Somewhere
June 10, 1944
Dear Thelma & Walt,
Just received your letter mailed May 12 and I really enjoyed it. Your letters are always “newsy” and you have a very good sense of humor, and that’s a compliment.
I see by your letter that when you spent Sunday at home that you had a picnic at the park. Boy, does that sound good to me. Surely reminds me of the old times. Also, the parking down town and “watching the people”. You don’t know how lucky you are to be able to do that.
You asked about the oak-leaf cluster, well, to be truthful, it is just a way of saying I put in so much time and got back in one chunk. The used to give the D.F.C. for that but they don’t do it anymore. That is the medal I really want. Hope I can get it.
As for the news from here, our conditions are rougher now than we have ever experienced before. I had a close call the other night. A piece of shrapnel missed me 12 inches, and believe me, that is close. Our food is much worse than it has ever been but if you only knew where we were you could understand that. The ocean is beautiful and we bathe in it everyday. I haven’t had a fresh water bath in so long I wouldn’t know what it feels like and you know how salt water makes you feel. Very sticky all over. This place is a typical south sea island and when the moon is out it is very romantic looking, but I am usually down deep in my foxhole on a bright moon lit night. No more south sea island for me when I get back. I have had my fill.
Just heard about the invasion of Europe and we are listening very closely about how it is going. The last reports say all is going according to plan. Hope it isn’t too costly, but I am sure the price will be pretty high. But, even so, the war is getting in its final stage and that is what I like to see. I think we can keep our end up pretty well out here and especially so when we get more supplies & help.
I don’t know when I’ll get back but I think I’ll be lucky if I get back by Thanksgiving or Xmas. Gosh, how I wish I could get back now!
Well, Thelma, I have run completely out of news so I’ll stop here. You have been very good to write and please keep it up.
All my love,
Son