Encoded for the Experiencing War web site, "Special Bonds" release, for the Veterans History Project, 11/7/2003.
All letters in the Crane collection were digitized.
Documents are transcribed with minimal changes to the original text in an effort to preserve original appearance, content, and idiosyncrasies of composition. Period language and terminology are also retained. Transcription is literal with regard to the writer's capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and visible corrections (i.e. crossed out words). Spelling errors are indicated with [sic]; however, recurring errors in spelling or grammar within a single document have been marked the first time and and not subsequently. Crossed out words are presented {in braces}. Any special emphasis (i.e. underlining) is presented *between asterisks*. When the writer spells out the word "and" it appears spelled out; when a symbol is used for "and" the editor used the ampersand.
Alterations to the original text are consistent throughout and all editorial comments appear in [square brackets]: a single space is placed between sentences, nontextual symbols (circled page numbers, scribbles, etc.) have been changed to plain typographical characters when possible or omitted with a note, obvious slips of the pen have been silently corrected, and malformed letters are presented as the intended letter, based on spelling and context. All superscripts and underscored superscripts have been lowered to the regular line of text and are not underscored. Single word interlineations are indicated with a single caret (^) before the word; multiple word interlineations are presented ^surrounded by carets^.
September 3, 1945
Dear
I scarcely know how to begin this letter, or what to say. Day before yesterday I received your letter of August 7. I'm not very good at expressing myself at times, but I'm sure you know the measure of regret I have in my heart at
in the same hut, and we studied together, flew together, and wherever one of us could be found, there was the other. We tried to get assigned to the same station for Certification, but we missed it. I was sent to
I know very little about his sickness. He said one day that he felt run-down, and had no appetite. He checked in at the Gp Hospital, and was sent to a Station Hospital, and from there to a General Hospital. He phoned me and told me he was being sent to the States by air, so I sent his small suitcase to him. That's the last I heard till I received your letter.
You and
your telling me how you feel, I'm glad you did. I feel the same way about my wife, and think the same things, and I understand how you feel.
I'm glad you're not angry with me for keeping the ring. I debated with myself for a long time before I kept it, and even then I wasn't sure you'd approve. I still feel sure, however, that it would never have been left there by the port inspectors. I still have it, and I'll do my utmost to see that nothing happens to it. I should be coming home in November or December, but I'm not sure I'll be able to stop in Cleveland. I hope I can, because I'd like to meet you and
Your compliment on my handwriting was quite surprising, and very flattering. Thank you very much.
If you care to write again, I'd be very glad to hear from you.
Sincerely,
*Joe*.
P.F.O.
I forgot to thank you for the clippings, but they leave a question in my mind - If you have no others, they rightfully belong to you, but if you have some others, I should like to keep these always in memory of by dearest friend.
Again
*Joe*.
[envelope]