Bob Merrill to Clifford

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the second letter from Bob Merrill to Clifford in response to a letter received by Bob from Clifford. Feb. 21, 1943                    0100      BMC      San Diego, CA Bob (Merrill) replies to a comment Clifford made about his niece; asks about the weather; shares that he has been swimming and has a great tan (He’s in Southern CA); asks about the Irondale pool room; leaves for the rifle range next week; still likes it pretty well; drills like hell!; been getting shots; bunks in a cabin near the movie actor Tyrone Powers; asks about how Cliff and Pat are getting along; tells Cliff to take care of the girls BUT to lay off his!

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.