January 30 - February 28, 1944

In January of 1944 John arrived at the Marine Corps Air Station in El Centro, California. This series of letters consists of detailed accounts of John and other marines attempting to get back on base in time for check-in. With John and Irene both in California, the early letters of this series consist of planning weekends together and recalling previous their previous meetings. John admits his love for Irene in these letters and is now willing to get engaged. However, John understands the reality of their situation and knows he will soon be shipped to the Pacific. John believes Irene should continue dating in the meantime. In April of 1944, John received a promotion from Private First Class to Corporal. In May 1944, marines were shipped overseas. John writes their destination in a letter, but the information is cut out as their letters are now being censored and reviewed by Naval Intelligence. Letters in June begin to describe life on the island where his squadron is stationed. Two envelopes have notes on them that read: “June 15 2nd + 4th Marine Div. Launch assault on Saipan” and “Tiniaio Bombarded From Saipan”.