SERVICEMEN WRITE (to Joy Hanson, Editor of the Ellsworth News)
From Wendell Peterson
Somewhere on an Island,
Date, unknown, but lately.
Dear Joy:
That old saying “last but not least,” is going to have to undergo a little change. I guess this puts me about last on the last to write you, and in all probability will be the least, but it’s a changing world and I guess a little change like that won’t make much difference. I like my work fine, I keep telling myself, but there are sure a lot of things I miss. Not to put my finger on anything in particular, but something to the affect you can take the boy out of the farm but you can’t take the farm out of the boy.
From all reports you have been having a lot of cold wet weather up your way. As far as the cold, it’s too bad we can’t do a little swapping by some hook or crook, ‘cause this part of the country could give away an abundance of heat and never miss it. I didn’t know, till I found out the hard way, it could get so hot in one place and stay hot so long. As for the rain, no dice. Unless it’s a whole lot different than it used to be up your way, you don’t know what rain really is.
I can agree pretty much Pitz. about The News. It’s a pretty darn nice little bundle to get and I sure appreciate it, but once in a while a copy is lost and then three or four copies come at once, but I won’t complain one little bit, ‘cause the postal authorities must have one heck of a job on their hands.
By the way, Joy, if you happen to see any of those sarong, tropical, south sea island pictures, please bear in mind that any resemblance between them and this island is purely out of the question, and now I will take advantage of this opportunity to say hello to all the folks back home.
Wendell A. Peterson
M. O. M. M. 1-c
Source: Ellsworth News, June 9, 1943
Perry and Nellie Chalma Peterson had 2 daughters and 1 son that served in World War II.
Daughter Neva Perriet Peterson Leo served with the WAVES.
Daughter Marjorie Ellen Peterson Marshall served with the WACS.
Son, Wendell Arthur Peterson was born Feb. 23, 1918. He died June 20, 1983 and is buried in Homewood Cemetery, Ellsworth, IA.
Chief Motor Machinist’s Mate Peterson served with the U.S. Navy at NOB Trinidad, NAS Trinidad and aboard the USS PC-610.
Source: ancestry.com; Ship’s History of the USS PC-610
