January 1 - January 29, 1945
Scope and Contents
This series of letters was written entirely from the Pacific. John describes how he spends his days on the island. His days include mess hall duty, playing baseball, getting planes combat ready, and movie nights. A recurring theme in the letters is the love between John and Irene. John plans out his marriage and time back in the states, he recalls his early dates with Irene, and expresses his love every chance he gets. A highlight from this series is a confession letter dated September 16, 1944, in which John shares aspects of his past that he fears will cause Irene to leave him. In mid-September John writes that his squadron recently moved to another island and is now on Espiritu Santo Island in the New Hebrides Archipelago. Letters dated after September 1944 show that they continue their relationship. John also made sure to send Irene a Christmas gift for the holidays and a birthday gift in January. John does not know when he will have to move to a new island but speaks to Irene about the different places he could be stationed when he returns to the United States. Even while in the Pacific, John is looking for ways to see Irene on his furlough.
Dates
- 1945
Conditions Governing Access
There are no access restrictions on this collection.
Extent
From the Collection: 10 boxes (six document boxes; two oversized boxes; two photograph boxes)
From the Collection: 6.25 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Creator
- From the Collection: Burns, John J. (Person)
- From the Collection: Jennings, Irene (Person)
Repository Details
Part of the California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections Repository
University Library South -5039 (Fifth Floor)
1000 E. Victoria St.
Carson CA 90747
310-243-3895
archives@csudh.edu