1967 - 1968 Group of Letters from a U.S. Navy Seaman stationed aboard the USS Independence to his Family in New Jersey
U.S.A. Not Published, 1967. Manuscript. Not Bound. Very Good. Item #26715
(14) pieces of correspondence, handwritten letters; most with their original mailing envelopes with postal cancellations; one of these envelopes has the USS Independence imprint & liberty bell insignia. Paul A. Powell is in the U.S. Navy; in 1967 he is stationed for training at the Naval Station San Diego CA and corresponds with various members of his family in Glendora, New Jersey. In January of 1968 he receives his berth assignment on the U.S.S. Independence. The author mentions that the trainees are not allowed to watch the TV show Prince Planet and that he'd "...had a good flight out here (San Diego) but I do not think that I like Calif....When we landed in L.A. I thought that I was getting sick, but it was only the smog..." On the Independence, there are visits to Cuba amidst cruising the Caribbean and 'carrier duty.' "…Today on the ship we had a show put on by the Holley's they are a group from England and have had quite a few big hits. There (sic) show lasted for about an hour and half. They were really great and it did not even cost me a cent…" As of May, 1968, "…We are cruising off the Island of Crete. I got my young ass in trouble the other day and am restricted in Athens for 7 days….have to stay on this tub while we are there. I did not do anything serious, but I got pissed and had an argument with a chief…" Mentioned also are stops in Toulon, Genoa, Naples, Malta & Istanbul and the possibility of taking military-sponsored land tours while in Europe. Not much on political concerns or the future, although preparedness exercises "in case we go to war" are noted. He is fairly frugal and often forgoes shore leave in order to save money and is anxious to finish his 2 year naval enlistment commitment. He always writes with fondness and kind concern for everyone in the family and expresses his love to them; he's homesick. The writing is legible and clear; some wear, soiling & tears to the envelopes and a few stains to the letters; overall, in very good condition.
Price: $65.00