1941
Pearl HarborLetters home from Harry Lynn Malson, SK3c Pacific fleet
January 13, 1941
Dear Mother:
I have neglected you an awful lot since the ship’s been up here in Washington, haven’t I? But that’s over now. You see I’ve had a pretty tough time making any headway with Frances. I said to myself when we first came up here that I was going to marry that girl this time or never. Well, we did it last night at 9 o’clock. Yes, she’s my wife now. I mailed a letter to you from her the other night. You should get it in a day or so. Gees, I’m sure relieved to get it done, too. After the ceremony was over we both almost collapsed. Two of my shipmates witnessed for us. (ED Note: Floyd Willock & Richard A. Owens SK2c, Richard Owens died in the Pearl Harbor attack) Delma, Frankie’s sister, was not home, and her mother didn’t know that we were going to do it. We weren’t going to do it that way. Of course Mom LeGary and Frankie kind of thought we would, sooner or later, but not so doggone much sooner. I was going to send you a telegram last night right after it was done, but I was afraid it would scare you to death.
I’ve really got something rare too. She is about the sweetest thing alive. The tough part of it was I had to leave her home after we said “I will”. My liberty was up at 12:00 and I had an hour and a quarter ferry ride to make before then. I was out to her house all weekend, from Friday to Sunday evening. Pat, her kid brother, and I worked on a model airplane. Then I argued with Mr. LeGary on the side, figured up the compound interest on a couple of insurance policies for the LeGary’s. So all in all, I had a pretty quiet weekend.
The ship is out on the “sound” right now, for a test run. We’ve got a lot of new stuff on her and they have to see how the old tub will bear up under steam. The 21st, we are all shoving off for San Pedro, be there for about four days, and then on to Honolulu. I’m going to leave Francis here with her folks till I get back. This is the knot if you ask me. Married a week the day my ship shoves off. Grrrr, would I like to be out of this outfit now.
I’ll bet Frankie’s mother is going to be hurt and mad when she finds out we hauled off and had it done and she didn’t get to stand up for her daughter. I think I lost some points on that maneuver. But the time was getting short and I had to put pressure on in my tactics. The funny part of it is, she is the one who suggested we do it then instead of a week later. Juds, I’m so jittery today I don’t know what to do with myself.
How are Dad and the rest of the gang? Mom, I can’t wait to bring her home for you to see and Dad too, in fact, everybody’s got to see her.
Well, guess I’ve talked enough about her.
Thanks, Sis, and you too Mom, for all your consideration, when I didn’t write. But you know, a guy in love doesn’t know what the score is, so forgive me, will you? Tell everybody hello and the good news. And drop me a line soon. Received your last letter today, Sis.
Truly yours, Harry Lynn
PS I appreciate those cards you all sent me, they mean a lot, I just forgot to mention them, and your hand too. I’m sorry Mom. HL
I just wanted to add a line, dear. I’m sure Lynn and I will be very happy, and “Mom” Bridges, I think he’s awfully sweet and thoughtful. I changed my mind, you see. Tell all hello for me. Fran – Mrs. Malson.
Address future letters to San Pedro, California.
Her address is: 1728 E. 47th St., Seattle, WA
January 23, 1941: The USS Arizona becomes the flagship of Battleship Division 1 under Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd
Rear Admiral Isaac Campbell Kidd was serving as the commander of Battleship Division One and Chief of Staff and Aide to the Commander, Battleship Battle Force. Upon the Japanese attack, he was rushed to the bridge of his flagship, the USS Arizona.
Admiral Kidd was awarded the Medal of Honor, posthumously, for his service on December 7. 1941.
(Letter from Frankie) January 24th, 1941
Dear Mom Bridges,
I hope you don’t mind my calling you that. It seems more familiar or something. I received your letter Tuesday and had answered it. I didn’t mail it though after I receive Betty’s letter. I thought that it was too old by that time and here I am writing another.
Your letter was very sweet Mom, I hope all the children are well now. You know Lynn surprises me sometimes, he really is very sweet and quite thoughtful. He does not always remember some things that matter, but lately he seems to have changed a lot. I’ve loved him a long time, Mom and I know that I always will. I received a very loving letter from him today and he’s been gone a week tomorrow night. We were married on January 12th on Sunday evening at 9:00. He had to leave me one week later but he is pretty sure he will be back in March. I’m very lonesome without him. I missed him terribly this past week. My one wish and hope is that nothing will happen to keep him from coming back up in March.
I only wrote a note on the bottom of Lynn’s letter, I thought I would receive a letter from you very shortly and I could answer it too.
We were married in little church and two of Lynn’s Shipmates were witnesses. My wedding certificate is in a lovely wedding book. It has versus extracted from the Bible and it’s a very pretty little book. Lots of colorful flowers and little kittens on the top corner of each page. On the cover it had “Our Wedding Day” in silver letters. I’m planning on going back to work this Monday. I haven’t been to work for a month now. The inactivity these past weeks has bothered me. I’m used to doing something all the time. I planned to keep on working for a while. Lynn doesn’t make so much and I can help quite a bit by keeping my job.
My mother likes Lynn, although she’s afraid Lynn might take me away from her, she’s happy over my marriage. My father thinks Lynn is a fine fellow.
Answer soon Mom I look forward to your and Betty’s letters.
Lovingly, Frankie your daughter-in-law
January 26, 1941 Long Beach, California
Dear Folks:
Still in Long Beach, but we are shoving off for Honolulu tomorrow morning sometime. Wish I was back up there in Washington with Frankie, or she was down here or something. She got a roaster and an electric sewing machine from her mother for a wedding present. Her mom’s eyes are going bad and they don’t do much cooking, so the pieces are practically new.
Say, did you know they don’t put out marriage certificates alone anymore? The preacher that married us, send her a book with a certificate in the middle of it. Neat, eh? Her folks sure treated me swell while I was there. And her kid brother, Pat, is a pain in the neck. He won’t go out and play when I’m there unless I give them two bits to go to a flick. And usually, if I give him that much, he goes to his dad and gets some more, and goes to town. He nagged me last weekend, I was there to work on his model airplane, and I put almost the whole two days in on it, Frankie was mad. The last day I was there she and her mom went to town to see her grandma and I didn’t get to see her before I left. Frankie said she cried when she got home and we had already gone to town. Frank, that’s her dad, took me to Lake City and wanted to get me tight and celebrate the marriage of his daughter. He is swell people. But Mom gets mad when he drinks, so he won’t do it very often. I brought Frankie to Bremerton and we had a couple of drinks, and she met most of my shipmates. They really gave me the raspberries, for giving up the ship of bachelorhood.
Received a letter, I mean a telegram, last night at about 10 o’clock, asking me to dinner Sunday. It was an old drinking friend, I met at a bar Long Beach about three years ago.
The bars here aren’t like those back home. They’re all slicked up and most of them have dance floors, with a hot band to play for them. I want to live out here, Mom and so does Frankie. She hasn’t been out of Washington yet, but she soon will be. She has heard a lot about this place and I think she would like to live here. But I’ve got to bring her home for you to see her before we decide what we’re going to live. Boy, I’m about the happiest guy alive, and about the brokest too probably, it seems like I’m always happy when I’m broke. Maybe it would be a good idea to stay that way, eh?
Gotta go to chow now, will finish later.
That was good, we had boiled ham, sweet potatoes, slaw, split pea soup, and ice cream. Now my belly is full.
Received your letter, Sis, thanks, and I’ll bet you get that picture someday that you wanted so much. I just haven’t had an opportunity. By the way, what is that surprise used to mention so much? You said something about it before we left Bremerton.
Boy, you sure raked me over the coals in that letter, Mom. And what is wrong with closing a letter with affection? I don’t know what more I can do then wish you a speedy recovery from your ailments. Of course, I feel bad about you all being sick, but I can’t do much more than that. I’ll always think of you, and how you are doing.
Wrote to Charles (Charles Clark) today. He’ll be a little surprised hearing from me after so long, wish I’d written sooner but I was pretty well fouled up in Washington for a while. Boy, there is a third class in the office that I’m going to tangle with one of these days. He gets in my hair, and what’s more, he looks too feminine the lily.
Well, I guess that’s all the dope for now. Will write as soon as we get to Honolulu.
Affectionately, Harry Lynn
February 5, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Folks,
Arrived in Honolulu the third and wish I was on the way back to Seattle. Received your “note” Sis, and a letter from Frankie. She says they have smallpox there. It’s her sister’s little girl, and Frankie is scared she might catch it, cause she is the only one in the family that hasn’t had it. This is the first mail we received since getting here, and it sure looked good. I got four letters, one from her, one from a friend in California and one from Sis. (ED Note: Harry’s sister, Betty made Smallpox vaccine and worked in the blood bank during WWII at Eli Lillly & Co., Indianapolis)
It isn’t as hot here this time as it was when we left, but it’s still plenty hot. I’m getting my tan back too. Looked like a ghost the first time I went topside in my swimming trunks. We have some firings scheduled and maneuvers with the fleet, and the dope is we will get back up North the last of March or 1st of April which is true I hope, and it won’t be any too soon for me.
We are having our pictures taken to put on our liberty passes, and they look like convict pictures with names under them. What with short haircuts, we do look like a bunch of convicts. My hair was just the right length till the commander says “Malson, get a haircut or a violin and I don’t like violins.”
So I got a haircut.
Boy only 225 more days to do and we are definitely coming home. To tell the truth, I’ll be pretty doggone glad to get back there. However I’m studying for second-class just in case anything comes up that I don’t have to stay in. There isn’t much chance of me making it ‘cause I only get one crack at it before my time is up. Have you heard anything from Jack Richardson? Wonder how he is making out in his outfit. He should get along all right with that inherited gift of gab he’s got. Tell Aunt Iva hello for me and Mr. Smith too. How are their additions to the family coming along?
Mom, what is that surprise you said you had. Is it still there? Tell me what it is. It keeps me awake nights. Is it a job?
