The Pearl Harbor Collection contains personal narratives, photographs, diaries, correspondence, and governmental papers that relate to men, women, children and ships present at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
Transcription of Item: "June 3, 1941
Pearl Harbor, T. H.
Dearest Sister,
Your letter was appreciated so much that I'm going to answer it by return mail. Maybe then I'll get another back pronto.
At the present I'm in a whirl myself. I hardly know which end is up + just how to decide. As you know we know absolutely nothing about out[sic] future + couldn't write it if we did. This uncertainty is worse than really knowing our fate. As it is we know nothing to look forward to.
Sis, you ask what I thought about you getting married. Well, you know what I did. I was sure I'd never find anyone I'd love as much as I did Johnnie so I married her. Jane, when you really find that person it won't make much difference to you where you live. The point is to be seen. So often the nature of things has so much to do with making us believe [illegible]. If you are sure + he has shown real signs of true love then I wouldn't hesitate. Of course I wouldn't marry a man that was [not] fairly well fixed. I don't mean rich or anything but just a good sturdy job with enough salary to support you both. I know I didn't have that when I married + it did work out fine but sis it was a long hard pull. In fact I'm still digging to keep the wolf away. In a way it was fun + Johnnie
[pg 2]was a great sport but I should have had more to start on. As you see money really is [not] absolutely necessary but it sure makes things go easier. So, if your[sic] are sure he is the right boy + your[sic] are the right girl then I'd say don't hesitate. After all married life is the happiest if it works out right. Let me know what you decide to do.
Sis, I wonder if you + I couldn't figure out something more definite for mother. Do you think it would be possible for her to come to California in the near future, for a visit. She seems set on going back to Ladonia + that just doesn't appeal to me. You + I both know she wouldn't be happy. She seems determined to work or do something so if we can't change her mind maybe we can find a good job. At the present there seems to be plenty of employment in Calif. + maybe with Anita's + Clara's help we could settle her there. Sis, why don't you, Lou + Mother come out for a little vacation. If I'm not there it would still be a nice trip + it isn't impossible for me to show up there this summer.
At the present I'm thinking about going into aviation. I've already began the procedure but as yet haven't started. I'll have to pass a very rigid physical examination in July + if I pass that I'll be almost in. So keep your fingers crossed + maybe some day your brother will be an aviator instead of just a grease monkey.
[pg 3]Well, sis, censorship keeps us from writting[sic] anything about the navy + you know that is all the news I have. So if I can't write that there just isn't anything to write. I am hoping I'll get the [illegible] to write you when out[sic] start[sic] home. Maybe if I can you'll meet me in California.
Just remember that I love my big sis a lot more then I'd be able to put into words. So please let brother know how you get along + what you decide to do.
Lots + lots of love to my big sister
From
Brother"