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Mathew
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(1918-1989)

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Reese Mathew Denniston   Born: 28 May 1918, Grant, Mecosta Co, Michigan Died:23 Nov 1989, Newton, Catawba Co, North Carolina    This page contains letters that Reese Mathew Denniston wrote to Winifred "Wini" Irene Gardner Denniston while he was in the military.  Fortunately they were saved by the family and not destroyed.    The letters have been transcribed as they appear - including misspelled words.  Many of the words that appear to be misspelled on the typed letters are simply as a result of hitting the wrong key on the typewriter.  I have added notes and comments in most of the letters and my comments are (in parenthesis and italicized).   Reese was stationed at Elmendorf Field, Fort Richardson, ALASKA, at the time and was 23 years old.     Reese Denniston              Letter # 1       [Handwritten Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Elmendorf Field Fort Richardson ALASKA   Oct 28, 1941 (Postmarked Oct 30, 1941) (Page)  1 Wini Dear,      It has been over a week since last the mail came in.  I am wondering how you are getting mail from me these days.  I have only been writing about twice a week.      The days are much longer (it seems) here at the barracks than they were in the hospital.  In the few days I have been back I have read two books, several magazines and done some studying on instrument flying.      Now that they have told me I'm coming home I'm all for getting started.  It will be swell to get home with my lovely little wife.  Did you ever get your haircut darling?  Or is it nice and long now?  It dosen't  (doesn't) (Page)  2 matter a great lot cause your hair is just one of your many lovely charms.  I do think you would look nice with long hair though.      The snow melted down and froze at nite (night) into a layer of ice all over the ground several days ago.  Since then it hasn't thawed to amount to anything, naturally it is very slipper out.      Did my gun ever get sent?  I was looking for it to come before I went to the hospital about six weeks ago and it hasn't come yet.      I haven't written many letters since I went to the hospital.  I now owe letters to nearly everyone.  I got a nice letter from your Dad over a month (Page)  3 ago and I haven't answered it wither.  I haven't written to mom since I got the letter telling me what she thought of me.  I am expecting a letter from her apologizing for saying what she did.  Mom has been the best mother she knew how to be, but from now on I'm not paying any attention to what anyone says but you sweetheart.  The only reason I didn't finish the things I started was because I needed cooperation which I didn't get.  I feel sure that in the future I'll have your cooperation in any thing I undertake to do.      I would ask you how everything is going in school and all, but when the mail comes in I'll probably know. (Page) 4      We just got over a 48 hr. alert.  We had war maneuvers during that time too.  The Infantry was out in the field and tried to take the hangars.  It wasn't done.  The Infantry wore one kind of had, and woe be to one of us that went out with one of those hats.  We would promptly be arrested or "Captured".  Each man counted as five men.      A funny thing happened when 40 (8) parachutist were captured in Anchorage and held by the M.P.'s.  The M.P. (Military Police) called for an officer to come and get them.  One did but it was an enemy and they didn't know it until the right officer came and asked for them.      Hoping to see you soon.  I remain, Your loving husband, Reese                 Letter # 2       [Handwritten Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan Elmendorf Field Fort Richardson ALASKA   November 1, 1941 (Postmarked Nov 1, 1941)   My Darling,      Here it is Saturday morning again.  I can't remember of having written to you all week.  I hope I have though.  This week has gone faster than last week did; in fact is is (it was) over before I even knew it.      I got 3 letters from you and two from mom yesterday and the day before.  I haven't writen (written) to mom since she "raked me over the coals".  This last letter didn't mention it and was a nice letter, so guess I'll write her a line to-day.      I have used my our typwriter (typewriter) so much that I have trouble getting a pen to do as I would have it.  I sometimes write a letter (in a word) and can't think how to make the next one.      Our mail service has been very poor lately.  There was a 13 day period that no mail at all came in.  I am still wondering if the gun was sent or not.  I was looking for it to arrive as long ago as nearly two months.  Goodness!  Do you realize that I have been up here almost  4 months?  Another week and we will have been married 7 months.       Did I tell you my bunk is has been in the asile (aisle) between the two rows of beds in the barracks?  I am still there and Oh what fun.  Yesterday was payday and so last nite (night) everyone got drunk and stumbled over me when they came home.      Mike is going over to the P.O. right now (Mikes way of doing it) so I'll close here and ask him to mail it for me. So long sweetheart, Reese           Elmendorf Army Airfield, August 1941         Letter # 3       [A Combination of Handwritten and Typed Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   32nd Materiel Sqd. Elmendorf Field Anchorage, ALASKA   November 2, 1941 (Postmarked Nov 4, 1941) (Page) 1 Wini My Love,      I have been trying nearly all day so thought I'd write for a change.  It is almost impossible after typing I find.  The letters just don't seem to want to form.      I was going to tell you about going up to *Eklutna in my last letter, but was a little pressed for time.  There is an Indian School up there that the Wings Chorus went up to sing for.  I am not in the Chorus anymore, but went along as a visitor.  After the performance we gave, we were treated to refreshments and a dance in the girls dormitory. (Page) 2      The soldiers were a little skeptical about dancing with the native girls 'cause they were young (12 - 17) and a little dark.  All wasn't going so well until it was a girls choice.  Well, there were more than enough girls so everyone danced or tried to.  (I was in the latter class.)      I found out from the girls that they came from as far as several hundred miles to go to school there.  They must have at least one eighth native (Indian) blood in them or must go elsewhere to school.  The girls are wonderful dancers and would be exceptionally good looking if they were entirely white.  Some are nearly white and others are slightly brown.      I was talking to a boy about 14 and he said he was in his first year.  I don't know if he meant of high school or grace.  The girl was 16 and a Junior in it. (Page) 3      The radio is giving forth nice sweet music, but it seems to depress my disposition more than cheer it.  Oh what you would do for it!  Darling, everyday I realize more how much I love you.  I am sweatting (sweating) out the time when I can be with you again and my disposition will be better.      I should hear something about when I'm to leave within the next two weeks.  Red (a friend I met in the hospital) is going to Seattle in the morning.  I figure that in comparison to him I should leave in about 3 weeks.      I have been listening to the life of P.T. Barnum while writing this so if a few pink elephants creep in please over look it.      I've been writing letters asking for a job to-day and am feeling pretty tired.  Good nite darling.  The lights are going out. (Page) 4 [The 4th page of letter was typed  - except for signature] Monday Morning - oOo      I made 15 attempts to write one letter yesterday and didn't get a perfect copy.  I tried 3 more times this morning before starting this and didn't succeed.  That is 18 times so I guess I'll give it up for the time being.  Must be some reason I shouldn't write it I guess.  Anyway it made me so mad I can't see straight, without trying to write decent.  Mike made me angry this morning then Ralph did so all in all I'm boiling.      As I told you yesterday my bed is in the asile (aisle).  