Cherbourg, France

Aug 9, 1945

My darling wife:

I didn’t sleep well at all last night, darn you. Either you were of me very hard or it was because I had my mind on your picture. Whatever it was, I had you on my mind, and you must have been thinking of me for I woke up so often and the night before. I love you so much Maggie. I’ll wait for you though if its ever. I know I can do it. I can still smell that perfume. That sure is powerful stuff. Don’t get the idea that I thought you smelled I just like to smell good perfume and make you happy. George and I always get a thrill when we smell good perfume. Those jackets came in today, (The battle jacket) and they look pretty good. I’ll have to look my best when I meet you again. I’ll have to make a good impression for my girl friend for it will be like courting all over again. I wish our first meeting was over already. No kidding honey, I am kind of scared. Every time I think of it I get a chill. You know I am still as bashful as ever, and I’m not kidding one bit when I say I am scared. Take it easy with me for the first couple of hours.

I finally got those plans for that house I was telling you about. It was made for my specifications and this boy that made them added some more good ideas. That garage wouldn’t be necessary for awhile. That bathroom is the one I was telling you about in the “Life”. This boy is very good and only picked it up in high school, but intends to go to college when the war is over. Tell me what you think honey. I’ll be waiting for an answer. The roof shouldn’t cost much to make, but it should be insulated. One of the fellows just said it would cost about ten thousand to build but I don’t think so. What do you think? As I said we wouldn’t need a garage for awhile.

Every chance I get, I listen to the war news. I am quite interested now again. Things should start happening pretty soon.

No mail today, but I didn’t care very much for I made up for it yesterday. You should have been restless today too, as I was thinking of you all day again. I seem to be in one of those loving periods now. If I had you here I would love you to death. I miss you and need you so bad Maggie. Its thinking of you and thinking the war will soon be over, that keeps me going. I want you by my side forever. I don’t want to ever leave you again. I love you so much Maggie.

How is the silver ball? I never did think he would stay there that long. I used to hang around there before he had been on whiskey. In fact we helped talk him into the idea. I can still remember one night he kicked me out. I was causing too much excitement or something. I was always trying to date his waitresses. But the best days of my life are when I met you and married you. I guess it was time for me to settle down. I was never sorry I married you Maggie. I think it was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was very happy being married and living with you, and I can see many more happy days ahead for us. I want to do so much for you, and I’ll do anything to make you happy.

Things are dead around here again, as all our truckers are out on convoy again, almost half the company.

I think I will send you some money whenever we get paid. You can buy yourself some clothes and for your dentist bill. Did you ever get my robe? And yours? Don’t forget, this money I want you to buy clothes with. I want you to be the best dressed woman in Tiffin and don’t give me any trouble, for I am in love with you and I need you.

I’ll soon be going to bed, and give a prayer for you, and for me to come home soon.

My love belongs to you.

Pres