Chicago, March 14, 1943

Dear Mr. Bilhorn,

Please pardon my long delay in writing to you. We were much surprised you were called so quickly and became a soldier in Uncle Sam’s Army.

Mrs. Bilhorn had given me your first address, but it was a bitter cold night and I lost the small slip from my purse. When I attended chruch the following Sunday, you were already on your way to a different destination, but at last here is my letter to you. We want you to know that those of us back home are mindful of the sacrifice you are making for us in serving our country. Dear Oliver: if there is anything you hae use for and wish to have, please let us know and it will be lgadly and without delay sent to you.

Our private 1^st class, Leonard N. is not allowed to receive presents and some of our small packages and reading matter he did not receive since he is overseas. As I understand, he is in the heavy fighting territory in Africa and the news from there is not very encouraging. We followed the papers closely, and the Yanks had heavy casual ties nearly 200 dead, a greater number wounded and 2000 missing.

Please, take good care of yourself and try your very best not to come in real dangerous work as your dear Mother is plenty worried and in poor health.

We had our anniversery service last Sunday and had a halfways splendid meeting, thanks to Chester Bilhorn’s remarkable efforts to make it a success. The church is beautifully repaved and spotless clean.

God bless you and come back soon. Good luck from 5536 N. Luma Ave.

Ida B. + Martha