This will probably be one of my jobs in the actual “show” but don’t worry about it. To you it might sound dangerous but really it hasn’t proven out that way in actual combat. These liaison planes only fly directly over the battery positions not over the enemy.
Things look pretty good over in the European theatre now, don’t they. Wonder if Bob Coll is participating in the push? Now that we have Cherbourgh there ought to be some real action, because now they have a good sea port to land their equipment, supplies, & men. This fooling around with small landing crafts & “ducks” takes too much time. By the way did you know it was our “ex-25th Div. Cmdr.” Gen. Lawton J. Collins who took Cherbough with the 7th Corps. He left us back on New Zealand.
My Life magazines & also the Digests are coming thru regularly. I get them sooner than most of the other officers here.
No – the thief that made me look like a sorry O.D. that time was never cornered, nor has anything else ever been stolen. It’s just one of those things that has been forgotten.
No – when we go into battle I’ll stay right in Hdqs. unless I’m transferred into a firing battery before. Actually I’d like to get back to good old “C” btry. – I was much happier there. Denny was a swell B.C. & we got along very well together. Can’t say the same for the one I have now: there’s no comparison between the two. In fact Denny is trying to get me back to C. This BC I’ve got now is an undependable so & so – the type that will slap you on the back one minute & kick you in the pants the next; a weak character. We don’t hit it off too well.
Glad May & Elwood got such a pleasure out of my V-mail. I had no idea it would be their first. Elmer & Esther surely must have had a nice anniversary party – yup, I’m sorry too that I couldn’t attend.
I hope you got away on that weeks vacation with Elmer & Esther. Who’s going to drive & where will you get enough gas? Or shouldn’t I ask embarrassing questions? I’m glad to hear that you can still get away to one of those restful Minn. northwoods vacations.
You certainly have changed the yard around. I won’t recognize the place when I get back.
So you’ve had a lot of rain lately, well so have we. For a couple of months we had dry sunny weather, but just lately we’ve been getting our share of the rain. It was especially mean on this last field problem.
Thanks for Dorothy’s new address she hadn’t sent it to me as yet & I have been waiting for it. I have several of her letters to answer but didn’t know where to send ‘em.
I got a V-mail from Micky the other day in answer to one I wrote her. She says that you & her really keep the telephone lines hot. She certainly is a great girl – don’t you agree. Hope someday I can pick out a wife as nice as she.
Well I guess I’ll get busy on a letter to Dot, so I’ll say good night. Hello to everyone.
Love, Dorance
June 25, 1944
Air Mail From Dip
06/25/20 • 2 min
June 25, 1944
Dear Mom & Dad:
In just a few minutes we are moving into the field on an all-week maneuver. I’m afraid there won’t be mail service out there so that’s why I’m scribbling this quick note now. Don’t get much time to do anything – much less write these days. We just came in out of the field yesterday & here we go again. I don’t mind living in the field but it sure is a job & a mess packing up and then unpacking again. If I get a chance to write in the field I’ll answer your letter & mail it as soon as I hit civilization again. I have nothing startling to tell you except that I feel fine & my morale is still O.K. The war news is good these days but I’ve heard it that way before. The only thing that’ll excite me now is an armistice. Hope everyone is fine back there. Have a nice vacation.
Love, Dorance
June 25, 1944
Dear Marion:
I hate to write V-mails & also hate to get them, but this time I’ve got exactly 5 minutes to write. We just got back from the field & we’re going out again now on a 5 day maneuver. What a rat-race this army life turned out to be! We won’t have mail service out there, so that’s why I’m writing this hurried note. I got your letter yesterday when we got back to camp & will answer it when we get back again. I used to like to go “camping”, Marion, but I’m fast getting new ideas about such things. Gotta go now, so long.
Love, Dip
June 19, 1944
Air Mail From Dip
06/19/20 • 2 min
S.W. Pacific
Mon. June 19, ‘44
Dear Mom & Dad:
Just got back from the show – we had that great woman killer & swoon crooner Frank Sinatra in Higher and Higher. It was just like the Hit Parade, every time Franky came on all the men screamed & gasped the way his female audience usually does. The consensus of opinion among the warriors of the 8th Field is definitely against the lad. Personally I don’t mind his singing at all – I’m afraid he’s a victim of poor publicity.
