February 27th, 1945 -Handwritten Letter

My Darling,

Well sweetheart here I am at last with a short note to let you know that I am still alive and well, I can well imagine that you have read all about the battle of "Iwo Jima" which is but a short distance from Japan itself. I understand they call it the "Island of Death." I have been here since the start of the battle and sure have had my fill. We have been living in "foxholes" ever since we came ashore and today is the first day we have been able to write. Even now as I sit in my foxhole, I can hear bombs and all sorts of guns being fired up forward. 

However Darling, the worst is over now and in about two or three days the battle should be won. I would like to tell you all kinds of things in this letter, but of course I am unable to and I know you understand. The days are not too bad because you can see things but the nights are long and terrible because you never know but that a Jap will jump in the same shell hole with you because its so dark. The nights never seem to end and we are awake watching and listening. 

We haven't had any real sleep since we came ashore which is quite a few days now and everyone needs a good bath and plenty of rest. Many of the men have lost their gear and haven't been able to even shave for over a week now. 

Today, I washed my face and hands and it seemed like a holiday indeed. Night and day I have you constantly on my mind sweetheart and I know you would be worried because I didn't write for so long. 

This is really the first let-up we have had and I understand that it is the only time and letter that we are able to tell that we are in combat on the island of "Iwo Jima." Well Princess little one this is all the paper I have so I will have to close now but when I am able to I shall with a real long letter. Always remember that I love you with all my heart and I just pray for the day to come when I can rush back down to you alone. Please never change and stay as sweet as you are. To the most wonderful wife in all the world. God Bless you Always. 

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Your Hubby Always,

Frank R.

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P.S Hello to Brucie

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March 2nd, 1945 -V-Mail

My Darling,

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Hello again Sweetheart, I say again because I have already written a letter to you yesterday and I sent it "air mail." However, perhaps this one will arrive home sooner. I am feeling fine. I am on "Iwo Jima" which is relatively close to Japan itself and I have no doubt, but that you have read about the battle here in the papers. 

We have been here since the very start and at this stage of the game it will soon  be over. Naturally our mail has been held up but I understand we had a little taken ashore today and that we should have it within a day or two. Gosh! Honey you have no idea how much I have missed your letters. I have been unable to write myself for some time but I know you understand. I can hardly wait until I hear from sweet and wonderful you. 

And now my angel, I shall have to close for this time because already it is getting dark and I am writing in my "foxhole" using a cardboard for a makeshift desk. Tomorrow I shall give this letter to my lieutenant. Always stay as sweet and adorable as you are. Heaven bless you always. Millions of kisses. To the most wonderful wife in all the world.

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Always,

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Your Frankie.

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March 7th, 1945- V-Mail

"Iwo Jima'

Dearest Beloved,

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Another day finds me flat on my tummy in my foxhole writing you a letter. I am feeling fine and so far I have been real lucky. However there seems to be a great deal left to do here. Believe me when I say I never want to hear of War again. Mail is coming to us by plane now and yesterday I received five mor of your "more than wonderful letters Dearest. I can hardly tell you how wonderful they made me feel.

God only knows how much I pray to rush back home to you my Precious.I always carry your picture with me and never a day passes but that I don't take it out and day dream. Yes, every day out here is another day close to you sweetheart and when I return I want to spend all my time making you happy. I want to prove to be the very best husband in all the world (and I shall).

Keep that little chin of yours up for just a little while longer and all will be well. Once again we will dance and laugh and sing as we used to. I realize I love you more every second of every day and I want to show you just how much when I come home. A million kisses to the most wonderful wife in all the world. Written from a fox hole on "Iwo Jima" with dreams of lovable you.

 

Always your Hubby,

Frankie 

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March 9th, 1945-V-Mail

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Dearest Beloved:

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Another day finds me once again in my foxhole writing to sweet and lovable you. Today my precious, I received another one of your wonderful letters and already have read it over and over again. My luck is holding out fine and I am feeling as well as can be expected. The Lieutenant and I are sharing one foxhole and today we had planned to fix it, but just didn't seem to find the time. 

Sweetheart, about a month ago, I sent you a money order for $80 and as yet I have had no word as to whether or not you have received it. Please let me know Honey as soon as possible. If you have not received it, I shall have the matter looked into. You told me in your letter that you had your hair done and I can just picture how cute you look. Cute enough to love to death.

So-o-o you think Brucie is a roughneck don't you? Well young lady, just you wait until I get home ha ha. He won't have a thing on me ha ha. Today the Red Cross gave me a new tooth brush, bomb, razor, and blades. I hope the heck we can get the island "squared away" soon so that we can leave.

I want so much to be home with you my angel and never leave your side again. I promise to make your slightest wish, my command and prove to you I can make you more happy than you ever dreamed could be possible. God Bless you my sweet. With all my love precious.

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Always Your Hubby,

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Frankie

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