Pearl Harbor Stories
Harry Lynn Malson 1938
January 1938
Dear Mom:
I’m in the hospital right & haven’t had a chance to write because I left all my writing materials in my seabag. I had to get acquainted before he could borrow any from the patients. Whatever I’m in here for, it’s not serious because I feel perfectly well. I’m not run any temperature now either. I think I’ll get out in a few days now.
Since I’ve been here I received a letter from about everyone I know except the Bushs. I got one from the Malson’s wing, Aunt Lavada Bain, Rock Island, Illinois. I don’t remember her. Since I’m in the hospital I’ll have to go through those three weeks in the detention camp again. My company just went over the day after Christmas, Thursday
Gee that’s too bad about Uncle Jim. I’ll bet Bob as all broke up isn’t he. I’m glad you had a Merry Christmas. I did. The Navy gave us two packs of camels & a box of candy. I gave the camels away as I quit smoking. It cost too much. I just got three stamps in my stationery box & I’m broke. So I won’t get to do much writing. I got a card from Grandma and Mr. and Mrs. Clark.
Your son, Harry
PS I’ll finish this later
January 21, 1938 Long Beach, California
Dear Mother:
Received your letter this morning but it didn’t look so encouraging. Sandy has got a little of my money, so I’ll see if I can send you a couple of dollars at least. I have to get my pea coat cut down, cleaned and pressed, make a payment on my civvies and then I’ll be broke again. We were paid yesterday.
I went ashore last night and Sandy took all my dough. It wasn’t much though. Tell dad, if you get a chance, that barber business is pretty good out here, but it’s hard to get in the union, and boy this is a union state. About the only people that don’t belong to one are the bums and Uncle Sam’s sailors.
Boy, it sure looks bad for me and I’m not kidding either. This is the longest I ever went with a girl before. Six whole months without even thinking of another girl seriously. And the only time I was even close to being tight was New Year’s Eve. Some record, eh? Has dad still got the shop? If he has, there should be someone running it. Just the 30% would help out, wouldn’t it?
I heard from a girl I met in the training station today. Remember I told you I’d only seen her once? She sent me a Christmas, birthday, and New Year’s card. She’s got two brothers in the Navy. Lives in Davenport Iowa. I just write to her about once a month because she likes to read my letters, she said. I think she’s got designs on me though. Told me when they come out here she was going to look me up but will be in Bremerton, Washington then. Did I tell you were going to Honolulu T. H. March 14-25.
Gees, today is field day and I had to peel onions in the spud locker this morning I gotta scrub tables afternoon. I took my Seaman’s exam yesterday. Don’t know how I made out. It was a pretty tough exam, but I think I made out fairly well. There were 100 or better went out for it and the ratio to pass out about 3 to 1 odds of getting. Well, time to set up for chow so I’ll knock off.
Your son, Love and Luck, Harry Lynn
Rolled Clothes
Ready for inspection
HLM photo
USS Arizona Central Galley interior
US Park Service Photo
The city of Glendale Arizona created a memorial to the USS Arizona out of salvaged metal pieces from the potato locker of the ship’s galley
January 24, 1938
Dear Mother:
It seems every time I get halfway set to do something for you something else comes up. I feel like a heel for not sending any money home at all. If I just make Seaman, everything will be okay and I could come home for sure in August. I promised I would send a couple of dollars at least, but I can’t even do that. We had a check on how many clothes we have, and I was short about $12 worth, so had to get them or go on report. I would’ve taken the consequences, but it would’ve gone against my record and it’s pretty clean so far. Gees, I only have a year and seven months and 24 days to do. Boys will I be glad when I do get out. It’s okay as far as work goes, but the pay is so little and all the guff you have to take. I have to hold myself in to keep out of trouble. We’re going to San Francisco the third week of February, after that Honolulu, then to the yards and home, I hope.
How did the operation come out? Is dad still in the butcher shop? I hope the sawbones leaves part of him. We sure you need him around. When I get paid off, things will be better, I hope. I think all we need is a little organization and moral support with a few more sheckles coming in, everything would be okay if I don’t go crazy and get hitched. It would be a good investment anyway. Getting married (I mean).
We were having some swell weather out here. Sunny and warm in the daytime, but it gets kind of windy and choppy at night. We almost had a Santa Anna last night. It got so rough the Tennessee didn’t even come into the harbor when she got here from Frisco and some of the ships anchored further out didn’t send liberty boats to pick up the men coming aboard.
I saw Sandy last night. She’s still swell as they come. I won’t have anything to go over for after school lets out. She’s going home then. She keeps telling me to write to you. Well, I guess I better shut my mouth now.
Your son, Harry Lynn
PS Sandy’s mother said hello. Write soon
January, 1938 Long Beach, California
Gee Mom, what are we going to do? I’m going out for Seaman the last of this month I think, I hope I make it so I can send something. I always seem to need something. I haven’t bought any more civvies, it’s always uniforms or something.
I started mess cooking again this quarter and had to have some more white uniforms and aprons and hats, these things soon count up. I only drew five dollars last payday so I had to borrow some, after I paid my laundry, cleaning and toilet articles, to pay my locker bill. If I didn’t keep it paid they would sell my clothes. We’re out to sea now, firing dive-bombing practice with machine guns (Brownings) and 5 inch anti-aircraft. Its fun, our target is a long sleeve towed by a plane. The weather is swell, nice and warm. When we go to Panama this year I’ll try to get something to send home. I haven’t seen anything of Dolls for a month or so. I’ll have to go see them next week. Will be in all week then. Marguerite was in the pink when I last saw her. And the only thing wrong with Mrs. Dolls is she’s lonesome for you and the gang. Haven’t seen Uncle Aus for a long time. Ruth takes up about all my time ashore. We went to Point Vernon this weekend and took some pictures. I’ll tell her to send some to you. She’s got a swell mother. Her dad is the superintendent of construction for a smelting firm, you know, a big shot. He’s a real guy, but he doesn’t know I’m a sailor yet. When I was here (he’s in Mexico now) he took us to Laguna Beach for dinner and to a nightclub. When we came back to Long Beach, he let Sandy and me have the car. Did we have fun!
