Dear Mom, Feb. 6, 1944

Your money came and thanks a lot. We’re issued 2 pairs of pants so set your mind at rest. All I need now is a garrison cap and I’ll have everything I need. Right now I’ve got more stuff than is issued. In 5 days we leave unless the platoon gets transferred to another base without furlough. So keep your fingers crossed. Don’t write me again because the letter will pass me coming home. Your mail is the high point of the day for me, even better than chow (food) call.

Can’t tell you how glad I am to get off this damn island. One base is as bad as another but once boat training is done you don’t have to take a lot of stuff from non- commissioned officers. I’ll get 17 dollars on pay day that added to what I have will be sufficient for my needs, such as food on the train back etc. Don’t think I’ll be a problem child on your hands during furlough because I know that’s exactly what you have on your mind. I’m going to enjoy myself because I know I’m entitled to something after this rat hole but it won’t be anything out of line so take it easy. I haven’t answered Mary’s letter yet for some reason or another. I wrote one to Weiss but haven’t mailed it yet because there’s just about nothing interesting to write about. I’ll need some money to go out with when I get back so maybe I’ll cash a few bonds. Probably go to Monaco’s or Chin’s (my favorite place for a blowout with Mary if she can find time. Also to Central Station and maybe Cletrar to let some of the tax payers see what they’re getting for their money. My days. My days and nights will be crammed with activity but I’m going to spend lots of time with you naturally because to me you’re the best person in the world. Always have been and always will be for that matter. Today/ Sunday/ we’re supposed to have time to ourselves but this platoon has sentry duty 24 hours so I won’t have much time to myself as usual. I’m much cleaner now that we got off the range and out of the Marshall. My teeth are all O.K. only had one filled. Incidentally it’s funny how they do things here regarding teeth, medical care etc. The first week you get a complete physical, about a month later you get to appear at the dispensary or hospital. They tell you to sit in a chair and without a word they yank out 2-4-6-8-10 teeth or whatever is necessary without as Shakespeare said “much ado.” These guys are still silly about their system. That covers about everything except that I have an idea my next base will be New River N.C. in the infantry (or at least what corresponds to it in the marines.) We turn in most of our 782 equipment (special kind) in a few days and spend our last few day fooling around the main station. Say hello to Mollie for me and tell her I said she should watch her step. (no falls etc.) How do you manage about the ashes and snow on the walk. Don’t bother cleaning it off- to hell with it. Let the neighbors do it. I’ll say goodbye for the present. Remember don’t write because chances are I won’t get it and in the event I get shipped out before furlough I’ll let you know my new address from the next base. Take care of yourself.

Love (lots of it)

Bun.