Aug. 13, 1943

Dearest Mom and Dad:-

Hello. Here I am writing once again but under different conditions. From now on you will have to understand and accept my short letters. I am not able to tell where I am or anything else that may give our location away. All I can say is that I got at our destination O.K and I am well. Please don’t worry about me as I am alright. You have already gotten the card telling you my address and A.P.O. number. When you write me you just write on one side of the sheet of paper. You see all the mail to and from me will be censored. So don’t ask any questions about my location or make any guesses.

I received a telegram from Myrtle telling me of her dear Dad passing away. I was standing roll call at the time in the morning and when they handed it to me I sort of had an idea what it was. I felt so bad because it was impossible for me to go and be with her. She is so sweet and I love her so deeply. It really was my duty to be with her but as things were I couldn’t be with her.

Gosh, it sure is hard to try and write letters now because there are a lot of things I want to tell you but the man with the snips will cut it out.

I hope Myrtle will be able to come and visit you fellas some time. It will be easier now that she doesn’t have her Dad to care for. Her Mother wasn’t feeling so well when I last heard from her but I hope that she is better by now.

The Service Man’s Clerk here is nice. There is a dance tonight. I am there writing now. There is a nice big dance floor. There is a balcony all around upstairs with a couple of Ping Pong tables, a couple of Pool tables and writing desks. There is a small library, too, with all kind of books and papers. I can’t think of much more to write about so I guess I will close. I am well and don’t worry about me at all. Take good care of Myrtle for me. She means all the world to me and I do love her so much.

Goodnight for now and God Bless you both.

Your loving Son,

Howard