Letter # 71 July 29, 43

July 29, 43
Hello my egotistical Wife;
I've been forced to neglect you the past couple days, but I'll make up for that when I see you in a few weeks. I can be a little egotistical also, you see I have a little more good news. It is definite that we are going to Fort Knox, but I'm not sure when. We were supposed to leave today, so I packed up last night and this morning I turned in my bed and etc and they paid us off.
There was some mix up in the orders from Washington, so we aren't leaving today. I'm going to borrow a bed for tonight. We will leave as soon as they get the orders straightened out. It may be tomorrow or it may be two or three days yet.
You said you wanted me to call you. I would but it is a 4 or 5 hour job from down here and I may not be at Fort Knox by Sun or Mon. If I am I will try to call you. I'm sending this air mail and hope it reaches you by Mon. at the latest.
There is one more little piece of news. I guess in as much as you were a good girl and didn't peek in the last letter I'll tell you at once. That was kind of a mean trick and I can imagine what you were like as you read it. As I said before you deserved it. I love you honey.
Here is the news. I am now wearing one stripe on my sleeve. You probably noticed it on the return address already. It was a long time coming and now that I'm going to school, I probably won't go any further until I graduate. This outfit is slow to give ratings, but after the first one they usually come fast. There are only 4 of us in this outfit so far. I'm rich now honey. $4.00 more next mo.
I was talking to the C.O. again today and he said I shouldn't figure on a furlough until Christmas, but we'll see. If we want I may be able to work it from the other end at graduation. We won't worry about that now.
Here is another of the current rumors. The 8th is moving to Camp Perry. Boy if that one turned out to be true I'd be kind of "pissed off". Me way down in Fort Knox.
Honey the pictures were swell, nearly as good as seeing home again. The only trouble is I can't get a feel of those nice legs of yours. The belly looks good also. In fact you look the same as always to me. Damn good. Really honey. You look so good I could practically eat you. I love you plenty honey. I'm sending part of them back but keeping the best ones. Thanks honey but I don't want anything to keep them in. Too bulky to move around. I've got two, two bushel bags full now. I hate to think of lugging them very far. The picture of you and Vi was also very good. I kept the only one in which she didn't have her face in a glass. Boy those drinks must have been good.
I see the old place looks much the same even to all the current magazines on the table and the notions on the new magazine rack. It looks so natural I can just imagine sitting in my chair in the corner and seeing it all. The boys think the place looks like we must be wealthy. They don't know the half of it. They all like my wife also and can't see how you came to marry me. I fixed that up by showing them the bedroom picture. The 410 shows very plainly and I told them it was a shotgun wedding in reverse. I forced you to marry me at the point of a gun and have kept it handy ever since.
If I didn't have you now I think I would try that method if nothing else worked. I love you too much to let you get away. Gee I'm glad I got you honey. I'm really anticipating seeing you soon and may even insist on that every other week business. You're a sweet old devil and I believe you would wear yourself out to come down if you thought I wanted you to.
I'll look the situation over as soon as I can after I get there and let you know. If we had left today I could have looked around this Sunday but now I guess it will have to wait until next weekend.
Honey I'm as bad as you are. I can't even think of anything else but seeing you. I don't think I looked forward as much to our wedding day as I am to this reunion day. It seems a hell of a while since I saw you. It is exactly 4 mo. today. 1/3 of a year. It sure beats me how much I miss you honey. You must be a peach.
Well bye for now honey. I may not be able to write for a few days but I'll sure be thinking of you and getting myself primed to show you a time in Old Kentucky. I love you honey. Boy I could squeeze the daylights out of you if I could get a hold of you. Night sweetheart.
I'll be seeing you
Your lover
Norm.

Letter # 70 July 26, 1943

July 26, 1943
Hello Wifey darling;
Well honey I guess you must really have made up your mind to see me. You're a sweet old thing and I'm flattered to think that after all the things I said about this place you would still come to see me in spite of it. You must want to very badly. I sure hope it won't be necessary. It won't be bad for you to come to Louisville. Not nearly so far and they say it's a damn nice town. Sgt. Marinics says there is a small town about halfway between Fort Knox and Louisville where we might be able to stay. We won't worry about that yet. As soon as I get settled I'll look around and then we can decide.
I haven't heard anything more about the time we have or anything, but they haven't changed their minds as yet. I've got everything crossed.
Yesterday I met Shorty Bishop again and we went down to see Henry again. I wanted to say goodbye in case I don't see him again. If they break up this division and I go to Fort Knox we may not meet again until after the war. We tried to find Kenny but I guess he was in town with his wife. I suppose she is still here. I haven't seen anyone that knows for a long time.
This army just doesn't want to let me get settled anyplace. They took me off night shift and put me back as leader of my old squad. It won't be for long. We are having a series of tests on drill and other phases of training on Wed. morn and we are doing some extensive review and brush up work today & tomorrow. I don't know why they had to pick on me. I haven't had any of that for some time and I sure was rusty. I stumbled all over myself for a while. Rahill was called out also and he had the same trouble I did. He has been working with intelligence about as long as I've been at the motor park.
Today the C.O. said that as far as he knew, furloughs would probably start in a couple weeks. Only 10 days though. Looks like I'm getting screwed by going to school. See, that's what I get for working, just more work. I was just kidding there but it sure would be swell to get home. As it is I'll have to wait until school is over. I won't mind much if my wife come to see me for a few days. Will she? I love her and will do my best to show her a time as well as show her how much I love her. I do you know.
One nice thing about the furlough business is, if they do change their minds about the school, I still have a chance to get home. One or the other ought to click. Maybe I wasn't dreaming too much after all.
Henry didn't have very much to say except that he is still very disgusted. He thinks he will get leave about the end of August.
I just put another "Turret Topics" in an envelope and will send it along. Even I broke into print in it.
I wish the picture of the infiltration course was better, but the description is good.
Well honey I guess I better quit. Nearly time for lights out. Hope it won't be too long before you have something more than a dream to hug. I'll have a dream to hug but it'll be a real flesh and blood dream. I love you honey. It will be like a dream to have you again after all this time. Here's to what will happen when we meet again. Night honey, I'll be seeing you and I'm loving you bushels.
your "wild" soldier.
Norm.