Remember George Eyed? He’s getting out about the same time I am, and says he’s going to be glad when his time is up. He likes to get me in the corner and shoot the breeze about what we are going to do.
How is the shop doing now? Any better, I hope so, as I feel like I was low-down in not helping you. But doggone it, I was always broke on account. On account, I went ashore too much. I don’t do it anymore, because I gotta save my dough. Only a $115 now and will have that cleared up by the time we get back to the states. I can hardly wait to bring Frankie home for you to meet, Mom. She sure swell, but she’s got a temper like you have, but she doesn’t let hers get away from her very often.
Did I tell you about the shorts we have to wear now? They look like the devil. We only wear them aboard ship where no one can see us in them. These big hairy guys running around in little Lord Fauntleroy pants sure look comical.
Wrote to Charles finally, but wouldn’t blame him much if he didn’t write to me for a while. Have you seen anything of him? I’d sure like to see him. We’ve got a lot to talk about, I guess you know. He’s swell people for my money, and I’d hate to lose him for a friend. Tell him I said hello if he comes around
Are you still workin, Sis? Where at? Your present will be swell, I know. And we thank you for it and the congratulations. Frankie received her marriage book and is tickled over it. She sure gives me a kick in her letters. Says she needs her daddy and wants to come out to Honolulu or wherever we are.
I hope that surprise is a job Mom, as that would give me a good excuse to stay there for a lot longer. Maybe just come back to California for a visit sometime. It is sure swell out there to live, and for liberty too, as far as that goes. I would like to go down and see Bud Williams and Betty before we leave the coast. They’ve sure got a nice place down there. Would you like to write to them? His address is H N Williams, Box 413, Palm Springs, California. You can get in touch with Betty through him.
Say, Sis, is Bill McKay in Indianapolis or where I wrote to him a couple of times and got the letters back. See if you can find his address for me, will you?
I guess that’s about all the dope I can give right now. Tell everyone hello for me and drop me a line Bob, you must be getting pretty big now, can you lick me yet?
Your loving son, Harry Lynn
February 9, 1941
Dear Mom Bridges,
Thank you for welcoming me into your family. I don’t like the in-law business myself, so I think we will get along just fine.
I received a letter from Lynn yesterday. He’s in Honolulu, I’m counting the days till he will be back. I’m terribly afraid that the Navy head will change the orders. They are scheduled to be here by the 1st of April, at least. I have been thinking that I would like to rent a cute little apartment & have it all fixed up by the time Lynn gets here if I can afford it without letting him know I intend to do it.
I’d like to stay at home with my folks rather than live away from them. But, I think that it would give both Lynn and me a more married attitude & give us both more responsibility. Anyway, it isn’t too far from Moms to town. We could see any of my family whatever we wanted to.
I do hope Lynn and I can afford to make the trip back there within a year. We haven’t anything in the bank, you know. We don’t want to get into too much debt. Lynn has a few bills at present that I hope he will have cleaned up by April or so. I’m continuing to work, you know. I’m in a pretty good position at the store right now. I might be able to work up to an office position as it looks now. You make your family sound grand & you yourself sound a lot like my own mother. I’d like to see all of you and become better acquainted. I wrote Betty a letter just a few days ago. I’m glad you both write to me. I know my so-called in-laws aren’t going to be in-laws at all. That’s the way it should be.
Write soon. Love, Frankie
Shorts
Field Day aboard a Pacific Fleet Battle wagon.
USS Arizona US Navy and Marine Corps Museum/Naval Aviation Museum, Photo No. 2008.104.001.235 courtesy of Alan Moore.
Ruth Ann Bridges (Mother) & brother Robert, Robert joined the Marine Corps and served in the Pacific as an aerial photographer in WW2
Tuesday, February 11, 1941
Dear Mom and Folks:
Received the first mail from the states in 10 days, and there wasn’t a letter from Frankie. I almost tore up the compartment and murdered George Eyed, as I thought it he was up to his old tricks of hiding my letters. But there just wasn’t any. Both of yours were mailed February 1st so it only took them nine days to get here. Guess maybe she’s busy or hasn’t received my letters yet. Anyway, yours were swell. Mom, you don’t know how nice she is, you can’t tell by just reading her letters, as you can put that much nice in a letter.
Well, I guess I give up on that surprise until I come home, can’t seem to get any dope out of anyone back there. It looks like a conspiracy to me, and the whole d**n family is in on it. Oh well, guess you can worry along for 219 more days, and live it down. So Bob’s started to high school now. Well I guess we are all grown up now, Mom, it shouldn’t be long before you can rest on your laurels. It looks like you’ve done a pretty good job, outside of me of course. Maybe I can get a good grip on my bootstraps and I can pull out. I’m due to go up for second-class petty officer in about three more months, just one crack at it before I get my walking papers. I’m studying pretty hard and they are really passing out the rates. Sometimes they won’t rate a short timer though, if they think he’s going out, and I don’t like my division officer anyway. He looks like a pansy to me and talks like one too, would like to catch him in a compromising position. That lily white complexion and goody-goody expression on his face wouldn’t be around very long.
Hey, doesn’t Dad ever say anything? What does he think about the situation? I’ve been trying to decide whether to stay in this outfit or go out, but can’t really make up my mind. Considering the delicate position we’re in, it seems almost eminent that we will get in the big scrape sooner or later. Still, nothing might happen, but if I ship over for another four years I’m going to do 20 years and get it over with. You see, I think Frankie wants me to stay in so she can see the world too, but I don’t like the idea of being away from her so much. That is just about the whole story in a nutshell. About the only thing I have against the Navy is it won’t stay put in one place long enough for a guy to get situated. How is the shop making out? You never say except that you are always short which isn’t unusual. I’m always broke, but by gum, I’m happy.
Your pictures were swell, Sis. Babs is shooting up like a beanstalk isn’t she? You look like a million bucks in that formal. How about another date, baby? I’ve got your picture, Rosie’s and Frankie’s in a frame on my desk and Mom’s is in a frame by itself.
Boy, I really heard some bad news today. The canteen storekeeper said he had heard the ship wasn’t coming back to the States until August. If they don’t, I think I’ll have a talk with the skipper and tell him I want to go to Seattle to see my wife. Think he would do anything about it? He’d probably say “Well Malson, you see it’s like this. I don’t give a damn who you are or what you want. Get the hell out of here before I give you 10 days in the brig house.” Oh well, there’s nothing like trying. I hope that scuttlebutt isn’t true though.
We’ve got a division softball team now. I played third and pitched two innings our first game, and we tied after 10 innings. Haven’t been out since and they have won every game since. So I guess I’ll just let them get along without my services.
Bob: Are you working now kid? I don’t mind you’re not writing, but no one else will say anything about you so I thought maybe you had up and died or something. Did you say you lacked two credits to graduate? Say, this family is really gotten out of its diapers. Joyce will be in high school soon, won’t she? Or has she already made the jump, she is 13 now, isn’t she?
Something really good happen yesterday. I went ashore with a 14 hand working party to pick up some canteen stores. They didn’t all get to the landing in the morning, so I came back and put the seven cases in my store rooms that did arrive, and made arrangements for a boat and working party for the afternoon. The supply officer wasn’t told about it, and when I came aboard he saw me stowing stores at a fast rate. He goes back and sees the pay clerk, the pay clerk calls Commissary storekeeper and he sends a striker down to get me. First the striker growled, as he had to be a messenger, then the Commissary storekeeper dressed me down for not giving him a buzz so he could tell the pay clerk that stores were coming aboard and sent me to the pay clerk who dressed me down for not telling someone what was going on, and he sent me to the supply officer who finished the job. He wanted to know what came aboard and so on. In the discussion that followed, he got interested in the line of baloney I was giving him about our procedure, and he had a mess boy serve us coffee in his stateroom.
The result, I’ll probably get a 4.0 mark in proficiency this month, and that is tops. That goes to show you the bull that goes on in this outfit. I had to make an error to let the supply officer know that I know something about storekeeping. Moral: it doesn’t pay to be too good at anything. That old buzzard, the supply officer, is swell people if you talk back to him. He came down to my storeroom and wanted to move the tobacco in with the soap. I told him that it wouldn’t do because tobacco and soap do not mix because soap ruins tobacco in a confined space. He’s been telling visiting supply officers that ever since when they come down to inspector storerooms.
Guess that is all the dope. Tell everybody hello.
Your son, Harry Lynn
Baseball practice at sea
USS Arizona
United States. Navy, “Baseball Practice at Sea, Navy Propaganda Photograph,” Special Collections Online Exhibits, accessed September 23, 2020, https://speccoll.library.arizona.edu/online-exhibits/items/show/923.
Bridges Family
Sisters Betty, Pauline, George Bridges, Sister Barbara, Ruth Bridges & sister Joyce
March 2, 1941 At Sea
Dear Folks:
Received Sis’s letter day before yesterday with two from Frankie. She says she’s lonesome for her daddy. Boy, I get a kick out of her. Delma said Frankie sat up in bed and said “okay, oh boy” and jumped up and down. Dell said she must’ve been having a honey of a dream. I guess no one is sick back there now or Sis would’ve said something. The baby, Delma’s, must be over the chickenpox too. You must like Frankie from what Sis says, and you will like her more when you meet her. She doesn’t seem to like the idea of coming East very much. She’s got the idea that we wouldn’t be going as soon as I get out, but we are. At any rate, I’m coming home if I have to leave her here. I’m still wondering what that surprise is.
The ship is out gallivanting around, having general quarters and darken ship every night. We are getting the new men in pretty good shape now. They know Starboard from Port and a spar from a boom. Fired machine guns yesterday, 14-inch day before and broadsides, the day before that. This is only the second day I been in my storerooms for a week. I had inventory all day yesterday, and the only discrepancy they found was 48 bars of candy I was over. So they just put them on charge, and gave me a 3.9 mark for efficiency. It doesn’t take much to lower a mark around here.
