This letter is from my Grandaddy, Jeffa Porter Hill, Jr., to his wife, Virginia Juanita Buckner Hill. Grandaddy was stationed at Camp Gordon Johnston, Florida, awaiting deployment in World War II, and Gran was living in Gadsden. To see this side of my grandfather is so special! I always knew he loved my grandmother more than life itself, and this letter is just a glimpse of his love and devotion. There are parts that will make you giggle! Also, I am impressed that he was such a great speller!
Postmarked: 02-12-1944
Delivery Address:
Mrs. Jeffa P. Hill, Jr.
1148 Gardner Street
Gadsden, Alabama
Return Address:
Lt. Jeffa P. Hill, Jr. 0-1038675
339th Harbor Craft Co.
Army
Trans. Corps.
Camp Gordon Johnston, Fla.
Saturday Evening
4:50 12 Feb 1944
Dearest Honey Lamb:
Just got back and cleaned up from out trip over the street fighting course, and thought I would start this letter before I went to chow. It wasn't as tough as the infiltration course yesterday, but we had to walk about 15 miles in a cold wind. I believe today has been the coldest day since we've been down here.
I received three letters from you this morning and sure was glad to hear from you. Just a few minutes ago I got my first chance to read them. They are really working us down here but I don't mind it after doing office work for nine months. I like to feel the wind against my cheek. It whispers to me of your love and devotion.
We learned today that we go on the alert about next Sunday. With requirements to be ready to move at anytime on three hours notice. Well honey, as much as I hate to say it, this looks like it is "it." Darling, I hope you will understand that I did everything possible to get a leave. My buddy, Henry Wursma, hasn't had a leave since last July and he is married and one child and another arriving in a couple months and he couldn't get one. So you see darling, we aren't the only ones who are suffering. I thank God that we were together as long as we were.
Maybe now that you are working, time will pass a little faster. Get out once in a while and try to have a good time. I know it's hard to do because I've tried it. But all we can do is try and make the best of things until this war is over and we can be together again.
From now on honey, I wont be able to tell you much about what we are doing. But I'll try to make my letters as interesting as possible, even if it's making love to you by mail. It's not very many husbands that write their wives love letters. I must be an acception, reckon?
I sure wish I could have been there for Ed's birthday. Wish him a happy birthday for me, will you?
Darling, I am enclosing an envelope which I hope you will never have to open. When I get back we can take that envelope, unopened, and tear it to little bits and watch them burn in the fire place. [Note: There was no envelope with this letter. Since I know he made it back from the war, I'm assuming they tore it to little bits and watched it burn in the fire place!]
Well, sweetheart, its getting cold in here so suppose I better build a fire before it gets too dark. I love you, my very own, and pray for the war to be ended soon. I'm glad you like your job and I know you will make good at it. Be Good Be Careful and God be with you till we meet again.
All my love
Forever and eternity
Jeffa.
Saturday Evening
4:50 12 Feb 1944
Dearest Honey Lamb:
Just got back and cleaned up from out trip over the street fighting course, and thought I would start this letter before I went to chow. It wasn't as tough as the infiltration course yesterday, but we had to walk about 15 miles in a cold wind. I believe today has been the coldest day since we've been down here.
I received three letters from you this morning and sure was glad to hear from you. Just a few minutes ago I got my first chance to read them. They are really working us down here but I don't mind it after doing office work for nine months. I like to feel the wind against my cheek. It whispers to me of your love and devotion.
We learned today that we go on the alert about next Sunday. With requirements to be ready to move at anytime on three hours notice. Well honey, as much as I hate to say it, this looks like it is "it." Darling, I hope you will understand that I did everything possible to get a leave. My buddy, Henry Wursma, hasn't had a leave since last July and he is married and one child and another arriving in a couple months and he couldn't get one. So you see darling, we aren't the only ones who are suffering. I thank God that we were together as long as we were.
Maybe now that you are working, time will pass a little faster. Get out once in a while and try to have a good time. I know it's hard to do because I've tried it. But all we can do is try and make the best of things until this war is over and we can be together again.
From now on honey, I wont be able to tell you much about what we are doing. But I'll try to make my letters as interesting as possible, even if it's making love to you by mail. It's not very many husbands that write their wives love letters. I must be an acception, reckon?
I sure wish I could have been there for Ed's birthday. Wish him a happy birthday for me, will you?
Darling, I am enclosing an envelope which I hope you will never have to open. When I get back we can take that envelope, unopened, and tear it to little bits and watch them burn in the fire place. [Note: There was no envelope with this letter. Since I know he made it back from the war, I'm assuming they tore it to little bits and watched it burn in the fire place!]
Well, sweetheart, its getting cold in here so suppose I better build a fire before it gets too dark. I love you, my very own, and pray for the war to be ended soon. I'm glad you like your job and I know you will make good at it. Be Good Be Careful and God be with you till we meet again.
All my love
Forever and eternity
Jeffa.
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