Letter # 69 July 25, 1943

July 25, 1943
0600 Sun.
Good morning honey;
I can risk saying good morning to you this way and not get a scowl for an answer. You never were too sociable at this time of the morning, were you? Especially if I would have wakened you this early on Sunday. Wish I was near enough to try it though. I'd risk a scowl. I might even try to break your rule about no loving in the morning. Maybe you've changed in that respect also. Have you? I love you, you old devil and I think maybe I'll try it the first chance I get.
If the army doesn't change its mind about sending me to Fort Knox I'm going to take you up on that business of coming to see me so maybe it won't be too long until I have a chance to try. I sure am keeping my legs crossed and hoping.
Every time the C.O. or first Sargent want to see me I get scared. Think the bad news might be coming. It just seems too good to be true, being shipped back so close to my good old wife. I'll really heave a sigh of relief when I get on that northbound train. I don't know when anything has meant so much to me as the prospect of seeing you again does. I'm afraid I've allowed myself to dream a little too much about this and if it doesn't happen I'm going to be very much disappointed. Now don't go thinking, "Well, damn it I'll go to La." because I won't be so broken up that I would want you to do that.
You can believe me honey, this weather is hell and to someone not used to it, it would be something worse. Yesterday it was 116 degrees and already this morning I am dripping and I don't sweat until it gets about 90 degrees anymore.
This past week we had two Nco's come back from furloughs in the north, Sgt. Rush, the one I bivouacked with that night, from New York, was one of them and they nearly died after they got here. Had to stand on the train for long periods of time and the heat nearly got them. They had to give Rush two heart shots to keep it from stopping. They are both recovering slowly.
Now that I have gotten used to it, it doesn't have much effect on me other than keep me constantly dripping, but I don't think I will ever kick about cold weather again.
They've kind of had me on "unlimited" service again the last couple days, didn't even get time to write you yesterday. I got up Friday noon and worked Friday night. Sat morn they had some special lectures "Ernie", Sgt. Marinics, and I had to attend. Got to bed at 1000 and they called us back to duty at 1130. We worked until 2000 last night. Almost like the old days when I spent nearly all my time on my feet. Although then I had some very pleasant work to do part of the time. Loving you.
The "old man" can still take it. I wasn't even sleepy so i took Sgt. Caruso's trick at C.O. for him. His wife is living in DeRidder and they had kept him so busy last week he didn't get home at night. So when he asked me would I take his turn I felt sorry for him and did it. He was so tickled he offered me $5.00 for it but I couldn't take money for that. He had asked all the rest of the qualified men first. He knew I hadn't had any sleep. None of them would take it for him. He looked so down hearted I don't know how they could refuse. Anytime I can do anything to help a man see his wife, I'll sure as hell do it.
I finally got to bed at 2400 and had hardly gotten to sleep when one of the boys came in and got me up again. He had been given an emergency furlough and then a 4 day extension and had overstayed that for 6 days so he is in trouble. I had to do a little record work on it and get him settled under company arrest. Then I went back to bed until 0500 this morning. He sure has himself in a jam. He will be court marshaled and probably get at least 6 mo. in the guard house, and may get up to 10 yrs. They sure are tough on A.W.O.L. In this outfit they have already given 2 yrs for 2 days A.W.O.L. and they accept very few excuses. Even a few minutes to an hour late for any formation without a very good excuse, give a week of K.P. or other extra company duty, such as digging stumps, hauling gravel or any kind of work there is to be done.
Even this morning I had orders to call the company out at 0800 for "police up" and then had to go through the barracks and take the names of men that didn't fall out. They are now on detail for the day. It sure pays to stay "on the ball" in this man's army. I learned that quick and have so far been lucky. I've done a lot of extra work but none of it has been for punishment yet.
This C.O. business explains the reason I'm writing this letter so early. I had to get the cooks and K.P.'s out at 0500 so I just decided to do my writing this morning. I go off duty at 1200 and then I have quite a lot of laundry to do and a few other things to take care of so I'll be ready to take off when the time comes. They'll probably only tell us an hour or so before we are to be on the train. I can't send my laundry out because it wouldn't be back quick enough. I still need my "red headed secretary". I seem to be finding too many things for that mythical secretary to do. Guess all I want is a wife. I already have the best one of those available, but she's too damn far away. I love you darling. Do you believe me now or haven't I told you often enough?
I just nearly got mobbed and if as they say, I wasn't an old bald headed man they would have, but I don't think that was the whole reason. I am just as big as they . However I guess maybe I had it coming. Sgt Brown & Sgt Otis were sitting around here in the orderly room and we were "throwing the bull" about this and that and as is always the case, the subject of furloughs came up. They were ribbing me about going so close to home and not being able to get any closer so to get back I started to say how nice it would be to be on the headwaters of a nice clear, cold mountain stream watching the trout scoot by over the riffles and be able to follow the stream bed with the eye up through a pine clad canyon to snow capped peaks and a beautiful cool looking blue sky. To have nothing to do but sit there on the bank and dream or fish or maybe have some very nice female companion to keep you company or whatever. That was as far as I got. Both of them are from the mountains, Brown from Calif. and Otis from New York. You can imagine when you stop to think where we are and where they are from how many memories that would bring back and how they would feel about it. I got back at them and couldn't have blamed them very much if they had mobbed me. I did such a good job of it, it even made me feel bad.
We're going to have to do that sometime honey, when our ship comes in and we can afford to take a couple weeks vacation. That would be a nice life. You and I and have nothing to do in those surroundings but fish and ---- and love. Can you guess the missing word?
Honey, I think you're the one to say "It's me" when we meet again. It just doesn't seem like the old you. Getting up and calling the boy to go out and do chores. I can't believe it. Why you must be changed so much you even look different. However I can tell from your letters that I'm still going to love you more than ever, even if you have changed.
The expressions are probably colloquial. I spelled it the same as you, so if it's wrong it's your fault. I had never heard that one. "Aw blow it out your ass" "fuck up" and "pissed off" are the most common around here. The "pissed off" means to get mad and I have explained the others before.
Well honey I guess I rambled around quite a little in this letter but I wanted to write something. I quit now and see if I can compose something to the folks. Bye honey, I'm loving you and at present doing a lot of dreaming. Hope they aren't just pipe dreams. Keep up the good work honey and have a good time. So long, I'll be seeing you, you darling. I love you and love you and love you.
your hubby.
Norm.

Letter # 68 July 23, 1943

July 23, 1943
1400 Fri. Aft.
Dearest Wifey;
Well honey I've finally got some good news. Now don't get excited. It isn't a furlough but it is good news never-the-less. I have an excellent opportunity to turn the tables on you and make you wait for the surprise good news. But I don't know if I can be that way or not. It's almost too good to be kept and anyhow it takes place so soon, not later than the first of August so maybe I should tell you all about it. Now don't get curious and jump over part of this letter to find out what it is. Promise you won't or I'll make you wait for tomorrow's installment to find out what it is. Do you promise? Good, then I'll tell you a little bit. No, it isn't a rating or anything like that. Better than that. I had hoped that it might happen but was so doubtful of it that I never said anything about it.
Have I teased you enough yet or should I keep on for a little longer? Knowing how you like surprises I guess I better keep you in suspense a little longer. Aren't I mean though honey? I told you I would get back at you for making me wait on your surprise a while ago. I think I'll go over and get me a drink at the P.X. before I tell you. Boy it sure is hotter than hell here today. If that is where I'm headed for after life it will be a snap after this session of hot weather. I bet you are consigning me to that very place about now.
No luck with the drinks, they don't have a bit of ice.
What am I doing talking about other things at a time like this? Just teasing you of course. Have you had enough yet, you old devil? No? Well then I won't tell you just yet. I love you honey but I do get a kick out of teasing you. Now I have a little bad news before I tell you the good.
I just came back from the Orderly Room. I asked the old man about a leave of some kind even if only 3 or 4 days but no soap. I definitely will not get a furlough until Thanksgiving or Christmas. Now don't get too excited, just wait until I tell you the good news.
I guess I've made you wait long enough but this is the first chance I've had to tease you for a long time and you had it coming you old devil you. I love you honey even if I do tease you.
Have you been honest and not peeked to see what the news is? I think you have so I'll tell you on the next sheet.
I am being transferred to Fort Knox, Ky. mechanical school for 16 weeks. Now ain't that something? We are to be there by the 1st of August, at least that is the story now. The damn army may change its mind but I think this is nearly certain. I won't be entirely sure until I get there though.
I tried to get a three or four day start and then I could have come home for a day or so. I know you probably would have been in bad shape, it's that time of the mo, but I wouldn't have minded that so much. It would have been swell just to see you.
There are quite a few men going from the division and we will go on troop train, so I couldn't take off before the rest. I even offered to stand the train fare myself but no soap.
After I get there and get settled a week or so I won't have any objection to you coming to see me there over a weekend or maybe for a week or so. That's back in civilization and I imagine you can do O.K. there. I don't know any of the particulars or anything about my schedule there but I guess we go to school 6 days a week during the entire course. We'll see about that later.
Anyhow I won't be so very far from home and even if I can't get home, maybe I can talk you into coming to see me once in a while on Sat. night. That will be swell. I'm sure keeping my fingers crossed that they don't change their minds this time.
I'm not so wild about the school, although it will give me an opportunity to get some valuable schooling. The nicest part is that I'm now planning to be able to see you again and that's enough to make me want it badly. You don't know how hungry I am for a look at you again. It will also get me out of this Turkish bath down here and that is also something. Honey, if you can bring me that kind of luck just by sending me a $10.00 bill, keep it up.
I still think you were the best luck I ever had and now you send me a good luck $10.00 bill and look what happens. I love you honey, more and more. Maybe that "showing you" I speak of isn't so far away anymore. It sure looks a lot more promising than it has for a long time. Keep your fingers and your legs crossed and I'll do a little of that praying that the army doesn't change its mind this time. I'll sure be mad if they do. Well here's to seeing you soon honey and I'm loving you lots.
your hopeful hubby.
Norm
Honey.
P.S. I forgot. You can keep on sending mail to me here and it will be sent after me until I know my new address for sure, but don't send anything but letters.

Letter # 67 July 22, 1943

July 22, 1943
Thurs 1400
Hello Miss Independence;
I've been keeping my fingers crossed for quite some time. I was afraid you were going to decide to come down here before you went to school this fall. I can't stop you from coming and wouldn't if I could but I am still against it. I have talked to all the fellows I knew that had their wives down here and none of them have liked it at all. One of the clerks in the garage had his wife here since a week ago Sunday. She left for home today. She had originally intended to stay until he got a furlough and they were going back together. She just couldn't stand the heat and living conditions. He said the only good meals she got were the ones they ate here at the Service Club [on the post]. Now that I am back on night shift it would turn your hours all around again. All in all I don't think it would be very satisfactory for you.
Sure, I'm thinking of you and not so much of myself. If I were only thinking of myself I would have had you here all the time. I don't think the satisfaction to me would be worth the hardship to you.
Don't worry about my being sent before I get a chance to come home. There is no indication that this outfit will go overseas for a long time. I'm beginning to believe this is an experimental outfit and will be broken up. The chances are very slim of me getting home before school but I'm sure I'll get there. As you said before you can always get someone to take your place for a week or two. Under the conditions they would be glad to let you off and that would take care of the very slim chance of my being shipped without a leave. Beside all this honey it would bring on another period of loneliness for both of us, [like at first] and not be satisfactory enough to either of us to be worth it. When I see you I would much rather be on leave and not have army mixed up with us.
All this is just as I see one side of it. You are still perfectly free to do as you please. You can bet I want to see you as much if not more than you want to see me but I just can't see all the trouble to you.
Talk it over with your Mom and Pop and read them what I have to say. I've kept this much of the letter so you could. If you still decide to come down let me know a week or so ahead and I'll see what I can do for living accommodations. Above all don't forget to bring an alarm clock or I would probably oversleep and be A.W.O.L. If I were you I would wait until the last part of August. Something may happen by then.
In case you get the wrong impression from this letter, I'm leaving it up to you from here on and whatever you decide will be swell with me. I won't be mad if you come and I won't be disappointed if you don't. I just love you a hell of a lot and would be glad to see you anywhere. That is enough on that subject.
What was the idea of the $10.00? Did you make a mistake and get it in the wrong envelope or was it just in hopes I might get a furlough and need it to get home? You're a sweet old devil and I love you lots. Always worrying that I might not have enough to get along on. Don't worry honey, the only things I want that I don't have money for, can't be bought with money. You know what I mean. You, and a normal home life again. Thanks anyhow, I'll be able to use it for something.
Well honey I've got to try and get some sleep so I can stay awake all night. I love you more and more. You're a swell person to have for a wife. Bye honey, you're the apple of my eye.
Your loving husband
Norm

