Dec. 2, 1944
Philippines
Dearest Mother, Dad, & Velma;
I wonder how you are. We aren’t getting very much mail yet. I hear quite a bit of it is stacked up at my last base but they don’t have any way yet of getting it up here. I surely hope everything is fine and everything is O.K.
As per usual, they are really working us hard. The fellows are getting very tired and will welcome any help they can send our way. This is the toughest and roughest place I have been yet, in every detail.
We are getting quite a bit of publicity. We have news correspondents and photographers around constantly. Sure did mess up, too. They wanted to make my picture yesterday but I was out fooling around and missed it. Nearly broke my heart as it would have got to all the papers in the States.
Also, Mom, my name was mentioned in the ‘Frisco broadcast. Have you heard about it? The are also writing a story about us – the “Black Rams”. Be sure and let me know if you hear about us.
We are getting plenty of rain here now. So much that we can’t do as much as we should. I have never seen a situation like it is here. Mud and water up to your neck.
I have just found out that my promotion is filed away until the Headquarters moves up. It makes me sick to have to wait like this but if it is back-dated like it should be the back pay will come in handy.
Mom, I didn’t get to send the money home as I planned but as soon as they have facilities here I’ll send it. Tell Velma not to give up hope. I’ll send her some as soon as I can.
Don’t worry about me, Mom, just pray that I get home soon.
Love,
Son