Pvt. Oliver Bilhorn, 36722105 Box 3X

Co. C 3rd Tng. Bn.,

Camp Wheeler, Georgia

Wheeling, Ill                                                                                                                

                                                                                                            .

                                                                                                            Saturday May 1, 1943

 

 

 

 

Dear Ollie,

            We have moved back and are nearly settled but have aching “backs, legs and other things” hence my delay, again, in writing!

            Mother told us of her conversation with you last Saturday evening, and we were very glad to hear that you are not being sent across now. Congratulations on having completed your basic training! Now, I suppose, you are digging into your assigned job. It will take some time to get adjusted to the change, but I think you’re a swell soldier, Ollie, you are adaptable– and that’s what the army or scout life requires, almost above everything else!

            Mom said that she didn’t know what your work was supposed to be. Is it Quarter- master corps?

            I haven’t seen mom since Easter- as I’ve been so blamed crippled. I think I over- lifted or worked or something but if we continue to have such marvelous sunshine as we have today, (after continued cold & frost even up there last night!!)I’ll be healed soon, I am sure.

            Our gardens are started but there’s so much work remaining! Also, Phil bros home seventy two baby leghorn chicks and do they keep on hopping! He couldn’t get his pal “rocks” but we are thankful for these! My bay window here is ablaze with red and yellow tulips and golden daffodils! Soon our other tulip beds will be flowering! The buds are opening today. I hope to bring mom out to see “the passing show” next week, if I can use my achy leg to drive with!

            This week Tuesday, I brought Fred Roloff and Louisa over for the film and lunch and part of the P.M. Fred was to leave yesterday for his encampment in Miami. He said to remember him to Ollie so, hereby, I do! We had such a pleasant time together. His new teeth look fine and he feels well. But has last a lot of weight.

            I understand from mom that Ray Struble will be coming this way in mid-June with his bride, Ruth. Fred says that she is a lovely girl! He and Ray have been keeping in touch with each other while Ray was in Fla. I believe that he is back at Ft. Moumouth now and soon to be a lieutenant.

            Did mother tell you of the nice Easter at U.B Church? Also that I placed two lovely tall white lily plants, either side of the pulpil one in memory of papa and one in honor of my soldier-boy brother? So you see that you were much in our midst! How did you spend your Easter? Will you have any drilling at all now? Are you keeping well? And still enjoying the Georgia sunshine? Did you even get to Macau? Is there anything you are reading? Or would enjoy having?

            See! I’d love to see you and chat with you and ask a hundred questions!!!

            Do you think that you will be stationed at Camp Wheeler for an indefinite period?

            I’ll be eager to get your next letter! I just called mom and she gave me your changed address.

            Phil is going to town now so will send this on its way with a load of best wishes, and love from

                        Your sis – Xen, from Phil, too and Barkey! His toe is quite well now – but he still has a bad mark on his tight from his last fight – with Prince! What a dog!

 

 

 

 

 

On back of Envelope:

Pvt. Oliver Bilhorn writes,

 

You ask me what I’m fighting for

In this vast global war?

I see a child at mother’s knee

In prayer for God at sea

I see a youth engaged in play

In his own carefree way

I see a couple newly wed

 

I think of those who fought and died

I see and then think of those who fought and died

 2 divisions

            4                             4                        4                                 4

  1. child                1. Church          1. Country                    1. Heroes
  2. youth               2. Home            2. fertile fields               2. Pioneers

couple                                            hills& valley

men & women                               

  1. Yg. People       3. schools         3. Mountains                3. Statesman
  2. Old                  4. Institutes       4. Lakes, stream           4. Commonfolk