I’ve been boning up on second class this week a little, and I’ve got abstracts, account currents, Bureau memoranda, and procedure and form numbers running through my head like an adding machine. Still don’t think I stand much of a chance of making it before I get paid off. They guess it won’t hurt much to know that stuff. It sure sinks in slow. Now, if I had something like money to figure, it would come to me easy as apple pie.
My calendar says 200 days to do from today. Going to have to get my application in for a job pretty soon. How is the work back there? Can a young healthy man with ambition get a break? Boy, if I could get a good enough job back there, it wouldn’t take much debating to decide whether to stay or not. I guess you know I’ll be pretty doggone glad when this cruise is over. The Navy is getting to be less than home all the time. A guy can’t even go topside without a hat on. Lights out at 8:30 and such petty stuff like that. Damn them people, they plum exasperate me sometimes. This morning, Sunday mind you, they held quarters for master, we had to stand out there in the broiling sun and listen to the disbursing officer spout off about regulation, haircuts, and anything he could think of while the Commander was standing there. Then when the Commander went away he secured us, the ear banger.
Boy, these guys on the sub base and air Station sure have got it nice. They get subsistence allowance and knock off every day at 1:00. Live in a nice clean barracks and have their own swimming pool and could buy anything from beach sandals to beer right there. If I have to stay in this outfit, I’m going to put in for shore duty at the first opportunity.
I’ve been ashore twice since we’ve been here. The first time I brought Frankie some things and the second time just went over to stretch my legs. Only had three beers altogether.
They are recovering aircraft now, passed the word over the speaker system, wonder if he brought back airmail and if I got any? Hope so. Haven’t heard from my baby for several days. They keep you kind of busy don’t they, Sis? Well, you’ll haul off and get married one of these days, and then it will be Bob’s turn. Don’t they put out any promotions where you work? A good-looking girl like you should be on the top by now. Are you working Bob? It won’t be long before you get out of school, will it? Or are you dumb like me? How are the girls treating you? What’s her name and what does she look like? Well gotta go get a workout and take a bawth pretty soon, so I’ll finish tomorrow. Can’t send mail out till next week anyhow.
Kingfisher aircraft recovery, USS Arizona
http://www.navsource.org/archives/01/39a.htm
OS2U Kingfisher aircraft placed on catapult aboard battleship Arizona, near US Territory of Hawaii, 6 Sep 1941; note recovery hook on the underside of the main pontoon
March 3, 1941 at Sea
Just secured from quarters and then standing by to break out for the canteen. The disbursing officer said at quarters that the 1st division battle force was under the direct command of the fleet commander for maneuvers from now until we get into Honolulu on the sixth. So we can stand by for everything from man-over-board drill to inspection in skivvies in flat hats. This looks like a real test of the first division’s efficiency.
Today is haircut day for the “S” division, so I guess I’ll have to go up and get my curly locks cut off again. They really cut our hair short out here, we look like a bunch of Heaney’s. I have a coat of tan that would knock your eyes out too. Most of the crew look like natives, except for those bilge rats in the black gang. If they come up topside more than once a week they would die of fresh air-itis or something. The only time you see a bilge rat in the open area is at night when you go ashore and Saturday morning inspections. The next time you write, send me Ralph’s address, I’d like to drop him a line sometime.
Conrad never did answer my letter. I guess he’s a pretty busy man, eh? He lives in Greenfield, doesn’t he? I have his address somewhere in my desk here. There must be a big storm somewhere near here. We are rolling around in groundswells like a canoe on Lake Michigan. My storerooms are near the chain locker and I can hear them rattling all day. They sound like skeletons on the loose.
Well here comes the canteen man now. I guess he can wait a minute. We are all supposed to leave here on the last of March sometime. I’ll sure be glad to get to Seattle and see Frankie again. Six more months and will be thinking seriously about coming home. I hope she doesn’t change her mind about coming, ‘cause I want you to meet her as soon as we can get there. So write soon and tell everybody hello. Your loving son, Harry Lynn
PS mailed a letter the other day and it came back three cents postage due on it. So I tore it up. HLM
Dear Folks:
It looks like we’re going to leave this place soon. The 27th approaches and nothing has been said about changing our schedule. Boy, I sure hope we do leave then because I want to see my little wife. You should be pretty well acquainted with her by now. I haven’t had a letter for two weeks or better, though we’ve been maneuvering off Honolulu for eight days without seeing land. Fired all the batteries under different conditions so I think we’re finished firing for the season. If that dope is straight that has been going around the shop, we will get new evaporators and ice machines, and they will have to tear out the whole quarterdeck to get the old ones out. So that will make it a nice long stay up there, around four months.
We are going in today I think. There is going to be a damage control inspection and an Admirals Material inspection before we are supposed to leave. I say supposed to leave, on account that you can’t tell for sure what they are going to do.
March 21, 1941 (same letter)
Received your letter last night about 10, after we tied up to the quays. Pauline and Barbara wrote nice letters, but I’m awfully busy, so can’t answer them separately. We are taking on provisions, but this is noon and I’m letting the canteen man get some candy from my storerooms. It’s sure hot down here now. We had black-eyed peas, mashed spuds, steak and gravy for dinner, sure was hungry too.
Can’t understand why Frankie hasn’t written. I didn’t get a letter when we came in either. She’s working during the day then doesn’t get home until late. Well, I guess I’ll have to make this do until tomorrow or the next day when I will have more time.
Your son, Harry Lynn
March 27, 1941 At Sea
Dear Folks:
Just finished a letter to Pauline. I imagine she will want to open it herself. She asked for a picture of Frankie and I, but I don’t own one. I just have one picture of her and she is alone and I guess you know I’m going to keep it. Haven’t heard from her recently, I imagine it’s because she hasn’t received a letter from me because we been out to sea so much. We came in for 45 days and are out again to fire antiaircraft guns. They are really drilling these new men to perfect performance. No one seems to know when we are going to leave here, maybe it will be in May and it might be next month. At any rate, it won’t be too soon for me. One thing I can be sure of and that is my enlistment is up in a little less than six months from now, and I’m going to make the dust fly getting home. Frankie doesn’t like the idea of even coming to Indiana, as she’s afraid that when we get there, there we would stay. And we probably would for a while at least. She knows me like a book.
Had to stop before I finish this morning, till they fired the turrets. Boy, those babies really sound off. They tore lockers off the bulkheads and broke doors open, mirrors and bulbs broke, felt like a regular earthquake. We don’t go in till next week, I guess. Hope there is a letter for me from Frankie. We only get steamer mail from 2 to 3 times a month, and when I don’t get one on each steamer, things start popping in. It makes me mad and hard to get along with when I don’t get my sugar reports.
So Lawrence is in the Air Corps. He must be a pretty smart kid or doggone lucky, those boys have to really know the dope. I hope he makes good. Send me his address and I’ll drop him a line, it’s been long time since I even tried to get in touch with him. To tell the truth, I didn’t want to very bad, he’s in a man’s game now, so he must be one. Sure wish I could get a crack at that branch, but guess it’s too late now unless I used a different method outside the Navy.
Bill M hasn’t answered my last letter yet, the mail is so irregular, guess he hasn’t had time yet. The goop, he’d better write.
A.A. Practice during Fleet Ops in October 1940. USS Arizona USN photo courtesy Pieter Bakels.
Arizona’s (BB-39) Main Battery. USN photo courtesy Pieter Bakels.
March 31, 1941 at Sea
Again we are out to sea, I mean still at sea, but some things have happened since I sealed my last letter that I want to tell you. When we were out like this, and a ship comes into Honolulu, we usually send a plane in to pick up the mail. Well, this time we were expecting quite a bit, so all the planes were sent in. When they came back, we started recovering them while underway, with the cast method. The first one got aboard all right with the mail nice and dry, but the second one caught a wing pontoon in a wave when it was coming in for the landing and cracked up. No one was hurt, but there was plenty of excitement for a while. Sent a motor launch and a whale boat to rescue the pilot and copilot and salvage the wreckage. They’ve got it on the quarterdeck now, almost dismantled. They lost one sack of mail and the other two were all wet. Guess my letters were all in the one that went down, because I didn’t get any this time. That all happened Saturday the 29th. George Eyed got a letter from his brother, it was in the wreck and all wet. He’s going to keep it for souvenir.
We’ve also got some newsreel men aboard. They have been taking pictures of everything from boots to bubbles in our wake. But the captain wouldn’t let them take pictures of the rescue, that would’ve been a good shot too. They had a bunch of guys up on the quarterdeck in dress blues scrubbing down, and they took pictures of the galley and at dinner while we were eating. I might get one picture in a newsreel sometime. Yesterday, a destroyer came alongside, away, to get some pie and bread and take our mail off. They go in before we do. We sent a motor launch over there a couple of times, I think they took some of the films too.
Boy, this old tub is really pitching and rolling. Must be a big storm somewhere near, we’ve been taking them over the bow for the last couple of days. Had to lay-to on the lee side of an island to let the motor launch get to the destroyer it was so rough.
My calendar says only 171 more days to do. And there isn’t any dope about when we leave here. Wish it were soon though, I want to see my little wife. We’ll guess that’s all the dope.
Write soon. Your son, Harry Lynn
April 3, 1941 at Sea
Folks:
Guess we are going in tomorrow. Anyway, they secured condition watches and passed the word to hold field day. Regular field day is on Friday and this is only Thursday. Boy, it seems like we’ve been out a long time. Days don’t seem to be when you’re out to sea. We are down below deck so much, the only way we can tell its daytime is when they sound chow call. I wrote several letters while I been out, but haven’t had a chance to mail them. Still haven’t heard from Frankie lately, been almost 3 weeks tomorrow. So guess she is pretty busy. Don’t blame her for not wanting to write. She hates to anyhow, and I do too sometimes.