Letter # 66 July 21, 1943

July 21, 1943
2000 Wed eve.
Hello sweet and lovable;
Well honey I have a very good example of how the army can change it's mind. Yesterday they said no more night shift and today they put Sgt.Marinics and I on night shift indefinitely. Just the two of us now. We go on tomorrow night. we'll work until noon tomorrow and have the afternoon to sleep or whatever. I think it will be okay.
I got your box of cookies and your Sunday letter today. The cookies are swell honey and you're a sweet old devil to take such good care of me.
I guess you have been doing a lot of gadding as you call it, but that's what a vacation is for and it's what I want you to do. Get it out of your system if you can honey. [I doubt it] because when I do come home again I'm not going to be too easy to talk into leaving very much. I always did rather like to stay at home and I think I will like it a lot more after this. I can really appreciate wife and home now.
The rumors are really flying around here now. They're coming so thick and fast I can't even remember all of them. Here are a couple of them but treat them as nothing but rumors. Probably no truth in them at all.
#1 All furloughs for privates are cancelled from this date forward to some indefinite date, because a lot of them are going to be shipped out to replacement centers.
#2 The 8th division is changed from a combat unit to a training unit for non-comms.
#3 The privates will get their ratings and be sent to other armored force divisions to train other rookies.
#4 In two mo. North Camp Polk will be empty except for a staff of officers and non-comms to begin another 8th division.
#5 Camp Polk is to be used for prisoners of war camp. They say there is already a bunch of them in south camp. where they moved the W.A.A.C.S. from.
That is all I can remember at present but there are lots more. All you can gather from them is that there might be something afoot and these are the guesses someone has passed out. I don't think any of the Division officers know much more than we do about it. We'll just have to keep on waiting until something happens. Don't get discouraged honey. I'm just talking gossip, and a break may come our way at any time.
I sure am glad you are getting along so well by yourself. I had thought all along that you would be better satisfied there at home than anywhere else and I'm glad it's turning out that way. I want you to be as happy as you can be under the circumstances. It's a hard spot for you and I want you to do as you please. I've told you all this before but just keep it in mind.
Well honey I'm all unwound again. Must be slipping or else I'm writing too often. Can't seem to fill the pages anymore. Not doing so many new things to write about either. I'll soon be down to short love notes. I should be able to write a lot on that subject but I can't say what I want to. I'm still much better at showing than telling I'm afraid.
I do love you a lot honey and think you are the sweetest most desirable woman in the world, even though you say you aren't as nice as I say and call yourself a hard woman of the world, I think I can soften you up and know you will be entirely satisfactory. You're a peach honey. I'm glad I got you before someone else found out how nice you were. I was lucky. No competition.
Night honey, I love you and am hoping to see you soon.
your lover
Norm.

Letter # 65 July 20, 1943

July 20, 1943
1900 Tues. Eve.
Hello Sweetheart;
Another day and another letter from my nice wife. You sure are a nice person to get letters from. I stand every mail call and I haven't left empty handed very often. It must be quite a chore for you. I'm more trouble to you being away than I would be if I were home. It's very nice though to be able to look forward to the end of this war and know I have a nice wife waiting for me. I love you honey and you can just bet I miss you more than a little.
I guess they have decided to quit the night shift at least for the present. That is what the first Sargent said this morning. Of course he said "you know the army" They may change their minds again tomorrow.
I was working all day on a tank. Overhaul on the engines. They are bitches to work on. Need a can opener or a charge of dynamite to open them up so you can get anywhere near the engines. I stood on my head and worked in all sorts of cramped positions all day. Got a good workout. It was really hot today. I don't know how hot, but I believe it was the hottest yet. It looks like rain tonight.
We couldn't go swimming tonight so I just took a shower and am sitting here taking it easy as I write to my old sweetheart.
Max went to the hospital yesterday for a hemorrhoid operation. I don't know how long that takes but I guess they are painful as hell. Glad I don't seem to have anything wrong with me. There are some nice nurses at the hospital they tell me but I'd sooner be well and not see them. If you were a nurse there I'd try to have something wrong very often. I'd like to have you for a nurse. If I wasn't too sick maybe I could get a little fresh once in a while.
Your comment about Bob Indoe sounded a bit green eyed to me. I don't blame him for taking all he can get, but I don't see how he does it.
Has Thurston ever had more than the emergency furlough when his baby was born? Some fellows just seem to be lucky or know how. I wish I did. I wouldn't mind coming to see you every month or so either.
Honey, I believe you are also changing. I can't imagine you offering to do someone else's work. I bet Jean was surprised. Hope it's nothing serious with her.
Well honey this letter just doesn't seem to click so I'm disgusted and going to quit for tonight. I love you honey and you were very hard to make but I'm a persistent cuss so watch out. Night honey. I'm loving you as much as ever even if I can't seem to write tonight.
Night Tootsie Wuggles.
Norm.

Letter # 64 July 19, 1943

July 19, 1943
2000 Mon.
Hello Tootsie Darling;
Got two nice letters from my old darling today. I hate to throw cold water on your hopes for that furlough. I didn't know about Dick getting a furlough. Haven't seen him for some time. As far as I know there have been none given to any rookies as yet. While Dick is in the same regiment he is in a different company and in different work. He is in the medics. Their furloughs are largely up to the company commanders and ours is bucking for his captain's bars and of course, the only way he can get them is by turning out a crack company. That is one reason why we have had it as tough as we have. Quite a bit different than lots of other companies. As yet he has accepted no requests for furloughs from any rookies. The older men that are getting them never know more than a day or two ahead of time. I'm hoping as much as you are honey but don't expect too much. You know I never was lucky but once. That was when I got you. I have stayed on the ball and worked hard so I would have a good record and give them no excuse to refuse me, but as I say, Don't do more than dream. I'll let you know as soon as I know anything definite. So just keep your legs crossed and hope. I'll do the same. I would sure like to see you sweet old devil. It tickles me to hear you say you feel that way once in a while. I can't imagine it. Must be I kept you too well satisfied. Didn't know I was that good a man.
I'll let you be a little proud of me if you want to but I don't know why. I'm the one to be proud. You are doing a swell job of getting along by yourself. You see I have reports from other people about you. I thought you might try to shit me just to keep me happy. To be honest honey you are doing so much better than I expected that I really am becoming afraid you won't need me any more. You better damn you or I'll be like Henry B. & Sgt.Brown.
Well honey I'm back on the day shift again and I don't know whether I like it or not. I enjoyed that night work and it gave me more time to myself as you can tell by the no of letters I wrote you. First weeks I ever equalled your letters. I hope it didn't spoil you because I may not be able to keep it up. They don't know if they will continue the night shift yet or not. The other crew didn't go to work tonight. They think they might pick two men to take a steady night shift and I said I would as soon work at night as in the day. It was left that way.
Tonight the first Sargent left word for me to see him at 0700 tomorrow. I don't know of anything I "fucked up" on so it may be that. I'll find out tomorrow.
As soon as we had supper tonight a few of us took off to the pool again. Had a nice hour's swim. Boy that sure does help to have some recreation I like so handy. It'll keep me in shape now that I don't have so many exercises. After all the bragging I've done I'd hate to come home with it back on again.
You're a nice old thing begging cookies and sending them to me. I wish you could send me the ice cream but the cookies will be very much appreciated. You see you taught me a bad habit. I get hungry by bed time and such things come in mighty handy. Here in the army I can't raid the ice box when ever I want to. Who says you didn't teach me anything?
I have recovered some of my old appetite. I'm nearly always ready to eat. While I was working nights last week I was eating 4 meals a day. Imagine that. The cooks fixed us a lunch for midnight. Sandwiches and fruit. We didn't have anything to carry coffee in or we would have had that too. We're in good with the cooks. Good guys to have on your side. When they have something specially good I can usually work them for seconds.
Well honey I have to shave and shit yet and it is almost lights out so I quit for tonight. Night honey, wish you were here so I could uncross those nice legs of yours. I love you tootsie and am also dreaming.
your loving soldier.
Norm.

