9^th July 1943

Dear Father and Mother,-

            Your letters have been swell and I do enjoy reading and rereading each one. Little Compton must be beautiful now with all the green things fresh and shining and the ocean real cold. Have you tried the swimming pool this year yet? I shall never forget the cold dips we used to take, when the trees were shaking the frost off their limbs and the first robins were having a hard time trying to decide to stay. I sure wish we could all be there together.

            I often think of the wonderful times we have had and it makes me very happy. I’m awful proud of my family and you have taught me how to really live and get the most out of life. I shall always try to make it a full life and I can thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the vitality, health and things you taught me – Every day will count until the end.

            We have just come down from the mountains where the weather has been real cold – hiking over trails, swimming cold mountain streams and getting plenty of exercise – We lived off the fat of the land and are right in the pink.

            I am delighted with my new company and all are with me – It’s a swell outfit and nothing will stop us. I don’t know whether I told you or not – but I have been given the honor of commanding Division Headquarters Company (which is really a Major’s job) and you can bet I’m going to do a good job of it.

            Elizabeth writes wonderful letters and I cherish each one of them – Her cheerful spirit is like a real tonic to me and after this war I’m really going to make her the happiest little wife in the world.

            Please take extra good care of yourselves so that we can all enjoy that big reunion – What a time we will have. The pictures of my darling Mother and Father are right with me (Thanks to you) and they will remain with me until we can be together again – With loads of love

Your Willard