I saw a movie the other night, with a scene taken from the Long Beach Navy Landing. Jackie Cooper played in it. Whew, I gotta go get a cigarette. I’m making this a long one as I know you will have plenty of time to read it. This is more like a book then a letter isn’t it? Tell Bob I said to stick to it and he’ll be a man before his mother. He can write some letters can’t he? I’m going to be a fight manager for a kid here on the ship. His name (ring name) is Punch Landerbach. Weighs 132 pounds and he’s got dynamite in both mitts. He’s going to fight in Pasadena next week. Maybe we can get someplace.
Well I gotta knock off now, hammocks is going pretty soon and I gotta take a shower.
Your son, Harry Lynn
January 28, 1938
Dear Mother:
Got your swell letter the other day. Wrote since then, I think, but I guess you don’t feel much like writing now. So here comes some more dope. Didn’t make Seaman this time, guess I was too sure myself. They asked me questions I didn’t even know existed. I don’t think I made out any worse than the rest of the 100 or so that took the exam. Only 16 of ‘em made passing grades. I should of been one of ‘em though. Boy it has been swell staying in port for a while. I’ve been going over almost every night now, just to see Ruth (Sandy). She’s been going to have those pictures developed all along, but doesn’t seem to get around to it. I’ll send them to you as soon as I get them. Are you getting along okay? You’d better. The days are getting longer out here, and the weather is swell in the daytime, but still gets chilly at night. Sandy, her mother and I went to the fights at the Wilmington bowl the other night. It was all wrestling but they put on a good show. The feature event was Tarzan versus Clem Hawkins and his raccoon. Some stuff. Dad would’ve liked it. There doesn’t seem to be anything to tell about, all that has happened is a change in the officers. Boy I sure hope I get to come home this summer. Got a chance to drive with a friend of mine to Chicago in July or August, sharing expenses. But in the long run it would be cheaper to just buy a round-trip ticket unless he is coming back the same time I do. He was at the World’s Fair in the exhibit of art for Missouri. His name is Henry Hopewell, an artist. He painted the murals in Norma Shearer’s swimming pool about year ago. Pretty good.
Mom you and Dad have been pulling together for a long time now, I guess your fight is still together, isn’t it? I hope I find what you’ve got. It’s plenty rare out here. Whoa baby, I’m getting too sentimental. If some of the guys read this, they’d think I was a lily for sure. Well I guess I’ll secure and get some sleep. Boy, going out every night at seven and not getting in my dream bag until 2:00 kind it gets a guy down. Only weigh 162 now. Well, here’s to the best little mother in the world.
Your black sheep, Harry Lynn
PS tell Dad if you get a chance, I’ll write the next one to him. You ought to get this on blue Monday, eh? HL
US Navy Dress Whites
HLM Photo
Harry Lynn Malson with an unidentified Marine (Frank Pennington?) from the USS Tennessee
Harry Lynn & Sandy (Ruth Anna) in Long Beach
HLM photos
McDonnell at Long Beach
Norma Shearer’s Hollywood home /Google Maps
Norma Shearer in Marie Antoinette 1938
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9053085
February 2, 1938
Dear Mother:
You don’t know what you’re missing if you’ve never been on a ship at sea on a day like this. It’s swell! The sun is shining for all it’s worth in the water is the kind you see in paintings. Big groundswells and whitecaps once in a while, with an island way off on the horizon. This is what makes men ship over.
Have you been getting my letters? I write as often as I can, but I don’t get much chance to write a good letter. Just scribble down what pops into my pencil. Ruth is okay and always wants to know if I’ve written to you. I just finished a letter to her. I think some jirene (Marine) is beating my time now. She’s got a date with one Friday night. I think I’ll go over and bust him in the nose. That makes me mad. It Will be in just three days and she’s giving one of them to him. And I’m shipping! I guess I’ll have to get her an engagement ring. Gees, Mom, I can’t think of a darn thing to tell you. I’m going to LA this weekend and see Dolls & Aus’s. I haven’t seen them for quite a while now, I think I’ll go in uniform. They haven’t any of them seen me in it yet. I had to stop and have a smoke. Boy, it sure is convenient to be able to buy cigarettes cheap. The trouble is we can’t take tax-free cigarettes ashore. Can get three days bread and water and a fine. Boy Mom, I almost bought a car, if I could’ve paid for it I would’ve. For $60 I could’ve got a good 31 Ford roadster. Owned by a garage man that was going to let it go back because he had bought a new one. If I can keep up my social contacts ashore I might be able to get a job when I get paid off. I know a man who owns a grocery store and he said if he was still running it when I get out he’d give me a job driving a truck delivering to the grocery stores. I would only make 25 a week, but there is always a chance to do better.
What are you getting out of the hospital? Maybe I better send this one home, I will. I saw Gene Autry the cowboy singer and his gang in person in Long Beach the other day. He was pretty good. Just before he came on the stage, there was a picture on the screen he played in. I guess I better quit and get this off.
Your loving son, Harry Lynn
PS tell the kids I said hello
February 12, 1938
Dear Mother:
This is Saturday and I been expecting a letter from you. We’re going to Frisco Tuesday to get the bottom scraped and painted. Coming back the 23rd, stay till March 14 when we sail for Honolulu again. I went ashore last night and saw Sandy. Boy, she gets prettier every day. Are you out of the hospital yet? And how about Dad, is he okay? Tell the kids I said “hello” and be good and I’ll bring them all something from Honolulu when I come home if I ever get to before I get paid off. Did you get those pictures, what do you think of them? I thought they were pretty good. The other guy is a Marine off the Tennessee. He’s a pretty good spud. We came back together as far as the dock this morning. Got up at 6 and went to bed at the YM about 2. We miss the 1:30 boat and there aren’t any boats to the ships between 1:30 and 6:40. I almost missed chow this morning. I’d sure like to see what it’s like to be able to stay in bed late some morning. Bet it would be fun to take a little weeks leave over here this summer if we’re here. Getting up at 10 in the morning, going to take a plunge in the ocean, then take it easy the rest of the day. Maybe at night a date with Sandy and a dance or show or take a turn around the “Pike” throwing balls at bottles and stuff. Did you get that picture of me in my race boat togs with my oar. I took it in July 1937. Bremerton. Well, I guess I better be secure.