Letter #63 July 18, 1943

July 18, 1943
1400 Sun. Aft.
Hello Sweetheart;
Well I sure have been having a lazy weekend and enjoying myself along with it. Last night I went to the show. It was "Stage Door Canteen" and was very good. The soldiers in it were wearing the 5th Armored insignia. Maybe in a few more mo. I'll be in the same spot. Just ready to cross the water. I don't know if you've seen it or not but you won't have to worry about me looking for a wife there as some of the boys were doing. I've already got me the best little wife in the country and I love her like hell.
This morning I washed my leggings and fatigues and then decided to rip off a few division insignias that I had hurried too much when I put them on and sewed them back on. They now look a little more like a professional job. A little I said. I still need a secretary that can do a little sewing also. These jobs kept me out of mischief until dinner.
They just called us out and informed us that the new division swimming pool is ready and our regiment can use it from 1430 to 1600 so I'm taking off. Will write more when I come back.
Boy honey was that fun. Had more fun this afternoon than I had since I came to the army. That water sure felt swell. We have a fairly nice pool, about the size of our whole front yard and it is 12 ft deep out in the center. The bath house isn't finished yet and the grading isn't all done but I don't care about that, it swims good. I don't know how often we'll be able to use it but I bet I'm there when we can. I got the beginning of a suntan also. Honey you should see me in a bathing suit now. Straight as an arrow. I think I'm a very nice looking man now. The suit still fits but it is plenty loose about the belly.
I got interrupted here for a couple hours. Sgt. Brown, my boss, came up here and sat down on my bunk and we shot the shit. He is from the big timber country in California. About 30 yrs old and single. He has worked in the timber, on construction jobs and on ranches. Very interesting to talk to. I had often wondered why he was still single because he is a swell guy and tonight it came out. He was to be married when he was 24. Had the house all bought and he was away on a construction job for a couple mo. When he came back she was married. He hasn't been interested in women since except for what he can get.
I'm sure glad I got me a swell wife. If they turn out the other way I guess they can raise hell with a man's life. Since we've been separated I can sure see how it might be. I appreciate and love you more all the time. Lucky me. Bye honey. I love you.
Norm.

Letter # 62 July 17, 1943

July 17, 1943
Sat 1300
My darling wife;
Well honey another week done and gone and another week closer to that time when we can start living again. Boy I can hardly wait. It sure is a goal worth looking forward to and it can't come too soon to suit me. I miss my nice old wife and happy home a lot. I'll sure be hard to pry away from either after this is over. The boys that don't get married don't know what they are missing. I love my old honey.
We aren't going to be on duty after all this weekend. When I came off shift this morning I was done until Monday morning. I slept until noon and now I'll do a little writing and probably just be lazy the rest of the time. I may take a notion to go to the show this evening. I haven't seen one since Decoration Day and I think maybe I would enjoy one.
The boys all worked like hell the last few days and nearly everything is "on the ball" so they turned the outfit loose at noon today. Boy you should have seen this place empty out. They worked last weekend and sure didn't waste any time taking off for town. Practically by myself and it is real quiet and peaceful. It is real hot again today, probably around 108 or 110 but I can't help but admire the sky. As I've said before there is something about this country I like. The sky's are nearly always beautiful, in daytime as well as at night. I hadn't realized until this week how the natives stand to live in this climate, but I think I have the answer now. During the middle of the day they just don't do anything and if you find a shady spot in the breeze the heat doesn't bother very much. There is nearly always a breeze. I was really surprised at how little the heat bothered me this week. The nights are swell to work and laying around in the daytime has been very comfortable. Maybe if I live here long enough I would become a southerner after all.
Sgt. Marinics, one of our mechanic sergeants, just came back from furlough last eve. He lives in Cambridge, Ohio. Said he sure had a swell time and Ohio never looked better to him. He spent most of his time in Akron. He made good time on the way home. Left here Sat at 1400 and got to Columbus at 2200 Sunday, but on the way back he left 1800 Wed and got in at 1900 Friday night and said he sat and slept in the aisle all the way. The older men in service I mean, have been all getting furloughs, but I don't hear anything about us yet.
Train fare round trip, less eats is $23.00 Alexandria to Columbus. Not so bad is it. That is the special soldier rate.
For gosh sakes honey don't worry about wasted vacation days. That's what they are for. Waste them and have yourself a time and a rest.
Glad to hear the old car is still holding together. I guess for all you will be able to drive, it will last you the duration.
I guess Vi must have thought the letter not fit to send. Anyhow, I haven't seen anything of it. I can imagine just about what it would be like.
I can also imagine the scene with the McFaddens, everybody making themselves at home, reading magazines or whatever they wanted to do. I guess that is what makes them such nice company. Just nice people.
Well honey I guess I can't think of much more to write so I'll quit until the next time. I love you, you nice sweet, exciting old thing. I'll be seeing you.
Your hubby
Norm

Letter # 61 July 16, 1943

July 16, 1943
1400 Friday
Hello darling wifey;
Just woke up a few minutes ago. Slept like a log and feel swell. I go to bed as soon as I come off duty to avoid the heat as much as possible. The last couple days have been hot ones but by getting my sleep by noon I can miss the worst part of it. As I write this I am sitting on my bunk by an open window, bare naked letting the breeze blow over me. Feels good, but it is getting too hot to sleep anymore. I guess I don't need it anyhow. It sure seems strange to have daytime off. This last part of this week has been swell. I've only been working 10 hrs and have the rest of the time to sleep, read and write. Haven't even had any exercise except walking to and from the motor park and what I get at work. It's the first time since I've been here that I've had a rest. Don't hardly know what to do with myself. I have plenty of letters to write but I'm just too damn lazy to do it. I bought a newspaper yesterday and amused myself part of the afternoon with that. It was the first time I had looked at more than the headlines in the time I've been here. I took my time with the funnies and looked at them good. I have also finally finished reading "See Here Private Hargrove". It's good. If you haven't read it you might also find it amusing. It surely is true to army life.
Now is the time when if we were where there was anything to do, I could get in a little fishing or something. I'll sure be spoiled for next week when I'll have to go back to work again. I really enjoy being lazy though. It sure feels good to hear the whistles blow to fall out and I can just lay there and say "Aw blow it out your ass" another army expression. They sure have some dandy's.
I don't know for sure what is up for the weekend but I think we will work Sunday again. We have a big inspection by the ordinance coming up Monday. I guess all the vehicles and guns and equipment will have to be "on line".
I don't have the least idea what is coming up for us after next week. It is supposed to be the official end of basic. I hope we don't just go on routine camp life. I'm afraid that would be rather uninteresting. As long as I am busy and have something new coming up I can keep interested and the time goes quickly. So even though we have all looked forward to the end of basic I hope they keep up the training or do something with us.
Don't misunderstand this letter honey, I'm still O.K. and as satisfied with army life as I could ever be, but I don't have much of interest to write and I'm just running on.
So you're starting at the beginning and reading all the letters over again. Must be quite a volume of them. The change in feeling in my letters is probably due to the fact that I had to get used to expressing myself on paper. It had been so long since I had even tried to write I didn't know how to.
I think I like my statements about you best and I mean every one of them. You're the center of my world honey. I'll have to practice a lot more before I'll be able to put on paper what my feelings about you really are. Damn it all honey, they just can't be put on paper. After this war is over I'll just spend the rest of my life showing you. Boy, that'll be fun.
I'll even buy you a glass of beer once in a while. You're a devil. All these years you wouldn't even drink it and now you say it isn't bad. You're funny but I love you.
Well honey I've about exhausted my ability to write so I'll say "bye" honey for today. I love you.
your devoted hubby.
Norm

Letter # 60 July 15, 1943

July 15, 1943
Thurs. 0930
Hello darling;
I slept until just now and don't seem to be at all sleepy anymore so I thought I'd write you a note. I'm getting along O.K. on this night shift business. Get a little sleepy along about 3-4 in the morning but it soon passes. Sure is swell to work. It cools off so nice at night I hardly even sweat and I haven't been troubled by the heat, sleeping in the daytime. I'll probably get sleepy after awhile and sleep all afternoon. Doesn't sound much like me but down here I don't have anything to fuss around with so I just sleep.
Glad you are through at the diner and are already having parties. Go to it honey. I don't suppose you'll get this letter soon enough, but if Mick & Louise want you to go on a trip with them why don't you. It'll do you good.
I'm sorry to hear Mick will have to leave so soon. Apparently he will have to take regular army training first and later go on to school. Well I guess he can do it. After all it's only 5 more mo until the first of the year. Give him my best wishes and tell him to write after he lands someplace.
You should see me now. The whole division has been ordered to get G.I. haircuts. If you thought the one I had when I came to the army was short you should see this one. About 1/2" long at the longest place, sides clipped high and even the fuzz on top cut off. Sure won't need a comb anymore. Some of the boys that had nice heads of hair are sure bitching. I didn't care. I couldn't loose much anyhow.
I have had and will continue to have everything crossed and might even go so far as to pray a little that I can see you soon. Surely would love to see my old woman more than anything in the world. I think of you almost constantly and love you more and more. You're such a nice thing to have around, I can't imagine how I got along all those years without you. Guess I just didn't know what I was missing. I do now and I think I will always remember.
I wish I could fire that sleeping alone business for you. I love you honey.
I'm beginning to feel a little sleepy so I guess I'll catch a couple more hours. I'll write as often as I can. I like to. It's somewhat like having a talk with you. Take care of your sweet little old self honey and don't pass up any opportunities to have yourself a good time. At this time of year there is no reason why you can't leave the place indefinitely if you want. Have yourself a time honey. Someday I'll be home and put you to work again. I love you honey.
your soldier
Norm.

