April 11, 1944
Dearest Mother & Dad,
Today I received five letters from you, and boy, were they swell! We hadn’t gotten any mail in several days so you can imagine how I felt. I also got one from Dorothy Cooke. Surely wish everyday could be like that.
You were telling me about having the house painted and of your dressing desk in the bathroom. Boy, I bet that really does help the looks of everything. But, Mom, the greatest thrill I got was the clipping where you and Dad gave $20.00 to the Red Cross. You can’t possibly imagine the good that organization is doing over here. I am very proud of you for giving that money to them for I know it will be used to the best advantage.
We had more than our share of excitement. Boy, I sure thought they had me for a couple of seconds. First time they ever got close. I was asleep when it started but not for long. Even so, we were very lucky again. I hope we don’t have any more like that.
I surely do thank you for suggesting “Amaranthus” for a name as I had forgotten about that. I think that is a swell name and I will have it put on as soon as I get my new ship. That should be very soon; maybe tomorrow.
Seems like a little flare-up over here from the Nips that we will have to quieten down a bit.
Tell everyone hello for me and I hope to be home by Thanksgiving or Xmas at least, I am ready now but I need about fifty more hours.
By the way, I should be going on leave in the next two weeks and that is why I haven’t sent any money home. We usually spend quite a bit every time we go down.
‘Bye for now and don’t fail to write.
All my love,
Son