Your son, Harry Lynn
February 24, 1938
Dear Mother:
We are just now weighing anchor from Frisco Bay. It’s Wednesday. We were supposed to leave at 12:1 this morning but the fog was so thick you couldn’t see the bow from midship. The Admiral is supposed to attend a peace conference in Los Angeles at eight in the morning so I guess we’ll have to make a speed run to get there in time, and maybe I’ll get to see Sandy tomorrow night. Her mother is going to Mexico to see Mr. Lister sometime this month, but she, Sandy, has to stay here and go to school. I’m in the spud locker this week. I cut myself so many times its pitiful. We peeled six tubs of spuds this morning. I hope I never look at another spud in the eye again. Oh yeah, I heard from Joe Goble just before we came up here, he asked me to come up to LA and see him. I’m going to take Sandy and go up there Friday if I can. He said to bring my girl and have dinner with him. While I was peeling spuds I cut my thumb right where the pencil rests so if I get fouled up don’t pay any attention. Don’t you worry I’m being careful all right. I’m just not running around any since I met Sandy and she’s just a baby. Kenny was that way once before I joined the Navy. Kenny and Charlie B came in tight at one in the morning? He got it that night, he didn’t know until about a week or so later.
I went ashore last weekend in Frisco, and now I can really get around on a dance floor. Shag, truck, Suzy Que, foxtrot, Waltz, but I can’t do the Big Apple yet. There are too many steps in it for me.
I had a battle while I was ashore too. Some guy got rosie over some girl I was dancing with so we had out down by the ferry buildings. More fun. We both looked like a typhoon hit us, but I was still on my pins and he was leaning up against a bulkhead saying he’d had enough. He said it just before I started to, so I let him think he was the only one that had had enough. Well sweetheart, here’s hoping everything is getting along.
Love your son, Harry Lynn
PS tell everyone I said “hello” and to write to me HLM
Sis: I’ll write to a nice long letter when I get a chance. Gotta go to work now so don’t give up the ship and keep Mom where she belongs.
Your brother, Harry
Started to put Sandy’s address on the envelope, Miss Ruth Lister
March 7, 1938 San Pedro, California
Dear Mom:
Received your swell letter Friday with all the clippings. Boy, they really made me homesick. I might get to come home sooner than I expected if things turn out right. A friend of mine (Kenny Hopewell) is driving to New York in May or June. He says if I want to go with them, it won’t cost anything except for meals and rooms. We were out together Saturday and Sunday morning. Boy, he sure knows Hollywood. He painted some designs and murals for Norma Shearer at her home in San Fernando Valley, way back in the mountains. Well, he took me out there to show them to me. Man oh man, what a home she’s got. I got to talk with her and she is nice. She invited me to a party next weekend, but I don’t rate liberty, dammit. We sat around, drank cocktails, and played chuck a buck. After that, we went uptown Hollywood, to the Bali. It’s a high-class beer joint. All the waiters wore sarongs and red skirts, stiff shirts, and black bowties. Boy, that’s one crazy town. We saw Tom Brown and his wife just as, as they were leaving. He was tight. I thought he was a pretty rugged guy, but he’s sloppy fat. We saw Ray Noble there too, on the stage or platform. After the drinks were served and we were ready to leave, the waiter brought bad news, and boy it was bad news. For two drinks a table, they soaked us three bucks, and there is no dancing there. We went to the Trocadero and after that, I don’t remember where we went. I just got up the next morning and it was 10 o’clock. I went to see Sandy, Sunday afternoon. She sure looks swell.
April 2, 1938 Lahaina Roads, Maui
Dear Mother:
I have been going to write every day and let you know how things are going. Yes, I’ve really got it at this time, I mean Sandy. Every time I sit down to write, I have a letter from her to answer. And when I pass up the chance to write to you, something’s wrong -or right this time. I guess you and her are pretty well acquainted by now. She said she writes to you once in a while. I told her if she wanted to know anything about me, just write to you. I got three letters from her when we got to Lahaina Roads and we’d only been out ten days, and in every one of them, she said she missed me more and more. You know Mom, you’re the only one I ever really told my secrets to. Now, I’ve got one big one. Sandy wants to get married and so do I, but she says we will have to wait until I get out of the Navy. So I guess we’ll wait. I’m going to get her an engagement ring and give it to her when we get back to Long Beach. I haven’t got much time till lights go out so I’ve got to write fast. We will only be there about six days. Boy, I sure hate to leave this time, Sandy stood on the dock and waved till I was out of sight, and she told me in her letter she cried a little. I guess I felt a little blue myself. And something else, I guess I’ll have to postpone getting leave until about Christmas. When I do get there, I’ve got to have enough money for 30 days and I’ve not got that much now. Sandy sort of made me want to save, I mean really save something. I hope you won’t feel too disappointed in me not coming.
As I said before were in Lahaina Roads now. We traveled over 5000 miles when we were out. It was a simulated attack on Lahaina Roads. I started this last night but didn’t get to finish because lights went out, so I’ll finish now. I can’t seem to get a hold of a decent pen to save my neck. Now, this one is going all right. This is Sunday and boy, it’s one hot day. They stopped all swimming because of bad water, and only three men out of each division can go ashore and I wasn’t one of them. Well, I’ve got to swab down the galley, so I’ll write again soon.
