In the last letter I posted from my grandpa on January 24, 1943, he wrote something that I was sure I’d mistyped.

He said, “I bought the official song of our station for you. I hope you’ll like it. Try not to lose it as it would be nice to save for a souvenir. I don’t know exactly when I’ll get it mailed, but I’ll try and get it off real soon.”

Tonight, as I was sorting the next month of letters, I found one that felt different than the rest. I opened it and found this!

I looked a little closer and found one more.

I’m sure these must be what my grandpa had referenced. Although “song” is not at all what I would call these. What word, that could be mistaken for “song” could also be used to describe the patch above?

A quick Google search of “Navy patches WWII” brought me to this. So I’m thinking Chief Petty Officer First Class. The square knot on the one Grandpa sent isn’t shown below. But Google makes me think square and figure eight knots mean apprentice. Let’s be honest, I’m not even going to pretend I know what I’m talking about.

I’m grateful for the history lesson I’m gaining from these letters and the curiosity it’s sparking in me to find out more. And with that… more to come.