Saturday
I arrived today at Hamilton Field, San Francisco, California. That place was a Mecca. Everyone wanted a Permanent Party there; and all seven crews1 of us would have gladly stayed had there not been a war to fight the little yellow men of Japan.
In my mind remains, the good-natured ribbing of one another, and the remarks we addressed to the girls employed on that base. We had arrived around five o’clock when the civilian women were knocking off for the day. From the various buildings, these girls were streaming across the different areas to the bus lines. Having been aboard a partial troop train for four days, we were quite interested in the movements that only girls can make with different sections of their bodies. A good deal of flirting was done by the various and sundry types of men. This was forgivable due to the fact that we expected to see no white women for the Lord knows how long. Is it any wonder that desires arose in us?
The imposing buildings where Combat Crew Processing is being done spewed forth a number of particularly good-looking gals. In one of the windows, we could see stacks of mattresses. One of the crewmen looked at those mattresses, dropped his eyes to the women and shouted “Oh my God! Room and broad!” That caused an uproar among the men and many blushes to the women.
Yes, it was all very gay; and helped to prepare our nerves for what was to come before we returned home again.
We received our quarters and meal tickets, ate our dinners and retired as soon as possible, afterwards. The meal was one of the best Army meals I’d ever eaten. After four days on the train from Savannah, Georgia, the showers were quite the best that any of us had ever enjoyed.
I added emphasis to my prayers that night. Prayed for the well-being of my wonderful wife and both of our families. Everyone had been so grand to us; and I’d enjoyed a good many of life’s happiest moments. Is it any wonder, blessed as I am?
Notes & Commentary:
1 These seven B-25 crews were on their way to the 42nd Bombardment Group based on Guadalcanal. These men were replacements.
Wayne's Journal 