June 19, 1943

Dear Mom,

This is the first letter I have written in two days and the only reason I have to offer is that last night the whole battalion went on an evening hike after which a few of us stopped in the local beer joint and indulged in a few refreshing drinks that somehow or another made me mighty sleepy and impaired my writing urge considerably. So I have put this letter off until tonight.

This evening a couple of the fellows and I hiked over to the South Chapel where we went to confessions. The Chaplain is a very likable man but as [of] yet I have not been able to find out what his name is. When we arrived at the chapel we were surprised to find so many other fellows and nurses and N.A.A.C.S. there who had the same intention as we. It took us an hour and fifteen minutes before we could leave. At first I thought there was going to be extra service such as a Novena and Benediction but in reality the whole of it was there for the specific intention of gathering for confession.

Tomorrow I shall offer my Mass and Communion for your intentions and well being and that shall be at 8:00 o’clock Mass which always shall bring back happy memories of our life before my induction because it was that Mass that you and I always attended together.

Good Night, Mom

& God Bless you,

Joe

P.S. I received a letter today from Dorothy A and happy indeed I was to get it. That shows that she has not lost interest in me.