The Story
Sunday, December 7, 1941, at 7:55 a.m., the attack on Pearl Harbor begins. At 8:10 a.m. the USS Arizona explodes.
In this Hawaiian winter morning light, Army Nurse 2nd Lt. Mary Lou Haines is sitting with nurses on the veranda of the military hospital in Pearl Harbor. The nurses are celebrating Mary Lou’s birthday, which had been the day before. The smell of fresh brewed coffee and warm breakfast rolls float over the party. The roar of planes interrupts their laughter and conversation as the Japanese attack begins.
On the other side of the island, Capt. Charles Taylor of the 73rd Fighter Squadron and his fellow pilots are too far away to experience the direct hit from the Japanese. However, they hear the horrendous sounds of explosions and know instantly what is happening. Within minutes, Capt. Taylor and the other pilots are rushing toward the action.
The United States enters World War II, and Mary Lou continues her service at the Station Hospital, Hickam Field. Capt. Taylor and his fighter squadron are sent further into the Pacific.
Against this backdrop, Capt. Charles Taylor begins to write letters to 2nd Lt. Mary Lou Haines.
Below are copies of several actual letters. These letters help create a picture of their love story and time together. The discovery of the letters, tied in red ribbon, begins an adventure that eventually brings a family together.
The Letters
Mary Lou Darling,
Here is my idea of how I would like to spend my leave.
4 Jan 42
“What could be more fitting than that I should write you a letter on Thanksgiving day–you who are one of my better blessings.”
“If you can come…I will make reservations at the Volcano House, Kiluea M.C., or the Kona Inn, whichever you prefer.”
In answer to your questions:
Kiluea Military Camp does have fair horses, a fun golf course and clubs for rent. The cabins are damn nice—a fireplace in each—living rm and bd rm. I will reserve one of the best cabins for you starting Wednesday 13th.
Send me a picture of “young slug” if is isn’t too much trouble and I’ll see if he looks like you “ now that he is getting pretty.” I rather think he does. Anyhow let me see.
Dearest Mary Lou,
The picture of the kid looks fine. I think he looks a lot like his mother. Of course the picture doesn’t show his face very well. He doesn’t look as if he had any hair to spare, does he?
Thank you again for the letters and pictures. If you are ever in need of anything I wish you would let me know first.
Love, Chas
Sept 23, 1944
3 October 1944
Dearest Mary Lou,
...to get any news of Mary Lou I must read between the lines of your letters. And how come Slug doesn’t ride yet? Is the retarded? I’ll bet he can’t read and write either. How unfortunate?
I want to see you very badly. I have a lot to talk over with you.
