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Two handwritten letters from Walter Lada to his girlfriend Irma Marhan while Lada was stationed in Bainbridge, Maryland at the United States Naval Training Center, perhaps as part of the lead-up to the Korean War. Marhan's address is Long Island City, New York, and Lada refers to her as "Hon" in both letters.
Both letters are written on U.S.N. stationery. The first sheet includes an illustration of a topless woman with a short hair bob dancing for a group of sailors. The second sheet includes an illustration of a woman, dressed in a slip and feathered headdress, smoking a pipe next to a sailor. mentions to Marhan that "a few of the fellas ordered" this stationery.
The first letter, dated 29 February 1952, discusses Lada's training with gas masks, his plans for his liberty the following night, and a concert played by Ray Anthony and his band. He mentions their plans for a "first date" when he returns home on leave. Lada closes with a word puzzle.
The second letter, dated 3 April 1952, shares his orders to leave Maryland and go to Jacksonville, Florida. He is unable to call or telegram Marhan because "the phones are booked for the next few days." Lada shares how much he loves and misses Marhan; he hopes she will wait for him.