April 1, 1954 Vieques, P.R. My Dearest Wanda, Don't look like I'll get a letter off tonite. One reason - our mail plane crapped out and didn't bring any mail in tonight - guess we'll get it in the morning - sure hope so anyway, cause I need that mail nearly as bad as I need you. Sure wish I was with you now - damn sure wouldn't be wasting time writing. You know how I hope mom isn't there when I get home, as her feelings will sure be hurt. I doubt if I'd even see her - you're all I'll be looking for. Think we'd better lock all doors to keep the neighbors away. Boy, we're living like kings tonite. Had steak and French fries for supper plus free beer and two movies tonite. Tonite will be the last nite the whole company will be together until we get back to Lejeune. About half of them are going on liberty tomorrow and won't be back until Monday. Then we're going to the field Monday and stay for a day and a half. Back again - I went to the first movie but had already seen it. You and I saw it just before I left - "Call Me Madam". Would sure like to relive that nite we went - think I was cut off then, but that wouldn't make any difference - just to be with you would mean all the world to me. You know Wanda looking back, we never did do anything much to speak of but there's those million little things we did do that mean more to me than any kind of entertainment we could have found. Wanda to make a long story short, I've enjoyed all of our married life and every nite I ever dated you. We're lucky to have been able to get along as well as we have. And Wanda the way we love the other is the only thing responsible for our happiness - that's the only thing possible. Because you are different from me - I mean by that you were raised differently. You have another set of friends I was never fortunate to have. With me, I've had few friends I could really trust and damn few that I do trust yet. Maybe I just grew up to quick. Anyway all I live for is you. You're the only person I love and the only one I want to love and the only one I want to love me. Everyone else can go ____! Yes baby I've got it bad, but I want it to always be like that - it would kill me if I thought you didn't love me. Well I'm here, you're there and it damn sure isn't helping either of us by me talking about it. Just remember Wanda I love you whether I say it or not, won't be much longer and I can prove my point, although proving shouldn't be necessary. OK I'll give you a break and change the subject. Speaking of movies you should see the one playing at the camp theater Friday (9th) "Casanova's Big Night" with Bob Hope and Jean Fontaine. They say it's pretty good. Did I tell you the bleachers at the ball park burnt down a couple of weeks ago. We'll have to wait awhile before we take in any more games of any kind. Wanda I do not want us to drag our kid around like Willie and Peg used to do - I don't think that is right. We may get tired of staying at home, but it will be worth it to see that kid grow, and just to know it will be all ours and no one but God can take it from us. I love it already. You know I bet I got a bigger charge out of seeing that baby move in you than you did. I wouldn't take anything for that little devil - he's all ours Wanda! The inspection went off pretty good today - really surprised me. Only thing wrong the boys had lost a lot of gear - they would lose their ass if it wasn't tied on to them. They'll learn though as I have a collection of gear I've found just laying around and they will work 2 hours extra at nite for every item they've lost. It may seem hard but that is the only way to teach these people. They've got to learn as most of them will be long gone comes July. Guess I'd better be shutting up. Wanda drop by and see Lorie, Helen and Peggy - I know you want to see the two babies and it will kill time if nothing else. I know you'll see Margaret. Wanda, if mom goes home the 25th, get Margaret to stay with you - I'd rather her stay than anyone else. How's Frank's wife getting along? I can't remember her name. Baby I'll see you tomorrow - just remember I love you and I'll see you soon! Goodnite Wanda. Yours Forever, Dave Brad Tesh - transcribed 2005-01-13