Letter # 59 july 14, 1943

July 14, 1943
1300 Wed Aft.
Hi Sweetness;
Boy! This sure does seem strange. Wed.aft. off just like when I was at home. I crawled in bed at 0515 this morning and slept like a log until 1200. Feel very well rested. First time I've had much sleep since Sat. night. They have closed the mechanics school so I may have most of the mornings off now. They say we covered all the material we were to have covered and did it in two weeks ahead of schedule.
Yesterday morning I went back to the carbine range and finished firing. I sure like to fire that one and got a good score. I hit 26 bull eyes out of 40 shots. Was second high in the company. We fire 8 shots from each of 5 positions, standing, squatting on heels, sitting, kneeling, and prone. On the prone and standing positions I got all bulls but on the others I'm not so good. Just can't seem to get used to those positions. The rest of the shots were all within 2" of the bull. Gave me a total score of 186 out of a possible 200. I think I'm pretty smart. I hadn't had any sleep to amount to anything either.
We are now starting on a big job at the motor pool. Giving 6000 mile checks to all the vehicles, that means tearing them down completely and replacing any worn parts, cleaning them all up and putting them back together. We now have about 50 vehicles in this company so I won't have to wonder what to do for a while.
Haven't had a bit of exercise so far this week except work. Have to watch out or I'll be getting soft again. I imagine they'll see to that.
Got your Friday letter saying you had gotten the pictures. I was very much surprised and pleased to hear you liked them. I suppose the camera doesn't lie, but I didn't think they were very good. Maybe I've changed more than I thought but I imagine the lack of glasses and getting thinner accounts for it. You said you didn't think it possible to change that much in 3 1/2 mo. Remember those pictures were taken about the middle of May. 1 1/2 months. Maybe you'll believe me when I say I feel as good as I ever have. I not only look 10 yrs. younger but am doing things I couldn't do when I was that young. I am flattered you old devil. I'll sure give you a working over when I get home.
As for the weight. The last time I weighed, about two weeks ago, I weighed 189, that is only a loss of 10 or 11 lbs. When the pictures were taken I guess I must have weighed about 180. I thought the scales in Lake Charles wrong but they may not have been. I have been gaining the last mo. or so. Gotten used to the army and climate maybe.
I hadn't intended to grin quite so broadly but couldn't help it. All the boys looking on and making remarks.
I was glad to hear you mention Mr. Rex and I have thought of writing to him several times but like some of the others I want to write to, I just don't seem to get it done. I also send him my best wishes.
Remember "Pop" Curtis? He took the first part of basic with us and then went to another company. I just learned today that he was discharged a couple weeks ago. High blood pressure. If the old ones keep dropping out I'll soon be the "pop" of the outfit. Leo, Rahill, Max and I are the only ones left over 28 in this company. The average age of this outfit is 19 yrs 5 1/2 mo according to official figures.
Well honey I'm running down so I'll quit and do a little work on my equipment and look at Esquire. Just got the Aug. issue. Nice looking girl there. Reminds me of you in places. Makes my hands itch. I love you honey and am just as anxious to see you as you are to see me. It'll happen sometime and we'll sure have a good time. Have a lot to do and talk about won't we? Bye, Bye, honey. I'm loving you more and more.
your hubby,
Norm

Letter #58 July 12, 1943

July 12, 1943
Monday, eve
My darling wife;
How's my honey this evening and how does it seem to be a lady of leisure again.
I'm as good at going without sleep as you. I tried to sleep Sunday afternoon but there were too many running around the barracks and I wasn't sleepy so I didn't get much sleeping done. I went on duty at 1900 and we quit at 0500, came back to the company for breakfast and then I had to go the the range to fire the carbine. They are trying to finish basic up and it was more important I fire the carbine than go to school. We weren't there very long until it started to rain like hell and kept it up. We finally came back to the company. Couldn't see to shoot. I had fired 8 shots and scored 7 bull eyes at 150 yards. The other shot was about an inch from the bull. I will go out again tomorrow morning and try again.
It was about 1030 when I finally got to bed. 0530 Sun morning to 1030 Monday morn without sleep and I really wasn't sleepy or tired anymore. I had been, along the early hours of the morning. I went to sleep until dinner, ate and went back to sleep until 1600, got up, had supper and then instead of going to work they put me on C.Q. I'll be able to sleep a few hours again tonight and then I may have to put in another 24 hour stretch without sleep. I hope not. I can take quite a little but I don't think I can last that way very long.
I feel swell tonight and raring to go. It was cool because of the rain and I slept like a log and I'll get 4 or 5 hours more tonight so I'll be caught up for this time.
Don't be thinking I have changed so much. Henry didn't recognize me. He just wasn't expecting to see me and these uniforms do change a man's looks somewhat.
As for you being a lady, I don't believe I ever did call you that. You're just my darling wife and the way I want you. I don't think I would want a lady for a wife. Don't think she would be any fun. You're just damn nice and I love you.
It isn't that I am trying not to talk to the opposite sex. It is just that I don't have the opportunity. Don't ever get the idea that I'm so straight laced I wouldn't even talk to another woman, because I would, but I am and you can also be definitely sure I will never have any affairs with any as long as I have my own nice, sweet wife. As I've said before I used to think I might if given the proper opportunity, but I was kidding myself. If I was ever to have the opportunity and desire it would surely be now, but it doesn't interest me at all. You sure have me roped you old devil. Don't start thinking I'm getting old and loosing my virility because I'm not. At least the old indicator doesn't say I am and I think I'll prove it when I come home again. Be just like when I was a new groom or better.
I've been interrupted so often as I write don't be surprised at what you may read here. I wrote bride instead of groom and almost didn't see the mistake.
I don't quite agree with your mother calling you grouchy. I would say, just not inclined to be sociable, especially at breakfast. I don't believe I could ever have called you grouchy and if you were a little, it probably was partly my fault because I was the one that was grouchy.
It tickles me to hear you say I could keep you pacified. Never knew I did that.
I don't mean to blow about being tough. I'm just telling you facts. It is a tough life here in this outfit and a man either becomes tough or goes on limited service and to date I haven't done that. As soon as you think you have had about everything they think of something new.
It gives me a lot of satisfaction to know you use a dictionary to be sure of some of your spelling. I don't have access to one and have to guess. Hope I come near enough so you know what I mean.
I may have been the one to run us in the ditch but I still say you just grunted and went back to sleep when I told you I loved you. I will try you again and if you act the same I may change my mind about those affairs with other women.
You're not the only one who would like to have you see me and love me. I'm just as anxious as you are. I can't understand how any man could voluntarily want to be away from his wife. He surely must not love her or want or need her like I do you.
That last paragraph in your Thurs. letter did sound a little like you were "pussed".
That word is even a new one to me.
The statement about keeping your legs crossed. If that was just to assure me that you were being faithful, it was unnecessary. I never even gave that angle a thought. I just knew you would be. I pity any other man that might try to make you. I can still remember how long and how hard I worked before I succeeded and I had asked you to be my wife and you knew I meant it.
Well honey, I just don't find time to keep up my correspondence. They seem to think I am on unlimited service. I haven't written to Mom & Hazel for a couple weeks but will as soon as I find time. Maybe you'll be sweet enough to be my messenger and keep them informed when you see them. That goes for all the rest also. I still think I need that red headed secretary.
You can be the judge of how much of my letters you want to tell them of. I imagine there are a few parts you would rather not say too much about. This is the only way I can talk to you so I'm going to say what I want to.
Night honey baby, have a good time and keep your legs crossed and maybe that furlough will develop sometime. I love you and love you and love you.
The man who misses you.
Norm.

Letter # 57 July 11. 1943

July 11, 1943
1300 Sunday
Hi Tootsie Wuggles;
Well I guess I am definitely assigned to a job quicker than expected. I was working at the motor park this morning and word came out to the shed where I was that the C.O. wanted to see Effinger at once. I wondered what the hell I had done. I went in and reported and was informed I was to work steady at the motor park and that we were going to have a night and day shift. I start on the night shift tonight at 1900 and work to 0500 Mon morning. Then we are supposed to be off for the day but I will have to go to school from 0800 to 1000 and sometimes school lasts until 1130 on the three days, so I'll take up where you left off and go on short sleep and night shift work. I don't know just how it will work. It's pretty hot for sleeping in the daytime but I think I'll make out O.K. We are to change shift each week. There are five of us to a crew. Corp.Hoban; Corp.McWilliams; P.F.C.Riley; Max and I in our crew. Good crew, all good workers. Corp.Hoban is from W.Virginia. very nice fellow, about my size, red headed and freckled. Married and his wife has been here for a couple weeks. They live in DeRidder. He doesn't know how she will like his new hours. She has a job and works days. He says she will probably go home soon. She has been rather disgusted with the uncertain hours anyhow. He is like the rest of us, never knows until he is on his way if he is going to get home at night or not and when we get up so early he has to leave home at 0300 or before.
Well honey, a year ago we were planning our vacation. 14th of July. Remember. All the wine and bicycle rides and walking home at night in the rain and then loving you. The old girl had quite a lot of life. Just like a bride instead of an old married woman.
Sure has been a lot of things happen in the past year. Harold first came to the store, Steve and I enlisted, Steve went to the army, I went on a diet, Carl quit the store, and finally I went to the army, you went back to work and now you are going to teach again. Not quite the same contented life we lived that first couple years we were married. Just think we'll soon be married three years. The old days will come back again and soon I hope. We'll have a better time than we had before. Maybe now that we have our home built I won't be quite so busy and can devote more time to you [if you don't go to sleep on me].
Anyhow I love you more than ever and I'm expecting to show you. Well honey I guess I better see if I can get some sleep. I'll send you a note as often as I can. Bye honey. I love you.
Your soldier
Norm