Well, this morning it was Mike's turn to sweep the floor and mop it.  I usually put my shoes on the foot-lockers and the person cleaning up slide the bed to one side and cleans the asile (aisle) under it.  I was down in the latrine cleaning up and what does Mike do but come down and get me to come up and move my bed to one side so he can clean under it.  That burnt me up when all it takes to move it entirely out of the way is a little shove to one side.      I don't do any work so the supply officer over Ralh (Ralph) sends everone (everyone) up to borrow my Alaskan clothing and holster and gun belt to do guard duty with.  The officer wasn't here this morning and someone wanted to borrow again so I said that he could have them checked off of my name and charged to him.  All was going well until Ralph came in (another clerk was checking them in) and said not to cause the supply Sgt.  (Sergeant) said he didn't want me to check in anything.  I didn't say anything to either Mike or Ralph but from now on nobody borrows anything of mine.  If the supply officer wont check them off of my name they can just do without.  There is no reason why someone not needing the things should have them checked out and furnish someone else with them.      The above sounds like your husband was getting to be an old grouch.  I hope I am not.  The way things are done just burns me up though.  I can't stand the inefficient ways of the army and the way it changes people to a worse kind of person.  An example: The supply officer here once told the fellows if they wanted the stoves for their tents that they would first have to go out and steal the lumber to make the sand boxes for them to sit in.  Again if one steals your overcoat you just steal someone elses.      Enough of that talk.  I hope I'm home by Christmas now.  That is only a month and a half away.  Anyway I'll remain, Your loving husband Reese   *[Eklutna is a native village that lies 24 miles northeast of Anchorage. Population in 1940 was 159. Virtually all residents of the Eklutna Village are either Alaska Native or part Native. Russian Orthodox missionaries arrived in the 1840s.  The melding of Orthodox Christianity and native practices resulted in the brightly colored spirit house which can be seen at the Eklutna Cemetery.]             Air Corps Male Chorus at Elmerdor Field, Alaska - Sept 1941 - Reese top center of photo         Letter # 4     [Typed Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Reese M. Denniston 32nd Materiel Sqd. Elmendorf Field Anchorage, ALASKA   Nov 5, 1941 (Postmarked Nov 7, 1941)   Wini Darling,   It is a bright sunny morning with the mercury down near the zero point.  It hasn't thawed much lately but for some reason the snow has about all disappeared.  Must be the trucks and men walking over it all the time.  What if the weather like back there? You must have had some snow by now.      One of my friends got a letter yesterday that was on the plane that cracked up in Minnesota or some place in there.  The ends were both burned off so that he couldn't open it without it falling apart.  It came in a large envelope and he is keeping it as a souvenier (souvenir).      I have been trying to get used to writing with a pen again and now I find that I can't type very good.  I guess I'll have to quit one or the other and practice one until I am good at that.      I went to the post theater last night and saw *"Arise My Love".  It was a good piece of propaganda if there ever was one.  That is the second time that I have been to the show since I got out of the hospital.  I went down town once too.  That is the total of excitment (excitement) that I have had since being in the hospital.  Some fast life this living in Alaska.  No?      We have another barracks since the engineers went back to the states.  There are only about sixty men in this 63 man barracks now.  There were about 100.  I am not in the center of the asile (aisle) anymore and feel like a human being once more.  I didn't have room to do anything while in the asile (aisle) as someone was always wanting to get through.      I worked on this typwriter (typewriter) yesterday and it works better today.  I had hit two keys at the same time so much that some of them were sprung and rubbing on the sides of the guide.  There is one more thing that needs adjusting and that is the space bar.  At the present time it must pressed clear down to make a space.  You have no doubt noticed that some words were run together.  Know how to find out if the keys are sprung?  Hold the space bar down and press the keys against the roller with the fingers.  If the keys rub on the side and must move to one side to enter the guide they are sprung.  Wyh (Why) not try it on your typwriter (typewriter) and see what it does just for fun?      Well darling, it looks as though I was right when I said I'd be lucky to get home by Christmas.  That is only a little over a month away now.  I am praying that I will be though.  I want to spend Christmas with my little honey if at all possible.      This is about all I can think of at the present time so I'll close for not.  This dosen't (doesn't) have to be mailed til (till) this afternoon now so if I think of any more I'll write it too.  Cheerio sweetheart.      Goodmorning (Good morning) darling!  I went to town yesterday afternoon and didn't get this mailed so am writing some more this morning.  You don't mind do you?  I bought a book on instrument flying, put some more money in the bank, and took some more pictures to be developed.  It was a big day for me.      Darling do you realize that if you are saving $70 a month and I save $30 that together we are saving a hundred dollars a month?  I get $40 a month now that I have one years service in.  Did you know that?  All service men do as soon as they get their first year in. It may sound funny to you, but we had an apple last night for supper and really enjoyed it.  It was the first one we had had in several weeks.  We had oranges and grapefruit one morning since I came back from the hospital but that is all the fruit we have had for some time.  We haven't had any butter for nearly a week now.  That wouldn't be so bad if we had some other kind of spread but we haven't had for several days.  On top of that we have run so low on coal a few times lately that the barracks have been almost like an ice box.  One more gripe before I'm through.  That is we have had fresh milk only twice in the last 2 1/2 weeks.  I hate to think what this place will be like this winter.  When we get our own mess and our own mess Sgt. thinks (things) won't be quite so bad.  The Signal Corps that we are eating with have saved enough money on the food to furnish themselves with a nice day room.      Mike and Ralph along with a couple of friends have been hoping to be sent to California to a school to learn about operating crash boats.  It look's as though it were a sure thing now.  If they do get to go they will be gone all during the coldest winter up here.  They won't come back up here until next march I think it is.  Mike wasn't going to tell Ruth until it was a sure thing so maybe you hadn't better tell her about it, jut let Mike do it.      About another week and a half I should be hearing about my travel orders.  I get so darn nervious (nervous) sometimes from waiting that I can't read or do anything.      How is your diary coming along?  I have been writing in mine off and on so I have a pretty good idea as to what I have been doing.  I try to write won the things that get my goat, which are many.  Then this is all over it should be a good source of information to write a book that would make people sit up and think.  Maybe you can do that when your schoolteaching (school teaching) is over and your are taking care of our children.      Well sweatheart (sweetheart), I am running out of things to say so will close and get this mailed before it is too late.  I have been away from you a long time darling, but it has mad (made) me realize jus how much I do love you.  It can't be expressed in words so I wont try, but when I am with you again I'll try my best to show you Your loving husband, Reese   [Handwritten Post Script] P.S. It is snowing a light fine show.  This is the second time since we have been here.     *["Arise My Love", a 1940 Romantic - Comedy staring Claudette Colbert and Ray Milland.  Movie plot: A dashing pilot and a vivacious reporter have romantic and dramatic adventures in Europe as World War II begins.]               Letter # 5     [Typed Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Reese M. Denniston 32nd Materiel Sqd. Elmendorf Field Anchorage, ALASKA   November 8, 1941 (Postmarked Nov 10, 1941)   Wini Dear, Here it is Saturday morning.  That means that another week has gone by.  I intend to go down town this morning after I get this written and find out about the C.S. job as a Link Trainer Instructor.  Rouser went down the other day and got a paper telling all about it.  I read part of it and find that I must have 500 hours of flying time in to get the job.  It pays $3200 per year.  That is not bad pay to start with.  I thought the paper you had last spring said the pay was $3800 though.      I have some pictures to get this morning too.  They are some that Phillips (He rode to Kal. [Kalamazoo] with us) took up in the mountains.  I hope they turn out good.  One of them is a picture I snapped of a fellow as he was taking a shower.  It was taken inside and there was some steam in the shower so it may or may not turn out good.  I rather hope it does as it is my first experience at taking a picture tat difficult to get.      It snowed for two days when it started the other morning.  The ground is pretty and clean once more.  When there is no snow the ground is covered with gravel and looks pretty barren.  The mountains in the distance are covered with snow on the upper part.  There are trees on the lower part and the snow has fallen down between them and isn't visible from here.  It makes it look as though it didn't snow on the lower part at all.      Darling, you never did tell me if you (your) hair was long or if you had it cut.  Are you keeping it a surprise?  I think probably you have had it cut as I have read that short hair is the style now.  What things men read about when they are by themselves and no women around!  The other day I came across a fellow sitting dreamily looking at an ad on womens (women's) slips.  When he notice that I was looking at him he quickly turned the page.  I didn't blame him at all.  It is rather pleasent (pleasant) to have something remind one of the past and of what the future holds for us.  Every man lives for a woman and there is no need to deny it.  I wouldn't anyway.  I am living for you darling, and I am proud to say so.      I wrote a letter to mom yesterday.  It is the first since she bawled me out.  I just couldn't get myself to write one before.  I don't know as I ever had anything make me so mad.  I owe *pop a letter too I guess.  I haven't heard from them for sometime so I guess it is my turn to write.  **Paul and Peg wrote aline (a line) when Grandpa died so I guess I owe them a letter now too.  Jim and Bet, Wilbur & Bet, and Ira & Ethel owe me letters.  I haven't heard from any of them for some time.      That is about all for this morning darling.  I guess I'll get ready and go to town.  It will take the cobwebs out of this head of mine if I get some fresh air.  Looking forward to seeing you soon. I remain, Your very loving husband, Reese     *[Emery Otis Denniston and 2nd wife, Ida McGee] - **[Paul is Reese's younger brother}           Letter # 6     [Typed Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Reese M. Denniston 32nd Materiel Sqd. Elmendorf Field Anchorage, ALASKA   November 13, 1941 (Postmarked Nov 14, 1941)   Wini Darling,      The week is almost over and I haven't written my honey a letter yet this week.  I thought that we would have some mail before this, but we haven't.  It has been nearly three weeks now since we have had any I think.  Sometimes it seems almost useless to write letters when I don't get any for so long.  I hope that my letters get to you in better time so that you wont feel the same way.      I told you in my last letter that Mike and Ralph were planning on going to school back in California.  Well, they have been told to be ready to leave in ten minutes notice.  It looks as though they were going for sure now.  I don't think I told you what they were going to sxhool (school) for.  They are going to the Coast Guard sshool (school) to learn to operate crash boats.  They were told that when they graduated that they would be given a reserve commission in the coast guard, as well as the rating of staff Sgt. in the Air Corps.  That means that they would come back here as S/Sgt's. and be on call as a second Lt. in the coast guard.      The time has come that I should be getting my papers to go back to the States.  I should get them today, tomorrow or the first part of next week.  I hope it is today.  If it should be today I would likely go back on the same boas as Mike and Ralph do.      I have been reading a book called "How To Read a Book" by Mortimer J. Adler.  Did you ever read or hear of it?  It is well worth the time one spends in reading it I think, especially when ones time isn't valued any more than mine.      I awoke this morning with the heat from the overhead heating system blowing right down in my face.  My throat feels as though it had been sand-papered.  The air that comes out if as dry as the air on the Sahara Desert.  If there is a humidifier on the furnace it must be empty otherwise I don't see how it could possibly be do dry.  The floor has been mopped now and the air is slightly moist for awhile>      Did I tell you that would telegraph you when I left here?  If I didn't say anything about it before you know it now.  I'll have to draw the money out of the bank so at the same time I'll go to the post office and send you a telegram saying that I am leaving.  You wont be sending a lot of letters then that will just have to be returned anyway.      I am still wondering if you sent the gun.  I suppose I'll fin (find) out when the mail comes in.  There is a lot of questions I could ask you, but I think most of them will be asnwered (answered) when the mail does come in.      How have you liked the pictures I've been sending you in the last few letters/  I have sent the best ones already so those from now on wont be so good.  I only have a couple left anyway I guess.  Goodness!  I just looked and there are five more.  One of them is like one I sent you so I think I will send it to Marjorie Hoyle.  I never answered the letter she sent me when I sent her the other card.      Speaking of not answering letters I still haven't answered the one your Dad sent me.  I have been hesitating because I know I could never write one as interesting and precise as his was. (See I even end sentences with a verb.  Dad would never do that.)  When I was in Brooklyn and got the first one from him I seated myself and wrote him a nice letter, but we were then told that we were going to leave so I threw it away and wrote him a note saying we were leaving and let it go at that.  I haven't answered the two he wrote me since I left there.  (I got one in California and one up here.)  As a rule I throw all letters away as soon as I answer them, but Dad's letters I have kept along with yours because they were so interesting, not just because they weren't answered.      I checked up on the C.S. job as Link T.I. and find that must be 25 years old before I can get it.  Can you imagine that?  What difference does it make if a guy is 21 or twenty-five?  There are two jobs.  One is a Link Trainer Operator and the other is Link Trainer Operator Instructor.  The difference is that the later also instructx (instructs) in actual airplane.  It pays $3200 a year and required 500 hours of flying while the former pays $2900 per year and required 150 hours of flying.      I keep dreaming every night that I am home with you.  Last night I was dreaming and woke up.  I couldn't make myself believe that I was still here.  I felt awful.  It was just as though I had been home with you and all at once I was back up here.  I will probably be asking you to pinch me all the time when I get home so that I will be able to fully realize that I am really there and not just dreaming.      Darling, I am hoping and praying that I will be home with you the first part of next month.  Do you realize that I have been away from you over six months.  