12 Oct. 1943

8:20 P.M.

Hello Honey --

Columbus Day--tho [sic] you would never notice it at Sampson. The usual routine & usual work. And tonight finds me busy rolling my clothes, writing some letters, & wondering whether I can get a shower before curfew time. Whoever said that anyone in the Navy doesn't have worries is hopelessly deceived. We have enough problems here--and keeping one's nose clean--as well as one's clothes, and toeing the mark present problems of the highest magnitude.

Today I had my interview at the Office of Officer Procurement. And it turned out as I expected. The officer was soft-spoken and interested but wasted little time in telling me my civilian background did not fit me for a commission in the Navy. Of course, he said, the future may present an opportunity--and that at present I was doing very well. I didn't expect much else, dis-