France: Mon, April 2, 1945

To: Miss Billie Lyons

“Hello Darling”,

At last I have been assigned to a new outfit – and from now on I’m a non-combat soldier. There is a good chance that I won’t kill any more Germans in this war. Of course anything could happen – so I won’t get over optimistic. It seems to be a swell outfit and the fellows – all ex-combat men, are a grand bunch of guys. I’m stationed within short working distance from aub. shweiss. I haven’t had time to contact him yet but expect so soon. I’ve had a way good time so far – seeing Paris and all she has to offer – and believe me it’s plenty. I haven’t had so much from fun since Hollywood. I’m getting so I can speak fair French makes “things” a bit easier.

Sugar – don’t fail to write me a long letter just as soon as you receive this. Due to usual bottlenecks of red tape, I haven’t received a single word from home since the day before the shell burst got me in Germany. If you write me as soon as you get this I’ll receive it long before my old mail catches up with me. I really am lonesome for some word from home.

Everything I owned except the clothes on my back was lost in Germany when I got hit. That includes my pocketbook – your pictures and all my dough. Poor me - can’t seem to keep pictures of you – if you’d send another it should be safe now.