Gosh we will have to get acquanted (acquainted) all over again.  Do you think that you could ever go steady with me.  Enough kidding.  The truth is darling, that I love your more than ever.  I feel that you are truly a part of me even though we are so far apart.  With that though I'll close for this time with a great big kiss.  X Your loving husband, Reese       Reese frequently mentions friends Ralph & Mike in his correspondences    Ralph Yoder and Alton Osmun        Reese with Mike, Walt and Paul - Thanksgiving 1940         Letter # 7     [Typed Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Reese M. Denniston 32nd Materiel Sqd. Elmendorf Field Anchorage, ALASKA   November 16, 1941 (Postmarked Nov 18 1941)   Wini My Love,   The past week has been pretty decent to me as far as letters are concerned.  I got two of them.  The one mailed the first of Nov. I have at hand, but the one that had the address typed on it I can't seem to find.  Upon rereading this one I wonder if there is any special reason that it was the 3rd 5th & 6th grades that had a booth at the haloween (Halloween) party.  Isn't that the grades that you, Vicki and Catherine have?  I was going to ask you before your letter came just how Catherine was making out.  I find in the letter that she has been having the hooping cough.  That was a tough break for her.      This is Sunday you know, and I am wondering what you are doing.  If I remember correctly you went home to Royal Oak.  I guess that was last week though.  I didn't get up ver (very) early (8:30) this morning.  I then shaved took a shower and went to church.  If I don't forget it I'll send you the program.  The Air Corps has its own services now and I think they are doing pretty well.  I "back slid" a little this afternoon and played "black jack".  I worked out with my method until I hit an exceptionally bad streak of luck.  I had $2 to begin with and at a nickle (nickel) a hand I ran it up to $5.30, then the bad streak hit me and ran it down to $2.65.  I should holler though, I am still 65 (cents) a head.  I'll show you my method that I have worked out when I get home if you want to know.  There are only certain games that it will work in though and this was one of those.      Well darling, any day now I am expecting to start that trip that we have talked of for so long, and looked forward to longer.  You know, I believe it was just a year ago today that I wrote you for the first time.  Wouldn't it be a fine coincidence if this was the last letter I wrote you before seeing you again.  I hope it is.  (Must be the end of the ribbon, what do you think?)    What are we going to do about Christmas presents?  The only ones on my side of the fence that I want to send presents to are: *Pop & Ida, **Paul & Peg, and ***Mom & Dad.  I will leave everthing (everything) up to you from now on.  I might suggest a pair of hose for Ida (Ask Mom for the size) and a shirt for Pop (again ask Mom for the size, or maybe she has a better suggestion).  Your ideas as for the rest of them will probably be better than mine.  What ever you want to get for your side of the fence is perfectly all right by me.  I'll send cards to all of my other relation and to my friends, with our names on them.  We hadn't ought to get mixed up now, had we?      It is about time for lights out now so I'll have to close for now.  I hope I can write some more in the morning as there is more I would like to tell you sweetheart.  Nothing important, just more nonsense.      Good night darling, Monday morning: I haven't time to write much this morning if I want to get this out.  There is one thing more about Christmas presents that I would like to say.  That is that we ought to get Grandma something.  You know better what to get her than I do.  Get her something that she would really appreciate getting.  Mom should know of something. It snowed again last night.  I like to see the ground covered with nice clean snow.  It seems to make everything look more cheerful somehow.  I was surprised to how that the leaves were just falling off the trees.  It seemed to me although I should have known better that the leaves were off a long time ago.  I am getting all mixed up on my seasons this year.  It seems to me we haven't had any summer yet.  There hawn't (hasn't) been a day that has been hot since I left Home. I am going towash (to wash) all my clothes out today.  The clothes will be wet and my foot-locker is again in a mess so this will probably be the lucky day.  I hope so even if it is an inopportune time to leave.  At any rate I Your very loving husband, Reese [Handwritten Post Script] P.S. I couldn't get the complete program in so I took the memographed (memeographed) pages in side out.  I might add that the cover design was made especially for the service held yesterday.     *[Pop & Ida are Reese's father Emery Otis Denniston and stepmother Ida McGee Denniston] **[Paul & Peg are Reese's brother Paul Denniston and his wife Peggy] ***[Mom and Dad are Helen Earnshaw Denniston and his step-father Orrin Denniston}               Letter # 8     [Typed Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Reese M. Denniston 32nd Materiel Sqd. Elmendorf Field Anchorage, ALASKA   November 26, 1941 (Postmarked Dec 1, 1941)   Wini My Love, I was in hopes that I would start home before I had a chance to write, but here I am.  I got an awfully nice letter from my darling the other day.  It was the one asking all about what we should do about Christmas.  Believe it I wrote the one asnwering (answering) all your questions before I got the questions.  There was just one question that went unanswered and that was what should you do about my Christmas present.  The only answer to that is to wait awhile and see if I am coming home or not.  I should be leaving some of these days it seems. I don't know what you are intending to get me for Christmas, but I might mention one or two things that I might like.  Some of these days I want an electric razor.  A Remington with three heads, to be exact.  The only other things that I can think of are civilian clothing.  I am going to need a lot of things when my sentence is up.  The exact amount is a complete outfit.  If you can think of anything that you want to get me that I didn't mention it will be all right with me.  I know you will get something I like and can use. I haven't asked you what you would like for Christmas.  I think I am getting you something you will like and can use everyday.  I told you once that I was going to get it for you sometime.  I am so sure you will like it that it never occured (occurred) to me to ask your approval. Do you remember that I was going to buy a .22 automatic awhile ago?  Well I bought the same one yesterday from the guy that bought it of him.  I got it cheaper too.  I have already been offered $2 more for it thatn (than) I paid for it.  I think I'll keep it until I get back to the states.  I can use it for awhile and make more than $2 on it.  I think you would get a kick out of shooting it too.  Mike went out with me yesterday afternoon and shot it with me.  I was surprised, I guess he was too for that matter because he wanted to buy it from me when we came back to the barracks.  I might sell it to him before I leave if I am short of money.  I don't think I will be, but I don't know what your Christmas present is going to cost yet. A fellow that graduated from High School with me transferred into this Sqd. the other day and that same day they sent him to Fairbanks.  The lucky cuss.  The boys here have been sweating that out for over six months.  Yesterday thaey (they) took 27 men from here to Fairbanks.  They were all privates.  It seems that they are going to form a new outfit up there.  Fairbanks they say is an ideal place to be.  There are only about 450 men up there and the town has plenty to do.  A lot of the fellows up there are getting married to the girls up there.  The people invite the soldiers to Sunday dinner and buy them drinks when they see them in taverns in town.  I have some friends here that tried their best to go up there so that they could go to the university. I have been listening to the radio for the past half hour or so.  We are only allowed two lights on each floor again.  I have one of them above my bed and the fellows were so thick around it that I didn't have a chance to get near it.  