PFC David Hansen
27th Bomb Group

I just heard that we can send mail home so here goes. As you probably have heard, we are backed up on the Bataan Peninsula and are holding out waiting for help. Things are pretty well in hand, but it sure is hell waiting for help.

Its been two months now and we're all pretty tired. I'm writing this from our field hospital where I've spent the last couple of weeks. A Jap bomb (100) lbs. hit a tree about 15-20 ft. over my head and broke both my ear drums. However, I'm OK now, except that I'm awfully hard of hearing. I go back to duty tomorrow. My outfit is up on the front, so I'll either be giving or getting hell by the time you get this.

Ever since I was hurt I've figured that it was your prayer that pulled me through. That same bomb killed my pal Sweeny not five feet away from me and tore a leg off of Ronnie MC Donald. You remember, you met him with me at the Service-Club in Savannah. He is due to go back on the next mercy ship they send to Australia.

Every nite since this war began, I've spent at least an hour a day-thinking about that swell family of mine and praying for all of you. There are so many questions that I'd like to ask you. What about Larry? Is he all right ? Did Jim join the army? I hope not, not that I don't believe he would make a good soldier, cause I know he has more guts than me, but I also know that you need him at home.  Any way our family is well represented. Larry in Panama and me in the Philippines. How are my two Grandpas, and my Grandma ? How are Edna and and Hugh? Aunt Kate, Uncle Chas, Elizabeth, Johnny, etc..? I know that you have probably written to me,but as of yet, I haven't received letter No. 1. How are Marge, Jeanne, and Marion?  Still OK, I hope.

Things sure happen in a hurry don't they ? Mom, three years ago our family was all together, happy and well, But that was three years ago. I'm going to do as our Chaplain says-"Look forward and build for the future", Pretty sound advice I guess. I'm thinking about the celebrating we'll do when we all get together again. I realize now, at least, how much I missed, by not being with my family even more than I was. If I ever get back, you'll have one heck of a time getting me off of my front porch. I never thought I was such a home loving guy.

Do you know that I've thought about almost everything that we ever did together. When ever I get blue and downhearted, I start to reminisce, our vacations together--the shows we went to on Friday nites,--the Demolay dances that you and Dad, Hugh and Edna-and some girl and I used to go to--those Sunday nite sessions we used to have our own little choir--the little birthday parties we used to have for our own family--our family golf games. I sometimes think that I had more fun getting ready for those weekend dates of mine than I ever had after I left the house. Remember how we used to tear around on Friday and Satuday nites getting ready to go out. Our squabbles about who was going to use the Car?  Remember how you and I used to argue about whether the girl (the current one) that I was going with was good looking or not?

Mom, do you know what my one big desire is now? To come home and say "Hey get into your glad rags and lets do something tonight." Honest that would make me feel swell. I'm going to be doing that soon--watch and see. It isn't so far off either. I'd love to walk in the front door right now and say "What do you have for supper Mom?"

I suppose that most of my old friends are in the army now Ray, Butch , Sam etc... Has Jewel done much singing ? How about Dick MC Caigue?
Is he still at it? Tell Grandpa Hansen that I got plenty of practice at cribbage and sixty six, and bridge here.

Tell Grandpa Whittle that I'll bet him a beer on any thing that he wants: wrestling, boxing, or I'll even run him a foot race. Tell Grandma, I'll go to church every Sunday when I get home, and I mean that. Tell Jim to keep his nose clean and to go to school if he possibly can. If you can still write to Larry, wish him luck and tell him to "keep em flying." Give Hugh and Edna my love, tell Aunt Lilly and Uncle Ray that I'll be seeing them soon.

And now about you Mom- I know you won't let others see it, but even when you are alone don't worry too much. You and Dad have given me such wonderful things to remember that I Just have to get back--- if only to try to pay back some of that debt.

Your a good soldier Mom, keep your chin up--and God Bless You--_

So long.

All my love,

Dave

PS-Keep on writing, Maybe one of them will get through to me. Hope you get this, so that You know I'm still kicking,

Love,

Dave