Your son, Harry Lynn
April 6, 1938 At Sea
Mother:
I guess you think I’ve done forgot the folks and all. I’ve written Sandy a book, I think. There is a letter here by me that I can’t mail ’till we anchor again. I mailed one to you by clipper mail, didn’t I? We took Seaman exams again for this quarter. Don’t know yet how I made out, but I didn’t miss as many this time as before. Let me see, I’ve got just a year, five months 11 days. It seems like a cruise since we left Long Beach. I guess it is because Sandy’s there. I’d sure like to be back there with her.
Were inside of Honolulu now. We left Lahaina Roads Monday. They brought a troop of Hawaiians out here to the ship. They were plenty keen. We had a happy hour the day before, and a bunch of amateur sailors got up and did their stuff. It was pretty good. They wanted me to get up and croon to them, but I didn’t have the guts. Well, we’ve got to set up now, so I’ll finish this later. There are five mess cooks down here on CPO mess, but none of them would turn to until the head mess cook gets on them, and he’s on his way now. So, gotta get busy, secure for the night. Have to spray La Coo Coo Racha’s tomorrow morning. God, I’m tired and hot and sweaty. I can’t think tonight, I guess that test was a strain after all. I feel like crapping out on the deck and sleeping ‘till my cruise is over. Willy’s over there, wiping dishes. Says he’s going to flake out on a table and for me not to wake him up ‘till he makes chief. A little ticked, I guess because he could stay in for 50 years and not make it. Boy, I’d sure like to come home this summer. I might yet if I get Seaman, but I can’t count my chickens until they’re hatched. For some reason or other, I want to write, but nothing happens but sham air attacks and battles with the other fleet once in a while. Planes were diving at us all day yesterday, some of them pretty close, if they had been dropping bombs, there wouldn’t be much left of the old Arizona.
There’s a detachment of Marines on here on their way home from China. They’re a bunch of Asiatic dopes. There’s one here at my CPO’s quarters and he keeps us all snowed under with these crazy stories. He says that when they went ashore in Shanghai, on liberty even, they had to wear their tin tops. And there was an 11 o’clock curfew. All hands had to be off the streets by then, or get potshots taken at ‘em. Last night he sat there and talked for two solid hours and none of us said a word all the time he was talking, boy, that old stuff was getting deep when he got through.
Say, How’s to tell Dad to drop me a line. I’d like to hear from him. I’ve watched them write though, and he stops and studies about 10 minutes for each word. I bet it takes him a half hour to write a letter. Well little Mother, I have to quit. There goes hammocks.
Sweet dreams, your son, Harry Lynn
PS tell everyone I said hello. Charlie wrote me. Some car he’s got, eh?
April 14, 1938 Pearl Harbor
Dear Mother:
I am sending you some pictures I took here in Pearl Harbor, Honolulu at Waikiki Beach. They are kind of dark because it was pretty cloudy when we took them, but they’re the only ones I had a chance take to yet. I guess I looked pretty heavy now, this good chow down here in the CPO mess hall is making me fat and lazy. I bet I couldn’t run a mile in less than 10 minutes. I had a swell time out there. Got a surfboard and took it way out to ride on the waves, but when I got out there I didn’t know how to make it glide, so I had to push the dang thing clear back in. It’s about 15 feet long and weighed a ton by the time I got it in. That’s our outrigger canoe I’m sitting on. We had one of those out yesterday, it was a little easier to handle. I sent Sandy a hula skirt and bought a ukulele. I about ran these guys away trying to play it. I can run off a couple of tunes on it now. I was going to send Betty a skirt this time, but I’m out of money, so I will on the way back after payday. Picked up some souvenirs too, a puzzle box, some leis, and a couple other trinkets.
There wasn’t a man in the 6th Div. that made Seaman this time, I don’t know why. I know they’re not all as dumb as I am, must be something wrong somewhere. There were a couple other times no one made it too. I’m plumb disgusted with it all. I know my manual and the test wasn’t hard, I’m about to give up hopes of getting Seaman on this pig iron tub. I think I’ll extend two years, next year for submarine school. Maybe I’m in the wrong line of duty. Went aboard one yesterday, and from what the crew said, it’s pretty good duty.
Boy, there were more people out at the beach yesterday, lots of fun swimming and trying to ride a surfboard. I had a good swim and came back to the dock. While we were waiting for a motor launch from the ship, we took a look at the sub tied up out there. It was getting an overhaul and some planks were ripped off the deck and clumsy me, steps between two of ‘em and nearly broke my neck.
I had to stop awhile and hold a little field day now, have to start setting up for dinner. Well, here it is, breakfast on the 15th and I still haven’t finished. Oh well, no more steamer mail leaving here until Monday, and the clipper left early this morning. Here are some of the pictures I had taken, I don’t think you can see the mustache, I trimmed it too thin. There is one there anyway. By the way, when are you going to write? Just because I didn’t for a while, is no sign you shouldn’t. I don’t have much time to myself and when I do get a couple of hours, I always have something else to do. Guess I better secure now. Till I get up a letter from home.
Your son, Harry Lynn
PS tell all the kids I said hello
June 2, 1938 Bremerton, Washington
Dear Mother:
I’m ashore in Bremerton right now and can’t find anything to do, so will write you a few lines. This place is dead as a park at two in the morning. Seattle is about 90 miles away, but it’s like Chicago or New York, I imagine. I met a redhead up here that’s one of the nicest creatures I’ve ever met. Her name is Francis LaGary, 5 feet two, weighs 105, and has green eyes. Here comes Willingham from B” drive. He was supposed to meet me here at 7:30 so he’s going to wait. I had my civvies sent up here and boy was I glad to see ‘em. Like running into old friends. Haven’t had them on but three times in six months. Boy, I missed writing Sandy for almost a week, and she got so mad she could’ve taken me apart.
I wrote to Uncle Loy today and sent that three bucks I borrowed from him. I hope you didn’t pay him and didn’t tell me about it.
Well, we leave here in August sometime for Long Beach. I like Seattle, but I like Long Beach and Sandy better. It doesn’t look like I’ll ever get home does it? Maybe sometime soon. Has Betty got her skirt yet?
