March 31^st 1945

Germany

Dear Mom-

It’s been quite a while since I’ve written I know – these last few days have been busy ones for me – I’ve received several of your letters since I landed here east of the Rhine but haven’t had a chance to answer-

Your latest letters brought the news that Gene had arrived at home – I’m glad he got a leave – I was awfully sorry to hear about Paris and her leaving him at a time like this – It’s really too bad that it should spoil his leave – Perhaps it is better that he knows now however – She’ll regret it I know – for Gene will go far and one day she will be proud to say she knew him once – I hope he’ll get over it though – It’s tough – believe me I know – it’s happened to me – and I know the heartache it can bring-

I got paid today – and received all my back pay I had missed – I’m going to send you most of it by money order within the next day or so – Use any part of it you may need and bank the rest for me - I bought a watch and have to pay for some repairs on my radio but I’ll send the rest – I’ve arranged to have $50 of my pay sent directly to you now – and have cancelled the bond – You can bank it or buy bonds or do whatever you think best –

I haven’t been able to get the things together to send a package home – We moved about the time I was going to – I hope to send them soon however-

So cousin Henry now has a better half. Can’t say that I’m surprised – Somehow I can’t see myself taking the final stop for some time yet – but they say it’s a great life-

Had a package from Helen a day or so ago and will write her soon – your popcorn package has not arrived as yet. Received one from Ann in SC not so long ago-

Guess I’d better close this and write a not to Gene – I’ll write again soon as we won’t be so busy – So long for now

Love,

Joe