My calendar says only 168 more days to do. Boy, will I be glad to get out of here. There is usually a game being played around the shop. Different ones get popular, the current is casino. We really have some hilarious times playing. We alternate with bridge, pinochle and acey deuce – backgammon to you. The way we play it, it’s pretty cutthroat. Saw a fight today. One punch. A colored guy was insulted by some PO on the second deck and he politely knocked the PO for a loop. Nobody did anything about it. We did some firing while we were out this time. It’s a pretty rough weather too; don’t know where we were operating. Well, I hope there is a mail for me when I get in, especially from home and the little wife.
Your son, Harry Lynn
PS No dope on when we leave here, maybe in a month or so. Tell everyone hello. Grant too.
Pearl Divers in Pearl Harbor
(See circles)
HLM photo
April 3, 1941
Bob:
Boy, just 174 more days till I get paid off, and will I be glad to get back home. You said in your letter that you were working some, but didn’t say what at, or where. I like to hear about these things. You haven’t any ideas about quitting school, have you? Well, don’t get any. Cause if I come home and find you out of school without a diploma, I’ll run your legs down to the knees. If you can finish high school, you’ve got a chance to go to college later, and then maybe I can give you a boost. It isn’t what you learn at college, it is the prestige you get out of it. A college man really gets a break at anything he does.
Got into a little scrap the other day. I was whistling, and some guy sitting next to me didn’t like it and proceeded to shut me up. Almost did it to, but I got a break when he slipped on a wet spot on the deck. Got a couple of good licks in then, that just about dropped him and some Chief came along and stopped the fun. I don’t whistle around him anymore though.
Well, guess that’s all the dope. I Will be in the States again when we get there, and I sure wish it was soon. They don’t put out any advanced dope anymore. So no one knows when we go or how long we will stay. Write soon and tell everyone hello for me. Yours, Harry Lynn.
April 4, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Folks:
I just mailed to letters I wrote while we were out to sea, but I received such a nice one today when we got in, I had to answer right now. Just finished bimonthly break out of stock for the canteen in small stores issue room, feel kind of sweaty. Boy, we really got lots of mail this time, 40 sacks of it. They sorted and issued some of it, but so far I’ve only received one letter and that from you. Frankie must be mad at me for something. Haven’t heard from her yet, but guess I will in the next batch.
You said Mrs. Stroheimier died, I didn’t know that. I fell over when I read it in your letter. Bob was a pretty good kid, good as me? I wish I know something I could send Bill and his anchor besides my best regards. Sure would like to see him, the reprobate, not answering my letters. If he doesn’t answer this one I’ll shoot him with my little 45.
How do you like the stationary. It’s onion skin for clipper mail. You can put 14 sheets in an envelope and send it regular airmail and the folder looks like real class.
I’m glad you’re going to try and buy a place. Everything seems to be rolling along pretty nice for you now. Sis makes more than I do now, the little scamp. I hope I can do it like you’re doing when we come back there. It would sure be swelled owning our own home before we have a bunch of kids. Frankie sure seems not set on staying there though, hope she changes her mind.
Bob isn’t working now, eh? Well, I hope he gets a job this summer. By the way, are the McGanheys living in Indianapolis now? Jack was discharged with the medical survey, did you say. It was probably his loudmouth. Anyway, he got a break in getting out soon. I’ll bet he didn’t want to stay in. A guy gets a funny feeling though, down in the pit of his stomach and in his throat when it comes time to be paid off. I know, I did. That last night at the movies, before I was supposed to be discharged, I felt like I was leaving my best friend or something. A fellow waits and waits for the time to come, and when it gets here, wishes he had a little more time to do. I’ve only got 168 more days now. That’s less than five months. Feel kind of lost on the outside and no time limit to make in getting back to somewhere.
Well, I guess I’ll let this ride till I see what the little wife has to say.
Monday, and still no letter. Boy, wait till I get there. Grrrrr Just finished field day and am all set for Admiral’s inspection, it is supposed to come off this week sometime. There is a kid here from Lafayette, just north of there. Brooks is the name of the place, his name is Crookwell. I’ve got him and another guy down here, they been cleaning up for me. New men aboard, and they really take in the sea stories.
Where in port for about 10 days now, it will give us a breathing spell. Went ashore Saturday night and really had a good time. Went to Ala Moana, a dance, Lau Yeu Chi’s and the Wahine Tavern. Really went doggy. Had frog legs and Dago red wine imported from the states. I swapped shoes with a Chief. They were white ones and they kind of stuck out we were walking down the street. Well, I guess I’ll knock off work and go get a shower. Tell everyone hello.
Love, your son, Harry Lynn
The USS Arizona floats near Pearl Harbor in a photo taken by a Japanese spy sometime before December 7, 1941 Photo Courtesy of the University of Arizona Special Collections.
https://www.azcentral.com/story/life/az-narratives/2014/12/04/uss-arizona-pearl-harbor-history/19788563/
April 15, 1941
Dear Folks:
We’re getting underway day after tomorrow, unexpectedly. Today at noon, they passed the word over the speaker system that payday would be tomorrow at 1 o’clock, that indicates we will get underway sooner than expected because they seldom pay ahead of time and must something like that is coming up. And liberty starts early too. I guess it will be the same old thing, out maneuvering, presumably, but I think they are really patrolling a certain area. Something else happened this week too. We received an order to strip ship in the first phase. Excess gear such as extra benches, spare parts and canvas, and anything else not necessarily needed. The second phase of strip ship, means tables, gear, racks and anything else not tied down will go over, and the third phase, motor launches, office desks, spare parts, mess gear and all unessential tools will go. Then zed phase, they paint over all bright work, and toss all the life lines over the side. So far only the first phase has been ordered. We don’t expect any more of this baloney until mid-summer. The reason is on account of the far East situation tightening up. The civil authorities recently took charge of a fleet of Chinese fishing boats, and the Islanders are little leery of the chinks, nothing really serious though.
There was a sailor killed by Marine over on the beach yesterday. He stabbed him with a pocket knife. One of those kind you press a spring and a four-inch blade flies out. They got the Marine for it though. I was going over tomorrow, but don’t guess I will.
Haven’t heard from Frankie since she notified me she was getting a divorce. I received the papers to sign, but I haven’t decided whether to give it to her or not. I think she just got a crazy idea and will change her mind soon. Anyway, I’m going to let her think it over awhile before I signed the papers.
Sure hate to let her go, because I have a lot of ideas about us. But I guess it’s best to find out about things early, if only she had waited a while though, I don’t think this would’ve happened. But now that she has gone this far, she can’t back out. I should hear from her soon though, and if she still wants it, I’m going to sign the papers and get it over with.
156 more days to do now, just a little over five months. I wonder if I’ll get to come home then. Can’t tell about these things.
Do you remember Uncle Harve’s wife telling my fortune, and saying I would take a long trip and wouldn’t come home for a long time? It came true didn’t it?
We’ve been playing bridge in the gang here. Had a nice table and benches but they took them up to the incinerator and burned them. Now we’ve got a play on the deck. Woe is me, what is this Navy coming to. Last Saturday, there wasn’t any personnel inspection and Friday there wasn’t any lower deck. We haven’t stood quarters for muster and physical drill for two weeks. Something has gone haywire. Everyone seems to feel all tight inside. You could tell at chow time, they don’t talk much or anything. There are only two radios on a deck now. They took all the rest of them over on the beach, some big expensive ones too, that the guys chipped in and bought themselves. I guess it’s all in a cruise though. They are still paying them off. I hope they still are when my turn comes. Would sure like to be home now. Seems funny seeing all these new guys on here. They took most of the old-timers off for commissioning new ships. The Colorado is a commission now. There is a rumor that’s been pretty persistent lately, that the first division battle ships will go to the East Coast via Panama. I hope not, because I only get 35 bucks transportation money from there, where as I get $115 from the West Coast.
Well, I guess that’s all the dope, probably be single when I get home, dammit. I really get the breaks.
Write soon, love, your son, Harry Lynn
May 5, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Folks:
Finally got a couple of hours to myself. Been going to write since Friday, but this is the first chance I’ve had. We been taking on provisions again, and it’s usually an all-day job, but I’ve got a good gang working for me and we finished early. They are really keeping us stocked up with provisions and clothing. Last Thursday and Friday we took on clothing, and I could hardly get them all in my store rooms. We also received orders to lay in a supply of heavy clothing, wool gloves, parkas and heavy stuff like that, just in case we had to go North.
Boy, I like to ruined my arm the other day. Was sparring around in the compartment with one of the gang, and let one go that didn’t land right. My shoulder went out of place, but popped right back in. It didn’t hurt much so kept on, and pretty soon it went out again. Quit then. The dang thing hurts like the devil now. Almost cold cocked a guy for hitting me there this afternoon. He about jumped out of the skivvies when I turned around and let him have one on the arm. Guess I looked pretty mad. Boy it hurts.
Went on a bender a couple of nights ago. Sure seemed good to be ashore and free, but didn’t have much fun. Kept wishing she was with me. Guess she is doing all right though haven’t heard from her anymore. Only 136 more days to do. Boy, will sure be glad when it’s up. That’s what I said last time, but I mean it this time. Mother’s Day is the 11th isn’t it? Don’t know whether I’ll get ashore and time to send you anything. If I don’t, here’s to the best girl a guy can have. I can make up for when I get home. Sure was surprised to hear about Charles’s kid. Boy, would sure like to see it, won’t be long though.
Eyed, another guy and the gang and I are coming back in Hick’s car. We all get paid off about the same time, and it will cut expenses.
It’s rumored we will leave here on the 17th but I think we’re just out for more maneuvers. They are welding up all the portals now, won’t be enough ventilation to keep a canary alive soon. Have you heard about the two new ships we are building, 65,000 tons apiece? Just twice as big as the Arizona. Would like to see some duty on one of them, but I’m afraid they won’t be finished for about four years and I guess you know I’m not sticking around that long.