The Arizona is not going to the East Coast with the fleet. Not at all, in fact. I’d like to go, but I’d rather stay here with Sandy or almost with her anyway. Well, I have to go see what Bremerton is made of. We’ll probably go back to the ship’s dance sometime tonight if we can get around to it. Tell all the kids I said hello and I wish I could see them.
To the sweetest mother in the world. Your son, Harry Lynn
June 22, 1938,
Dad:
Just heard the finish of the Schmeling. Boy, that was the fastest fight I ever heard. That Brown bomber is really keeping the bacon where it belongs. I won five bucks on it. I guess now I know Louis will be mighty that from now on. What does Uncle Charles think of that colored guy now? He’s good enough for me, how about you?
How is the wool clipping racket kicking these days now? These butchers down here really take it in. They’ve got something going.
We’re out here in Washington, at the yard getting new guns for the finny this September. They needed all right. The bores were about blasted out of them. Say, the way Mom talks, the whole family has just about moved in on you. Well, it’s good to have them all together anyway.
Great hunting and fishing country out here. Lots of mountains and good trout and lots of women. They just about keep the sailor busted. Can’t do anything in Bremerton but dance and guzzle beer, good old boys in Seattle. I found a pretty nice redhead over there just to run around with, but I’m afraid she’s getting too serious. I can’t do that on account that I got to stick to my gal in Long Beach. All I want with the redhead, for now, was company but I guess I’ll have to quit going over.
I went out to Mount Rainier last weekend. It’s quite a place. Big resort and ski area. It’s all too classy for sailors though. I just went out to see what it was like. Took my girl on an excursion on the streamlined ferry, Kalakaua. Had a lot of fun and it didn’t cost much either. Hammocks just went and I had to go rig my bunk. Movie call is coming soon. It’s Snow White. Supposed to be good, I guess I’ll go see it. Write soon and give me all the dope.
Your son, Harry
Did Sis get her skirt?
June 28, 1938 Seattle, Washington
Dear Mother:
I guess I better write before you think I’ve run away or something, I haven’t though yet. One day I feel like staying in this outfit for the rest of my life, and the next I went to get out as soon as possible. Wonder how I’ll feel when I get paid off? I’ve only got 14 months and 19 days to do now. Whew! Just think I haven’t been home for two years, six months, and 27 days. Wonder how much longer it will be before I see the home town again? I know you don’t know, nobody knows. Your last letter was swell… I’m glad you felt so good. I received a letter from Uncle Harve the other day. He sent me a card you know, and said he was going to write one and sho’ nuff, he did. He says he’s doing all right and is headed this way, if he gets close enough he’s coming out to see me. But if he doesn’t hurry we will be long gone, because we leave here for Frisco on the 19th. That is fleet week you know, and all the battleships are up here in Seattle. I went over to see my buddy, a Marine on the Tennessee, but his top Sarge wouldn’t let him go ashore until he can pass perfect inspection. Since that’s just about impossible, I stayed there till visiting hours were over and then went back ashore. He’s a pretty good spud. Name is Frank Pennington. I call him Penny for short. I’ve known him ever since I met Sandy. By the way, Sandy and I are all mad at each other. I heard by our Navy grapevine, but she made a liberty with another guy on the Louisville, so I told her off, and boy what a temper she’s got. It’s a good thing there’s 1,400 miles between us or she would be at my throat by now.
Did Dad get the telegram and letter? I hope he got it at the right time. Boy, I’m sleepy and I need a bath, gotta’ study for exams tomorrow. I guess I should have gone to bed before 3:00 this morning. I had no more than laid my head down on the pillow and the phone rang. The desk clerk said it’s time to shove off with a cheery ring to it, and I told him I’d I jump down his throat if he didn’t shut up. He shut up.
I didn’t tell you about my latest scrape did I? I went over to Ceven Center, to the ship’s dance. Met a girl from Frankfurt, Indiana so I hung around and was going to take her home. Well, I got about two blocks from the dance, and here comes to other gobs on the double. Boy, the first thing I knew, a fist exploded in my face and I was ducking dukes. While one guy was trying to thump me, the other was holding Ethel. Well, we broke about even. I came away with a sore jaw and a belly that felt like someone was fighting to get out. He had a bloated nose and a couple of sore spots. They took the girl home. I found out after the scrape she was going to get married to the guy. Had some fun anyway, even if I didn’t really get acquainted with a girl from home. Well, hammocks went and I gotta go spread my bunk. Ask the kids about A+’s. Did any of them get one? If business is that bad, I’ll give them five for each one, but it will be next semester.
Tell Rosie to write will you? I still have her picture in my wallet. Sandy got jealous when I told her it was my girl from back home until I told her she wasn’t exactly my girl. Tell everybody I’ll be home to see them someday and don’t forget me.
Loads of love, Harry Lynn
July 5, 1938
Dear folks,
This was one Fourth of July I didn’t have to parade or stay aboard ship. I went to Seattle and stayed in one of the best hotels in town. Watched the parade from the top story and threw toilet paper down at ‘em, with a telephone book in-between times. The night of the 4th the fleet KV searchlights displayed, and boy it was one pretty sight. Only had two scrapes over Saturday Sunday and Monday. Doin’ all right if I do say so. One of them was with a girl I was with and one was because of her. We sat in Lyons’s Music Hall on the 1st and drink beer and listen to a 12 piece colored orchestra. Gotta go carry some supplies for the mess hall now. Be with you later, because I got a lot to say.
The steam was cut off in the galley and me being headman in the mess hall, I had to call the log room and run all over the ship just to get 150 pounds of pressure. There’s more red tape in this outfit that you could find in a dry goods store.
