Billy's letters of June begin on 4th and finds him where he is happiest ... on the sea ... and thinking of his Sweetheart, Mary.
#19 (June 4th 1953) He begins with his usual refrain on how quickly time passes on the open water, saying 'We have been at Sea since Monday. Really doesn't seem so long since we left Port. I just can't understand why time goes by faster at Sea for me. I guess it is just something to do.' He also looks forward to finally meeting up with Mary in August, saying 'It isn't but 10 weeks more I'll be getting my vacation. I do not know for sure how many days I'll be able to get. Even if it is 20 that will be too short.' He ends by returning to his old classic sign off 'Love to you.'
#19 (June 4th 1953) He begins with his usual refrain on how quickly time passes on the open water, saying 'We have been at Sea since Monday. Really doesn't seem so long since we left Port. I just can't understand why time goes by faster at Sea for me. I guess it is just something to do.' He also looks forward to finally meeting up with Mary in August, saying 'It isn't but 10 weeks more I'll be getting my vacation. I do not know for sure how many days I'll be able to get. Even if it is 20 that will be too short.' He ends by returning to his old classic sign off 'Love to you.'
Billy's next letter is still focused on their face-to-face meeting, but Billy has to break some bad news about getting a posting nearer to Mary.
#20 (June 6th 1953) He begins in familiar fashion, explaining 'We got back in yesterday evening from operating out. Didn't seem hardly any time since we had left, only 5 days. The faster the days go, the quicker you and I can be together. I hate to wish my life away but I wish this were August 6 instead of June.' He discusses various entertainments, saying 'We had a good movie on board tonight. "Pony Soldier" It was about the N.W. Mounties. I really enjoyed it.' He also describes how his shipmates are bonding more than before, saying 'Before the movies our Engineering Officer had his accordion out playing and all were singing. I am glad to see our crew getting together and working as a team. All told we have a good bunch of men.' He ends with a sting in the tale, saying 'I don't think I'll be able to get Shore Duty at Orange. So guess I ride the J.C. until my enlistment is up' but nevertheless adds an emphatic 'I love you.'
#20 (June 6th 1953) He begins in familiar fashion, explaining 'We got back in yesterday evening from operating out. Didn't seem hardly any time since we had left, only 5 days. The faster the days go, the quicker you and I can be together. I hate to wish my life away but I wish this were August 6 instead of June.' He discusses various entertainments, saying 'We had a good movie on board tonight. "Pony Soldier" It was about the N.W. Mounties. I really enjoyed it.' He also describes how his shipmates are bonding more than before, saying 'Before the movies our Engineering Officer had his accordion out playing and all were singing. I am glad to see our crew getting together and working as a team. All told we have a good bunch of men.' He ends with a sting in the tale, saying 'I don't think I'll be able to get Shore Duty at Orange. So guess I ride the J.C. until my enlistment is up' but nevertheless adds an emphatic 'I love you.'
Here is the entire film and the movie poster for Tyrone Power's "Pony Soldier" (1952) that Billy referenced in his letter:
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Billy's next letter finds him in Cuba for training ... but, perhaps, not quite as fully focused as he could be.
#21 (June 12th 1953) He begins by announcing 'We arrived here in Gitmo [Guantanamo] Bay, Cuba this morning.' He then explains his previous experience, saying 'This is the third time to be here for this Training. Maybe this time it won't be too hard. The Engineering Officer has to make up our own Casualty Drills, etc. and let the crew know what to expect. One thing I expect is to get a good sun tan. Lots of the guys are already supporting some pretty good burns.'
#21 (June 12th 1953) He begins by announcing 'We arrived here in Gitmo [Guantanamo] Bay, Cuba this morning.' He then explains his previous experience, saying 'This is the third time to be here for this Training. Maybe this time it won't be too hard. The Engineering Officer has to make up our own Casualty Drills, etc. and let the crew know what to expect. One thing I expect is to get a good sun tan. Lots of the guys are already supporting some pretty good burns.'
Here are some images of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base that Billy referenced in his letter:
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Billy's next letter
#22 (June 16th 1953) He
#22 (June 16th 1953) He
Billy's next letter
#23 (June 20th 1953) He
#23 (June 20th 1953) He
Billy's next letter
#24 (June 22nd 1953) He
#24 (June 22nd 1953) He
Billy's last letter of June
#25 (June 30th 1953) He
#25 (June 30th 1953) He