Sis: How is Rosie? You gotta get me a girlfriend when I come home. Does she go with anyone? And how is your boyfriend?
Bob: What you doing kid? Keep the home fires burning. Stick around and watch me make a bonfire out of them. I guess that is all the dope for now. Boy, am sure tired.
Write soon and tell the folks hello. Your son, Harry Lynn
Rosemary Fields (Rosie)
Hula lessons
HLM Photo
May 16, 1941 at Sea
Dear Mom and Folks:
How is everyone? I hurt my shoulder last week and the dang thing still hurts, but I don’t want to turn in to the sick bay because all they would do is give me a dose of salts or spray my throat. It was just a strain and is getting better. We are out to sea again. Been out for two days now, and won’t go in for about two more weeks, so they say. Heard today that the Arizona won’t be coming back to the states until December. Some wild stories are going around. There so many men on here now that when chow call goes, you have to run to get a seat. One of the boys tried to tell me there was a “chit” up before the house to change bean day from Wednesday to Thursday, can you beat that. And he held a straight face when he was telling it.
Been working in more storerooms all week. Can you imagine that, a storekeeper working? When we want something done we usually get a working party. Once we had a working party down in the compartment scraping out our lockers for us.
We took on 16,000 bars of candy four days before we got underway, and there are only 5,000 left. These guys really like their “pogy bait”. We’ve even got jellybeans in the canteen. Beans on the left of us and beans on the right of us. It’s a wonder the ship don’t explode.
Had some Kanakees aboard for some doings a couple weeks ago but they were lousy. And it cost the ship $350 to have them come out to perform. They got the skipper up on the platform trying to teach him the hula. The old goat sure looked funny.
One of the boys in the gang made a warrant. He’s our boss now, it sure seems funny having to call him Mr. instead of PT or Carter. Met an old friend from Long Beach the other day. She is married to one of the boys on the ship. He brought her out here till we leave again. It was good to meet someone I knew over here. Don’t like to go ashore much out here on account of that. Did you say Bob S. was coming out here? Wonder what ship he will get. Would like to see him. Kids do grow up, don’t they?
Haven’t heard from Charles lately. How’s the baby and what-in-Nell did they name it and is it a boy or girl. Why doesn’t somebody tell me these things?
(Charles & Teeny Clark named their baby Harry Lynn)
Got up this morning at 5:30 and went topside for some air. It gets kind of stuffy down here on the third deck where we sleep. It sure was nice out. Skyline was clear as a bell, just like you think it would be all the time. But it is usually too hot to breathe or to windy to keep your skirts down.
Well, only 125 more days to do. Guess George and I will get paid off and sent back to the states about the same time. Hope so, because it will be hard to leave this old tub. I kind of got attached to it the last couple of years.
How’s Rosie? Tell her to drop me a line sometime if she has time. Well, I guess that’s about all the dope. Tell the little birdies hello and the little girls to standby.
Your son, Harry Lynn
“May 24, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Mom and Folks:
Received your letters when we came in from 10 days out to sea yesterday, was sure glad to get them, especially Dad I don’t suppose there will be much chance of the old Arizona going on any convoy duty, but some of the cruisers have left here for parts unknown, at least not by us. It looks like the President is going to have to consult Congress if he wants to put the fleet on actual convoy duty outside the neutral zone. I wish he would hurry up and get it over with if we’re going to get in it. I crave action myself, instead of all of this palavering around. He should lay down the law and stick by it, I think.
I got a letter from Teeny and a picture of the baby. Can you feature that? Naming him after me. Now I’m a proud godfather. Well, swell, I gotta buy a crib or something, Teeny says. I’ll just send the money to get it with, since I can’t buy it out here and send it to them. Sure wish I was there now. It won’t be long now though.
Trying to get some standby liberty to go over and go swimming at Waikiki. The head of the department wouldn’t sign my request slip, and wouldn’t say why. I think he just didn’t feel so good this morning. The worm. He will want me to do something for him sometime, and I’ll probably do it.
Sis and Rosie wrote me a letter too. Those two are sure are thick, aren’t they? I told Rosie I hadn’t heard a peep out of her and she wrote back, “here’s a peep of a line, and it was.
We had our annual military inspection yesterday. They sure gave us the going over too, from skivvies to betting and from top gallant to keel. But no squawks, so guess everything was okay. We’ve got a boat Ensign for division officer now, he’s disbursing officer too. You don’t know beans about squads right but he sure can handle disbursements. He’s a chubby little Jew. The Baron (Commander) really looks rugged besides that chubby lad.
Well only 116 more days to do, and I’m sure looking forward to seeing you all, Charles’s kid especially. He looks like a happy little scamp and he’s got big ears not unlike his dad if you ever noticed.
I don’t exactly understand this foreign situation, the looks like we will be convoy and soon. I doubt if they will use both ships though. That’s a cruiser duty in the, ho. I’m a short timer now, it isn’t worrying me any.
Boy after that inspection we had I’m going to take in the slack a little bit. I shudder to think of all the work I put into that son of a gun. All the inspector said was you got a lot of room, after rubbing white gloves in corners and asking a million questions about how much clothing was issued and how long a certain amount of clothing would last a certain amount of men. Nuts, it won’t be like this four months from now. Me, I’m going to be a civilian and for as long as I can. Well I’ve got to get some sleep in to do so. Write soon and tell all the boys in the backroom hello for me.
Your son, Harry Lynn
USS Arizona painted black
May 29, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Mom and Folks:
Well, you should see this old tub now. She really looks like a vicious man-of-war, man. All ships in the fleet are being painted black. I guess that so they can’t be seen at night. They are like a cloud with a silver lining, all-black, and dangerous-looking on the outside and pure white on the inside. It’s like stepping from night into day when you come inside from outside.
It won’t be long now before I’ll be tearing home. Only 112 days to do now. They are holding short-timers until they have enough men to warrant sending a ship to the states with them. So I might come back early and it may be late, can’t tell yet. They are sure trying to make it better for us now. We have better facilities all around, sports, living conditions and pay. There is even a bill up to increase it 10 per. Haven’t heard much about it yet though. It looks like our baseball team is really going places this year. They are playing for battleship finals now. The first game is today and I gotta bet that we win.
Was having my ears lowered this afternoon and a drill call went. Had to shove off with my ears full of lather. They really lop off the wool too. I look like a college kid.
George’s buying presents left and right. He says its to smooth his homecoming. Guess I better be doing the same. In fact, I’ve already started, got a couple to send you, but haven’t solved the wrapping problem yet.
It sure looks like we’re going to get in it, doesn’t it? FDR doesn’t have much room for speculation, does he? Well, I hope they hold off for at least another six months, so I can come home for a while. When my time is up, I’ll at least get a leave. May have to sign up for the duration of a national emergency if we do get in it. But even if I do, I’ll get to come home, I think.
Have you heard any more from Bob Strohmier? He should be out here by now. Would like to see him when he does get here.
Went ashore the other day and met a keen little wahine and so on etc. had my picture taken to. It’s a full-length job for Sis. Haven’t received the proofs yet, so don’t know how they will look. Probably like me. Outside of that, I didn’t do much. Guess that secures is one.
Tell everyone hello. Love, your son Harry Lynn
PS Mom, saw a movie last night that reminded me of you. It was just a scene, but I couldn’t help remembering how swell you’ve been to me. If only I can repay you part of all the things you have done for me. Being away from home has made me realize what a jewel a fellow’s mother is, and how often she goes on without being appreciated. It just occurred to me what a great loss it would be not to have a mother that loves and guides me, even though I don’t often voice it.
I love you more than anything in the world. Always, your son, Harry Lynn
June 8, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Folks:
Leaving here day after tomorrow, and will beat the steamer back, but I went ashore last night and some things happened yesterday that I wanted to get on paper before I forgot all of it. A British cruiser pulled in here yesterday morning with her bow stove in and her number one turret blasted away. They wouldn’t let us go aboard then, but we got some dope from the Limeys when they came ashore. Boy, those guys think they are plenty rugged. There were lots of fights going on. They said a torpedo hit them from a submarine in the Mediterranean. Killed 33 men and wounded about 150 or 200. These boys are really proud of their scars too, they were passing out the sea stories. Most of them didn’t give a hoot whether they got home alive or not. Said you get that way after having bombs exploding all around. The girls out here didn’t like the sailors much because they were too conceited or something. Their uniforms looked funny, great big bell-bottom pants, wear any kind of shoes they want to and a seaman gets about $40 a month in our money. They get a ration of rum every day, and compensation for any specialty, like gunner, electrician, cook.
ED Note: 60 ships were sunk and 5 damaged by U-boats, June 1941
George and I also went to Waikiki and the Royal Hawaiian hotel. Saw Dottie Lamour and Judy Conova. We wandered all over the hotel. Met a detective on duty there for the day, and he took us all around.
When we left the yard, a car pulled alongside and the guy in it said “You three boys hop in and ride with me”. We found out it was Adm. (William D.) Leahy himself. It’s against regulations to hitchhike in uniform, and I flagged him before I noticed it was an official car, but he didn’t say anything about it. When we got into town, we got a ride with the American-German Council. He road us out to Waikiki, jabbering all the while. All in all, we had a pretty good time.
Later we went to the rendezvous dance. All they sold were cokes and everybody had his own bottle. About 10:30 the Limeys try to take over. Two civilians got kicked out on their rears, account of ‘em. I wouldn’t mind fighting for those people, but wouldn’t want to be associated with them. They are swell people, but there’s just something about them I don’t like.
I am writing to two girls in Australia, one in Lisbon and one in Brisbane, haven’t received an answer yet though.
These Limeys wouldn’t let go of their hats for love nor money. I tried everything I could think of to get one, but no dice.
Heard for my ex-wife via the chaplain. She needs the money for an operation and thought that in view of the fact that she wasn’t asking for alimony, I ought to give out. Maybe, I shouldn’t have decided yet. Well, should get transferred and will make it to the states to wait for the discharge, don’t know yet though. Guess that is all the dope. You won’t get this for a while, but you will get it sooner if I do wait until we get to the states to mail it.