Getting back to Seattle, Saturday I went over to meet my friend, female. She took me out to her home for a chicken dinner and gave me a couple bottles of homebrew, some stuff to. And for that, I had to take her all over Seattle to see everything from the zoo to the parade Monday morning. We had great fun though, Monday evening or afternoon we went on a picnic, swimming, canoeing, skating, and fed the monkeys peanuts. Sunday night we were on a moonlight excursion on the streamlined ferry, the Kalaka, to Tacoma and through most of the Straits. Man, I never did get around so much. I’ll bet we didn’t get 10 hours sleep in the three days I was over there. What I like most was listening to that colored jazz band. Those guys really get hot with the Dixie Doodle. I guess I’ll quit going ashore till I get to Long Beach. Sandy went home to Texas for two weeks, she should be back by the time we get down there. I wrote her a crazy letter and now she thinks I gave her the air. I’ll have to write and square things up with her. She’s too sweet a girl to let go. I’m going to have to get busy and turn these bean jocks to and get the salad made for dinner and get the table set up. I have charge of the Chief Petty Officers mess hall and galley. You know straw boss? Keep the dang place in shape. Kind of keeps a guy on his toes.
The old Arizona didn’t do so bad in the Tacoma ledger two-mile racing grind. Took fourth place this time and broke a record with the West Virginia just boat lengths ahead of us, between our bow and theirs. Two cutters took second and third place. That Virginia really took off. They pulled a 2,160-pound boat 2 miles in 15 minutes and 12 seconds. If I sit here and keep on shooting the breeze, I never will get the salad made.
Please write soon. Love, Your Son
PS Here’s a couple of pictures of the Arizona and the display. National war work Council of the Young Men’s Christian Association “With the Colors” Bremerton Branch Navy YMCA Bremerton, Washington
Harry Lynn Malson on Hawaiin Outrigger
Malson & Willingham with 1930’s surfboard
House made from coral, Hawaii
HLM photo
Photo of palm trees sent home from Hawaii
Hula Dancers
HLM Photo
USS Arizona 1920’s
US Navy official photo
http://www.ussarizona.org/index.php/features/galleries/historical/1930-1941/521-his-203;
USS Arizona
- Flying flags
- Hoisting flags
August 1, 1938 Seattle, Washington
Stratford hotel, Seattle
Dear Mother:
I am in Seattle having fun. Just got Dad’s letter, it was swell. That makes three he’s written since I’ve been gone, I’ll bet you had to make him write it. Boy, he sure gave me a goal to try for. Some order to go after that guy, Louis, I guess you know him. By the time I could get in good enough shape to scrape with him, he’d be long retired.
This Seattle is right on. I met some swell people out here. One family of them makes homebrew like Dad used to. Not bad stuff, too. Haven’t done anything today, so far it is after 12. Have a 72-hour liberty, so that means I’ll get to be ashore the 4th. I guess me and Willie, my shipmate, will cut a pumpkin then. I’ve got my girl with me and she’s getting nervous to go. We came up here to get some cigarettes before I take her home. Well, I guess I’ll knock off. Will write later, when I get back aboard ship.
Love, Harry
PS Tell the gang I said hello and I’ll see ‘em the first of the year if I make my rate.
Dear folks,
Have been in Bremerton since the 8th and haven’t heard from you. What’s the matter, forgot your oldest son? Bob, you better write me a line or I’ll just forget you when I come home if I ever get there. Betty, are you still going places in school? I’ll tell you that I’ll send you a dollar for every A+ you get. That’s a good way to get that two bucks I owe you. Are you still working? Do you know what Sandy says? She thinks I’ve got a sweet little sister to take so much interest in my future. She wrote and told me about your saying you wouldn’t mind having her for a sister-in-law. I guess you would like her too, cuz she’s a mighty nice girl and so is her mother. I’ve only met her Pop once, he’s a great big guy, but we got along.
Boy, I’ll be glad to get out of this Navy yard in August. Just think I’ve only seen Sandy for 5 days in 6 months when we leave here. That will be in August. Then we go back home for a couple of months and then back up here for four more. When we have been here the next time in February, I’ll have just eight months to do. I’ll be glad when this hitch is over then I can live like a human Instead of being a robot. They run air hammers all day and half the night. It kind of gets on a guy’s nerves.
I went ashore in Bremerton last night. I got a little tight I guess, because I don’t remember coming back to the ship. Had a swell time while it lasted though. It was a housewarming party for one of my Shipmates. They had 30 gallons of Dago red wine. I guess you know I was really thirsty and sleepy today. Sandy would really take off if I told her. It’s the second time we’ve been tight since I met her. The other time I got out her and her dear darling mother up out of bed at 1:00 in the morning. They drove us around until I was sober and then took me down to the landing. Tell all the fellas I said hello and to stay out of the Navy unless you’re going to stay in for 20 years. It isn’t worth it then.
Love Harry
PS Have you seen Charles Clark or Hazard? Tell them to write, Billy McKay too.
Ed Note: September 30, 1938 The USS Arizona became the flagship of Division 1 under Rear Admiral Russell Willson
October 9, 1938
Dear Mother:
Received your letter and clippings today, Saturday, they are sure good to look at and Rosie finally broke down and wrote. Thanks for the letter Rosie, I guess I’ll have to frame it, because I probably have to wait a long time before I get another. You said a mouthful when you said Sandy would straighten out my hair if she heard about any blonde, but she’d understand. I went to see her, and didn’t call first, the other day. Just about had a scrape with a Marine ‘til I found out he was a friend of hers from Texas
Talking about rabbit, I’ll bet it would taste good and you know I could do a meal like that justice, especially if it was cooked by two pretty lassies like Sis and Rosie. Frank and Harold are making out okay now? They are too great spuds. Say where’s Dorothy? I wrote a couple of letters to them, but no answer.
Talk about putting on weight, I’m working on topside now and gained three more pounds in a week. Weigh 175 even now. 11 more months and 10 more days and I’ll be out of the Navy. Boy will be glad to hit that old trail home. I put in a request for the bakeshop a week ago. The Chief Stew said I had a pretty good chance of getting it. If I do, I could make third class in about nine months.
