WWII Diary of Chick Bruns – 70 Years Ago

Dear Mother & Dad,
Well I’ll try to answer your questions now. Here are the dates that I have received your letters and the questions will be answered accordingly. Dec. 6, 7, 10, 13, Dads, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31, Jan. 1, 5, 6, 7, 10, Dads, 13, 14, 17, 21, 22, 23 Dads, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29.
From the way you describe the kitchen it must be beautiful. Have you had the pictures made for the boy I told you about yet, also it goes for the second group that I sent home. Let me know how much they cost and he will pay me. You know dad, you and mother should take a real vacation this summer and rest for a change. I know that’s what we will all do when I get home. You know before the war I was always on the go all of the time. I loved you and mother but I spent little time with you both. Since I have been over here you realize what your parents mean to you. Sometimes I get tears in my eyes when I get letters from you both. Please try not to worry too much. I know you can’t help it but I’ll be home one of these days and then we can all for get about it. Well dad I tried to keep my feet warm, but I just can’t do it. The rest of my body is warm but for some reason I just can’t keep my feet warm. Oh well summer will be here soon. Yes we had Turkey for thanksgiving. That desk Gee gave you two for Christmas is really something. From the pictures Gee sent me, the house look swell. Yes I received the socks, both pair and the booties too. I think I have received all of your packages so far.
Your letters so far, I received the Tea and marshmallows. No my watch quit about a month ago. I don’t know what’s wrong with it. I had been caring the handkerchief around in a bag and it got wet. They came from Trapani Sicily. Yes I hear from Charlie Miller every once in awhile. He told me about the baby. I doubt if either Snook or I will get to see Ervie. He is stationed at an airfield and they are miles behind the lines and we never get back that far. You never can tell though we may run into him yet. I have ask about my allotment a couple of times now so I guess it will be straightened out before long. Boy, Miller surely gets home a lot doesn’t he. Bob Conant is an officer in the air core engineers and is in England. Ha ha ha Bud’s a priest is he. Well that’s the best place in this man’s army. You only have yourself to look after. Yes I have my pipes. No dad I don’t think I have gained any weight, I’m still the same. What’s the matter, aren’t your old eyes good enough for you that you have to wear glasses, ha ha. How are we going to do any hunting? Now mom don’t worry about paying me back. If you and dad have any use for my money use it. Very seldom do we see an apple. I haven’t seen ice cream since last summer in Sicily. Thank Mr. Dobbins for the pipe & also thanks to you for the pouch. I received the comic books OK. Well one more thing I’ll always know what they dad’s birthday is on now. Guess the Law boy is here. I’ll try to see him when I get a chance. Well I guess that’s about it.

(the top part of page 3 was torn off)

Well here’s who all sent me Christmas packages and this is the order they came.

Mother & Dad Vet of Foreign Wars
Jane Rudicill Emma Sass
Cannats Claud & Mildred
Mrs. Nelson Al & Iola
Ermma & Marie Sass Gee
Mother, Dad Mrs. Fleshner
Mrs Goldsby Rita
Gee & Snook Griersons
Aunt Stella Bernards
Mrs Barber Mom & Dad
Es & Hary & Kids Mrs. Barber
Betty McCole
Gee & Snook
Marie Tapscott
Mae Barber
Harry & Es
Frank Mitchner

Good by & I love you both very much.
Your Son,
“Chick”

PS Tell Gee to put these comic strips in my scrap book.

Dear Mother & Dad,
Well today is valentine’s day. I didn’t realize it but we had a mail call and I received a couple of valentines. Man! Oh Man! But its cold here of a night. Wow! I have my combat suits, overcoat, and wrap a blanket around me to try & keep warm while on guard. I have received a few packages from you. The pipe, comic books, four rolls of film and others but I just can’t think of them at the present. I have all of your letters saved so one of these days when I get time I will write a letter and answer all of your questions. Yes I still get the Champaign paper Okea. I give it to Joe Waters when I’m through with it. I know Snook is near me but I doubt very much at the present if I will be able to see him. Goodbye and I love you both very much.
Your Son,
“Chick”

Dear Mother & Dad,
I know you both have been worrying your heads off about me, but it just couldn’t be helped. I haven’t been able to write for some time now and at the present it is hard to write letters. Tell everyone hello for me and not to expect any letters from me for a while. I’ll write when I can. I am fine and in good health. I saw one of Snook’s outfits vehicles the other day as I imagine he is close by. Maybe someday I will run into him again. I received the pipe the other day and a million letters from everyone. Tell dad he was wrong and you were right. I’ll write more when I have time. Goodbye and I love you both from the bottom of my heart. Tell Rita I’ll write to her one of these days.
Your Son,
“Chick”