T2020.102.489

Ft. Rugen, T.H.

3-6-22

Dear Helen:

I don't know what you will think of me for writing not to you, but please except my apolgies for this time and I will try to do better next time. I can't think of any better way to celebrate my birthday than by writing to the best girl on earth. Just think, I am twenty-one years old today. That is about four years more than you, isn't it? When is your birthday?

Well I will not be in this Army much longer. I have

only got seven months and a week to do. Believe me, if it is possible, my first stop on my way home will be at Arcadia, cause there is the best of reasons for my stopping there. Don't you think there is?

I have got a swell job now. I am on detached service; about a mile from the post and nearly eight hundred feet above sea level, so you see, I have "rose." The reason they sent me up here is because they needed a signalman and so I was told to come. Because this station up here, it is supposed to be manned by artillerymen, and I am an A.S. man. To get to the station, one must go thru three tunnels. So you see, it is secret. It is the station where the commanding officer does all of his observing and directs the big search lites. There are four stations all the same arranged in tiers and then two spare stations off on each side. Then, on top, is where I do all of my signalling.

I have just finished my supper and I will try to complete my letter.

How is everything there in the states? I hear it is pretty hard to get work. There is plenty of work and money over here. How are your

parents? I hope they are well.

Are you still going to school? What do you plan to do when you graduate? I don't know for sure yet what I will do, but I have some plans.

I think I will go to the show tonight. I do wish you were here to go with me. I have been so lonesome over here for the past two years. But I was never lonesome back in Arcadia, I should say not.

Have you ever saw, ,in,, any picture of this place? I have got about seventy or more to show you when I return. Some of them is of the famous living

volcano on the island of Hawaii. Some people think there is only one island over here, but there are eight. I will send you the names of some of them by next letter for I must look them up. For they are such funny names. I am not on the island of Hawaii, I am on Oahu, (O-ah-hu). There is a lot of fine scenery on this island. There is one place on here where the wind is so strong that a man can hardly stand up. It is called the Pali (Pah-le). It means cliff. It is a famous battleground.

I must close for now darling. I get ready to go to the show. It takes me about one half an hour to get there. I am sorry I can't take you with me dear, but as we are seperated, it is impossible. But some day I can.

Now, please do not wait as long as I did to answer this letter, but write soon as I always love to hear from, ,you..

Always your friend,

H.M. Hellinger

P.S. Please don't die of shock when you look at this picture.

Pvt. H.M. Hellinger,

Third Balloon Co,

Ft. Ruger, T.H.