Letter #56 July 10, 1943

July 10, 1943
Sat eve 1900
Hello Dearest;
Well honey I guess I talked too soon about them slowing up on our training. Sure had a full week this week and not done yet. We worked until 1600 today and tomorrow is also a regular day. First Sunday since we've been here that the whole company is on duty. We may get off a little early in the afternoon if everything goes O.K.
I wrote you of the events up to Wed. Thurs. morning we rolled out at 0400 and spent all day on the firing range. 45 Cal. automatic pistol in the morning and 45 Cal.Tommy Gun in the afternoon. I did very well on both so I didn't have to clean guns that night. I got a 110 out of a possible 125 and was second in the company. 111 was high. With the Tommy Gun I got 49 out of 55, so I am very well satisfied. The Tommy Gun is just a smaller version of the machine gun. It is similar in looks to an ordinary rifle, but is heavier and capable of firing 600-700 shots a minute. The 45 Cal automatic pistol is a new weapon to this outfit. The one I fired before was the 45 Cal revolver, and it is really a swell gun. A lot easier to handle than the revolver. I believe you could even shoot this one, but the old one would jar your bubbles off. That would never do. I wouldn't have any playthings. I'm sure going to enjoy having my playthings back again.
Friday we rolled out at 0400 again and went on another fast, before breakfast, march. 5 1/2 miles in 58 minutes with the inevitable full packs. Got back, had breakfast and went to school until noon.
At noon the first Sargent put me on a carpenter detail. Had to build some broom and mop racks. After supper we went to work at the motor park until 2300.
Sat. morning up again at 0400 and another fast march after breakfast. 6 miles in 62 min. You thought I used to walk fast, you ought to be along on one of these marches. We walk about 10 minutes and double time three and so on. Good thing we are in shape. They are plenty tough. My feet are a little sore on the bottom tonight but otherwise they don't bother me.
They have been taking all the technical and special service men along on these hikes. They haven't had any physical training for several mo. and it damn near kills them. Had a truck along to pick them up as they fell out.
Worked all the rest of the day at the motor park and will be there all day tomorrow. I won't have to work very hard. They are teaching all the men the first principles of maintaining their respective vehicles, greasing, changing oil, and simple mechanical jobs. We mechanics are to be instructors and supervisors, so I'll just be telling someone else how and what to do. Imagine that.
I only have two more weeks of school and then I may know something about what I'll be doing. That is also supposed to be the end of second period of basic, if they don't change it again. So far I have come out O.K. in school. We have been having a test every day and I have a perfect 100% average. Don't you think I'd make a good candidate for that 4th grade class. I don't know how well I'd behave though. I'm afraid I'd want to be teacher's pet or rather pet the teacher. I'm also afraid I wouldn't be able to keep my mind on the lessons enough to be even a fair pupil. I'd do something to be kept after school so I could be alone with the teacher. After school I'd be an excellent pupil. Remember how quick you taught me before. I think you're a swell teacher and I sure am anxious to start taking lessons from you again. I promise to study hard and learn swiftly. Do I get a seat in your class? Or should I start looking for another school. Maybe I could find a red headed teacher. Right now I'd prefer a nice, big, curvaceous, exciting, sweet and loving teacher, about 5'8" tall, weighing about 170 lbs, with a sweet, pretty face, nice white teeth, soft red lips, green eyes and dark hair swept up on top of her head. Makes a very pretty picture, but I know just where to find the model and I think she would consent to be my teacher. Do you know who I mean? My description isn't nearly as good as the model so you may not recognize it as a description of you, but it is. I forgot for a minute that your hair is different now but that doesn't make a bit of difference. I sure would like to have that model in my arms again. I love you honey.
I haven't any more information on the furlough, so as I've said, don't dream too much.
By this time you probably have the pictures of me and can see how hard I look but don't worry, I'm not half that much the worse for wear. I'm still the same old man less 4" of waistline, but feeling swell.
I took one pair of suntans to the tailor tonight and I now have a small 34" waist. I'll take the other pair as soon as I can spare them.
You're a devil. Just couldn't keep the surprise you had for me any longer. I also hope they are good. I'll enjoy a look at my sweet wife in our little home. You're thoughtful.
That electric bill sounds plenty high but it may be they undercharged you before. I shouldn't think it would be more than $4.00.
Happy vacation darling. Now don't be silly and try to do too much around the place. Take a rest and enjoy yourself. You've earned it.
The kids are sure being swell to you, but how could they help it. You're so nice. Wish I had the job of entertaining you. I envy them.
Well honey, I'll write again as soon as I have a chance. I have some others I should write but can't now.
Good night sweetie. I'll see you in my dreams.
your hubby.
Norm

Letter #55 July 7, 1943

July 7, 1943
Wed. eve 2000
Hello Honey;
I don't have much time but I thought you might get to worrying over the infiltration course and so I'm writing a short letter. It isn't dangerous as long as we do what we are told and no one was hurt. The area is out in the woods, not thick, just a tree here and there with plenty of logs and stumps in the way. They have pits dug resembling shell holes and as we crawl past these holes they set off charges of dynamite down in them. The holes are deep enough so that it is perfectly safe right on the edge. All that happens is you get covered with mud that is thrown up by the explosion. There are trenches we crawl in and out of and just to make it interesting they pour water in them so the mud is about a foot deep. Barb wire entanglements to crawl under and through. During the whole time, about 35 minutes, there is a constant criss cross of machine gun fire over our heads about 3 ft. Plenty safe as long as we remember to stay on our bellies and crawl, but forget and raise up and it would be too bad.
I stayed so close to the ground I wore all the paint off one side of my new steel helmet. Also wore some of the hide off my elbows and inside of my knees. Damn near wore out a good pair of fatigues also.
They were shooting a lot of tracer bullets so we could see how close they were to us and they looked plenty close. No one had to tell me to stay down. Good thing I don't have the belly anymore. I guess it would have gotten rubbed off anyhow.
I went over the course just after dinner, the sun was hot as hell and the ground hotter than that. I hadn't gone far until my fatigues were wet with sweat and it made mud of the dust. You never saw a dirtier bunch in your life. Bet you wouldn't have known me if you had seen me. Mud a 1/2" thick all over me, even my face and I think I had a cupful of sand in my mouth, corn would have sprouted in my ears and hair. It was quite an experience and contrary to expectations I wasn't in the least scared or nervous. It's not fun but it is an interesting experience. The object of it is to accustom us to bullets whizzing by so if we are in battle we won't be rooted to the spot by fright.
A few of the men were sick either from nervousness or heat. You hear the bullets go by overhead before the crack of the gun and they sound just like a whip crack. The dynamite charges were old stuff to me. I knew they couldn't hurt me the way they were set.
Well honey, I'll write again as soon as I can and maybe make it a love letter. I do love you a lot and I'll prove it when I get home. Just about dying to be with you again. I sure as hell miss you more than I ever expected to. Another long distance good night honey.
Your loving soldier.
Norm.

Letter #54 July 6, 1943

July 6, 1943
Tues, eve, 2200
Hi Tootsie Wuggles;
Well honey I finally got my G.I. glasses. Two pairs of them so now I'm well supplied. Probably won't have to bother you about them anymore. Even if I do break them once in a while, three pair ought to last while one of them is being fixed. These G.I.'s won't break very easy from the looks of them. The frames are chrome plated steel and they sure are solid. I think they look fairly good and are apparently the same as the old ones except the lenses are clear. I'll put the old ones to rest now.
Yesterday was just a regular day at the motor park, but last eve. all the special service men, and that means me, had to go out and join the company on bivouac. We now have an new bivouac area, the old one was getting pretty well cut up, and none of us had ever been at the new one. Needless to say, we got lost again for a while. I have never been in a country so devoid of landmarks. One area looks like the other until you know it well enough to call the trees by name.
Sargent Brown, that's my motor Sargent, decided he would come out on a motorcycle after us. Well we were lost for about an hour and he didn't get there until an hour or so after we did, and he left the camp just a few minutes after we did. He came sliding down the sandy road all covered with dust and sweat and a broad grin on his face. When we asked if he had gotten lost he said, "No I just couldn't find where I was going." I guess he had a hell of a time. The roads are 4" deep with sandy dust and almost impossible to ride a motorcycle on. Ask Gus.
He knew somewhere near where we should be and when he couldn't find us he just took off across country, going back and forth until he found us. It's unbelievable the country some of these fellows can ride a "bike" over. Just about anywhere a man can walk as long as the footing is solid.
Sg. Brown is a former California lumberjack from the upper part of the Sacramento River and usually rather quiet, but get him telling stories and he is really good, Humorous. He kept us entertained for half an hour just telling about his ride out last evening.
Leo and I slept together and did very well. No mosquito or chigger bites.
This morning we went through the gas area. Mustard gas is not a gas as the name implies, but an oily liquid, which, if gotten on the skin, forms terrible burns and blisters. It is only dangerous to the lungs in very high concentration and for just a short time while it is floating in mist form in the air after the explosion. It sure as hell has a stink. Just like a lot of freshly ground garlic.
After we went through the area we had to decontaminate our shoes and leggings with lime. That neutralizes it so it is harmless. There was none in the air and we didn't even wear our masks. We were just to get used to the smell so we can recognize it. There are several kinds of gases and all have different odors and affect the body in different ways. We are trained to identify them and know what is to be done to neutralize the affect.
Tomorrow afternoon we have our first initiation under fire. We go over the infiltration course. It is an area about 150 yards long with trenches, simulated shell holes, and barb entanglements that we crawl through on our bellies with real machine gun fire only 3 ft above us and land mines exploding around as we advance. You've seen pictures in the papers of similar courses. It'll sure be an adventure, at least a very new experience. I'll write a description next time. Don't go worrying about it. There hasn't been a man hurt out of two divisions that have already gone over it.
You mention the food. It is still good and I'm thriving on it.
Getting my hair cut often doesn't seem to help the growth much, at least not on top. It won't be long and you'll have a bald headed old man for a husband.
Don't worry about me needing anything. If I do and can't get it myself I'll holler for good old Babe.
Leave room for one more in that 4th grade class of truck drivers. I want a seat right by teacher's desk where I can see her good.
You will have to teach me to play cards all over again. I have nearly forgotten what they look like. Haven't even touched a card since I left. Well honey we had another practice blackout and it's now bedtime. I'll write again soon. Well night honey. I'm loving you.
Your hubby
Norm

