10:10 A.M.

Oct. 19, 1942

Dear Mother:

            I haven’t received that letter yet.

            We were just out for an hour’s drill.  It’s a lot of fun when you get a nice guy for a leader. 

            I sat with another soldier from the Heights on the I.C. train last night and we took a cab to the Depot.  It cost 45¢.

            The first train left at 10:15 and was it packed. We got into camp at 12:30.  We got through drilling at 10 o’clock, and all we have to do now is wait for dinner.  After you get used to this life it’s just like our big happy family.

            There’s a bunch of new kids in our barracks.  After you’re here a couple of days they call you old times.  This morning was the prettiest sunrise I’ve ever seen.  I slept all the way out on the train.  There isn’t much activity here this morning yet.  I’m getting to like this life more and more every day.  I’ll write again as soon as I get there.  The writing is sloppy, because we have to write on our lap. Your son,

                                                                                    Melvin

                                                                                    XXXX