28 September 1944

Somewhere In France

Dear Brother,

How are you Johnny and how are you taking care of the family? Although you are only 17 years of age you are the man of the house now. Are you taking care of Mom and Helen? By the way, have you received your driver’s license? How are the cars? This letter sounds like a questionnaire. It seems so long that I’ve seen you that I even forgot what grade you are in. Johnny, yesterday I had a dream about you and myself; it wasn’t so good so take care of yourself, John. I awoke about the middle of the dream and then I was in the tent lying on the ground around 3:00 A.M. and not back in the states as I dreamt. When it is twelve noon here; it is only eleven in the morning in good old Pittsburgh.

How did you spend your birthday? As soon as I find a store that’s open someplace; where I don’t know- I’ll send you a gift. The only money I spent so far is in Church and buying air mail stamps. We are going to exchange our money into Francs. One franc is equal to two cents. This is some life- but I don’t mind it so far. We put a lot of fern on the ground, cover it with a raincoat and blanket, and that is our bed. We get up in the morning, go into the woods for some wood, then build a fire over which we cook our own food and make our own coffee or cocoa. We cook our own meals all day whenever we feel hungry. I just finished reading the “Stars and Stripes” newspaper, which is very good. I find where the Pirates are fourteen games behind. It also has a big write up about the Pitt-Notre Dame game which will be played in two days from now. If I can, then I’ll send you a newspaper. Just now while lying in my tent, two young French girls came and asked for some candy. I gave them a few pieces. I haven’t received any mail since I left the states but they will catch up to us.

Is South High School having a football team this year? Can you send me some addresses of friends, Johnny, because I do not have my address book.

Here is something that I forgot to mention in my last letter. On the boat trip over- well, this happened right after supper; I was walking up the stairs going on deck when a soldier got up from his sitting position and came forward. Then I went straight for him and we shook hands for about five minutes. It was Joe Masucci’s cousin from Uniontown. His name is Arthur. Tell Joe’s sister about it. He is married to an Alexander girl who lives at Thirteenth Street. Small world after all. On the ocean, the stars seemed so close and the Big Dipper was so clear.

Johnny have you received any of my bonds yet? In addition to the bonds, I will send money home as I can’t spend it on a thing over here. Johnny, can you get the South Side Journal sent to me and also send me their address? Send me a small picture of the family. Is Irene and Nick coming to our place very often and what does Irene say? Take mom to the show and tell her not to worry as I am okey doke.

Yesterday we received seven packs of cigarettes, Hershey bars, chewing gum, matches, and blades.

Don’t forget to send some cigars and some kind of candy. The reason I ask in the letter is because you have to request anything before anyone can send anything overseas. You can give the South Sider my address and location. Is Steve sending letters home and what does he say?

Every evening Buz and I talk about our high school days. Say hello to all and tell Nick hello.

God Bless You All. Love and Kisses

Your Brother

Paul