January 26, 1943, Letter from Samuel J. Alben to "Mom and Dad Davis"

Citation

Alben, Samuel J., “January 26, 1943, Letter from Samuel J. Alben to "Mom and Dad Davis",” Madison Historical, accessed December 10, 2025, https://madison-historical.siue.edu/archive/items/show/2431.

Rights

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Description

A three-page letter from Samuel J. Alben to "Mom and Dad Davis" written on January 26, 1943, discussing daily life in the United States Navy during World War II. Alben discusses how he spent the holidays while in service.

Transcription

page one Samuel J. Alben RM3/C USS MERVINE "C" DIV. % FLEET POSTMASTER NEW YORK, NEW YORK. JAN. 26, 1943-UNITED STATES NAVY-Dear Mom and Dad Davis, Received your most welcome letter today and was very glad to hear from you and that everything is coming along ok, and all are in the best of health, I can assure you of the same from here of myself and also Curley and the kids. We just got in the other night, an dit was sure swell to see the good old U.S.A. again. We had a nice trip even if it was a little rough once in a while, it was one of the shortest trips we ever made, as far as I'm concerned I hope the rest of the trips we make are just as short. I had the duty the first night we come in (Monday) of all the tough luck, I did want to see Curley so bad. I got off on libery last night, and went hom to see all the kids, boy they all look like a million bucks, all are well and getting along swell. I was sort of disappointed for I expected to see Gene or Fred when I got there neither of them were there, but I may get to see Gene for the kids told me he was still around the states, gee I sure hope so for, it has been some time since we were together. I have the duty tonight, but tomorrow I start my leave and it lasts until Monday, it gives me about four days which doesn't seem very long, but I'm contented with what I get. I was glad to hear you had a nice Christmas and new years. We didn't have such a hot Christmas due to the fact we were traveling, I had new years out to sea so you can figure what that ws like, I don't know how Curleu and the rest of the kids-
page two enjoyed their's but I'm sure they made the best of it, for they are swell bunch of kids. I'm hoping as well as everyone else that this year bringss this horrible nightmare to a quick end, and next year we are all home with our loves ones and enjoy these wonderful days the way we should. On this trip we went back to the same place yes good old Ireland, with it's wonderful weather, rainy, and cold there is no place like a little spot I know, good old Alton ILL. I don't know where will will go on this next trip but I'm sure it si going to be plenty exciting. Maybe Gene's ship will be along with us, I hope so, gee I am all alone now, and so are Gene and Fred, they finally suceeded in spilting us up for good, we'll have to make the best of it until this thing is over and then we can enjoy the same old good times again like we used, we may be a little older but we will still like the same things. Well I'm trying to progress a little in this outfit, for I am working for my second class rate now, and I expect to get it by the first of march, so if I don't get lazy again I will suceed, wish me luck. Oh yes I cetainly do appreciate the trouble you had tring to find the magazine for me, thanks a million, and if you haven't located one yet just forget about it, for it isn't that important. You folks are certainly wonderful towards, I only wish I could have met you sonner in life and we could have gotten a little better acquainted, but I feel as tho I've known you all my life, I will never forget you, for you help to fill a spot in my life
page 3 that was vacated when my dearest mother passed away, I mean all this from the bottom of my heart. I hope you don't think I am sentimental, for some may think I am a bad boy sometimes, but really I have a soft heart and there is a place reserved there for you all the time. You know if you could see me right now you would call me a little pig or something, the way I've been eating lately is terrible, I just stuff myself until no more will go in, I just can't seem to quinch my hunger, oh what a time Curley is going to have with me when I get home. Well folks, I can't find anything else to talk about for now so that means I'm going to have to clase for time being, and promise to write as ofteen as possible, so for no I'm going to sign off. With love your son Sam. P.S. give all my regards and say hello to all you asks about me God bless you and keep the home fires burning. Excuse typing errors, for my fingers are almost numb from typing all day. Thank you.

In Collection

Alben-Davis Letters

Subjects

government
Alton
World War II

Creator

Alben, Samuel J.

Contributor

Admire, Genna

Date

January 26, 1943

Language

English

Type

Miscellaneous Document

Format

Letter
jpg

Original Format

Typewritten letter on paper

Coverage

1940s
Alton, Illinois

Identifier

AlbensDavis-D-006

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