I didn't say anything as they have been out in the cold all day while I have been sitting here reading or passing my time in some form of leisure.  There is one thing about the radio programs up there that is different than in the states and that is if you don't like it the only alternitive (alternative) is to shut it off as it is the only station. I just found out a few minutes ago that there is a fellow here that comes from Charlotte (Michigan, not North Carolina).  He came up with us and to think I just found out that he comes from right near home.  There are sure a pile of Michigan boys here.  I have the addresses of a lot of fellows from Michigan that I know. It has been pretty cold here the last couple of days.  It was about ten below last night and most of the fellows left in the Squ. were called out on guard duty.  I sure felt sorry for them.  It is about zero out now and the wind is blowing to beat all get out.  I like to froze to death just coming form, (from) the mess hall to the barracks. Sunday, November 30th: It seems that every time that I intend to write something happens.  Someone either wants me to play cards with them or help them do something.  At any rate I haven't written this letter at one sitting. Probably you have read about if before this, but the city of Seward was nearly entirely destroyed by fire last Sunday night.  There were 400 families left homeless.  The army post down there helped them clean up the mess and build temperory (temporary) shelter.  The city mayor asked the Post Commander down there if the army had any portable buildings that could be used temporarily.  The reply was "You can rest assured that as long as I must live in a tent that there is no such shelter available." We have had a high wind most all week.  It was plenty cold too.  If a fire had started on the north side of the post here it would have burned the whole post down in nothing plat.  The wind had died down last night and what did happen but a fire broke out in one of the barracks on the north side of the post.  It didn't do much damage as these barracks are fairly fire proof, but if the wind had whipped it up as it did the night before it might have been different. I didn't get up this morning til (till) about 10:30.  It had snowed all night and the ice covered ground was covered with snow.  It was hard walking and I saw more than one fellow fall down including one officer.  He got up with a sheepish grin on his face and started laughing. As usual there is something interrupting me.  This time I am listening to a discussion on what business to get into and why.  A Jewish fellow advances the therory (theory) that building an apartment building in Brooklyn is the best business to get into.  The other night we went into the theory of Einstien (Einstein).  Usually though it is about the qualities and short comings of fighting planes. Darling, I am going to give you your present when I get home.  That is of course if I'm coming home soon.  I am going to try and find out tomorrow.  I was talking to the chaplain after church this afternoon and he said to come over in the morning and he would go to the hospital with me and see what was what.  It seems that my travel orders shoud (should) have come through before this.  Hope you have your fingers crossed for me. We have the beds double decked again in the barracks.  No one has moved in since the bunch went to Faibanks (Fairbanks), but it seems that there are some medical men going to come in for awhile and a few fellows from the barracks that was on fire last night. I forgot to tell you when I was talking about my discharge, but if it is going to be some time before it comes through I think I'll have an operation on my toe.  It is the left one that is sore now you know.  The right one is just like new.  It healed up when I got these new shoes.  I don't understand why the left one got sore though. One of my friends and I went out yesterday afternoon and shot my gun.  It sure was fun.  It is surprising how accurate one can shoot with it.  We shot a whole box of shells and had an hors (hours) fun all for 30 cents.  Cheap entertainment I'd say, especially in this place. By the way, we have post laundry here now.  We are allowed to send thrity (thirty) pieces this week.  (I think we are allowed to send that amount every week.)  The cost is $1.50 per month.  Hard to believe after reading those civilian laundry slips I sent you when we first came up here isn't it? Darling, it is hard to say what one wants to sometimes, but I want to tee you that I love you more than ever.  I do darling, I'll do my best to prove it when I get home again.  I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you to go home to.  Now as it is I am looking forward to going home as I never looked forward to anything before.  I am hoping that I can make it by Christmas.  It would mean a lot to be able to.  You would have a short vacation and I wouldn't be tied down with a job.  It would be almost a honey-moon, wouldn't it?  I think it would be better for both of us if we could be with each other all the time and not have to get tired from working all day.  We will be plenty tired without that.  Remember how tired we were when I was home.  I loved every minute of it though.  This time it should be different as we wont be spending our time visiting everybody under the sun, I hope.  Maybe everybody will insist on seeing us one way or another, I hope not. It is nearly lights out so I'd better close and get ready.  Gee darling I miss you.  I seem to miss you more and more every day since I was told that I was going home.  Whenever I try to read I find myself sitting there looking at the words and thinking about you.   The thoughts of you are better than a good story anyday (any day).  The memories of the things we did together are better than the best poem or the most exciting book ever written. Good night sweetheart, Reese       Vintage 1940s Remington Electric Razor         Letter # 9       [Handwritten Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Dec. 4, 1941 (Postmarked Dec 5, 1941)   Wini Dear,      What do you think of this crazy Christmas card?  One of the Sgts. (Sergeants) in our outfit writes for the Anchorage (news) paper and has a radio program made them up.  The profit from them goes to the Sqd. (Squadron) fund so most of us felt duty bound to buy a few of them.      Sweetheart, I found out what was holding up my discharge.  It was mislaid in the hospital?  I asked the Chaplain Sunday if he would help me check up on it.  We went to the hospital Monday and after much looking they finally found my papers.      I  had to go back in the afternoon and got a letter to my C.O. (Commanding Officer) to fill out a discharge form.  I took that back and they said all that needed to be done now was go to the Commanding General of the Post.      The Chaplain told me if they talked as though I wouldn't get the next transport back to come and see him and he would see that I did get it.      I'll see him Sunday if not before and tell him what has been done.  I think he will try and see to it that it goes right thru so I can be home by Christmas.   Glad to be, Yours truly Reese               December 1941 Journal Entry     The following is Reese's journal entry on 7 & 8 Dec 1941 after Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.     Reese's Journal Entry About Japan Bombing Pearl Harbor and World War II   December 7 8 December   Sunday  Japan bombed P.I. and Hawian Islands this morning.  They afterwards stated that war had begun as of dawn.     Monday   War was officially declared against Japan today.   Was married 8 mo. ago today (08 Apr 1941).           Letter # 10       [Handwritten Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Dec. 8, 1941 (Postmarked Dec 10, 1941)   My Darling,      Well, the fun has begun.  You should see how it has changed things.  It seems that everyone was relieved.  You could almost hear them sigh.  I am one of the few that are still wondering about things to come.      I don't know what effect this will have on my discharge.  I don't care too much either.  You know that I would like to be with you, but I joined the Army to do a job and now the time has come to do it.      