Boy, you’ve got me all on edge with that ring. How soon will it get here? I guess you know it will never leave my finger, and I’ll always have something to remember my sweet little mother by. Not that I’ll need anything. No girl will ever get it.
We’ve been out all week firing the big guns and machine guns. Had to stop a minute and sweep down the galley deck and break out my pipe for smoke of “Model”. Did you say Model? Yes, I said Model.
I can’t hit a thing with those bucking machine guns. Our target is 7,000 feet up and about as big as a dime. But we really knocked down the balloons. I know one of those aviators pretty well, and since I’m a qualified machine gunner he let me go up with him for a trench strafing and battle line strafing. More fun. We used a camera gun and blanks on the battleships then used real slugs on targets for trench strafing. I guess you know my target had some ventilation and it. We go about every week and hold gunnery school for the big guns. Last Wednesday we fired 120 salvos place shots. You know, like calling, your shots in a pool table? 500 left in 200 high or 300 right and 150 high. I was up in the four top when we fired last time. They about singed all my hair off. Flame shots came of those babies 100 feet. Well, it’s getting close to time for supper, so goodbye till next one. Tell everybody I said hello and I’ll write to Uncle Charles.
Your son, Harry Lynn
Categories
Sister Betty
Elizabeth Ann Bridges
Sandy (Ruth Anna Lister) and Harry Lynn
Harry Lynn and the girls at the beach
HLM photo
Brother Robert Bridges
Harry Lynn with his “jalopy”
Dear Sis:
That couldn’t be you. Boy, that letter really sizzled. Couldn’t be, my kid sister is ready to fly from the nest? All I’ve got to say is honey, look before you leap. When you’re on your own it’s different. It gets lonesome and you don’t have anyone’s shoulder to cry on. And believe me kid, someone to tell your woes to means plenty. You got me though, to weep too. So keep your chin up and your chance will come.
I just got back from two days in Seattle, and boy what two days, had Frankie with me nearly all the time. She is not as old as you are, but boy she’s sure got what it takes to get along, plenty of nerve and a little nonchalance, and a little sweetness. I’m going to marry that girl if I have to carry her off from behind a gun. She says you haven’t answered her last letter. Why don’t you write to her yourself? Send it to general delivery Seattle. Her full name is Francis LeGary.
I stayed at the Stratford Hotel, and it’s a pretty doggy flop. I mean nice rooms, radio, and room service.
Frankie is working at Kress’ now. Said she was moving to town to get herself an apartment. Just between you and me, I’m taking my clothes over there and paying the rent. If you could get here some time we could all three get together. Maybe after you have learned your way around a little you could get a job, and things would be sitting pretty. Francis wants to come down south in January when the ship leaves. I don’t know whether she will get to or not.
Well Sis, take it slow and easy.
Love, your bro, Harry
November 11, 1938
Dear Mother:
Today’s Armistice Day, and it is one of those California summer days. Not a cloud in the sky and a cool breeze blowing from the South. I wish I were home with you today. Did you have a happy birthday? I hope I can make the rest of your birthday’s happy ones.
We had a parade today in Long Beach. I was in this one. Sandy was standing on the corner waiting when we came by, made me feel kind of big and patriotic with the crowd cheering and waving flags. But, boy that rifle really got heavy after a couple of hours. The Army’s crew made a good showing though when it passed in review. Gees, only 306 days to do now. Will I be glad when it’s over? You ain’t just woofin’.
I don’t know what to do with myself today. Visitors are allowed on board today. This is a regular field day, but no work today since the visitors are aboard
We’ve been out every week for the last three weeks, for firing and fleet practice. So I’ve only seen Sandy once in that time. But I guess you know will make up for the lost time in the next two weeks, while the Arizona is in. Sandy said in her last letter to tell you hello and she wishes you a happy birthday. Well, I think I will go scrub some blues for inspection tomorrow. Can you feature that, inspection after Armistice Day. Ole Captain Kidd really believes in keeping his command in tip-top shape. We just had an annual Admirals inspection last week, but I got out of it. Well, write soon and tell everyone I said hello.
Your son, Harry Lynn
November 19, 1938 San Pedro, California
Dear Mother:
Is getting mighty close to Christmas and I have bought a present yet, can’t seem to find the things that you’d like. Say, I’d like to hear from Sophie, what’s her address? Do I remember her? How could I forget? She’s almost a sweet as you. That chubby little lady was always aces with me, and I, sure enough, would like to see her. Last Sunday I was up to Dolls. The kids are the same as ever, always a crowd there. We went riding in an old Chevrolet like Bill used to have. It seemed like old times again and I think I’ll be there for Thanksgiving, too. There is a keen little number that runs around with Marguerite, I wouldn’t miss seeing her for anything. Funny that her name is Dorothy. I guess about the best thing I can send home for Christmas is cash, isn’t it? Then you can buy what you all want.
Started this a week ago and didn’t finish, I’m sorry, but I thought I’d mailed it. No wonder I have been getting any mail. I put in for some leave, but all I could get was five days, so I guess I’ll go up and see Dolls and Aus’s. Gees, it’s time for lights to go out so I will mail this now. So long and have a swell Thanksgiving.
Your son,
PS. Nine more months and 26 days to do. Write soon and tell everybody hello. HLM
November 26, 1938 San Pedro, California
Over at Dolls today while on four days leave. I couldn’t get anymore, on account of going out to sea Monday for five days of bomb practice. Mrs. Doll is taking Francis to her dancing lessons. Everyone seems to be okay and happy.
I saw the Christmas parade last night. Santa Claus, Bergen, and Charlie McCarthy were together on a float. After the parade, we went up on Lookout Mountain and watched the big fire. From 12 miles away you could see the flames easing up over the edge of the canyons. It was an awe-inspiring sight. I stayed in Laurel Canyon with some friends last night, just down the road from Ida Lupino’s home and over the hill from Kay Francis. Didn’t see any of them though.
I’m going up to see Aus’s this afternoon. Hope they are home. Sandy has gone to Orange to see her relations, fancy that, just when I’m on leave. I have more luck.