Letter # 53 July 4, 1943

July 4, 1943
Sun eve. 1800
Hi Sweetness;
Fourth of July again. Boy the years sure roll around. Remember 1937, 6 years ago, Know where we were? Up at Put-in-Bay with Gus and Vi. We drank wine and champagne and I had a suitcase full of fireworks. You went for your first ride on a tandem bicycle and ran us in the ditch when I tried to kiss you. That 4th was when I first knew I was in love with you. But I didn't get around to telling you until the first of August. It was the night before I left on my vacation with Tinstman. You didn't even give me a good kiss when I told you, just grunted and went back to sleep. You devil. But you made up for it when I came back. Really a nice welcome and I'm expecting a nicer one when I come back this time. I'm glad I got you honey and love you a lot more than I did at that time. 6 years ago already. Doesn't seem nearly that long as I look back on it. It already seems as long since I've seen you this time but I sure haven't forgotten. I expect after this is all over and we look back at it, it won't seem so long either, but it does now.
The first 4th since 1937 that we haven't been together and also an anniversary. I found out I loved you. I don't know what to call the anniversary but I think I will always remember it and it is associated with " The Merry-go-round" Broke Down" Gee honey! but I love you.
I spent a very nice quiet Fourth. I'll tell you about it.
Got up at 0630, had breakfast of pancakes and cereal, took my platoon over to regimental headquarters for police up, washed my fatigues, and started to make notes for the class I'm to teach. About 1030 I was working away at that and one of the boys that sleeps by the stairs yelled, "Hey corporal, a man to see you." I looked around and really got a surprise. Remember "Shorty" Bishop? Little fellow from Mallet Creek that painted for Harry Pearson. Well there he stood. I didn't even know he was down here. He went to the army 14 months ago. Spent 6 months at Fort Knox, 4 mo at Camp Campbell and has been here since the first of March. He had heard I was here and looked me up. We sat on my bunk and talked until noon about this and that and the army, people we knew at home, what we were doing and you even entered the conversation. He couldn't place who you were until I showed him your picture and then he told me I had a nice wife and I said I knew damn well I had a nice wife. I have too.
Shorty is a P.F.C. and works in the officer's mess. Waits on General
Grime's table, who is the commander of the 8th Division. He hears quite a little and he said the rumor about Pine Camp was true enough at the time but is out now. The story now is that we will be here until maneuvers and may even have them here.
He lives down near Henry Bernhardt and had seen him a couple times so we made a date to meet at his barracks at 1330 and then we would see if we could find Henry.
We got to Henry's barracks and the boys said he was at the motor park pumping gas, so we walked over. Got part way there and met him coming back. He recognized Shorty but had to take a second look at me. We sure were glad to see each other. He looks swell but has lost a lot of weight. He says about 25 lbs.
He was done working so the three of us went to the P.X. and drank pop and had another bull session. {They don't sell beer until Sunday night} or we might have celebrated. We did celebrate on Pop and talk.
Henry is in the gasoline and lubrication section of his company so he is back at his old job. He doesn't like the army or anything about it but I don't think it is all the army. He is absolutely lost. Taken away from his business and divorced from his wife and from what he says I think that is bothering him more than anything else. He really is cut loose from everything and I can easily realize how he feels. I'd be worse than that if I lost my wife. The more I see of the breaks some people get in marriage the more I realize how lucky I am. I've got a nice, sweet, gorgeous, faithful, loving wife at home waiting for the day I come back and that sure makes a difference. I love you honey, and appreciate you more all the time. How I ever happened to get you I don't know, but I'm glad I did.
Henry just doesn't have anything set up to look forward to after the war, doesn't even know what he will do.
I know what I'll do. I'll make a beeline for home and take up loving you where I left off on March 29, 1943. Wish I could write that date here. I am ready and willing for that date to get here at any time.
Well honey I'll quit for this time. I love you sweetness and hope you had a nice Fourth. Probably by the time you get this you will be a woman of leisure again. Just remember what I told you and take a rest. I love you honey.
Your hubby
Norm
P.S. How about my surprise?
Isn't it nearly time?

Letter # 52 July3, 1943

July 3, 1943
1700 Sat eve.
Hello Sweetie
I finally got the pictures I had taken so long ago. After waiting all this time they should have been good but they are terrible. I know they can't make something out of nothing but they at least ought to be clear. I look like I hadn't shaved for a month or had a bad case of scabs or something. I was rather disgusted so I just shoved them back in the envelope and took off for the post office. You will probably get them about as quick as you get this letter. Maybe you will want to tear them up when you see them. Do as you please. I'm sorry they aren't better honey. I guess you'll just have to wait until I come home to see how I look. My pictures weren't as bad as some and weren't as good as others. They were really a lousy bunch of pictures. Some of the boys just tore them up. Wouldn't even send them home. We didn't have a chance to see any proofs and we had to take them good or not. I can assure you I am not nearly the worse for wear as the pictures indicate.
I'm still feeling perfect and I am gaining some weight in spite of the work and the heat. Don't get excited it's only a couple pounds, so I'm still a way from where I was when I came in. A little contented living and loving with you and some of your cooking and in between snacks will soon put it all back again. I'll have to be careful though. I think I like me better this way. Not skinny but just in good shape and full of vitality. Whoops. Not drunk either, just feeling good. Wish I was with you. We'd have fun.
I spent the whole week in the garage and enjoyed it a lot. I guess I will be with the company a few days this week. I see the part of the schedule posted says I go on the range Tuesday to go through an actual gas attack with the real stuff. Mustard gas. I don't know anything about the rest of the week.
I met Max's wife the other night. She came out to camp for the evening. She is real nice and I enjoyed talking to her. The first female I have had a conversation with since I left you. I thought maybe I had forgotten how to talk to a lady but I hadn't. She is suffering from the heat and doesn't care for Leesville at all. She says she would sooner be here in camp than in town. She is going home Monday.
The C.O. called all the acting corporals in the other night and we thought we were in for some "chewing" as they call it in army, but all he said was we weren't forcing our authority enough and if we had any trouble with the men to report it. The army is behind us but I don't like to be tough. I can give the orders but if the men don't respond I don't like to cuss them out like these Sargent's do, but I guess I can if I have to. I don't have much trouble but in any bunch of men there are always a few ornery goldbricks. I am the only one in charge of this floor of the barracks and that gives me 32 men to keep on the ball. See that the barracks and latrine are properly cleaned and scrubbed and they keep their clothes and lockers in shape and etc. There are only about five men I have any trouble with and I'm going to get cooperation out of them or put them on K.P. a few times and see if that helps.
While we were there the C.O. assigned each of us a subject and we are to teach a class on it sometime this week. My subject is maintenance of motor vehicles so it won't be so hard but I don't know what kind of teacher I'll make.
They "broke" another acting corporal again today. The explanation is inefficiency. I don't know just what it means but I think it is for too much fooling around and not taking charge of his details. They watch every move we new men make. We're really behind the eight ball but so far I've kept one jump ahead of them.
The before breakfast road march wasn't so bad. I had them right down my alley. Just a good fast walk on hard surface road and early in the morning before it was too hot. It even rained a little to help keep us cooled off.
The first orders were the maintenance crew didn't have to go, because we work all day but then they changed the orders and no one was excused.
We took off at 0500 and were back at 0640. Covered a little over 8 miles so you can see it was rather a good pace. That kind of walking is easy for me. I can stretch out and take a normal step. The trouble with most of this marching is they hold us to a 30" step and it cramps my style. When they make the pace fast enough so I can stretch out it is easier.
I guess they must have given us all they had on the books in the way of physical training anyhow they haven't pulled anything new on us for the past week or so.
Well Honey I guess that's about all the news I can think of at present.
I think I would enjoy having coffee on the floor in front of the fireplace with you. It just doesn't seem possible it could be cool enough anywhere in the world to have fire for warming the body. We sure don't need it here. Well goodbye for now sweetheart. I love you and am thinking of you. Happy 4th of July to my grand little wife.
Lovingly,
Norm.