I have put up with my back for over a year now and it hasn't killed me so I guess I can do it another year or so.  I will get my shoes built up some way or another so that it will take the strain off of it.      I have two jobs open if I go back to duty.  One for the Chaplain as clerk.  The other in the Link Trainer Department.  The former would no doubt be the better job, but wouldn't likely help me in civilian life later on.  I could, I suppose, learn a lot about human nature and a better way of life by working for the Chaplain.  I think I'll talk it all over with him before I decide anything.      We are all blacked out.  It only took about five minutes to cover the windows and get thing(s) all set for an air raid.  We have equipment to take care of.  Everything from gas to incinderary (inciederary) bombs and back.      I wish you would send the gun to me now.  If of course you should receive a telegram to the effect that I am coming home before you send it you will know better.  Have Dad inspect it to see that it is in good condition if it isn't I don't want it.      About that telegram - I may not be able to say in so many words that I am leaving, but I think you will be able to read between the lines.  You may have to do that with my letters too if and when they are censored.      We have been getting all the news just as it happens over the Anchorage station.  Many of the boys here went to school with the boys in P.I.  I went to California with some.  The radio station just came on.  (It always does at 6 P.M.) and said that they were requested to shut down until further notice.  Remember I told you how an airplane could follow a commerical (commercial) ration station.  The Anchorage station radius is small but a plane navigated to somewhere near it could follow it from there on in.      I'd better mail this now instead of waiting to add more or I won't get it out very soon. Your very loving husband Reese   P.S. Please send the holster with the gun if it fits.  Send the gun Railway Express and insure for $50 which is free.  That is about the only way one can send firearms.   We are asked to have our serial number put after our name on our incoming mail.  (Not absolutely necessary).  I bought an album of Johann Strauss waltzes.           WWII Army Air Corps Airplane         Letter # 11     [Typed Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Reese M. Denniston 32nd Materiel Sqd. Elmendorf Field Anchorage, ALASKA   Dec. 14, 1941   Wini, My love; It is Sunday, though one couldn't tell it.  Since the war has started we are on a seven day week, and working 24 hours a day.  I have been doing the room orderly work so that the other fellow would be free to do whatever they are supposed to do.  It was a snaap (snap) the first few days, but now that we have complete black out I have to see also that no light is getting out around the curtains.  Some of the fellows have been putting them up during the day to let the fresh air in and then at night I have to retact (retract) them.  I am tired of doing it every night especially when the days are so short and there is now (no) one in the barracks anyway.  I have some wooden strips now and I am going to nail them down so that they won't be opening them during the day. Darling that was a wonderful letter you wrote the 6th.  Are you surprised that I got it already.  I like the lines you wrote on the cart in it.  I am glad to know that I have made you happy.  It is my deepest wish to make you happy.  Only by doing that can I be happy.  I have been thinking of you all the time lately, but it is hard for me to write. I should be coming home anyday (any day) now.  That is if there is any means of transportation.  The chaplain told me that my orders go the final signature the day tat war started.  It happened on the eigth (eighth) again.  Is everything going to happen to us on the eight (eighth)?  That means darling, that I wont want that gun sent after all.  There is one thing that I would like you to do though and that is to try to take out some more insurance on me with the company mom is now paying my premiums in.  I want the policy converted into something better than it is now.  A twenty payment life or a twenty year endowment or whatever you think is best.  You might look into it and we we can do something about it when I get home if you don't know what to do wit it now. This has been a very lonely Sunday.  If it weren't for the good music on the radio I don't know what I'd do.  I can't read anymore I have become so impatient.  My mind I always wondering back to you and what I'll do when I get home.  I think of you so much that I even dream of you and the things I plan to do and have.  The other night I dreamed that we had a baby.  Gee I was a happy guy.  I didn't find out though if it was Winette or Gardner that I was dreaming about.  It is nearly time now for lights out so I'd better close and go to bed and dream of you. Good-night my love, Reese             Letter # 12     [Handwritten Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston (There was a strike-through on the envelope and an address change) 310 Steward Ave.  Jackson, Michigan 1827 N. Lafayette Royal Oak, Michigan   Reese M. Denniston 32nd Materiel Sqd. Elmendorf Field Anchorage, ALASKA   Dec. 17, 1941 (Postmarked Dec 18, 1941) (Page) 1 Wini Darling, The mail has been exceptionaly good to me the past two days.  I have received 12 letters.  Two were from Mom, one from Pop and Ida with the two dollars in it and one from Mrs. Crummstt.  The others were from women that saw a letter Ralph sent to the Marshall paper.  One of these was from the mother of a fellow I went to school with.  The others either remember me or know my folks. The mother of the boy I went to school with wrote a very interesting letter.  Her son in now in the Navy.  Has been for about 2 years.  He can never tell her to write next so that he can get the letters as that would tell the whereabout of his ship.  I am going to type her a nice letter thanking her for her letter and clippings of interesting news of Marshall. Accidentally a club was formed here in Anchorage.  It started when one man said he would use his whole next day check to buy defense bonds.  The listener said he would buy as many as the teller did.  Just then a friend walked in the store where they were talking.  He also said he would buy an equal amount ($180) and so the club spread .  To-night the Anchorage (Page) 2 radio station said that the post office was completely sold out of bonds. I am sorry darling, to here (hear) that you think that I am not coming home.  I didn't think you would be so worried about it or I would have wired.  You probably know by now that I am still coming home or I would send a wire now.  We are only allowed to let six men out of our Sqd. at a time so it is hard to get to go to town.  Some of these days I'll have to draw my money out of the bank but the fellows are all wanting to go to town before Christmas so I am staying on the Field and letting them go. I told you about getting some Strauss Waltzes.  They are played by Harry Herlick and his orchestra.  This is a list of the ones I have.    Emperor - Tales from Vienna Woods    Sweetheart - You and You    Wine Women & Song - Viennese Boubons (Bourbons)    Artist's Life - Vienna Blood    Southern Roses - Voices of Spring Since then I've added the following.    I'm an Old Cowhand - Vocal by Bing Crosby and played by Jimmy Dorsey    My Little Buckaroo - Ditto (Same as above)    Smiling Jack Polka - Henry Orzechowski    Josephine Polka -   "     "    Lock Lomond - Vocal by Deanna Durbin    Musetta's Waltz Son -   "     " (Page) 3    The Donkey Serenade - Ted Tio Rito and his    Celito Lindo -     "     "    Missouri Waltz - Guy Lombardo    That Naughty Waltz -   "     " At the P.X. these records are the same price as back in the States.  I get nearly as much enjoyment out of picking them out as I do playing them.  The P.X. must get about a thousand records at a time and it isn't long until they are all sold out.  There is another I want.  I asked some friends to stop in and get it for me.  They just came in with it.  It is another Bing Crosby called Twilight on the Trail and Boots and Saddle on the other side I think.  I'll go down and play it soon.  