Love letters from a sailor to his wife.
By Edward Ferguson
Copyright © 2013 by Edward Ferguson
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher and author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the author, addressed “Attention: Edward Ferguson,” at the address below.
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Edward Ferguson
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In remembrance of my grandfather.
Letters written in the days following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
This is a collection of letters written in the days following the attack on Pearl Harbor. These are actual letters hand written from a husband to his wife. Text has been translated to the best of my abilities. No spelling was corrected and I tried to replicate the spacing and indenting much how it appeared in the letters.
Edward R. King, Jr. and his wife Bula Lee King (aka “Boogie”)
Table of Contents
Love letters from a sailor to his wife.
Tuesday 16 November (actually December) 1941
Wednesday 24 Dec. 1941 (Christmas Eve)
Dearest Boogie,
Heard of an air attack on Pearl Harbor about 0800 left home with Bill and Stan. Arrived quickly, planes everywhere. Oklahoma capsized, West Va. Burning upright but low in the water, Arizona burning fiercely and California afire. Got a boat and made the Maryland, W. Va. being abandoned. Took charge of port 5”25 battery of Maryland. Men performing admirably, but fire didn’t seem to be very effecting. The Nevada steamed by heading for sea we tried to cover her. Dive bombers blew her all to hell but she cleared the channel and ran aground. Bombers laid bombs at the Pennsylvania in dry dock but they overshot and hit the Cassin & Downes in an adjacent dock. The Arizona blew up, probably a magazine, but it looks as if she had blown once before.
Oil on the water is all afire and we had to fight fire and move excess ammunition to safety. Maryland’s Gunnery Officer told me he had heard of a fire in the forward hold so I went to investigate. A bomb hit the paint locker trucks but it broke the fire mains and was being put out. I got too much gas and got goofy but grabbed a hot wire with feet in water and shock woke me up so I got out fast and sent a repair party up to the scene of the fire. When I got topside again the raid was over and after a while I was ordered by Capt. Carter to leave the ship with Oklahoma evacuees for the air station. At the air station I helped with the wounded a while then ran a truck with machine gun ammunition to the air field, Luke Field, Stan Trocetha stayed there helping them belt it up while I returned for more men and ammunition. After finishing ammunition job I found the W. Va. Survivors at B.O.Q. and stopped there. We were very lucky. Only two officers missing and very few men. The captain was killed. He died a hero’s death not leaving the ship and issuing orders to the last.
About noon I took a detail of men to the W. Va. To fight the fireit was pretty bad. The ship will never fight again. 1. Bomb thru turret III, it was a 14 or 15” shell connected to a bomb but didn’t explode. The top armor is not thick enough. One bomb thru the signal bridge. Four torpedoes hit port side amidships very close together. Fought fire until dark then were relieved by fresh men. Fire now under control. Went to Air Station to a barracks found three quarts of whisky and my 50 men really made fast work of it. Went to sleep in the barracks all to ourselves. I can’t imagine how so few were lost on the ship but all but 100 men are accounted for.
You are a perfect wife and darling and I hope you are safe.
I love you
Ed.
My sweetheart.
Last night we thought we were raided but they opened A.A. (anti aircraft) fire on our own planes shot down two of six. It’s a shame but those things will happen.
Went to the ship at dawn and continued fighting fire it is almost out. Yard craft are helping us. At non the fire was out and we removed what dead we could find, not many. Took Capt. Bennion off last he wasn’t burned as Picketts put him in a fairly safe place just before leaving the ship.
Left the ship in the afternoon for Recreation Center where our men are now stationed. Moral is high. Got a bath and clean clothes, sure do feel better.
We have set up security watches on the ship and I have the midwatch so I will soon go to bed. In the excitement I don’t tired tho yet.
I hope you are safe. Al Bergnes told me that Jane was in with you. I think the house is as safe as any.
I love you
Ed
Dearest Wife
The ship was like a grave last night but there was a lot of tension around. They have routed out some spys (sp.) from among the navy yard workmen and some were caught.
I surely enjoyed talking to you over the telephone and I hope I can get in to see you tomorrow.
Preparations for defense of the harbor are completed now it is a pity we are two days late.
Can’t get any news of successes on services at sea but I don’t see how we can miss getting some of them.
I got a new uniform outfit today so I am fairly well set.
Keep your chin up angel.
Your loving husband
Ed.
Dearest Boogie
Today
is our third wedding anniversary and I wish it could be a more pleasant one but
we are very happy lucky.
Had the 8-12 watch and we removed bodies from the Arizona. Very few were saved on her. She lost over 1200 men I believe. Their bodies are just beginning to float up, and many were burned to death in the fire.
