WWII Diary of Chick Bruns – 70 Years Ago

Dear Mother & Dad;

Here it is Sunday and nothing to do. This old hospital is getting me down. I have just come back from going to mass. It’s a nice day here. The sun is shining and it’s warm out. More like spring. Paul Wilson has been out a few times to see me. I’m really coming along fine and the Doc said a few days ago that I would be out of here in a couple of weeks. Well that’s okea for me. The gangs down close to the Rhine now and I don’t want to miss out on too much of the fun.

They have us doing little things to get us back into shape. I play ball the other day. First time since Anzio. Well dad believe it or not I can still hit the same. First time up with the bases full, I not be home run. Ha ha, pretty lucky. We still have shows here about three times a week, and this afternoon I am going to Nancy on pass. It’s only for a couple of hours, but it’s better than laying around.

I have some of your letters here to answer. I haven’t had any mail cents I have been here but I told the 1st Sgt. To keep it and till I came back as it might get lost. I brought these letters with me, and I’m just getting around to answering them. They are dated Jan 18 Valentine, Feb. 4,6,7,8,11,12,13,14,16,18,20. Some of the questions you have asked me more than one so I’ll answer them as I come to them. I had a letter from Snook but I haven’t the slightest idea where he is at. They don’t seem too put much out about his outfit in the stars & stripes.

Mrs. Fleshner surely has her hands full now. The more I think of it the less I want to get married, but I’ll probably be a dope and Mary the first girl I see. But I’m afraid Rita won’t find me the same kid I was before the war. I used to do whatever she wanted. But now????

Know I have never had a letter from Dale Trees since I have been in the army. I row Bud some time ago but never did get an answer. You were talking of the fifth division coming home. I think you’re mixed up mom. The fifth is still here but the old men in the division went home. They have been over here more than three years so they should go home. You sent me Delbert’s address but it was on V-mail in I couldn’t make out the A.T. or is it A.I. Bn. I wish you would quit worrying when I can come home. There are Fellows in our company that have been overseas for three years and there not home yet, and they will go before I do. Guess this is all for now so I’ll bring this to a close. Goodbye and I love you both very much.

Your Son,
“Chick”