Tell the boys in the backroom hello.
Your son, Harry Lynn.
Long promised photo for his sister Betty.
Sent home in July, 1941
June 18, 1941 San Pedro, California
We got in yesterday the 17th and boy I was sure glad to get back for one. The boys sure took off on their first liberty, and we received a royal welcome from everyone we met. Prices went up as usual and the hawkers were out grabbing sailors to buy civvies. I need some myself, but I guess I will wait until I am discharged. Some old gal about 30 picked me up and away we went. She had a 1940 Ford and let me drive, it didn’t cost me much either. It was sure nice to get behind the wheel of a car again. She cooked dinner for me and we went to a dance. I don’t remember much afterwards.
When I got back on board I had two letters, one from you and one from guess who, Frankie. She wants to come back. Has dropped proceedings and had a complete change of mind. I’m thinking it over, but you know what will happen. I’ll jump at the chance, but she’s got to wait a while before I tell her so. Hope we make out this time.
Bill McKay never did answer my letter. I gave up on that scare. When I went over I called Beulah’s house but there was no answer, and I found out why when I read your letter. She swell people, isn’t she. Would like to see them before we leave here. Only have 14 days to stay, and I guess you know all hands are taking advantage of the extra liberty, and how.
Haven’t seen the Sacramento in a coons age. It’s a cruiser and they operate on days we don’t, they’re good duty though. He’ll have a good chance of making first-class in his cruise ‘cause he’s a pretty smart kid.
They made the requirements of a year in rating before we can go up for second class. It was changed from nine months, so I won’t be eligible before I get paid off.
I guess this is all of the dope. I’m glad Frankie is coming back, but I’m a little worried about her. She’s sick and is working. Hope I get transfer before the ship leaves here. Would like to be up there with her now. Got some work to do so goodbye for now.
Love, your son, Harry Lynn
PS Did you get your package yet?
July 15, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Folks:
How’s it going nowadays, betterin’ betterin’ better, I hope. Say, Mom, what’s the idea of writing without them glasses? That’s what they are for, isn’t it? Don’t you want to be able to see me when I come home? Well, you better take better care of them eyes then. Why doesn’t that Bob write sometimes? He doesn’t say much when he does, but I like to hear from him.
George got a letter from a friend of his on the East Coast. It was censored. I guess they will censor all our mail before long. That recruiting officer gave you the right dope about having 90 days to decide whether to come back in or not. And I guess you know I’m taking that 90 days, and if work is like you say it is I’m taking more than that. A guy can’t wait 90 days and still get shipping over money. After that, he doesn’t get it. That would only be $50 for me unless I make second-class. Don’t guess I’ll be getting out of here before October when we come back to the States. Only 65 more days to do on my current enlistment, but they will hold me over no doubt. There will be about five guys coming back to Indiana when we do make the States again. Do you know anyone name of Von Spreckelson? He is one of them. I got his address here somewhere. First name is Bud and he lives at 3750 Temple N. Maybe you know them.
Got a swell letter from Frankie. She’s home now, but still sick in bed. Wired me for some money and I’m sending it to her, ‘cause when she writes to me, she needs it bad. We’ll get along all right, right now Mom. I’m sure we will. And you’ll be proud of her too, or you better be.
We haven’t been going out to sea lately and ships are scarce around here now. Not half as many as there were six months ago. Loretta Young was out to the ship Sunday, she and her husband. She looks old to me. Well, it’s time for watertight doors now. Your picture will be on the way soon Sis, its taken a long time eh?
Your son, Harry Lynn
Von Spreckelsen enlisted in July 1935 and his first assignment was the USS Arizona. His initial assignment was Turret 3 as a trayman. In 1939 he was transferred to R division damage control and his work station was the paint locker. He was a Painter, Second Class Dec. 7. He remained in the Navy until he retired in 1957.
July 23, 1941
Dear Sis: Pearl Harbor
How are ya, keed? Sounds like you’re doing all right, but you didn’t mention your Lieutenant. What’s the matter, is he gone or just forgotten. And what’s this about a blonde? Don’t you know I go for redheads? And furthermore, I’m a married man. She dropped the divorce proceedings a long time ago, and that suits me. She’s been a very sick girl, Sis, so don’t give her any lip if you write to her. It was all a misunderstanding, and it’s all over.
Kind of like your swimming suit, eh? Well, it’s a good thing as it cost a pretty penny. Too damn much to cover so little, if you ask me.
Rosie decided to peep again, didn’t she? What’s the matter is she bashful or something? Tell her if she can’t think of anything else, to tell me about her latest love affair.
You must be working hard to get that raise. Pretty soon you’ll make more than I do if you work all week. I’m only getting $16 a week, so you’re not doing bad at all. Boy, wait till I get out of here. I’ll make $25 a week look like pin money if I can get started. I could go right to work in Long Beach at an aircraft company, but I’m coming home. I guess you know the ship may come back to the states one of these fine months, and I’m going to stay there when it does. Only 57 more days to do now, and after that, they will hold me till the ship does come back.
Well, I guess that’s about all the dope, honey. Got lots of work to do yet, and studying too. Boy if I make this rate, I’ll get over a hundred dollars a month, then Frankie and I could come back there in style. Be seeing ya.
Your brother, Harry Lynn
PS To heck with work. When out to camp last weekend and got higher than a kite. Sure had a good time swimming and sunbathing and watching the Kankakee girls on the beach. Tell the folks hello, and Rosie too. HL
August 7, 1941, Thursday Pearl Harbor
Dear Folks:
Mail came in today on the Matson line. There were 6,000 bags for the fleet, that’s a lot of letters isn’t it? And I only received two. One of them was mailed the 24th and one the 28th. Must’ve been held up somewhere along the line.
Went ashore yesterday and took some pictures with George Eyed’s camera. Boy, he’s got a keen one too. One of those candid jobs takes 36 pictures and there are more dials and gauges on them than in our main engine room. Went out to Waikiki swimming and looked for Bergen and Charlie but no luck. Didn’t get back to the ship until about one this morning and am so tired I can hardly move.
Mom, you sure got it bad haven’t you? When the love bug bit you, he didn’t fool around about it, did he? And I sure got a swell Mom. There must be something in this faith business, after all, but I haven’t seen any results yet, outside of you and the rest of the family. There isn’t much to tell about our little quarrel Mom. I just didn’t show results quick enough to suit her and she flew off the handle. I think she’s sorry about it now. I can tell you better now, it was some time when we got home.
You mentioned Uncle Perry being sick, but better now. I’ll write to them. Did once before but they didn’t answer. Guess they forgot. I’ve got a bad habit of putting things off until the last minute, like that five dollars I owe Uncle Loy and Grandma. I’m putting hers in this letter for you to give to her. Tell them I’m sorry I waited so long to send it, and I’m sending Uncle Loy’s too in the same mail.
Hope you like the pictures, the dang things cost a fortune out here. About twice as much as they do back in the States. I’ve got a couple of lockets for Joyce and Pauline. I’ll get clear down the line sooner or later, probably later and much later. Frankie ran up a couple of stiff bills we’ve got to pay off, doctor and hospital. She was pretty sick. I just found out the other day she almost died before they took her to the hospital.
Mom, Frankie couldn’t be stuck up. As far as folks go, she has a pretty swell family. Her dad’s special, but they aren’t any better than we are. I doubt if Mr. LeGary makes any more than Dad does, in fact sometimes I think he makes less, as they are always talking about how hard up they are. He made money at one time, but lost it.
She really wants to make a go of it though, and she is going about it like you would, I imagine. Laid down the law and made things clear. I think everything will be all right now. She is up and around by her last letter, but it takes one so long to get one here, that by now, she could be wanting her daddy around again.
Hey, what’s this about Red Cab and your arm, doctors, and lawyers and stuff. Did you have an accident? This is the first I’ve heard about it, and it’s about time I did. Someone back there could win a million dollars and have it spent before I heard anything about it. How’s to let me in on some of these things. Well, I’ve got a lot of work to do today and stores coming aboard tomorrow, an inspection of storerooms tomorrow in the afternoon, and personal inspection Saturday. I’ll get a day off about Sunday maybe if they don’t cook up something else by then. Had to work all last weekend, inventorying stock. Guess this is about all for now. I love my mom.
Your son, Harry Lynn
Dear Sis,
You’re kinda fouled up, aren’t you? Seeing as how you are interested in that guy. I always say, anything you want you’ve gotta go get. But don’t be too obvious about it. Just write to him, and make it interesting. If there is anything a guy doesn’t like it is a woman that doesn’t show any finesse. I mean let him know you are interested but don’t be dumb about it. See what I mean? Use your nice stationery and be very careful to make it interesting. Throw in a couple of classy dances like school and sorority even if you haven’t been to one lately. And mention things that he would like. A man likes praise as well as a woman does even if he doesn’t show it.
Remember that picture I promised you? Well, it finally came from the photographer. It’s full length and in White uniform. Mom will probably want it too. Hope it doesn’t cause a battle. I’ll send it as soon as I can get it wrapped.
Boy, they got us up at 4:00 this morning, and that’s about the time I want Frankie. Damn, I wish my time was up. Sure be glad to get back there and in the grove. Afraid there is going to be a scrap when I get back to Seattle, cause she doesn’t want to come back there on account she figures we will stay there once do get there and that is right. If I ever get squared away back there in good od Indianapolis I’m going to stick like glue.
Well, guess that’s all the dope. Tell Rosie and the gang hello.