The visit of a few hours with you was perfect. You always had the facility for melting my troubles away and you can even make war, or slaughter as it was, seem far away and unreal. It is so comforting to know that you are safe, that the town is well cared for, and that your spirit is so high.
At 2000 I was transferred to the Maryland. Nixon and two picked Arizona officers are being sent over too. They want me for Spot I and I know this installation forward & backwards.
The Executive officer told me to let him know of future changes. He is trying to keep track of the W Va. Personnel to send us to man a new battleship. We have a complete crew, and it sure would be a fighting ship. The W Va. Was the best offensive ship afloat, it is a shame she didn’t get to go down with all guns blazing the way we wanted to.
The Maryland is slightly damaged but she will soon be O.K. and we will make her an avenging angel we hope.
Be sweet my love and know that the last three years living with you have been perfect.
Love
Ed.
Thursday 11 December 1941
My Darling
The Maryland is very nice but I can’t find much to do. We will be organized soon and I will then feel at home.
It is sickening to look over at the W. Va (West Virginia) after spending 5 ½ years on her they finally shot her from under me.
The Admiral & Chief of Staff saw me today and said they were very glad to have me. Sabin selected me to come over.
They are getting a radar on here and I am in charge of installing it. So I have my job for the present.
I love you little girl and pray for your safety and that of our little daughter. Bring her up to be just like you. I wish you were with her now.
Be have my love,
Ed.
Precious One
We had an air raid alarm early this morning and I thought it might be the real thing however it passed. I believe they will never attack this island again unless they defeat our fleet and that isn’t likely. If they do it will be a night attack.
They say there will be liberty for 25% of the officers and men from now on. I hope I can get Sunday off.
The radar work is coming along not so well for the yard force is slightly disorganized, but we will get it in soon I hope.
My prayers are with you each day darling and I hope you are making out well.
Love
Ed
Dearest Boogie
Today seemed more like normal.
The radar work is coming along nicely, and the ship seems to be getting better organization.
The bomb or 2 bombs hit on the forecastle caused more damage than anyone had figured on. It seems one hit the ship directly while another hit the water then pierced the ship below the waterline.
There was an enemy submarine loose in the harbor today but there isn’t much information on it they bombed a spot it was supposed to be. It is a disgrace that one could even get in here, much less the fact that it could lie around for several hours without detection then after being located in this small a harbor and shallow water not be blown to bits definitely and immersed watery (not sure on 2 words).
Harry Stark and Claude Ricketts reported aboard for duty today, but about 2100 Harry left to go we believe to a destroyer. He is a fire officer, and I hope he has all the good luck possible.
Because of the submarine scare liberty was cancelled today I still hope to get off to see you tomorrow. If I can’t perhaps I can call you or you can come in. I love you so angel that I want to hold you in my arms as closely and frequently as possible yet we have a tremendous job to do on these ships.
I love you,
Ed
My Sweetheart,
Today was beautiful for I was with you and any day with you is a perfect one.
I was lucky not to miss you, I am sorry our signals got mixed and you made the extra trip in but I am glad you saw Pearl Harbor.
The radar made extra good progress in spite of my absence so I can see I am not essential, no one is in this game.
The boots and grey sweater are swell. I didn’t even look at the other sweater as I liked the first one so well.
Motor torpedo boats planted a depth charge on our mythical sub. and nothing happened. So I hope the(y) quit(?).
I Love you
Ed.
Monday 15 December 1941
Precious One,
Today was uneventful; the radar is being installed rapidly and without event.
I can’t see why we are sitting here doing nothing. Some of these ships can go on out and from the word we get the Islands west of here need us.
There was some word of a future evacuation of dependents from here. I hope you have a the chance to leave soon. The people home will be happier with you there, and you will be happier with Betty Lee (daughter) and safer there and I will free from worry of your safety and welfare. I love you so and will fight (for) your safety, but I want you as safe as possible while I fight.
I love you,
Ed.
Beloved,
Today I gathered up odds and ends. My pay accounts and such are now on the Maryland and I am officially settled.
I enjoyed the phone chat with you. You are so sweet and brave my angel.
You are on the list for evacuation now and I hope you can soon return to Memphis. You will be far better off there. Our daughter will be the company to make you content with me away. Take good care of her for with God on our side we will try our hardest to make this a better world to live in for future generation.
Be sweet my love and tomorrow I hope to see you.
I love you,
Ed.
My Darling
Today they gave us a deadline of midnight to get ready to go to sea on signal. I wonder when or where we will go. I wish I could get on a destroyer as executive officer.
Comdr. Hillenkoelter is now Executive officer here. Admiral Pye is Cincylac and Nimitz Cincus. Adm. Pye is a fine tactician and a close friend of mine.
