March 24, 1943
Dear Mom;
Remember in my last letter my letting you about the ambiance I was supposed to go on. Well, I didn’t go. Instead, I watched in the Bm. Supply room. And I really had it soft. All I did all day was type a few requisitions and sweep the floor a couple of times. I had my pack all ready and my gas mask under my arm when I went over to the office yesterday morning and was all set to spend a couple of miserable nights out in the open, but the supply officer told me to stay in with the supply sergeant and catch up on a little of the book work we were behind in. I am glad he said that because it rained a little last night and right now it is pouring buckets and has been doing that since early this afternoon. I feel sorry for the poor fellows who are out there now trying to keep try.
This evening I had a chance to attend Mass and the Novena and I braved the storm to run across the street to the Chapel. We had Mass in candlelight because the power for the lights was shut off and it was really impressive. As soon as the Mass was over and just before we started prayers for the novena the lights came on again. It almost seemed as if the Blessed Virgin was instrumental in bringing that about, and lights are necessary because we read the prayers from a small pamphlet that is distributed to us.
I n reference to the two boys who skipped out of camps, they are back and have had a trial which ended in their getting a sentence of 6 months of hard labor or ¾ of their pay deducted. As yet I don’t know which they shall get but which ever of the two penalties is carried out will be a hardship on them. They certainly regret having left now that it is too late.
There isn’t much more I can think of except that you keep my special intention in mind when you pray.
Good night, mom,
And God bless you,
Joe
P.S. Last night I went to the show and saw a good picture. It was Air Force with John Garfield