WWII Diary of Chick Bruns – 70 Years Ago

Dear Mother & Dad

I am really behind in my letter writing, so please forgive me for not writing more often. We are kept pretty busy now. I have a few of your letters before me as I will answer them while I have a little time and at least have a little to say in a letter. They are dated May 9, 11, 14, 18, 20, Dads 21, 26, 29, 31, June 9, 10, 12, 15.
I had already answered dads letter of the 27th. You sure seem to be getting the house fixed up. It will really look pretty when I get home. George Sanford really got a break didn’t he? Boy Pat surely spread it on thick, but what was that piece in the Tribune about, I never did get to see it. I can just see dad bringing home that box of candy. Dear old dad, you can’t beat him. To hear you talking of those kids going to that dance, brought back old memories. Guess those days are gone for ever. I sure got a kick out of your telling me about Mrs. Nelson not sending but that clipping. From what I gather from Bud’s letter he will be miles behind the lines. You needn’t worry about me dad, I can take care of myself. I have had a couple of letters from Paul Wilson but haven’t had time to write him. Maybe I’ll get to see him one of these days. So Ray & Junior are officers now. Doesn’t seem possible does it. I’m glad that they made it, but I don’t know whether I would trade places or not for all that I have seen, but I am tired of it now an want to get home to you and dad. So Bernice going to have another baby. Boy how time flies. The paper might have said Snook’s outfit was the first one in, but I’m pretty sure we were the first, but it’s a big place and it doesn’t make any difference who was first. I saw a fellow from Snooks outfit and Snook is okay. I won’t be able to see him now as we are scattered out too far. Maybe I will someday again. Thanks for the picture of Ray & Jeane. Mom tell Mrs. Fleshner that I think of her a lot even though I don’t write to her. I know she reads your letters. But I will write soon. Goodbye and I love you both very much.

Your Son,
“Chick”

MRS JOHAN BRUNS=
303 WEST MAPLE ST ZG=

=REGRET TO INFORM YOU YOUR SON PRIVATE FIRST CLASS CHARLES F BRUNS WAS ON TWENTY EIGHT MAY SLIGHTLY INJURED IN ACTION IN ITALY PERIOD YOU WILL BE ADVISED AS REPORTS OF CONDITION ARE RECEIVED=

ULIO THE ADJUTANT GENERAL.

Note:  This telegram was received 24 days after Chick was injured and was the first that his parents knew about his injuries because Chick, to this point, had not written to them about it.    A few days later,  his parents also received a telegram stating that Chick was ‘MISSING IN ACTION’.   If you remember back to May 29th,  Chick decided to leave the hospital on his own and re-join his outfit.  At that point, the Army didn’t know where he was and notified his parents.

Dear Dad,

I do believe this is the first letter I have ever written to use since I have been overseas. It’s always dear Mother & Dad. Well this one is for you, and you alone. Of course you can say hello to mom for me.

Being as this is dad’s day, I had to write and tell you, that you are the best dad in the whole world. Someday we will be home together again. We won’t be able to go rabbit hunting or quail hunting together, because you are getting up an eighth, but I suppose you can still out shoot me with the rifle.

You ask me once about voting. Well dad combat soldiers don’t give a damn who is in office we still have to stay here till this war is over. The noncombat troops are the ones that do all of the griping.

Boy dad is the city of Rome a beautiful place. It’s the prettiest city I’ve ever seen over seas. —— This sentence was censored ——- We had fought a long time to get to see that city, and it was worth seeing. Some of the sites were terrific. I had my camera along and took a lot of pictures.

Well pop I guess I had better bring this to a close. I had my picture taken so I will include a couple. Goodbye to you and I have been thinking of you, all day to day. I did get to go two mass for a change, and all of my prayers were for you. Goodbye again and I love you from the bottom of my heart.

Your Son,
“Chick”

Dear Mother & Dad

I know you have been worrying quite a bit lately about me but I’m Okea, so quit your worrying. I haven’t wrote to anyone for over a month. You and dad are the only ones that I remember. I had little time to write at the present, but I have seen Rome, and I will write you soon all about it. Tell everyone hello for me. I did do a little shopping and bought all of you a gift so when I can I will send them home. Goodbye and I love you both.

Your Son,
“Chick”