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to Estelle Spero
June 1943
Diamond, Sidney, 1922-1945
Diamond apologizes to Estelle for being in a "crummy state", and promises that it is not because of her.
GLC09120.250
Diamond provides a detailed description of the journey and the experience of being at sea. He tells her about "the heat which pounds one's body continuously." Written at sea
GLC09120.251
Sidney informs Estelle that although he is in "dangerous waters', she would "scarce realize" how little they fear their "yellow friends, their submarines, their airplanes". Written at sea
GLC09120.252
Diamond describes the "hot, sweltering horror" of the climate in the Tropics". He outlines the books that he has read on the voyage, giving Estelle short reviews of each. Written at sea
GLC09120.253
Diamond writes that no one seems to be worried about what confronts them as battle is most probably still far off. He also complains of having been suffering from acute diarrhea. Written at sea
GLC09120.254
25 July 1943
Diamond answers Estelle's questions regarding other women and finances.
GLC09120.255
Diamond discusses the time difference between his present location and New York. He tells her of his desire to share this spot, this experience with her, and writes that once the war is over, if they have sufficient funds, he would like to spend a...
GLC09120.256
26 July 1943
Diamond informs Estelle that he is located on a large island in the Southwest Pacific, where the language spoken is French. He tells her that they have been building the base camp, and that there is a large town about 22 miles away.
GLC09120.257
27 July 1943
Diamond complains about the "interminable rain".
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10 August 1943
Diamond informs Estelle that "[l]ife continues along the usual pattern of army routine."
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15 August 1943
Diamond responds to a letter sent on July 14th in which Estelle admitted that she had not liked Sidney's collar at her prom.
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22 August 1943
Diamond describes an incident of "cowboys and Indians" when he had thought that a cow in the bush had been an enemy.
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August 1943
Diamond informs Estelle that he has been moved "temporarily" from platoon leader to second-in-command of the company. Diamond describes the "mutual friendship" that had arisen between himself and the men that he had trained, saying that his voice...
GLC09120.262
September 1. 1943
Diamond informs Estelle that he "must get into combat in the near future", or he'll "rot completely down here".
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4 September 1943
Diamond writes that he now has a lot to do with naval and marine personnel, commenting on the superior conditions that the navy enjoys.
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5 September 1943
Diamond tells Estelle that she cannot possibly realize "what fortitude and elation mail from home occasions". Sidney proceeds to give detailed history of all contact with a girl named Harriet in order to quash Estelle's fears about his relationship...
GLC09120.265
7 September 1943
Diamond comments on his new palatial home, although complains about the abundance of mosquitoes.
GLC09120.266
10 September 1943
Diamond responds to various questions that Estelle had asked, reassuring her that a "date" he had mentioned was a trip to the movies with a French teacher and his wife, and also telling her that he had very much wanted to get engaged. He then asks...
GLC09120.267
11 September 1943
Diamond tells Estelle that he feels like "worn and shredded and turned out" heel, in need of repair if "the foot is to be comfortable". He writes about the difficulties he will face being "re-habilitated" back at home, and that his ideals and dreams...
GLC09120.268
12 September 1943
Diamond tells Estelle that he received a mystery letter, and asks Estelle to help him solve who the anonymous sender was.
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14 September 1943
Diamond appeals for Estelle's understanding as he tries to quell rumors about another girl.
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17 September 1943
Diamond informs Estelle that he expects to be leaving the "luxury duty" shortly.
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18 September 1943
Diamond tells Estelle that he seems to have lost his sense of humor somewhere in the South Pacific, but that he has not lost his temper. He then apologizes, explaining that he has had a trying day.
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22 September 1943
Diamond wishes Estelle a "swell Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur".
GLC09120.273
Diamond describes a hunting and fishing excursion that he, three officers and four sergeants had gone on over the weekend as a way of avoiding the "ennui". He tells her that they had got trapped in a hurricane, and that he had been forced to swim...
GLC09120.274
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