May 28, 1944

Sun. 4:30 PM

Dear Mother,

I will start writing now while I’m sitting around and listening to Jack Benny, etc. Have just returned from the show and am taking it easy now. I went to church this morning and may go tonight to communion. I’ve had several good shows lately and the one this afternoon is extra good.

I got your letter yesterday and enjoyed it as usual. I’m sorry I kept you waiting too long last time but these army hours have ways of making you very irregular in everything. In order to prevent needless worry I’ll make an effort to be more regular if it’s possible.

Was quite surprised to hear of Jess’ death, though you had told me he was pretty sick. It is really tough on Pauline I know. I’ll try to write her the first chance I have. Did Leroy come back, or has he left the county?

I was glad to hear that the crops were doing so well and trust they continue so and that you have gotten the needed chores done by now. You are lucky to be so far advanced in the cultivation, for I imagine many are way behind, so hope you can keep up from now on.

The war news still sounds good and maybe the “much talked about” invasion will come some day soon and bring that phase of the war to an end. I don’t think Japan can hold out very long then. We still are in the dark as to our future and don’t even have any idea of where we are going, though I don’t think it will be much longer.

I spent part of the week driving a jeep and yesterday I took the test for “Expert Infantry Man” and passed everything so far. All I have left to do is to run a night compass course that is pretty easy, so hope to have the little blue medal by tomorrow at midnight! I was one of three out of eleven in my Company that lasted to the end yesterday. The day before, 11 passed out of 35 or 40, so you can see that it’s pretty tough!

The weather remains nice. It’s pretty warm during the day and nice and cool at night. It’s partly cloudy today and real pleasant. We have a holiday Tuesday the 30^th, but I will have to attend a ball game and some field sport events during the day, but that’s better than working! Our Baseball team plays for the Division Championship on Tuesday. Our Company won the Reg. Volleyball Championship last week.

Had a letter from Ester today and said he had been fishing again and had good luck. He also said he intended on coming up to see you for about two weeks in June if possible. We don’t hold much hope for another furlough but still we have a chance as long as we are over here!

I’m going to send my watch to Houston Cozart and tell him to send you the bill and you can pay him. I’m afraid I’ll leave before he can return it, but we’ll have to take that chance.

Dorothy Thompson is on the radio now. We all try to hear Gabriel Heath every night and really enjoy him!

Best wishes and take care of yourself.

Love,

Russell