I am glad you are working steady now for it will make time pass faster until you can get off this Island.
I enjoyed the few minutes with you tremendously and if I am still here Sunday I will spend the day with you my true love. Be sweet and be brave.
I love You
Ed.
My Sweetheart
Today was very routine. The radar work is progressing more slowly and hitting lots of snags. There is a mounting tension about our going to sea soon. If you were safe in Memphis I would be more than glad got to sea but I now feel I may be of help and comfort to you. I’ll be glad when you are home then I can concentrate whole heartedly on the job at hand as I should.
They are starting limited overnight liberty tonight gee I’d love to spend the night with you.
Love
Ed.
Boogie Dearest
I am on the regular D.O.D. watch list and love is on our side cause I get to go home tonight.
My claim for loss of equipment is now complete and it comes to about $1100 and I feel that is a just value for all I lost. I wish I could have gotten your fur coat on the list but that is not possible. Even if they don’t allow civilian clothes I should get about $750 worth and that will outfit me nicely as I had too much stuff for a naval officer.
Well I must dress now and go have a date with the world’s most wonderful woman.
I love you
Ed.
Precious
Last night with you was perfect. Now that I know we won’t have another together for a long time. I know I shall remember it until another replaces it.
I stood the 8-12 watch and about noon a report came up to fire up all bombers. Then another that the planes were returning so I knew we were about to leave. I know you will know soon that I have sailed.
We left at 1600 but I know we are going to the coast. I hope to get a destroyer back there and come back out. Harry Stark escorted us out until dark then we three battleships plus four destroyers went on alone.
We are heading west but I feel sure it’s a decoy to throw the Japs off the trail. Just after we cleared the harbor a submarine was reported near and we maneuvered radically and the destroyers laid depth charges. I don’t know if they got him or not I hope that they did.
About the time we cleared the harbor four merchant men came out with a destroyer escort. I have a hunch we all will join up in the morning after we are clear of submarine waters.
I am standing OOD watches and their watch standers don’t seem very hot as compared with the top watch crew on the W. Va. I guess that’s the last time I’ll see that great ship.
May God be with you my angel and keep you safe and bring you to good old USA soon.
I
Love You, Ed.
My Darling
Last night the Captain wouldn’t let me stand a watch ‘cause I was not a full Lt. This morning we had General Quarters at 530 and then after it secured I stood the Of-12 and now I have a whole watch section day and night, so I guess he liked our Wee Vee watch standing.
We are clear of expected submarine areas now and my only wish is that I had you stowed away in a drawer in this very room. We headed West then north so it is certain that we are getting set to head East to Brenerton. The big shots are having their blue uniforms pressed up. I haven’t any.
Be sweet my love and go straight home as I am going to try to get a new Destroyer in Brenerton and go West.
I love you, Ed.
Sweetheart
We are steaming toward Bremerton. How I wish you could be there waiting for me. However I am not going to stay around there waiting. I want to get on a destroyer as soon as possible. This feeling of waiting for some small ship to take care of you is not my idea. As far as I can see the destroyer is the only ship which is self protecting. What she can’t outfight she can outrun. She will even aircraft a lot of trouble as her smallness and maneuverability make her a very difficult target to hit.
Be sweet my love and know that I love you. I’ll telephone Memphis when we get in.
Love
Ed.
Beautiful Boogie
Gosh but it’s getting cold. We go to general quarters each day at 0530 and the wind whistles three Spot I carrying ice xxx. I’ll be glad when I can get some warm clothes once again.
Ralph Beachman was flying today and sighted a merchantman. She was flying without colors so he shot close to her with his guns. He says she really ran up her colors in a hurry. She was American.
From the news the war isn’t going so well. I sure hope they get the East Coast fleet out here in a hurry. Then I hope we go to town on the Japs.
I love you darling and hate to think of finally getting to Bremerton without you there.
Love
Ed.
My Beloved Wife,
It certainly is a different Christmas to that which we had planned and so different to the last three perfect ones which I have known since being married to you, perfect one. There is bound to be a silver lining somewhere, I hope it soon will show. We are safe, but with our friends dying all over the Pacific so hopelessly outnumbered I feel ashamed to be heading for the coast. The Philippines will undoubtedly fall and gallant little Wake Island has fallen. Hawaii is safe I know, but how I wish you were in Memphis so my mind would be free from worry. I love you so my angel that you are in my every thought and with you in Honolulu alone and I know unhappy I am miserable. There’s lots of fighting to be doing and it’s high time we did a little of it so I hope you get home safe and sound and soon so I can devote every thought to the terrible task at hand. Surely we shall soon get organized and be able to carry the fight to them where it will do the most good.
