Excerpts from Letters to Mom in italics.
22 September 1964 [Postcard]
I got your cards, letters & record today, thanks. However, I haven't had a chance to play it yet. I saw Dick Coleman last week for one day. We talked and had a couple brews & dinner.
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| Zum Hirsch, HauptStrasse 88, Built in 1583, Oldest Building in Zweibrucken. |
Fortunately, Fehr was able to salvage the situation for the divinity student by vouching on his top-secret crypto clearance that his incarcerated friend was who he said he was and no threat to our national security. He quickly whisked Dick down the mountain to a friendlier venue - an historic Gasthaus treating him to victuals and wassails. In the amicable confines of the stately Zum Hirsch, they were momentarily able to forget about the unpleasantries and the paranoia permeating Cold War society.
02 October 1964
It's pretty late so I'll probably be pretty brief. I circled some of your questions from your last several letters so I wouldn't forget to reply.
I'm not planning on taking any more college courses right now. Navy personnel must have 6 years obligated service to get tuition assistance. I have 5. Air Force & I think Army can take courses without any stipulation about time in service or service obligation. That means an Air Force man sitting next to me regardless if he's been in only one day & I've been in one day less than 6 yrs, would only pay $9 for a course and I $36. Tuition assistance is ¾ and not to exceed 75% of the cost.
The castle [Koenigsbourg] is about 100 miles due South of Zweibrücken in France just below Strasbourg.
New Business. I've been seriously thinking about renting a room in downtown Zwei again. I've spoken to one German renter and will probably get a place soon. I guess it'll cost about $25/month for a furnished room. I'll probably know one way or the other in a couple weeks. Reason for the decision - I want a place at my disposal where Gretchen and I can have some privacy and be alone occasionally [under a down (Federtic) comforter].
30 October 1964 Friday
One of the married guys invited we four single sailors out for Thanksgiving. Last year it was just four of us drinking bier & eating turkey and we put away 4 ½ cases of Löwenbräu. Sure wish I could buy a case of Löwen or Parkbräu in the states for $1.60. Another of the guys is having us out Xmas eve and Xmas for chow & "egg nog." I'm not being neglected.
I'm off today (got weekend duty and just finished GI-ing [cleaning] the room. We have another inspection tomorrow. This new COLONEL is gung ho! I'm going to stop for chow.
13 November 1964 Friday
Was kind of wondering when Sondra [sister, 19 years old] was going to get married. Thought it would be before now. Wish them luck and use this money order in any way you see fit toward a wedding present or something. Thanks, sorry, I can't make it.
If you're against long or prolonged engagements, I suppose it's because of the high probability of premarital relations. [Wonder what mom had written to provoke the following stream of Navy logic?] Personally, I don't see anything wrong with a reasonable amount of premarital relations. When you buy a new car you want to "test drive" it before you invest the money. Well a life long mate is a much more precious and important possession. [Whoa, careful, sailor. Possession conjures up chattel or property misconstruing the intended analogy. Believe the youngster meant to emphasize the "importance" aspect of the life long mate.] And since sex is such an important facet of marriage a reasonable amount of "test driving" isn't deplorable. [Stick shift, no doubt!] You mentioned something about being "lucky." In this modern age one must either "not give a damn" or not be "cautious" - that is unless you play Catholic roulette (rhythm). [Ah, he's concerned with contraception, not necessarily good hygiene.] Maybe I'd better knock on wood or I'll end up eating my words.
I got my [absentee] ballot and voted about 10 days prior to the election. Generally, the outcome pleased me - probably because the campaign was over. Thank God it's Friday! I'm all fixed to go downtown to meet Gretchen. I better hurry, a buddy offered me a ride and I'll have time to drink a brew or two before I pick her up. So I'll sign off.
21 November 1964
Things between Gretchen and me are probably better than ever; her mother likes me but doesn't sanction my going out with her. I hope that soon will be remedied. Gretchen and I have been "underground" for the last year. When I get home we'll have to save one evening for a satisfactory explanation.
02 December 1964
I should have mailed this instead of waiting to think of something else to finish the letter. I was in a gasthaus downtown last week when outside horns and sirens went off and many, many fire trucks with their blue lights flashing stopped outside. I ran out to look and could hardly see because of the smoke. Polizei sealed off the street. I found out later it was only a drill, but it was realistic! After I returned from the head, I finished my bier rather hastily and left… [It is] Several hours later - Can't seem to be able to sit still more than a few minutes.
The Chief and OIC [have] been trying to get me to re-enlist. They said I could be sent to Kamiseya, Japan, after I spent about one year in America (Ft. Meade). It does have some appeal, especially since I'm good at my work and like it. I also like to travel and have no plans for when I get discharged. I might give it a little thought.
02 December 1964 [Postcard addressed to little brother and sister.]
Hi! I hope you two are being good and studying hard in school. I'm always reading books, magazines and papers so that when I return and you ask me questions, that I'll be able to answer intelligently. So, you had better be able to ask intelligent questions. I wonder if Mom makes you do chores and make your own beds - I guess not. I bet she sure would like it so much more if you would do these little things on your own. When you get big & leave home you'll wish you would have - Lots of love from your brother Steve!
20 December 1964
I bought this stationary last month and I guess it's time I make use of it. I hope this letter and cards arrive by Xmas. I hadn't planned on sending cards, but I ran into a handicapped fellow peddling them for anything you wanted to give him. I guess I'm soft 'cause I couldn't pass him by.
Bobby sure got big - and he looks so much like Pepper, too. Shall I send it back? Have you seen any of my old school buddies? I dropped a card to Tony Jennetti instructing him to drop over for some "Christmas Cheer."
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21 December 1964 [Christmas Postcard to little brother.]
Dear Bobby, Mother sent me your picture with Santa Claus. I sure was surprised to see how big you have grown. Sure wish I could be home to see all the presents everybody gets from ol' S. Claus this year. I bet Pepper can translate what the "Mädel" (little girl) with the "Christbaum" (Christmas tree) is wishing you. Stay a good boy and have a Merry Christmas. Your Big Brother.
21 December 1964 [Postcard to little sister.]
Dear Betsy, Have you heard the German Christmas carol "Oh Tannenbaum?" They're singing about the fir trees on the front. I guess you know enough "Deutsch" to translate the greeting on the other side; if not they must have a dictionary at school. I hope Santa is good to you especially if you've been good! Auf Wiedersehen und frohe Fest!