April 2, 1944

Dearest Mom:

Enclosed are three more trinkets that I have been holding for an awfully long time and another bracelet. That is mother of pearl that the pictures are painted on, not expensive items, but typical of another type of jewelry that is common in these parts. Before the American soldier came to these parts everything was dirt cheap, mainly because the natives never considered looking at any jewelry and certainly buying it was the furthest from their minds. I’ve had these pieces kicking around in my barracks bag for about six months and I consider it about time that I decided to send them home as I had intended when I bought them.

God bless you, Mom,

Joe