A Merry Christmas to you my love and may God take care of you until I am in a position to once again look after the finest person I have ever known.
The best Christmas present I can think of would be to take you in my arms and hold you close in a world of peace and good will toward men. Since I can’t do that I can only hope that by fighting that next Christmas or before many have passed I’ll be able to do just that. Be sweet my love and keep your chin up for you know I’ll always love you. Ed.
Little Girl
Gee I hope you aren’t sad today, but I know you too well to believe that you are not. What a wonderful Christmas it would be if I could be with you.
Everything is routine and quiet on board. I went to church services today and their young chaplain, a Lt. (jay) is good. Such an improvement over the usual run of those I have known.
I wrote up my request for destroyer duty today I hope the Captain and Admiral will give it a favorable endorsement tomorrow.
It is getting colder each day and I just about freeze every morning in Spot I. I wish instead of getting out of bed to climb up there at 0530 I could roll over, take you in my arms, feel you snuggle closer so warm and soft, and then go back to sleep.
I should gripe about my hardships when here I am safe and sound on a big battleship running away from the fighting while those in the Far East are hanging on by the skin of their teeth.
I hope you can get a clipper out of Honolulu or else get out on one of the first few convoys. I think you will be safe either way for they will track the submarines down in short order now and they aren’t likely to strike a convoy when so many unescorted ships are running around.
Take care of yourself my precious one and make the best of this situation.
I love you with al my heart and I know I am the luckiest man on the earth just to be,
Your husband.
Little Girl
The sea is really acting up. The barometer is dropping and the wind is increasing so it looks as if we are in for a real blow. It makes everything safer tho but I don’t concur with everyone’s desire for a safe voyage, if there are any ships out here to fight we’re are just the guys to run into them. The only thing that would definitely hold an upper hand would be an aircraft carrier and I doubt one could be here. It gets colder each day but I have some warm clothes now and don’t mind so much.
I wish I could talk to you to find out just how you are making out and when you can hope to leave the Islands.
Be sweet my love and take care of yourself for you are precious to me. Ed.
Dearest Boogie,
Boy is it rough. This ship leaks like a sieve, and wallows like a hog. We rolled over 20 degrees on my watch last night steadily people sick all over. I feel fine but it’s the first time I’ve had to eat out of my hand on a battleship.
I am glad you aren’t in this northern Pacific now for I fear your rosey lovely skin would have a green tinge. I do hope you cross soon my love for I know you are lonely.
We picked up the West Coast escort today and we now have considerable force but the Pennsylvania and the three Destroyers left for San Fran. Today.
I love you dear heart and pray that you are safe and sound.
Always your
Ed.
Precious
Today we are nearing the coast tomorrow we will be in the channel of Puget Sound. It sure is cold and still rough.
As we near the coast tension grows and it’s all because of the wrong attitude. We have made this trip like helpless ships stealing away to a haven. True it is that submarines are our only threat and we should avoid them at all costs but not at the price of lowering moral. The officers could at least be ordered to tell the men we are out to find and destroy enemy ships and swing out as if we were but we are zigzagging and acting like scared rabbits and everyone knows it.
I love you precious and hope you can soon leave Hawaii.
Always
Ed.
Sweetheart
We are in Puget Sound or rather the Straits of Juan de Fuca and it sure is pretty here with the snow covered peaks. We have waited so long to arrive here with a few months of being together and now I am here and you are far away. I hope you will be able to join me here before we sail but I hope I go to a destroyer very soon.
Tonight we moored off Bumerton and unloaded powder after we finish, tomorrow noon we will go to the dock.
I hope to get ashore in a day or two to call Memphis and tell them we are OK.
Be sweet my love, and hurry home as soon as possible.
Love
Ed.
My Boogie
We are all tied up to the dock now and I have the duty and it’s very cold. Gee I wish you were here. To help celebrate New Year’s Eve and our birthdays.
We left the anchorage and tied up at 1400. The British Battleship Warspite is here but they are building no destroyers here. I had hoped to slip off this ship with orders to a new destroyer being built up here. I understand they are building some at Mare Island, so perhaps I can go there.
It’s almost the end of the year and I sure hope 1942 finds us going places in this war.
Goodnight my love and may God bless you and keep you always.
Ed.
Wonderful Wife
I bought a uniform today and put it in calls to Memphis from Officers Club. Billy told me you were in San Francisco. Gee Boogie you are wonderful. You can go and do with the best of them. I am very proud of you and very thankful that you are back safe and sound.
I sure had trouble getting you n the telephone two more delays and two more drinks would have finished me.
Well I’ll be seeing you in a short while.
Love
Ed.
Ed King would go on to become a Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. They would live out their lives happily in Tennessee and be survived by 3 children and 8 grandchildren.
