Sgt Roman F. Klick 36620923
HS 1393 Engr APO 709
c/o PM SF Cal
May 1945
Hi there Aunty Clara,
Aboard Ship
I guess we are going to have some handwritten V-mail this trip since from what I hear about the office, there isn't room enough for our boxes let alone a place to type letters. The offices seem to get smaller and smaller.
I had my last look at our island home today and can't say that I am happy at leaving it. We had things far better there than at our first station. However, neither do I feel sorry at leaving for you expect this moving from time to time and you look forward to new places and new experience.
There naturally are quite a few things which we can not mention aboard ship which would be normal topics of conversation if we were back in camp. However, I am sure you will appreciate that fact and make allowances for it.
We are only going to have two meals each day but most of us came prepared for that eventuality by having a supply of candy, peanuts, and canned rations in reserve. That is the reason for my buying those cans of Planter's Peanuts and the boxes of Tootsie Rolls & Hershey bars with almonds.
So-long, /s/ Roman
Editor's note (December 2004): Letter written on May 10, 1945