If it is as good as the other Bing Crosby it will be good enough.  I think it will be better. Don't forget darling, I said I wanted a record changer and player - I want it worse than ever now.  I want a good one when we get it too.  I think it would be nice to feel different people out as to what their favorite music is - then when they call put all there (their) type on and let it play.  Can you think of any better way to win friends and influence people.  Especially if they are eating some of your good cooking. It is still 8 days until Christmas and we are already nearly sick of candy and friuit cake and the like.  Most of the boys wrote home to have two presents sent to the Sqd. Commander to be given to (Page) 4 anyone on Christmas morning.  We wraped (wrapped) them the other morning and most of them I'd say are hard candy.  The presents were to cost less than a dollar and not to have a return address on them.  If I'm still here Christmas I'll get two to be given out Christmas morning.  There are only 50 men in the Sqdron (Squadron) now and we have about 150 presents. Ralph and Mike went to Ketchiken (Ketchikan) to join their Crash-Boat outfit.  Since then I have gotten about half a dozed letters addressed to the three of us.  Those are the ones from the women back home that I was telling you about.  So far none of them were from people that I knew them - only me or my folks. Just played the new record.  It is better then the other Bing Crosby. Daylight is from about 9 till 3:30 now.  The pictures I had developed aren't too hop.  I haven't seen the picture on Good Housekeeping yet.  There aren't many read around here.  Speaking of the railroad not being too safe, I heard on the radio that the train Mike and Ralph left on was delayed while a snow slide was removed and while a bridge was reinforced. Why shouldn't the boys want to sew and the girls found nails - it is only natural.  Half of their ancestors were of the opposite sex.  Ever think of that? I have had to rush this a bit to get it done before lights, but I guess it has all the news.  Wish your team the best of luck and a nice snow for Christmas.  I remain, Your loving husband, Reese   P.S.  I am still coming home but don't worry all the boats are convoyed now.  If I'm in Seattle at Christmas would you like to come out?  Think it over.  Maybe we could go back together.  It would be a sort of honeymoon.     War Bond Posters     To hear Bing Crosby sing: "I'm An Old Cowhand" - Click Here "My Little Buccaroo" - Click Here   To hear Deanna Durbin sing: "Lock Lomond" - Click Here   (I couldn't find the "Missouri Waltz" by Guy Lombardo but I did find it by Glenn Miller) To hear Glenn Miller and his band play: "The Missouri Waltz" - Click Here       Letter # 13       [Handwritten Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave.  Jackson, Michigan 1827 N. Lafayette Royal Oak, Michigan   Dec 21, 1941 (Postmarked Dec 29 1941) (Page) 1 Wini Darling, Three days more then - Christmas.  It dosen't (doesn't) seem possible.  I did so want to be with you and make you happy on this day, but it is impossible.  The best I can do is tell you that I am coming home on the first available transport after the first of the year. The Chaplain stopped me on the way out of church this morning and told me that my name is on the list of next ones to leave.  The reason we can't leave before New Years is that the fund or whatever it is that is used to pay our transportation is used up for this year and there will be another at that time If I can get into town to-morrow I think I'll send you a telegram  If you didn't get one by the time you read this you'll know I couldn't get away. At the present time we are listening to Anchorage's radio station - K.F.Q.D. - Th Voice of the Golden North.  One of the Sgts. (Segeants) is doing the announcing and the 4th infantry band is furnishing the music.  The A.C. Quartet has been singing also.  One of the fellows in it is a very good friend of mine.  One other is a Link Trainer Instructor and a third a Lt. (Lieutanant) that has been very good to me.  The fourth one I don't know. (Page) 2 I finally met Lt. Rockwell. I had to get some papers from him the other day.  I told him that his aunt in R.O. (Royal Oak, Michigan) had asked me to look him up.  He asked me my name and said he had a letter in his desk right now that he was writing to her.  He dosen't (doesn't) look to be over 19 or 20.  I saw his wife today with him in Church. Darling, it is a good think in every way that you didn't come up here.  The soldiers wives now up here are going to be sent back to the states.  I don't think it is because of the danger but because then the men will be able to stay in the field all the time.  Also they can give their undivided attention to their work.  I know that for a fact a man that is force to be away from his wife isn't worth a darn though. One of the fellows here is always asking me when I'm going back.  Today I made a bet with him that I would leave here before June first.  I sure hope he loses it before the middle of January. Thanks darling for the nuts.  They came yesterday.  At the same time I got the package mom sent.  It sure seemed good to get hold of some of her home made cookies again.  Have you learned how to make all kinds of cookies yet?  I like the nuts very much too darling - somehow I seem to associate you with them.  Could it be because (Page) 3 you got me started eating them when I used to come from Chanute (possibly Chanute, Kansas) to see you? The 8 months that I've been away from you have done one good thing for me.  I have learned just how important you are to me.  I think it has done the same for you.  We should have no trouble getting along with each other.  I for one am willing to let anything pass to get along with you.  Maybe I'll be too agreeable. The Sgt. that was announcing on the program this afternoon was given a pup by a friend of his down town.  It is, I believe, half Russian Wolf hound and half German police dog.  It is a cute rascal anyway, and smart, too. I have been to the show for the last 3 nights now.  They were all good.  I thought maybe its because I hadn't been to a show in weeks.  The first was *Mr & Mrs. Smith.  The Second was **Las Vegas Nights and the third was ***The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance. I can't imagine what you are sending me for Christmas, especially since it comes in "parts".  Oh well!  It should be here anyday now.  I don't sweat over Christmas presents and the like since I been sweating out going home. I have had in mind for a long time what I was going to get you (Page) 4 For Christmas.  I think I'll wait now and get it when I get home.  They don't have any good enough for you up here. I am glad you thought to get Aunt Ida something.  I'd completely forgotten about the poor old soul.  Gee you sure are thoughtful.  How could I help loving you.  Everyone that writes to me tells me how nice you are.  You should (see) my chest swell up with pride.  Eldon's mother couldn't say enough about you. There is a radio on the table where I'm writing this.  Now they are playing an album of Victor Herberts music.  I don't care too much for the music they are playing, but it is jolly.  I am not in the moon for classical music now anyway.  I have a slight headache.  It is hard on ones eyes around here now.  We only have two 25 watt bulbs to a floor and the windows are blacked out.  That is not much light.  When one comes in from outside he can hardly see. Keep me informed as best you can where you'll be on the weekends after Jan. first so that I'll know where to get off the train.  I'll try to get a ticket to Detroit.  I can then get off in Marshall, Jackson or Detroit.  With that thought I'll close for not.   Your very loving husband, Reese   *Mr. & Mrs. Smith was a romantic-comedy released in 1941 staring Carole Lombard and Robert Montgomery.  It was not a typical Alfred Hitchcock movie, but instead was a comedy about a couple who learn that their marriage was not valid. **Las Vegas Nights was a musical-comedy released in 1941 staring Phil Reagan, Constance Moore and Tommy Dorsey.  The story is about a vaudeville act that inherits an old, beat-up building and decides to try to turn it into a hip new nightclub. ***The Lone Wolf Takes a Chance was a mystery-drama released in 1941 starring Warren William, June Story, Lloyd Bridges and Henry Wilcoxon.  