France

March 8, 1945

My dearest wife:

At last!! I finally received some mail from you. I only had two but it was wonderful getting them. It was almost a month since I last heard from you. Letters number 6 and 11 came, and the only ones I had before was 1 and 2, so that makes seven still missing, but they may come in tomorrow, anyway they better come soon I must have missed a lot of information.

I am sorry I missed writing yesterday. I was out on a trip- the first time I was ever out of camp. I went after some supplies and didn’t get back until late.

I guess you’ll forgive me this time. If that’s the only time I miss it will be alright.

I just finished washing my hair a few minutes ago, and say is that fun, trying to wash it in a helmet. I had one of the boys pour some river water with my canteen cup. More fun than a barrel of monkeys.

I saw a big Cathedral when I was out yesterday. It was the most wonderful thing I ever saw and large, almost half a city block. It reminded me of Tiffin, (almost as large). It wasn’t damaged very much. I sure would have liked to see the inside. I also saw some large German tanks lying along the road side, blown to bits.

Say, honey I need a pen very bad. The clip on this one broke off yesterday, and it doesn’t write very good either, anyways it’s only a cheap one. If you can pick up one, not too expensive, get it for me. We’ll call it my birthday present or something.

Maggie, you don’t have to wonder what I am thinking about. My thoughts are on you all the time. I always have some thought or doing something that reminds me of you. I feel fine, and have felt fine ever since I am here. I do get a little home sick for you, but that’s natural. It’s good to hear once again that you love me. So you still love me more and more every day. It sure is good to hear it from you.

According to your letter the baby must be crying most of the time. I guess she is not like Allen. I was going to tell you to take out a policy for the baby, but I always forgot, it’s done now, so I won’t have to worry about that.

By the way, how many gardenias did you get? Were they nice? This is the first I heard of it you know. Did you get that money order and ear rings?

So you weigh 120 lbs. now. That isn’t too bad, but you could lose some more. You are a small woman you know. How are you feeling? I’ll bet you look a lot better than you did last year. I haven’t seen you for such a long time, how would I know if you please me. I did see you for almost two years, but you were fat both of those. I still think you should go to the doctor and get some kind of a precautionary measure. Don’t you?

Maggie, I like some of your ideas of when I come home. I like the part about letting me sleep and sleep and the second day a big shot and a big breakfast and some of the other things, but I don’t like your idea about the third day, looking for a place to live, and looking for a job. Don’t you think you are rushing things? I expect to take a vacation and go away with you for a week or so. You know we never had a honeymoon, and if at any way possible we are going to take one. It would be nice too if you would have a place to live by the time I come home and that is possible. Anyway you can see what you can do. I don’t think you’ll mind getting up at 6 a.m. it’s good for you (just look at me).

What seemed to be the matter with your milk? Did you lose it again? Or did you worry too much again? You’d better tell me what happened because I want to know.

Your U. mail came through good, and to my surprise I could read all the words. I thought I would have some trouble making it out.

I’ll bet Allen is getting big and naughty. Does he still look like you?

I guess Mother didn’t exactly know I was going overseas. I’ll bet she is taking it hard, but there is nothing to get worried about, I am here now, and there is nothing we can do about it.

I don’t think you will have too much trouble making me happy. As long as you don’t argue with me, we will get along alright. I guess you know how I hate to fight. I need you too honey, only you know how much. I love you.

Goodnight honey.

All my love,

Pres.