Worked on the clothes some more. We get a few things in each day so we try and get rid of them. We got a new company commander, Lt. Cook. He’s a good man.
Your Son, ‘Chick’
October 16, 1944 – Monday
October 15, 1944 – Sunday
The company rested today. But we kept right on working, trying to get rid of a few more clothes and fix them up with the winter issue. Went to the show.
Letter Home – October 14, 1944
Dear Mother & Dad
Boy it’s been a long time since I last wrote home but it just couldn’t be helped. There is times like these in the army. I know you and dad do a lot of worrying when my letters do not arrive, but every now and then, I guess it has to be that way. There is so many are reasons why you can’t write at times that they are unable to explain. So please don’t worry if my mail is a little slow. Tell everyone that even your letters are slow coming and not too expect mail from me for a while. When I get the time or I’m able to write a few letters I will. Someday we will get to rest and then I’ll have time to catch up.
There is very little too right about here and the newspapers tell you more than I can put in a letter. I hate to say it but this war is going to last a lot longer than the people back home to realize. If it’s over by my birthday it will be lucky. Everyone is closing in on Germany from all sides so it can’t last much more than spurring. Of course, I want to come home, but I can sweat out my time over here, that much better if this war would only end.
We still have a time cooking “spuds” every way we can think of. Last night we made some “French fries” and they were very good. I hope things keep on like they are now as long as we are going to spend another winter of war. Last year we spent the winter in tents, so far we have been lucky enough to find buildings are houses. The pour infantry kids are the ones I feel sorry for. That foxhole sleeping is no good. I learn that from Anzio. Goodbye to you both & I wrote this and a cot and of a hurry so maybe you will have a hard time translating it. I love you both from the bottom of my heart. By By
Your Son,
“Chick”
October 14, 1944 – Saturday
The company came in today so I issued clothes out all day. We had a good card game and then went to the second show.
October 13, 1944 – Friday
Worked on my books, played a little Pinochle, and wrote a couple of letters. The first Sgt. came in and said the company might be in tomorrow. Went to the show but we had seen both shows. Came home and fried some potatoes.
October 12, 1944 – Thursday
Not much changed today. Things are going pretty good now. Instead of going to one show Steve, Council, and I went to two shows. Came home and went to bed.
October 11, 1944 – Wednesday
Straightened up the clothes. Played some cards. 1st Sgt. came in and we had to get a few things for him. He said the lines were closing in now so the company is having a better go of it.
October 10, 1944 – Tuesday
We got in a lot of clothes. Sorted them out and sent the wool underwear up to the company. Played cards and went to a show. It has been raining and the weather is miserable.
October 9, 1944 – Monday
We played a little cards. Did a little work. First Sgt. came in. A few more of the fellows were hurt, but they sure gave the Krouts a bad time. Went to a show and was on guard. That’s about all there is to do is pull guard.
October 8, 1944 – Sunday
We had three men hurt up on the front but not serious. I lost a good boy friend from “B” company up there; his name was Jim Culbertson from Rockford. Today was about the same as yesterday.
