France – Friday

Mar. 1st

Dear Cattie,

            Just wrote to you day before yesterday, but I wanted to try out my typewriter; and to also ask you for a bottle of black SKRIP ink. I suppose that youre wondering where I got a typewriter? Well, its German, and I picked it up when I was on a job not long ago. It types pretty good, but some of the keys are different than ours. And there isnt an apostrophe on it. Perhaps Ill bring it home.

            The enclosed poem was taken from our Stars and Stripes a few days ago. I rather thought that youd like it. Im also enclosing a German bill for a souvenir. Ill tell you the whole story in a few weeks. Cant now-----censorship!

            Havent received any mail for a few days, and its very difficult to think of something to write about. I havent done anything for amusement for so long, that even a bridge game would be quite a diversion. Theres a rumor going around that were having a USO show here tonight, but its unconfirmed so far.

            Read in our paper that the “old Ohio” was expected to reach flood stage this year. I hope that it isnt as bad as in 1937. Wow! Ill never forget that! Were having changeable weather too. One day its raining, and the next the sun is shining brightly. We always welcome these sunny days, because the “airboys” come out in strength. And from what Ive seen so far, there wont be much of “the fortress” left after its all over.

            Say Cattie, I just happened to think that you wouldnt want to send a bottle of ink alone, so if you can “cork up” a bottle of chocolate malted milk somehow, it would be more than appreciated. I havent tasted milk in over a year. But our meals----well, thats different! Two days ago, we had steak, fried potatoes, green beans, and slaw. Not bad, eh? Course, they arent always this good. And manys the day that Ive eaten “C” and “K” rations. And a few times, I didnt eat!!

            Were fortunate in usually having electricity. Which means that we keep up with the latest news, and also the late songs. However, I have yet to hear this “Dont Fence Me In” that everyone seems to be raving about. I guess they just havent gotten it overseas yet. And have you heard Teddy Powells “Munsen St. Break-down” yet? Honestly Cattie, its the “hottest thing on wax.” Ha Ha

            Say, how would you and Joe like to go up to Spring Mill Park with Lee and I next Sunday? (Well, I can dream cant I? Its one of the most pleasant thoughts in my mind right now. Of course, a moonlight wouldnt be bad either. Or, a dance at the “Cs”.------Woe is me!

            I just seem to keep “raving on”. Not writing much of anything; but trying desperately to complete this page. But the “little gray cells are exasperated Cattie; so I suppose that Ill have to sign off now. Tell Joe and Aunt Irene “hello”; and that I hope theyre feeling well. You too, of cours (that last “e”is on the typewriter, but I cant get it in the envelope.)

                                                                                                Lotsa love,

                                                                                                      Urbey