Last week we had another of those 3 day maneuvers. I was an umpire – had to travel around & mark fires where the batteries fired their concentrations. When an outfit fires on a bridge, crossroad or something, I had to set off a smoke pot to represent the shells bursting. We had radios in jeeps over which we received our various orders and location of targets. We carried rations & sleeping gear in a trailer & slept right alongside the jeep at night.
The General (Div. Arty. Cmdr.) was here for dinner today as a guest of the Bn. C.O. He’s certainly a jolly old bird & well liked by both officers & men. We had toasted-cheese sandwiches, & I think he liked them. Hope so, cuz I’m the poor mess officer.
Yesterday was a very beautiful Sunday. Went to church in the morning & afterwards we had our usual volleyball game – staff vs. Hdqs. Btry. They beat us then, but today after drill hours we played them again & really cleaned their clocks.
Dorothy wrote from Austin & told me that the War Bonds have been delivered. Didn’t expect such prompt delivery.
Doesn’t the war news sound good now? At last we seem to be crawling out from beneath our shell. I expect to see lots of action in all theaters before long. The sooner the better - & the quicker we get to see the Golden Gate again.
I’ll say g’nite now. Feel wonderful & hope you both do too.
Love, Dorance
August 1, 1944
Air Mail From Dip
08/01/20 • 3 min
Aug. 1, 1944
So. Pacific
Dear Mom & Dad –
I finally got a letter (from home) after a week of no mail at all. This last weekend I managed to get off eight letters to people I owed, so now maybe I’ll get a few in return. Hope so.
Yes, nine days for my July 2nd letter is certainly good. The one I received from you today was dated the 12th; 19 days. Not so fast. Evidently the mail just didn’t make very good connections this time, because ordinarily I get your mail in 10 or 12 days.
Bet you think I’m an awful gigolo – I just got letters from two married women. One was from Lorraine (Mrs. C.J. Cole) Schmidt from down at the office, and the other was Mrs. Nancy White, the former Nancy Fenwick. I get a letter from Lorraine about once a month, but this is the first I’ve had from Nancy since she’s been married. She says she’s very happy, & hopes that I’ll find a nice girl & give married life a try. It was a very friendly letter & I appreciated hearing how she was. Somehow it seems nice to have their friendship even tho they’re “off” the list.
So Bob Coll is in France. That is a surprise if it’s true, because with this desk job I figured him for a permanent position back in England. I’ll certainly keep my fingers crossed for that boy.
Well Swany just barely missed out on the big show, altho I don’t expect he’ll have to wait long upon graduation from Flight School.
I suppose You will have seen Sykes by the time this letter reaches home. He just wrote & said he was going home on a furlough to celebrate his wedding anniversary – or was it his wife’s birthday? He wrote one of those multiple-copy jobs to seven of us “Kins.”
I’m going in to see Lee & Roge this coming weekend. Roge’ll be interested to hear that I had a letter from Nancy. He’s still writing to Sylvia back in Calif. – she’s the girl who got me Nancy as a blind date you know. I guess she’s pretty serious about Roge, but he’s not, so he’s having an awful time.
Don’t worry too much about the bond I’m sure it will come through in time. No doubt it’s the change-over that has held it up. Be sure to let me know if you received my last money order though – dated July 6th for seventy dollars.
We had the battery out on a three hour hike this morning, and this afternoon we played volleyball. After all that exercise I’m sorta tired, so if you don’t mind I’ll say goodnight. Say hello to everyone.
Love, Dorance
P.S. Glad you’re keeping a tab on all the boys for me.
P.S. The Minn. Daily News came today too.
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How many episodes does Air Mail From Dip have?
Air Mail From Dip currently has 183 episodes available.
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The podcast is about Society & Culture, History and Podcasts.
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The episode title 'July 29, 1944' is the most popular.
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The average episode length on Air Mail From Dip is 4 minutes.
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Episodes of Air Mail From Dip are typically released every 5 days.
When was the first episode of Air Mail From Dip?
The first episode of Air Mail From Dip was released on Mar 29, 2019.
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