Co. C. 735^th Ry. Opn. Bn.

A.P.O. #228 6:00 P.M. New York, N.Y.

May 5^th, 1945

Somewhere in Germany

My Darling Pheety,

You can’t imagine what it’s like to be getting your letter once again, I got your two of April 9^th & 13^th on the 27^th of April the other day and yesterday (May 4). I received your letter of April 10^th that you wrote while you were at my folks. I told you in my last letter that your letter of April 13^th was the one I thought you wrote of my folks because my mother addressed the envelope herself. I see now it wasn’t the one you wrote down there as it was mailed in Springfield. Darling it sure is wonderful that I can look forward to your letters again and just think of the letters you would have had from me if you’d written me more and thought of me instead of just having a good time. I wish you’d tell me why you didn’t write more unless it’s because of what I just said. You sure could clear up a lot of things for me if you still love me and after you read my last letter you should understand what I mean. Your letter yesterday was so much better and you thrilled me a little in something you said. I hope you really meant it when you said you long to be in my arms again to feel safe and protected, and that you need me. It didn’t look there for a while you needed me, but laying all jokes aside I realize you do. Pheety you weren’t in anyone else’s arms to feel safe and protected were you? And you don’t need me to protect you from those wolves coming back from overseas, if you want to always be my wife and if you really love me, one word will protect you and that word is NO! Then you can sing that song I would like to hear you sing, “I’ll Walk Alone.” Speaking of songs, my favorite is, “The Very Thought of You” and can I sing it. I sound just like Frank Sinatra, boy is my shirt ever frilled now. Ha. And when I say the very thought of you, well Darling there is just no way I can express myself over the thought of you. All I can say is you’re on my mind all the time and just the thought of knowing you’re all mine just does something to me. If only you’re the same Pheety I always loved then I’m so glad to hear they had a Birthday Party for you and don’t think I didn’t think of you that day. I guess you know that as that is the day I wrote you a letter and what a letter. I’m sure glad you liked my card, even when I’m in doubt about you and even though you have neglected me I still have to be sweet to you. But that’s not hard to explain because I still love you clear down deep in my heart. I’m just hoping and praying you can explain some things in my last letter of April 27^th. Remember when I said in that letter I wanted some pictures of you and in your letter yesterday you mentioned you would certainly love to take some pictures if it were possible to get films, Pheety is that why you never sent my any? All the other fellows wives send pictures so they must find films somewhere. Remember how we used to get film in St. Paul for your mother. Please try and find some Darling as you don’t know how happy I would be.

I’m just tickled to pieces about you gaining weight so you can imagine how anxious I am to get a picture of you. But you can’t imagine how anxious I am to be in your arms. The very thought of it is just a feeling I can never explain. I’ll just have to show you how anxious I am when I get home. The very thought of being loved by my Darling wife again is a thrill that goes all over me. After going this long I can imagine what it’s going to be like, it’s just going to be wonderful isn’t it Darling.

I didn’t like the idea of my mother addressing those envelopes, I want my Pheety’s writing on them. What in the devil was her idea anyway? Well I’m sure surprised to hear you smoke in front of my mother. How did you get around to do that? I’m glad cause now you won’t have to hide when you go down there. Pheety is that why you never liked to go with me when I used to go down home on the bus? I got a letter from mom saying Mary M. is smoking now and also one of Mom’s best friends, so she can’t think anything of it when you smoke can she. Not when her own daughter smokes. Pheety mom also just told me in a letter yesterday that you got a better paying job and easier work at the National Supply Co. and am I glad you didn’t get in a defense plant as I would worry that much more about you. Too hard and too dangerous for my Pheety. She also told me that Sam and Fran are moving on the farm soon and your mother will either take over your Grandmother’s house or you and she will love together in Springfield. Now I bet I really have you going in circles now, as I told you in my last letter that I wanted you to leave Springfield. Now you have a better hob and you and your mother may live together in Springfield, so there’s nothing for you to do but go where your mother does. As she needs you Margaret. But if your mother dies live in your Grandmother’s house I still want you home if there’s room for you. If it weren’t for all the attractions in Springfield, whatever they might be, I think you wouldn’t forget me like you have been in the past.

Pheety I’m not going to day anything to your mother til I know how you feel about it, but how would you like to have her live with use wherever we live after I come home. Personally it’s O.K. with me if that’s the way you’d like to have it. Although we never have lived alone only in St. Paul, maybe you would like that better. Please let me know Darling. Mom gave me your address and am I glad to have it, I know right where my Pheety is now. I can’t imagine why you didn’t give it me before. I guess it was because you thought you wouldn’t be living there very long. But remember Pheety, even when I send your mail at home you should always let your husband where you are. You’re young though Darling and I think you forget a lot of things unintentionally.

Mom said your land lady is as nice to you as Mrs. Anderson was. I’m so glad you have a place like that to stay, it makes me feel much better. See how I feel when I know more about you. That’s what I meant when I said I want to know what all you’ve been doing etc: always remember that Margaret, it sure helps a lot. Mom also said you certainly look fine and boy that makes me happy and feel so good. I bet you’re the most beautiful girl in the country. Oh well, I always thought that anyway. I’ve never seen a girl yet with any eyes and lips as beautiful as yours. And I mean it!

Well Darling for the first time over here I feel like the war might be over. I haven’t read a newspaper for so long and haven’t heard a radio either but last night May 4^th at 9:20 pm in this large ruined city of Germany somebody hollered, “The war’s over.” So in this yard where my caboose was, all the engine whistles, 45 automatics, 03 rifles, switchmen’s horns and flares were going full blast. At 9:25 pm just five minutes later, the roundhouse started all engine whistles and pistols. At p:30 pm the whole town sounded like the front lines. I’m telling you the tears run right down my face as all I thought of then was you. After my little cry I went back in the caboose and got my 45 automatic pistol and fired 50 rounds right into the sky. It was a feeling I’ll never be able to explain but I was happy. No one knows for sure yet if the war is really over. Anyway we’re still hauling supplies and putting in those long hours the same as ever. As you always say Darling, “Keep your jiffy up” as it won’t be long now. But don’t expect me home in just a few days, it will take a little time to haul the troops to the boat first and then us. You can sure wait a little longer now & save all your love til I’m home in your arms to stay. And since you had me in doubt in that certain one letter, if you can prove to me that you’ve been true to me then it really is going to be a glorious homecoming. That’s what’s’ most important Pheety, to save all your love now so we can always be happy. – Please keep waiting Darling & I’ll answer every one of them.

I love you with all my heart Darling & I hope I was wrong about everything in my last letter. Too bad I have to write such letters to my Pheety.

All my love & kisses to the only on in my life.

Your Dumplin

P.S. Sure would like to see your dog Gypsie, I bet she’s beautiful just like you. Is she getting plump too. Does she ever go out on parties and does she behave herself? Ha. I hope Sam and Fran does move to the farm cause you can keep Gypsie then. Don’t forget Darling that it’s not PVT anymore I’m now a PFC. They put me in charge of a train as a conductor who is supposed to be a Sgt. And now they make the best conductor in Germany a PFC. Ha ha. Some army isn’t it Pheety.