March fifth –

Dear Mom –

We’re busy as the merry devil now and I have time only for a short note – It’s cold and rainy here but we’re pretty well set up and fairly comfortable I’m working nights now – and they’re long – I hope we’re moving into the final phase of this war now – The news is good – the armies are in Cologne and near Dusseldorf – The Rhine is just about the last barrier – and we’re getting ready to cross that –

No mail yesterday or today either Hope some comes tomorrow – your package of print paper and film arrived the other day – thanks ever so much – Don’t imagine that I’ll have a chance to use it right away but when I do I’ll send you some pictures – I’ll send some of the others I’ve taken as soon as I get the opportunity –

Tell Ginny to write sometime – I’d like to hear from her – I think I told you that Bobbie Gregory sent me a little book –

We were awarded three battle stars to be worn on our campaign ribbon today – one for Normandy – one for northern France and Belgium and one for Germany –

Will write again when I can get a moment – Don’t expect the letters to be too frequent however for a while –

Love

Jack