October 15, 1943
Dearest Mother and Dad,
Today I hit the jackpot! I got ten letters. Five from you and five from Barbara! You’ll never know how that makes one feel until you get to a place like this. I felt like letting out a real Texas yell!
Your letters were very interesting and I appreciated the one from Dad so much. I wish he and Velma would write more often. Mail is the main thing I live on over here.
I got the large paper clipping you sent me and it surely did look familiar. I could tell you lots of stories about that place and also a few others. I can’t tell you where I am but I think you would know if you would just stop and think about a little logic. It is very simple.
Dad you asked why we weren’t given any publicity – well, we hope what the Japs don’t know will hurt them. Remember surprise is everything in this war. I think by now it is announced because it has been in Australia. I am sure it has been in the States too.
Have you read about my C.O. Col. Kearby? He did a magnificent job the other day. We have heard that it too has been announced in the States. How about sending me a clipping of the write up. Four of them attacked 42 Japs and beat them good and proper and didn’t lose any. Boy, what a break! I think he set a record.
We are well and happy and have been having quite a bit of fun lately and I am sure you have been reading about it in the papers. You keep asking about Leighton. Mom, he had trouble like Wayne Hagar but a Jap was involved with him. They both lost. Surely did hate it but it couldn’t be helped. John Matson had the same trouble as Wayne also.
Our food has improved a little but it is far from satisfactory. Gosh, wish I could get a little of your cooking. I think I weigh about 142 lbs. Now. I have been getting the Harvester News right along lately and I get to keep up with the other fellows pretty well. Some are crying about not getting action. Those fellows don’t know what they are talking about. Of course, I know how they feel but I know how the other side is, too.
I just got back from a picture show in the camp area. The picture was “Murder in Time Square” with Edmond Lowe. It was pretty good but the last one was last week. It was “The More the Merrier”. Have you seen it? It was plenty good.
Well, Mom, please forgive me but I am very sleepy, and tired so I think I’ll “hit the hay” as Dad says.
Write soon as you always do. Your letter are wonderful.
All my love,
Son!
P.S. We had ice cream tonight – How’s zat?
