Naval History and Heritage Command

Background

This postcard was sent by Robert Willis to June Staley less than a week after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. These postcards were an effort by military authorities to permit servicemembers to notify their loved ones of their status. Because of the uncertainties of the ongoing conflict, communication was limited to a choice of standard responses. The member was required to cross off statements that were inapplicable. Luckily, Willis indicates that he survived the attack without major injury.

In a time when Hawaii was a remote, hardship duty station, many of these postcards took an agonizing six weeks to reach the mainland. Little is known about the relationship between Willis and Staley, but it is believed that Willis was Staley’s high school friend.

THIS SIDE OF CARD IS FOR ADDRESS

TO          Miss June Staley

                915 Tujunga Ave.

                Burbank, California

                U.S.A.

I am well                               (sick[crossed out]           -(serious[crossed out]

I have been admitted to hospital as (wounded[crossed out]       -(not serious[crossed out]

Am getting on well. Hope to return to duty soon[crossed out]

                                                (Letter dated November 10

I have received your       (Telegram dated[crossed out]

                                                (Parcel dated[crossed out]

Letter follows at first opportunity.

I have received no letter from you (for a long time[crossed out]

                                                                   (lately[crossed out]

Signature Robert H. Willis

Date December 12, 1941

NOTHING IS TO BE WRITTEN ON THIS SIDE EXCEPT TO FILL IN THE DATA SPECIFIED. SENTENCES NOT REQUIRED SHOULD BE CROSSED OUT. IF ANYTHING ELSE IS ADDED THE POSTCARD WILL BE DESTROYED.

Ans. Dec. 17

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