Herman Wouk

He was not far, physically, from Manhasset, no further than he had been in his Broadway haunts. But he felt arctically remote.

“ […] This ship has been in the forward area since March ’42. It’s been through a lot of action. The men are all Asiatic. They probably think a fantail watch in Pearl Harbor is foolishness. […] ”

The note was good-humored and Willie swiftly decided not to take offense. “No thanks. I don’t want any medals for extraordinary heroism.” / “Old man is really Asiatic, sir, ain’t he?” said Meatball, stepping into his trousers.

I’m finished now, but the last word on my life rests with you. If you turn out well, I can still claim some kind of success in the afterworld, if there is one.

At first she had wondered what he wanted of her, when (so she had heard) plenty of round-heeled Washington girls were his at a push.