25 February
Dear John,
This is your little ray of sunshine again- thanking you this time and suggesting you change my address in your files. The latest news letter went home first- and I want you to know I appreciate reading it as much that I resent receiving it late.
And speaking of addresses, I'm moving on to Camp Bradford, Virginia over the weekend and will remain there until 10 March at least. So any bit of stuff and thing you may be sending my way address it there in care of the Joint Communication School.
I didn't get around to looking up Kauffman. She evidently is of the section base a little removed from the Amphibious Training Base. This place is a big larger than the Berg Campus and since I'll be moving shortly, I don't have the chance to check him for you, but I wish I had known it earlier.
I noticed in the news letter that Perry Kandig has extended an open welcome to any Berg man in Richmond. I can testify to the warm welcome they'll get. Ice box raiding is sure to be included- we found a cold chicken, and, of course, liquid refreshment are included.
Incidentally this Amphibious force of the U.S. Navy s' quite something and one which is largely unknown by the general populace. I'll bet you as many others have asked- what it it? Well whenever you read of invasion or landing operation- that's us
-2-
We're the boys who take in the Army and all the equipment- right up on the beach. Perhaps the new insignia best describes it- a golden alligator on the beach with it's mouth open opening out tanks roaring to battle. Will a publicity build-up the "gators' - as this force is nicknames- could easily rival the air force for glamour. But we're unknown. We prepare for a specific job in secret, go across in secret, land in secret and comeback- secretly to prepare for the next "pay run". Amphibious operations made possible the present North African invasion- which is just a sample of what you can expect from us in the future.
I fully expect to be there for it- and I was serious about that story- but I'm afraid I can't keep the diary as you suggested- they are not allowed in the armed forces. Still I've a good memory.
Weather has improved so perhaps I spoke too soon- actually good old Spring fever weather hit us this week- making sitting in class disapointing.
Incidentally, this stationary is running low again, so might I ask for another refill? And may I suggest a few extra envelopes. Yours is the only paper I've ever had which I ran out of envelopes first.
That's my little sunshine for this week, John, and it's a tough job keeping my mind from wandering out to Indiana- D'ya blame me?
I'll be looking for you again.
Sincerely,
Wil.
P.S. Should you ever lack an address for me- I can always be reached:
Amphibious Post Office
N.O.B. Norfolk
Virginia
They will always know:
Now viewing Letter from Wilmer Cressman to John Wagner, 25 February 1943.