In this movie the Lone Wolf, Michael Lanyard, takes Inspector Crane's challenge that he can't keep out of trouble for 24 hours. No sooner accepted when Lanyard is sucked into a case of murder and kidnapping in which he is sole suspect. Lanyard pursues the perpetrators, a gang of cunning thieves with engraving plates belonging to the U.S. Treasury, even as he is being hunted by police.                 Letter # 14       [Handwritten Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Christmas Eve 1941 (Postmarked Dec 26, 1941) (Page) 1 Dearest Wini,      I did so want to be with you tonight.  I can't be so the next best thing I can do is write.  I don't know just what we would be doing if I were home, but I do know it would be fun just being with you.      Things being as the are I will tell you what I've done and hope to do tonight.  I went into town this afternoon to get some drinks for our Christmas dinner.  We (Red Joyce & I) got about $20 worth so the salesman gave us some whisky for our selves.  We each also got a calendar with a picture of a naked girl on it.  She is holding a towel in front of her but she forgot about the mirror behind her.      We game (came) back to the barracks and had chow.  We then drank our whisky.  I promised you I wouldn't drink, but hope you'll forgive me.  Of course we had to hare it with a few others so we didn't have too much.  Since then we have discussed comunism (Communism) and all the other forms of governments.  We really have some good discussions sometimes.      I am sitting here now, holding a cigar in one hand and my pen in the other, writing a letter to the most wonderful girl in the world. (Page) 2     That was a wonderful letter you wrote the 16th.  I am glad darling that I have made you happy.  K now of no one anymore deserving to be mad happy.  I have never met anyone as considerate of others and so loving of me.      Darling, do you know what I would do if I would have my say so tomorrow morning?  I would stay in bed with you from now until noon to-morrow.  I can't think of anything nicer than being in your arms and staying there.  (I could say more, but wouldn't want a censor to blush).      I started to tell you once what I had planed for tonight.  I think I'll go the Mid-night Mass with some of my Catholic friends.  I have always wanted to go, but never really had a chance before.      Tomorrow most of the fellows will be working or at least on the alert, but we are having a big dinner.  There are Christmas services that I'll think I'll go to in the morning.  In the afternoon there are to be refreshments and a program in our Kaskim.  (It is our log recreation hall that has just been finished.)      I didn't send the telegram that I mentioned in my last letter, because I suddenly realized that. (Page) 3 I didn't know if you were in Jackson or R.O. (Royal Oak, Michigan).  I think (I hope) that you know by the time I am writing this that I am supposed to come home on the first avalable (available) transport after New Years.  I hope there is one leaving soon after then.      Darling, it was swell of you to get me an electric razor.  Thanks until your beter (better) paid. I'll do the later when I get home.  The difference between the two & three bladed one is the latter has a blade for trimming the mustach (mustcahe).  They also make a 4 bladed (I should say headed) one.  One fellow here has a 2 headed one and another has a 3 headed one which works well on him.  The latter wants to sell his and get a 4 header.  I think the one you gave me will work alright on me as I have a stiff beard.  The fellow that has trouble with his has a fine soft beard.  He likes it better than a conventional one at that.      I believe darling, if you think real hard you will know what I'm going to get you for Christmas.  I think I'll get it when I get home.      I was going to write Mom & Dad and tell them to go ahead and sell the old Ford, but if cars are as hard to get hold of as I'm lead to believe it will come in handy.  I don't like the idea of driving an old rattle trap like that after having anew car, but it will be better than nothing. (Page) 4      Along with your letter and beautiful card, I got cards from people in Marshal I thought had forgotten all about me.  Forgive me love for not sending you a card, but I haven't seen any except the like the one I sent you about Alaska.      The barracks is quiet as the proveral (proverbial) mouse tonight.  Those that aren't working have gone into town.  The soldiers are treated well by the civilians now.  They offer us drinks or anything else we want.  One wanted to get Red Joyce & I a taxie (taxi) to come home with when we were down town.  It would have cost him a dollar and a half.  He said he make $13.75 a day so he wouldn't miss it.      It is nearly "lights out" so I'll close and get my clothes read (ready) for Mass.  I hope with all my heart that you will have a very merry Christmas.  I am - just knowing you love me.   Your very loving husband, Reese                   Letter # 15       [Handwritten Letter] (To) Mrs. Reese Denniston 310 Steward Ave. Jackson, Michigan   Dec. 28, 1941 (Postmarked Dec 30, 1941) (Page) 1 Wini Darling,      Tis Sunday night and everything is as quiet as a frozen pond.  I haven't done a thing but eat and sleep all day.      To-night we have several hundred men coming in and I am to be on the welcoming committee.  My job will be to show them were (where) to sleep for the rest of the night.  It isn't going to be easy handling a group of tired men in a black out.  Come to think of it - I believe the moon is shining brightly to-night.      There are two Sgts (Sergeants) and two privates out of oher (other) Sqd. (Squadron) to take care of the men.  The reason I got on this detail was that I was sure to be here when the men came in.  The time of arrival wasn't even know (known) by the athorities (authorities).      I hope this is the last Sunday I spend in Alaska for a while.  Thursday is the first - and that isn't far away.  I should be leaving soon after that from what I've been told.  I can hardly wait to get back to the good old States and you.      I got a Christmas card from Wilbur and Betty, but no letter.  I haven't heard from then in a long time.  The last time they wrote they said (Page) 2 Jim (of Jim & Bet Inc.) had been laid off from Rich Steel.  I hope they didn't lose their new Studebaker.  Speaking of cars - I was looking through and old Consumer Union (similar to Consumers Digest) and it said that the Studebaker Champion was the best buy.  I was sure satisfied with the one I had.      I hop, darling, that I'll be home for your birthday.  I would like to give you the same for your birthday as I did last year.  By the way - I have finally figured out what you meant when you said you were sending part of my Christmas present and I could get the rest when I get home.  The part that is waiting at home for me is for the better, but I am very happy that you got me the electric razor.  It hasn't arrived yet, but it is just what I wanted.      There are a lot of questions I would like to ask darling, but I hope to be home before an answer would arrive.  I'll just have to wait 'til we meet again.      There isn't much to write about at this time especially when someone else may read it before you do.  Meaning the censor of course.  I am listening to the *Ink Spots just now.  I wish I could say beautiful things like one of them does.  I was thinking of the one that reads instead of singing.  I have a lot of beautiful thoughts of you anyway. All my love, Reese   *The Ink Spots were an African American vocal group who gained international fame in the 1930s and 1940s. Their unique musical style led to the rhythm and blues and rock and roll musical genres, and the subgenre doo-wop. The Ink Spots were widely accepted in both the white and black communities, largely due to the ballad style introduced to the group by lead singer Bill Kenny.         To hear THE INK SPOTS sing: "I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire" - Click Here "It's All Over But the Crying" - Click Here             SOURCES     Thanks to JoAnn Denniston Seese for providing Reese's WWII letters to Wini