Korean War "Morale Builder" Letter

With the death of my father, I am in possession of his personal things (in addition to everything from my parent's time together to include things from my grandmother and my mother's brother who I never met).  These things predate my stepmom.

There are several things from the Korean War where my father served as a communications specialist, stationed in Austria.  In addition to finding pictures, his wool cap and his United States Football Alliance game bag which has a hand-painted and signed vignette, it appears that each place he played was hand painted--the pencil lines still on the bag.

I also found a folded letter, very tattered which appears to be one of those huckster letters that was passed around for amusement.  I recreate it here.  All 'typos' are from the letter.  I elected to stop putting in 'sic'.  I'm not sure why he kept it once returning.

Morale Builder

Dear Buddy:

Nothing much doing back hear. I sure envy you down there in Korea, in the thick of things, bet you never have a dull moment.

I was over to see your wife last night and read all of your letters, they were a bit mushy, but I don't blame you, Fran is a swell girl. Wonderful figure, looks and personality. Guys still whistle at her when she walks down the street.

Your brother-in-law Smidly dropped in. He was wearing the brown suit you bought just before you left. Fran gave it to him as she thought it would be out of style when you got back. Several other couples came in and we killed two cases of beer. Wanted to chip in for it. But Fran wouldn't let us. She said you send ten or twenty dollars extra for her to spend as she wishes. One of the guys is buying your new golf clubs too. Paid twenty dollars for them and will pick them up tomorrow. That's more than she got for your movie camera and projector.

Fran was the life of the party. I thought she'd be a little shaken after the accident last week with the Chevie, buy you'd never know she'd been in a head-on collision and smashed yur car to bits. The other driver is still in the hospital and threatening to sue. Too bad Fran forgot to pay the insurance, but the funny think is, she isn't a bit worried. We admire her courage and nonchalance and good thing you gave her power of attroney before you left. Smart girl, her willingness to mortgage the house was really wonderful.

To get back to the party, you should have seen Fran do an imitation of Gypsy Rose Lee. She was still going strong when we said goodnight to her and Claude. Guess you know Claude's rooming at your house. It's near his work and he save as lot of gas and lunch. He sas Fran can cook bacon and eggs bes in the world, and really does things to a streak.

Nothing much new with me except my wife got another raise-$100 a week now so we do okay with the $90 I get at the office. It's getting late now so I better stop. I can see through my window accoss the street. Fran and Claude are having a nightcap. He's got on the smoking jacket you wore so often.

Well, Buddy, I sure wish I could be out there with you.  Guy - Give those Commies Hell. .