Your Brother, Harry Lynn
September 12, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Mom:
Received yours and Sis’s letters a day or so ago but couldn’t answer them on account of inspection of lower deck’s and field day. That Chief you were talking to must not be up on the latest dope on the fleet. We don’t get paid off till the ship comes to the States, regardless of when that will be, and married second-class petty officers get $34.50 a month rental allowance, not $22. A bill was recently passed to getting enlisted men a 10% raise, but no appropriations by Congress have been made as yet. Also, a man extending his enlistment or shipping over 24 hours after getting discharged, receives $100 a year for time previously served and his proceeding enlistment. That is for second class and above, for third class and below, we get $50 a year. That means if I make second before we get back to the states, I would draw $200 shipping over money. But I’m not going to ship over at present, as I feel I should come outside and try to make Frankie an everyday husband instead of once in nine months. Do you realize I have been with my bride of nine months, exactly 2 weeks? I’ve had enough of this noise. In the meantime though, I’m going to try and make 2nd so that in case I have to come back in, I would have to start at the bottom. If I do have to come back in, I’m good for 20 years. There, does that square you away?
Wish I had been there when that taxi hit you. There would probably have been a case of manslaughter on my hands, but I would’ve had the satisfaction of smearing someone’s nose all over his face.
Boy, only six more days and my time is up, the government will pay me time and a quarter until I’m discharged. That makes 80 bucks a month, it could be more though.
We’re tied up to the ten-ten dock at Pearl Harbor now and are going to dry dock Monday to see what can be done about our propeller shaft. We might have to go to Bremerton if they can’t fix it here. Facilities for overhauling aren’t as yet developed yet in these yards, so we have to do most of our major overhauling in Bremerton. Wish we were on the way there now, I’m anxious to see the little wife.
I’m going out to camp tomorrow morning for the weekend. In doing so, I will get out of inspection, and it’s a good thing too, ‘cause my hair is a little too long to stand it, it’s what you would call a civilian haircut. We shear ‘em short out here. You should see the housing facilities out here now. The Navy is building some nice homes out here on government property, and rent depends on the size of pay. A third class can get a shack for $12 a month, a Chief would have to pay $35 for $40.
Boy, when this old tub hits United States territory, I’m going to make a flying start for Seattle, grab my redhead on the run and beeline it for home. So if you hear a big wind coming, don’t seek cover, it’s only me. Adios.
Love, your son, Harry Lynn
September 17, 1941, discharge date
Pearl Harbor Ten-Ten Dock with Navy Yard in the foreground and Ford Island Jan, 1941
Official Photo 80-G-451185
Seaward facing aerial view of Ford Island, Naval Station Pearl Harbor, June 1941
US Navy photo, NH 117884
September 29, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Still out to sea, firing an antiaircraft practice. The boys on the guns are getting pretty good at knocking down targets pulled by a plane, but I wonder how they would be with 20 planes diving at them from different angles. That would be something to experience. And here is a little boy that would be where he could see the whole show. Until we get our pom-poms though, I’m afraid one concentrated AA battery would be pretty ineffective against a plane diving 400 miles an hour.
One of the boys in the gang received a letter from home saying they heard he had drowned. It’s stuff like that their propaganda start. Don’t believe anything you hear about the fleet back there. Even the newspapers can’t get straight dope before a moment occurs, because even we don’t know where we are going from one day to the next.
Everyone on board is in pretty good spirits, except us guys that have served our time and want to come home. Boy, I am really sick of this outfit. If they were to put me ashore tomorrow, without a dime in my pocket, I would be the happiest man in the world. At least outside, I can work towards getting home. In here, all a guy can do is hope he goes home sometime in the near future. And I guess you know, I’m hoping.
The Nova-Lewis fight will be on pretty soon. I’m still standing by the black boy for a knockout by the 10th. He still got lots of power in both mitts and he is a champ. Nova is a good man, but I don’t think he’s quite good enough.
The Aussies and Limeys are sure raising hell over there, and the Russians are doing a fairly good job of holding them back. But if we were to really throw some powder their way, some real results could be accomplished. In a year, the little man would be no more. But if we don’t get our blows in soon, they won’t have much effect.
Haven’t heard from Robert S yet. When we get in this time, I’m going to see if I can locate him. Ships in port are hard to find out about. There is a list of those that are in, put out every day, but it is restricted and hard to get a gander at. Would like to see him though. Most of the boys think we will come back next month, maybe we will.
It sure hot out here. I’ve lost about 8 pounds, only weigh 156 now, nothing but skin and bones. I eat about four times a day and sleep in between times. Outside of that, I have to work. It’s a sad day when a poor overworked sailor can’t sleep enough or get enough to eat. We ate steaks yesterday, I ate two of them. Wasn’t much good though with just mushrooms and gravy and salad and peas & spuds and ice cream and iced tea. And they feed us on $.42 a day. No wonder a guy loses weight.
Tell the gang hello. How are Aunt Mary and Grandma? Tell them I like to see them, and get my teeth into some of grandma’s cooking. Love, your son, Harry Lynn
“USS Kearny (DD-432), a Gleaves-class destroyer, was a United States Navy warship during World War 2. She was noted for being torpedoed by a German U-Boat in October 1941, before the U.S. had entered the war. She survived that attack and later served in North Africa and the Mediterranean.
She was named for Commodore Lawrence Kearny. (1789–1868).”
October 20, 1941 At Sea
Dear Folks:
Guess it’s about time I was writing, isn’t it? We’re out to sea again, as usual, after a week or two in Pearl Harbor. No one knows when we will get back in, or what area we are patrolling or anything. They don’t tell us a thing anymore. Our chances of coming, seem to be getting slimmer all the time. We had hopes of returning the first of next month, but now we will be lucky to get back before Christmas since the Kearny was torpedoed. Boy, the day after that happened enough gold be braid came on board to start another treasury. Destroyer squadron commanders present, base force, and cruiser division commanders were all over here for a conference with the senior officer present, which was our Admiral at the time. That was three days ago. No word of what it was about to come forward though, so we haven’t any idea of what we’re going to do next. I do know that we are ready for any emergency that might arise.
And here I am with 33 days over my enlistment and can get paid off. They are really short of men in Honolulu. You could get a job by just mentioning the fact you want to work. Salaries range from $40 to $120 a week. No one will work for less. I sure wish I could get some of it, the permanent detail here at Pearl Harbor has really got something. Some of them rate liberty every night and go to Honolulu and drive a taxi in their time off. We can’t do that on the ships.
A little bad luck the other day. Went over to the stores landing to pick up some canteen stores, while my back was turned a case of toothbrushes disappeared. 288 of them and I’ve got to pay for them because they were in my custody at the time. The result, I’m $34.56 less rich.
Haven’t heard from Frankie yet. I guess she is just marking time up there. You haven’t heard from her, have you? The only time I hear from her is when she wires me for money. I’m paying for it, but can’t get it. Some fun!
Well, I’ve got a 12 to 5 watch coming up this afternoon, so have to eat early chow. Tell all the kids, hello, and I’ll be home sometime, I hope.
Your son, Harry Lynn
Gallery: 1930-1941 US Navy
Description: Damage on Arizona’s (BB-39) port side blister following a collision with Oklahoma (BB-37) on the morning of 23rd October, 1941. http://www.ussarizona.org/index.php/features/galleries/historical/1930-1941/551-his-218?page=7
Old Salt Blog:
http://www.oldsaltblog.com/2016/12/fateful-collision-uss-arizona-uss-oklahoma-october-22-1941/
“On October 22, 1941, the battleships from Pearl Harbor were on maneuvers. The battleships had been sailing in line, making 90 degree starboard turns in unison. The battleship USS Oklahoma missed a turn and rammed the USS Arizona. Both ships were damaged but the Arizona took the worst of it, ending up with a hole in her side 30 feet wide by 18 to 20 feet wide. The resulting flooding caused the ship to list 10 degrees until counter-flooding on the other side of the ship brought her upright. The Arizona limped back into Pearl Harbor and was put straight into the drydock. The repairs were done quickly but the casualty delayed her departure for the West Coast so that on the fateful Sunday morning in early December 1941, US Arizona was still in Pearl Harbor. And the rest, as the saying goes, is history.”
.October 30, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Folks:
Received Sis’s note and one from Teeny a couple of days ago, they took 13 days to get here. They seem to be doing all right, Teeny’s picture was good, but she’s gotten chubby. The kid sure looks like regular, healthy, Clark, and with that moniker on him, there is no telling where he will go. Sis’s boyfriend seems to be getting pretty thick. Ya better watch your steps Sis, the servicemen don’t fool around. You’ll wake up some morning and find yourself a blushing bride.
We were out nearly two weeks last time, had a little accident, and had to come back in at that. We are in drydock now, on account of it, nothing very serious though. We were supposed to come back to the States before this happened, but since we’ve spent so much time in the big hole, it will take up most of the scheduled two weeks and we may not get to come back before January.
I haven’t heard from Frankie lately. Went ashore last night and saw some Anzacs. The English are coming to Canada and America to train as pilots. Funny looking ducks, shorts, blue go-to-hell hats, and heavy brown socks with their uniforms. I got a couple of beers too many under my belt and bought Frankie some new skivvies and a 3-foot cedar chest, made in China. Went ashore with 40 bucks and came back broke, but I got my watch out, so, didn’t spend much foolishly. First time I’ve been ashore since July, except for going out to camp. I had an avocado and clam cocktail at one of the ritziest restaurants in Honolulu, and they come ritzy out here. I had a whole handbag full of the store cigarettes, enough to keep me smoking for the cruise.
I’m 43 days over now and praying we start home when we get out of drydock. I wonder why Bill never wrote? Well, gotta close up my joint now. Write soon, your son, Harry Lynn
PS Sure wish I was on that nickel plate to home. I’ve got lots of stories to tell when and if I ever get there. HLM
November 5, 1941 Pearl Harbor
Dear Folks:
Received your letter today and a surprise at the same time. I was just sitting down to answer when no one but Robert Strohmier came into the compartment! Boy, I was glad to see him. I showed him all over the ship and loaned him five dollars, he was going ashore with $1.05 in his pocket. We talked for two solid hours, without a letup. I’ve never seen anyone change so much either, he was a chubby kid when I last saw him, and now he’s a man. We’re going ashore next Saturday or Sunday, he’s going to show me the islands. He knows more about them than I do, and he is been more places in the year he’s been on active duty than I have in my whole six years.
