Dear Mom and Rob,

Happy birthday dearest Mom and much joy in the year to come, also may this year bring us together as last year only I hope to be able to come to see you this time. New line received the letter you sent March 2nd and the dungarees and book.

Thank you very much for them that sure is a swell book and is just what I wanted. It will help keep me busy for a long time to come. No, I never did get the wallet – it must have gone to the bottom of the Pacific.

Say Mom if you still haven’t gotten the allowance you should write to the following address chief of naval personnel

family allowance section

Navy department Washington DC

One of the Yeoman said that they would send you a form to fill out, then if it and the application I made were OK, they would send all the back month’s money, but that you should write if you haven’t started getting it by now. You get $37 instead of 50 like I said. New line I got a letter from Jerry today as you most likely know he has shore duty at the US naval hospital at Long Beach. New line I have been waiting to ask you if you ever get letters with parts cut out by the sensor. New line yes Rob be sure and send me your grades I’d like to hear about them and other things you do at school. I guess you won’t have a tech show this year.
 I am sending a few souvenirs I have had in my locker for some time, things I had while on the Haywood. Have a *** rifle and bayonet but don’t know how I’ll ever get them home. Did you ever get the Candlestick? I hope it doesn’t get lost it was about the nicest souvenir I have picked up. This may get to you a little early but I’d rather have it early than late.  
 I knock off now kids and do a little knot tying.

much love as ever Don