Airplane Stationery — Somewhere At Sea
Letter #7 — Valentine's Day

Dear Sweetheart—

Happy Valentine Day.

The Navy Band has been playing for us. Quite enjoyable.

Well I really believe I have my "sea legs" now.

So you want to know what other foods I like besides Steak & French Frieds — congratulations on the French Frieds (You said you learned how to make them.) Well you know mushrooms or mushroom sauce on the steak is just about the best. But leaving that — well I do like a veal cutlet — not thick — the thinner the cut the better. I think a simple tomato sauce on that is best. Oh yes — onion soup (but we both must have it together — I almost forgot the hamburger I had with a slice of raw Bermuda onion [I like that] when we were at Kunnels with Monty + you didn't have the onion — I love you more than onions. But if we do have onion soup, French bread — you know the long white bread — + grated Italian cheese [white + I think it's Parmesan or something like that, but it would be better to ask to be sure]. Of course shrimp or oyster cocktail — naturally — starts the meal after a Manhattan. We top the meal off with a shortcake — plenty of cream — or an eclair. Incidentally a shortcake is easy to make — two light little cakes with a layer of whip cream between them + topped with more whip cream + strawberries or peaches or pineapple.

I am sure though that your cooking efforts are proceeding very nicely & I will find that I have also married the bestest cook. I don't think I am too finicky about the food I eat — though I do like it to be well prepared & well served — a little touch of elegance goes a long way. I shan't forget the steak dinner you served no! made too that Friday night in Atlanta. It was wonderful. Sha'll never forget it.

I am anxiously awaiting the pictures you are sending me — of you + of our home.

I keep your picture propped against the wall in my berth — can't fall — + so you see I take your pictures to bed with me always & your image is in my heart all the time.

A month in bed with you!

[Hand-drawn heart with "A.B." and "D♡B" inside, with an arrow through it]

My Valentine.

Your devoted husband,
Dolph

2nd Lt. A.J. Bennett
Inf. Co. A — 3rd Plat.
A.P.O. 15777 c/o P.M.
New York, N.Y.