Seeing him sure made me homesick. I didn’t realize how bad I did want to get back there and see everyone. Everything has changed back there I guess, he told me how the kids have grown up and married and how they are doing. Man, I’d sure like to be on that road back there right now.
It doesn’t look like we are coming back very soon though, they have almost got us ready to go out of drydock, though we don’t know whether we will go out to sea immediately or stay tied up to the quays. Only three more days before we’re supposed to be ready.
I heard from Frankie today. She’s talking through her hat again about a divorce. I’m not going to give though, till I see her. Maybe it would be better if I did, but can’t see it that way.
I guess everyone is okay back there. Tell Aunt Mary, Grandma and Uncle Charlie, hello. And tell him not to bet on Navy, the old duck. I’ll bet he’s got all the winners picked already
Martha’s getting engaged was no surprise. What I am surprised at, is that she was not grabbed off sooner. Give her my congratulations if and when you see her. Maybe I’ll drop them a line. I’m going to start buying myself some civvies this week. George has already got most of his. You’ll have a well-dressed young man about the house soon, I hope, even if he will be broke.
Tell Bob to get some crazy ideas out of his head, I mean about leaving home. Brother, you don’t know how lucky you are. If I ever get back there, it will take a 50-ton tank to get me to leave, and then it will be a fight. You’ve got a good berth kid, hang on to it. Well, I’m going to the movies tonight. Take it easier Mom. You’re worse than a hand with a brood of chicks. I love you anyway.
Your son, Harry Lynn
November 15, 1941 At Sea
Dear Mom:
Thanksgiving isn’t far off, and just for the books, I went to say I have of one of the swellest mothers in the world, and family to match. I’ve still got a healthy body and mind to serve my country with, believe you me, I found out how much these things mean. They are the real wealth of this free nation.
We are out on maneuvers again but expect to go into Port soon. At quarters yesterday morning, we were warned again to take care of what we put in letters to home, so I can’t tell you what I’ve even think we will be doing in the near future.
I haven’t heard from Frankie for some time, but will tell you all about it when I get it straight. Found Robert Strohmeyer on the Sacramento tied up just a few hundred yards from us in Honolulu. He has sure changed, he is a real salty sailor now. Seems to know all the ropes. He’s a third-class ship fitter that hasn’t been on a battleship yet until he came over to see me. I was just sitting down to write to him when he showed up. It’s the same old story of us not knowing how soon will be in the states. It might be tomorrow, and it might not be until next year, but you know how badly I want to come back. I still expect to be paid off we reach there. I have 56 days over my enlistment, and each one seems a year. Be sure and tell the gang I said hello and a full Thanksgiving. Your son, Harry Lynn
November 15, 1941 At Sea
Dear Sis:
Received your note a couple of days ago, aren’t you ashamed of yourself, neglecting your big brother that way. The last one always gets stung. It looks like that shavetail is beating my time with your affections. You are going to wait for him, that’s a smart girl, but I’ll bet two to one you don’t marry him. Anyway, I’m glad my dope worked for you to get your man.
It’s getting late for me, almost 6 o’clock, and general quarters are going pretty soon. It looks like I’m going to miss out on some sleep again tonight because I have got the 8 to 12 watch. It’s the first one I’ve caught since I’ve been out this time, so I’ve just been pretty lucky. I’m glad you’re busy with your work. Just wait until you’re married though, you’ll be so bored in a little while with nothing to do but keep that little shack in shape that you want to scream, as Mom says.
Went out to the Navy camp at Nanakuli last weekend, and had a swell time, so I’m going to put in a chit for six days leave out there soon. If I don’t get it, that means we will be coming back soon. A week out there would be just about right. I know the guy that runs the canteen and can get just about all the beer I can drink for free. And we can run around dungarees or swimming suits. If I get it, I’m going to borrow George’s camera and take a bunch of pictures for you all to see. Boy, a swim every morning and sunbathing too, I’ll look like a Kankakee when I get back. Wish you kids were here to have some of this fun I’m going to have, Rosie too. By the way, how is that gorgeous little creature doing? She sure quiet. If she doesn’t like to write, tell her to bang it out on a typewriter. Give her my love and some peach blossoms to match her complexion. Boy, those eyes can sure do things to a man.
I’m going to get myself some civvies soon, already have a Longine watch and Ronson lighter. That tie mom sent is hanging in my locker, it and two city skivvies shirts comprise my wardrobe, as far as civilian clothes go. Well, I gotta go get ready to go on watch. Write soon, and not a note either.
Your big brother, Harry
USS Sacramento (PG-19) Gunboat
Robert Strohmeyers boat
Opened fire on enemy planes from her repair berth on Dec 7th. She is credited with downing at least two Japanese planes during the enemy attack.
She helped in the rescue and saved two dozen sailors from the USS Oklahoma after the attack.
US Navy official photo NH 67786
Menu from the USS Arizona
Photo sent home from Pearl Harbor:
Harry Lynn with a friend. This is a double exposure (the camera film did not advance and two pictures were shot on the same frame.) Harry Lynn appears twice, almost as an apparition.
Famly photo
Dear Folks:
Been chop choppin’ around here the last two days, like a gold digger. We’ve been taking on canteen stores, and that’s my job. 2,400 cartons of Lucky’s and 1,500 Camels, that’s a lot of cigarettes, but they will only last as about three weeks. Actually worked up a sweat yesterday, and got a sore back today. Can you beat it? I can go ashore and run around and dance and not have any ill effects, but if I do six days work, it takes me a week to recover. We were out to sea last week firing machine guns, antiaircraft, and big guns. They are sure putting the AA crews through their paces. I guess we go out again next Friday, for what or where I don’t know.
I am 70 days over my enlistment now, and some of the boys have hopes that we will be in the States before next year but they are very slim chances.
Still haven’t heard from Frankie recently, that’s about my only worry now. Saw R. S. the other day, went over on his ship. It’s a little tub, not big enough to pack a 45 in, but it’s a good duty.
Had a little scrap with a bunch of kanakees over in Honolulu over a white woman. They were trying to get her in a car and two other sailors stepped in to stop it. The five kanakees were getting the best of them till we stopped in and had a field day. The cops took us all down to the station and gave us a dressing down and told us to get out and stay out of trouble. I don’t know what happened to the woman and the kanakees. Those black babies are getting too high and mighty, they need a couple more thumpings like that one.
Mail is getting a little more irregular now. They took two Matson liners off this run for service elsewhere and two men in my division had reservations for their wives on them too. The division officer says for us to mail our letters and they would get there sooner or later but probably later. Well, I’ve got to go to work now, haven’t been getting any letters lately, and didn’t HL anything yet. Can’t decide what to send. Write soon, your son, Harry Lynn.
December 7, 1941
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor
USS Arizona lost
Sunday, December 7, 1941 3:00 PM Indianapolis, Indiana
Dear Son:
We’ve been listening for an hour to the radio broadcasting the reports from over there. May God be with you and watch over you, and bring you safely through. I wish I could be with you, by your side, helping you fight. I am proud to know you are able to help protect our country. It was a shock at first when the word came, I was washing dishes. The radio hasn’t been off since. So we are well posted. I will be right here all night, as long as the news comes. I’m afraid I won’t be able to write what is being said as it may not get it through anyway.
I just sent your package yesterday. I hope it gets through to you okay. The shirt is from E.A. Hakchfo, from Teeny, belt candy, and cookies from the rest. I hope the belt will fit. I went to send Robert S a card and a couple of handkerchiefs.
Well honey, is nearly 12 o’clock midnight. Dad and I are listening in yet on the radio, I don’t see how I ever go to bed to sleep knowing you are among the very middle of things. I will lie down with a prayer for your safety. If I could only be with you at your side, well, I am in thoughts and my heart is there. When you look in the sky and see the big bright sky you will know I’m sending my thoughts through to you, sending my strength to you, trying to give you all the encouragement and love to fight for the good old USA. I’m hanging Old Glory tomorrow, out in front for you and all the boys are facing this crisis. We wonder why these things have to happen.
Bob Strohmeyer called this evening to see if I had heard anything from Robert. I feel so sorry for him.
Well, keep a stiff upper lip and put an extra shot in for me. Elizabeth and I are going down tomorrow evening to the Red Cross headquarters and see what we can sign up for. I didn’t get to go down for the nurses course, so maybe I can start now. I hope so. Well dear, good night, God bless and take care of you. Worlds of love, Mother
PS the proof is of little Harry Lynn
Mother, Ruth Ann Bridges,
Gold Star Mother
Harry Lynn’s father died when he was three months old. His mother, Ruth, remarried George Bridges who raised Harry Lynn as one of his own. The following letter was received from his birth father’s family:
Rock Island, Illinois
February 9th, 1942
Dear Daughter Ruth,
I will after so many years try to rekindle our acquaintance and friendship. I am so glad to have the chance to write to you again. Well Ruth, how are you and your family. I hope all are as well as can be expected after such a tragedy as ours, yours and mine. I was sick in bed when I heard the news, I have his picture, he was such a sweet little fellow. You know I never saw him after he was any size.
Well, girlie how are you getting along? If it was not for Vada I would never have known where you were. I don’t know if you can read this. I am so nervous as I am not a bit well and all crippled up with the arthritis so bad I can hardly get around in this bad weather. Say, Ruth, do you ever go back to Monticello? If you do so why don’t you come and stay at Rock Island? Vada Joyce and I would be glad to have you do that. Joyce lived in Davenport and would sure love to see you once more. You know I am getting pretty old, 79 the third of April next. Well Ruth, will close, hoping to hear from you soon. Sending you my best love and regrets.
As ever,
Mother Mahoney