David Peabody Guion
Dear Dad –
Here I sit on board ship in a small shaded spot on deck. Inside its out of the sun – but unbearably hot. By now it may be warming some at home – but I imagine you’re still bundling up when you go outside. But here I am without a stitch of clothing on me but an identification bracelet, my dog tags, undershorts, and a pair of combat boots.
I’ve had a lot of time to think since I left the States – sometimes I believe I have had too much time. You get pretty low once in a while if you allow yourself. But I’ve had time to plan and dream for the future too. I’ve had time to see the mistakes I’ve made in the past – and wish I could repent of them. I’ve had time to think of the fun I had at home – the perfect and easy life – how lucky I was. I long to get my hands in Mimeo ink – and have job after job pile up on me till I get irritable. I’d like to have a rip-snortin’ argument with any one of my brothers now – just for old-times sake. All these things may sound like I’m homesick – well – who isn’t? But remembering my fun in the past acts more’s as a morale-builder. It will help to keep me going when the time comes for us to leave this aristocrat’s life on board ship.
I wouldn’t have missed the opportunity for the world. Some people pay for it in money – we’re paying in another way – but even that has its good cause. I’ll come back with lots of stories – I have a few already – and lots more memories. I’ll come back smarter – and be better able than ever to make the Guion Adv. Co. (A D Guion Advertising Company, Grandpa’s business in Bridgeport, CT) the biggest and best establishment of its kind in New England – big talk? You just wait and see!
Do you remember when I told you of our company mission, etc. when I was home? Well, it will probably work out pretty much the way I told you – but it will be a little “hotter” than I expected. But we’ll have a big Christmas dinner in ’46 – I figured thirteen in all – counting sisters and brother-in-law, and nephews-and overseeing it all – Aunt Betty. (Dave doesn’t know it but there will actually be three more – Dan’s daughter and Lad and Marian’s twins – my brother and me!) We’ll have lots of fun – Butch can rip four or five of my piano roles – and we’ll let Marty pull down the tree (Butch , Raymond Jr., and Marty, Elizabeth’s – Bissie’s, two sons) – after all he’s got to have his fun too. It sounds sarcastic – that last part – but really it would be worth it if I could be there to see it now – but I can’t wait till ’46. Don’t worry, Jean, or you either, Marian, they’ll be home before then (Dave is referring to Jean’s husband, Richard Peabody Guion – in Brazil, and Marian’s husband Lad – Alfred Peabody Guion, in France) – but I’m figuring I’m getting in on the fun, too – so I pushed it up to December ’46 – okay?
Well – pretty soon they’ll say “chow down for troops” and I’ve got to get some clothes on before they’ll let me eat – so – think of me once in a while – and remember every day is a day closer to THE day –
All my love (‘ceptin’ some for Elly) (Elinor Kintop, his girlfriend)
Dave
Tomorrow another letter from Dave’s World War II Army Adventure.
Judy Guion
Heartwarming to read Dave’s reflections on the past, his present can-do attitude, and his hopes for the future.
Exemplifies the attributes of the Greatest Generation.
Valerie, You are so RIGHT. I wish we would see more of this attitude today.