EDITOR”S NOTE: The letter below is the first of a few, sent to Clifford, Winfred’s younger brother, from his best friend Bob Merrill. Bob went to IHS and was a first cousin to Clifford’s then girlfriend Patsy Merrill, younger sister of Daisy Merrill. He was also a friend of Winfred. Bob served in the Marines. You will come to see he was a very expressive writer.
Feb. 18, 1943 (2) 0090 BMC San Diego, CA
Bob Merrill (Clifford and Winfred’s friend from Irondale) writes to FIZZ (Clifford). Hopes the letter gets to him before the army does. The marines keep him busy. He asks about Irondale and how Clifford is getting along was Bob’s cousin Pat Merrill. Life is not bad, gaining weight and getting stronger, paper is scarce, staying in camp for 8 weeks then school someplace, probably Philly to do shoe repair. He needs Winfred’s address.