Monday night-

July 17, 1944

Dearest Darling,

I have missed you more and more as the days go by. I would give you anything in this world to have you here with me. Please don’t let this endless waiting go on forever. We could have a wonderful time here as there is about anything you want to do here. But without you all this seems only a monotonous series of events, unworthy of the time spent. I can’t say that I love you more than ever as it would be impossible to love you more than I have and always will love you. I can only pray that someday you will believe me and banish all of those trivial thoughts from your mind- that someday your heart will win over your mind.

I have still nothing to report on my status here. My orders still have not come in, and outside of P.T. and two roll calls (8:00 A.M. + 1:15 P.M.), my days are mine to do with as I see fit. This is pretty nice but it only gives me more time to be lonesome for you. I expect the orders will be in tomorrow, though.

I find it hard to control my drinking as that is about all I can do. It doesn’t help to ease the aching pain in my heart, however, so for my own good, I will try to cut down on it. I used to think it helped me forget, but have found out how untrue this belief is. Guess I just can’t get the Italian Theater out of my mind, as it came as such a surprise and shock to me.

Well, I think I’m doing pretty well on my writing, and I only hope you try to do the same. Am still anxiously awaiting a letter from you, so please don’t let me down. I think of you, dream of you always and the memory of our vacation lingers forever in my heart.

Please write soon and often, and be good, stay sweet as ever.

all my love,

Jimmy