November 26, 1945

Air Mail From Dip

Nov. 26, 1945

Dear Mom & Dad –

Oh how I hate to admit that I’m still here in Gifu waiting! The whole redeployment program here went suddenly sour at 90 pts. - & me with 89 – isn’t that just about my luck?

I guess back home you folks read about all the troops they’re getting back from the Pacific every day. Well maybe they’re going out from Tokio & other areas, but they’re certainly not moving here. It’s this 25th Division – they hate to part with man or officer.

I still think I’ll be home by Xmas altho I don’t see how I can be so optimistic in the face of this long delay. But I gave you my word & am going to do all in my power to keep it.

I see by your letters that all the rest of the boys have beat Lee & I home. Well isn’t that great – we now have the (dubious) distinction of being “first in & last out”. And I’ll bet even Lee beats me back.

Have been taking a few jeep trips around the country – just sorta sightseeing. There’s of course lots to see. I’ll tell you all about it when I get home. The Nips are certainly friendly – it may be “put-on” but certainly looks sincere.

Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving at the Jordan’s. We spent ours at the Kagamagahara Hotel where we have our Combat Team Off. Club. The menu was fair but not like other years. Steak was the main dish with canned turkey on the side – no dressing. No pumpkin pie either – we had apple instead. They tell us we will have fresh turkey in by next Thur. (the 29th) so I guess that will be our real holiday.

Sure, Harry (Hadda) Swanson was a chum of mine all through grade & Jr. high school. I’m sure you’ve met him years ago but probably forgot him.

I’m sure glad you’re going to keep that tree up ‘till I get home – I’ll try not to let it shrivel up on you. Just keep on hoping & crossing your fingers ‘n I’ll be there before you know it. Once they let go of me here in the Div. it shouldn’t take long.

G’by for now.

Love, Dorance

P.S. Hello to the gang.