PFC Oliver Bilhorn – 36722105                                               William Courtney

CO A 3rd Tng Bn                                                                      1830 N. Sawyer Ave.

Camp Wheeler,                                                                        Chicago 47

Georgia                                                                                    Illinois

 

 

December 30, 1943

 

Dear Ollie,

            I hope you had a very merry Christmas this year. Were you in Camp at Christmas time, or were you somewhere else?

 

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I had a most enjoyable Christmas Day. I spent most of it reading a book called “The Nazarene” by Sholem Asch. It is a novel based on the life of Jesus Christ, and is the most absorbing, informative book I have ever read in the past three years. If you can, try and get a copy—and tell me what you think of it

 

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            I’ve been spending my Christmas vacation (from school) with Bill Ronney. His leg (it was sprained playing football) has been sore lately, but he can ride his bike and walk on the leg.

            We roam around on our ‘cycles or sit up in his shack and blast at lead soldiers with his “BB” gun.

            We are also collaborating with a friend of ours, Bruce Wilson, on a “Merchant Marine” game. The game is our pride and joy and the sole user of our mental energy for these last three days. It is very complicated, and the rules are difficult—but it’s fun.

 

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            It may be a little late but—Congratulations on your promotion to Private 1st Class!!

           

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            One of my closest friends, my locked partner in school, was drafted into the Navy. He was 18 in October and was inducted yesterday. He (his name is Robert Monder) is a swell guy. It’ll take me a long time to get used to his absence.

           

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            Best of luck always!

                       

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                                                                                    An ex-“Star,”

                                                                                    William D. Courtney