Bob: Doll told me about you wanting to come out here. I’d sure like to have you and maybe I could take care of you too. Going to school out here and everything would be fun, wouldn’t it? Maybe I can bring you back out here after I get paid off, that is if Mom would let you come. But that’s nine months off and things might be different by then, so don’t build any hopes on it.
Did everybody have a full Thanksgiving? I hope so because I sure enough did, Mrs. Doll stuffed me with enough turkey to last till next Thanksgiving. Well, so long and save your dough for Christmas.
Your son, Harry Lynn
Dear Ruth,
Harry got me in the mood to write to you. I have to start to work in 10 minutes. How are Betty and the kids? Mother said Robert wanted to come back with her. It’s too bad he couldn’t. Harry is singing the song, Oh give me a home, in one ear, and mother is talking about a new boy she met on the bus in the other ear. I’m so mixed up. I hope you can read this. I’m going Christmas shopping tonight. Tell Betty to write.
Love, Marguerite (daughter of family friends, the Dolls)
December 8, 1938 Long Beach
Dear Sis:
I, sure enough, thought you plum forgot your big brother, but thanks for a nice letter. About the only thing I want for Christmas is a letter from you guys. Don’t bother to get me anything because I’m afraid about all I can send is Christmas cards. I’m so broke it’s pitiful. Payment on my jalopy will be due about Christmas and I only have about 50 bucks to pay on it. Boy, I will be glad when that’s done. You didn’t know I was getting one, did you? It’s a 31 Buick roadster, sport. If it holds up long enough for me to get home, I’ll swap again on a new one. I just wrote a letter to “Vi” yesterday. She writes pretty regularly now.
Oh yeah, these Navy sweaters, you can’t just buy one Sis. They’re sort of medal of valor or achievement. Even when you earned the right to buy one they cost 12 bucks. I’ll give you mine when I get home. That isn’t far off you know. Just nine more months in 10 more days. Hey, I didn’t know Grace was married. And that she’s got a baby running around already. Boy things happen, don’t they? You’re doing okay with your sewing, aren’t you? Have you tried any dress designing? That would be a good line to follow.
We’re anchored in Long Beach now, till January 3 though we go up to the yards in Bremerton, Washington for overhaul period. I’ll probably see the first snow up there since I came out here. It’s warm enough to go swimming down here, but I’ll have to get long-handled drawers when we go North. Went ashore last night and saw Sandy. She had to go to a sorority meeting, so I didn’t get to see her long. It was the first time I been ashore in three weeks. It gets monotonous staying aboard looking at the same thing every day. I’ve made Seaman now and will soon be eligible for petty officer, but I don’t think I’ll get it unless I make an extra good mark on it.
Did I tell you I went on five days’ leave over Thanksgiving? Boy, that five days really put me in the hole. I have to quit going ashore for a couple of months now, so I can get squared away. Borrowed on my civvies like a dope, and now I can’t get them out until I’ve paid out for them. I hate to lose these after paying so much for them.
The Arizona is giving a Christmas dance and party this Saturday. I think I’ll take Sandy if she’ll go. The last one we had was one big success. Over 1,500 people were there. That was in Oakland, up by San Francisco. Well, I guess I’ll secure this and get some others written.
Tell the kids I said hello, Harry
PS Does June Pherigo ever show up? If you can, hows to send me her address. HL
December 10th, 1938
Dear Mother:
I am at the Y this morning without a thing to do. They serve coffee and Donuts about 10:00 and gave a little talk on this and that concerning what comes up next week. It’s a swell day, but Sandy is on the lam, I can’t seem to locate her anywhere. Had a notion to go up and see Dolls, but I’m a little broke so to do anything right now would be hard. My jalopy came apart, so I took it to the people I bought it from they said it would cost over $100 to fix it so I let them keep it.
Boy, this Y is keen. They hold everything from dances to Bible classes right here. Right now the boys are playing billiards, pool, ping pong and listening to the radio I don’t listen to the radio it makes me so homesick and blue.
I’m supposed to see Sandy this afternoon or this evening, but I don’t know what I’ll do unless we take a ride on the rolling hills or some other dull place. I’ve been writing to Martha quite a bit. She’s one nice girl. How are Bob and the kids making out? Well, I guess I better go find someone to argue with, so bye for now.
Harry
December 21, 1938 San Pedro, California
Dear Folks:
Merry Christmas! I guess I owe you a letter by now. I’m going out to Dolls for Christmas, but sure wish I was home. It doesn’t seem like Christmas this year now that Sandy has gone home. Oh well, only eight more months and 26 days to do. Have been thinking about extending my enlistment for submarine school. It would be more money anyway, and two more years wouldn’t make much difference.
Received a Christmas card from Aunt Mary, (Mary Payne, George Bridges sister) but I haven’t got their address. It was from Franklin (Indiana). Martha P and Viola B. Write often. Also got a long letter from Alma Doan. Sandy sent me a card from Colorado, and Charles Clarke (best friend) writes once in a while.
We’ve been taking on oil all day in preparation for entering the yards in Bremerton on the third. Took nigh onto 600,000 gallons. The last oil barge just shoved off. Since this is Christmas week, we get one o’clock liberty when we rate, but since I don’t go ashore much anymore, it doesn’t do me any good. Tell all the kids I wish I could send them nice presents, but since I’m about broke all I can do is send them my best wishes. My Christmas buying consisted of about 30 Christmas cards. Didn’t even get to send Sandy a present. She’ll probably be mad, but I hope not. Boy, do I have the luck. She’s going home for Christmas and will be back until the 28th we’re headed for the yards at midnight on the 28th.
Might get to see her and then again might not. Here are some pictures. Put them in the collection. Got things to do now, so till next year, so long. Harry
December 25, 1938 Postal Telegraph
When you gather around the Christmas tree read this message and think of me. Love to all. HL Malson
(and we received it just as we were sitting around the tree opening the packages – Mother, Ruth Bridges)