Dec. 24, 1945

Batangas, P.I.

Dear Mom and Dad,

Well, it is Christmas eve and we're still out here. Heard last night that we finally got orders to go home after we discharge this load we brought from New Guinea. We expect to be in the states about the middle of February. We've had orders to go home so many times that I won't believe we're going until we get there. Nothing new ever happens out here so there's not much to say. On the way up from New Guinea we spotted several floating mines. I was on lookout on the bow one morning about 2:30 am and the sea was rought and visibility was only about 300 yards. I was singing when all of a sudden I spotted a mine about 50 or 75 yards ahead. I just saw it when it came up on a white cap. I raced for the phone and called the bridge, while all the time my eyes were glued to the mine and the mate was asking me where it was while all the time it was getting closer, but then it veered off to the starboard about 15 yards and I knew we were safe. That's the first time I saw one so close and boy it sure scared me. I never thought anything about them before.

I haven't seen the microscope yet. I guess I was crazy for having it sent. I'm still studying geology and minerology. I sure like it.  Our plans of coming back over here and raising that fiber have fallen through. I had an argument with the Polish guy about spending so much money and not saving for our future plans. He has spent almost $1500 on nothing. I told him I wasn't going to back the expenses on the deal and act like a stooge while he profited. That washed us up. I really didn't want to come back over here anyway. I don't know what I'll ever amount to, but I think I'd be satisfied to own a cabin in the mountains somewhere and prospect for minerals from Alaska to Central America. I sure change my mind a lot but I guess it's just natural. The radio operator and I are still good friends and I am planning now to take a trip around a few states prospecting, fishing, traveling, and just looking at the country. There's a lot of memories we'll be glad to leave behind. He was going to drive the Chev and I was going to take my ford and he was going to rig a radio set between both cars so we could talk to each other while on the road. It would really be fun.These are the plans now unless something else comes up. I'll probably have to have rings put in the ford before I go but I can get that done when I get back. I want to spend a little time at home for a change before I take the trip.

I'd sure like to be home in time to see all the guys. I wouldn't force Bill to do anything he doesn't want to because I think he'll be better off than I'll ever be.

I'm glad everything is alright at home. There's no need to answer this letter because I believe we'll be on the way home when this letter reaches you. If our orders are changed again I will notify you. I would like to buy both of you a good present when I get back and help you out to buy something if you need a little extra money. You know how I spend money.

"Well I hope I see you soon for sure this time."

Bob

 P.S.

I sure write a lousy letter; no feeling, expression or anything. I guess that's because I hate to write.

P.S. AGAIN

After being out here this long I still haven't got any good souveneirs. Everythings too expensive and nothings worth what they ask for it. A dish of ice cream in Manila costs 75 cents.