Saturday. afternoon -

Dear Mom,

            Your long letter arrived and I enjoyed it so much. Not having heard from you in some time, it was quite interesting! Glad to hear that you finally got a good rain and hope the results will be forth-coming. Miriam said they had a regular flood. Seems funny to hear that you are sitting by a fire, tho’ it has been plenty cool here early in the AM. – Today is the hottest we’ve had in weeks – no breeze at all, just hot and sultry. Will be glad to see the sun go down again! Got the graphic to-day too and enjoyed that.

            About 20 of the boys went on the 24 hr hike from noon yesterday until noon to-day and they were really “pooped” out and nearly all had blistered feet. For some unknown reason, I was fortunate enough to miss it. Don’t know whether the rest of us will have to go or not, but surely hope not!! Its really tough and also very unnecessary, so we all think, even the Col. but it is a division order, so some, if not all, had to go.

            We were on the Rifle Range Thurs. and did 3 days shooting in 1 day. I didn’t do nearly so well as in Rucker, but didn’t care anyway! I know I can shoot well, so that’s all that matters anyway.

            For got to d a little cleaning up to do for the Col. and a major in the AM and then hope to go to church by 9 AM. – for got about an hour’s guard duty at 4 AM also tomorrow, but guess I will get by OK – glad I didn’t draw K.P. – I’ve been an orderly at Reg. Hgs. Tent all the AM. to-day and operated the Tel/ switch board all the afternoon.

            A lot of the boys went to Phoenix on Thursday. 3 days passes this AM. and several are out in the field on Radio Duty. We all go out on a Combat Problem this 15th for 3 or 4 days and leave for Cal. Next week for 3 wks. Of maneuver and come back home around the 16th of Oct.

            Maybe with Italy out of the way now our task will be a little easier. Looks like the boys are doing pretty good there and also in the Pacific, we were really excited the day she surrendered. Maybe He. Patton will surprise the German’s somewhere also.

            We wont have a bath all the time we are in Cal. So guess we will be plenty dirty when we get back.

            Well, that’s all I know to write about, so will close now. Glad you enjoyed your trip to Memphis so much.

                                                                        Love

                                                                                    Russ