Letter # 51 July 1, 1943

July 1, 1943
2000 Thurs. Eve.
My darling wife;
Well honey another month gone by and another month closer to the time when I can come home to live with you again. That will sure be a great day. I think now that I have found out how much I love you and miss you I will be more appreciative. If I'm not send me back to the army. You're just the sweetest old thing. I could eat you up, anyhow do a little chewing. You say there is too much of you to confine in a tight sweater, well don't worry I'll take care of confining you when I get home. I always did like to look at you best when you were bare. Remember how I liked to pick at you while you were undressing. I may have changed in appearance, as you say , but I'll bet I haven't changed in that respect. If I have changed any it'll be for the worse. I'll love you to pieces.
Don't worry about your letters being short. I won't care what they say as long as I hear from you. As I've said before you are doing a damn good job of letter writing, a lot better than I and I'm more than satisfied with them. Most anything you do is satisfactory with me honey. I love you too much to find much fault.
I wouldn't worry about sleeping in the basement. The dampness from there won't hurt you any. I imagine it is rather hot sleeping in the daytime. I am sure glad you are almost done with that job and can go back to regular hours again.
Here are the answers to some of your questions. We get some ice cream but it sure doesn't compare to what we used to make.
I have seen a few copies of "Yank" but we don't get it regularly.
I couldn't have recognized myself in the picture if I hadn't known where I stood in ranks.
I haven't gotten the G.I. glasses yet but I expect to soon. The fellows that have them look good in them. They have chrome rims instead of gold and are round lenses.
As for the note about John, I always did say he wasn't much help didn't I? I can't see how Steve and Harold would miss it.
About McFadden's pump. I don't understand either. It should have fit. Either the casing wasn't standard size or it had a bend in it, or they weren't putting it in right.
I sure do feel sorry for Tony. I don't think he will ever be able to stand active duty and he will probably be kicked around a lot before he either gets a discharge or a limited service job.
I'm glad you had your finger in the cake. I ate the last piece tonight. Boy was it good.
Wish I could take that shower with you.
I haven't heard from Bub & Betty for quite a while. I can't remember if I answered their last letter or not. Maybe that is the reason.
I am sorry about your not getting a letter for so long. I don't understand either. I wrote one on Sunday, one on Wed and then again on the weekend. I sure never intended you to be without a letter that long.
The storm was just a hell of a heavy rain after all, and I mean a hell of a heavy one.
Tomorrow is payday again so you will soon have another check to meet the insurance with. I still have plenty. $35.00 in my pocket and payday tomorrow so I'll have about $54.00 when I get it. I can just make ends meet nicely with that $19.00 and have everything I want. Of course that is with the exception of you. There isn't enough money in the world to pay what you are worth to me.
Well honey it's time to go to bed. We roll out at 4:30 and go for an 8 mile hike before breakfast so I guess I better get my sleep. I'll write you a nice letter over the weekend. Bye now honey. I love you.
your loving soldier.
Norm.

Letter # 50 June 30, 1943

June 30, 1943
Wed 1200
Dearest Wifey;
This is going to be just a short note. We had blackout practice last night and I guess I'll be working at the motor park tonight so I'll just write a short one this noon and will write a good one the first chance I get.
I got the cake and the letter saying you were baking one yesterday noon. Good service and the cake was in swell shape. I was so full I didn't open it until last evening but then I went to town on it. Sure was good. I was a little smarter this time and didn't give it all away. I still have a few pieces left and I'm hanging on to them. It's a real treat to get a home baked cake. You're sweet honey and I love you a lot.
Martin says, he had a piece of the cake, he didn't think the north had anything good, but he was going to admit now that the cooks are as good as any he had ever seen in the south. Compliment for you honey. I imagine the compliments should be passed on to Tib in this case, but I know it would apply to either. Tell Tib thanks. I really didn't expect to have two birthdays this year, but I sure am not kicking.
I have been working all week at the motor park and it looks like I might be there steady from now on. I rather hope so.
Well honey, here it is nearly July 4th, will be by the time you get this. Wish we could take one of our trips together or even just be together. Those were the good old days. Anyhow, I wish you a happy weekend and hope you don't have to work too hard. I love you gorgeous, you're so sweet and thoughtful. I think I'm the one that won't be able to live up to you. I guess I never did, but I love you like hell and as far as I'm concerned that is all that matters. Take care of yourself honey. Bye now. It's time to go back to work. I love you.
Your loving husband
Norm

Letter # 49 June 28, 1943

June 28, 1943
2000 Mon Eve.
Hello Honey;
I started to write this letter quite a while ago and then Martin and another southern boy from Baton Rouge sat here by my bunk and we had a bull session about the country, game, snakes and everything. The party had the inevitable bull session ending. Martin took the prize for the biggest lie. It broke up the party. Here it is. He said,"I once saw one of these here coral snakes, and they are the meanest, most poisonous snake in the world, up and bite a mulberry tree and kill it" We began to laugh and he says, "That ain't the whole story yet." "You know." he says. "That snake was so poisonous it killed 2 dozen jay birds that were in the tree eating the mulberries." That one ended the session. I get a lot of fun out of talking and swapping stories with the boys. Learn a little about the country also.
Hano, that is the other southern boy says this is the first time he has been in this section of the state and hopes it is the last. He says the rest of the state is very nice, so maybe I will have to revise my opinion of La. if I ever see the rest of it.
I got your Thurs. letter today. The one you wrote at Art & Mags.
So you are soon to be a lady of leisure again for a while. Have a good time. You deserve a good rest after working at the diner. Be sure to take a rest and don't try to do too much around the place.
Leo got a set of acting corporal stripes today. One of the boys that got them with me "fucked up" and lost his and Leo got them. Leo didn't like the idea very much because of the reason they broke the other fellow. He was C.Q. and was supposed to wake the company in the morning. He left word with one of the guards to wake him and the guard didn't do it, so the company was 1/2 hr. late getting up and that is why they broke him. It isn't hardly fair. No alarm clocks and couldn't buy one if you wanted to. If they are going to be that way I or anyone else may loose them at any time. That's the army, no excuses.
Well honey I did some better on the machine gun range today. We only had time to fire the course once before the sky opened up with one of its downpours and we couldn't see the targets to finish up. I was 2nd high with a score of 88. The high was 91. We sure got drowned. When I took my shoes off back at the barracks I poured a pint of water out of each. For once I was cooled off.
Well I guess I'll have to sign off. I shot the shit too long with the boys. I love you honey and think you're just the nicest thing in the world. Baking me another cake or something and making arrangements to have a substitute do your teaching if I come home while you are working. You're sweet. It's a lot of comfort to know I have such a nice wife waiting at home for me. Night honey,
Your hubby,
Norm

Letter #48 June 26, 1943

June 26, 1943
Sat 2100
Hello Dearest;
I didn't get off until 1830 today, and then I cleaned up, went to the P.X. for a coke and now I'll spend a little time with my darling wife. Got your Wed. June 23 letter today at noon. It does seem as though the mail is moving faster than it did at first. I have gotten a couple of your letters in two days and most of them in three. It's too bad about the strawberries drying up. You must not have gotten very many from them. Usually they will last until nearly the middle of July. I sure will be expecting that shortcake when I come home. Lots of other things also, not all edible either. You can figure out for yourself what they are. I can almost see what that female party at Jr's looked like. Good thing I wasn't there or I would have broken it up.
So you're still teasing me about the surprise. Mention it but won't say what it is. You're a devil. I'll get even with you sometime. I kinda like to be teased by you. I love you, you know.
As for these stripes I got. Don't get too proud about them. They don't really mean so much. They are given mostly for the purpose of delegating authority to a few of the "rookies" so the regular "non-coms" don't have so much to do. As I have told you they make us eligible for guard duty, C.Q. and gives us authority over the other privates. We are in charge of such details as, seeing the barracks are kept clean and appointing the men to do the work, taking charge of punishment details, marching squads of men from one class to another and in general doing the smaller duties of the Sargent's so they can have some time off. We don't have to do the work, just see that it is done, but I usually do my share. I never could tell anyone to do something I wouldn't do myself, but I may learn here in the army.
The stripes are the same as a regular corporal, but we wear them point down instead of point up and we don't sew them on because they aren't permanent. If our work isn't satisfactory they will be given to someone else. They are sewn on a band of cloth that I have made to fit my arm, and I just slip them on and off from one uniform to the other.
If I get the P.F.C. stripes these will be taken off and the real single stripe sewn on the sleeves. The rank of P.F.C. is higher than the acting corporal. It doesn't sound right I know but that is the army and don't say you're ignorant because you don't understand army ways. I've been in the army for 13 weeks and still don't understand. Beside I won't have my wife calling herself ignorant. She isn't and I won't let anyone say she is. Ask whatever questions you want and I'll answer them if I can. I can answer one now, I love you honey.
I'm all set for the present on clothes. The laundry lost some of mine but the army replaced most of them. I'll holler if I need anything.
Don't build your hopes too high on that furlough. I'm hoping for it just as much as you but am also ready to be disappointed. You never can be sure of them until you are on your way home.
We are having another big thunderstorm and the lights just came back on after being off for an hour so I guess I'll go to bed and dream of you. I'll try to make this a nice long letter tomorrow. As far as I know now I don't have any work to do, except wash a couple pair of fatigues. Night honey. I love you lots. Here's a nice long distance, juicy kiss. If I was with you I wouldn't stop there but as things are I guess I'll have to. Night mummy.
1000 Sunday morning.
Good morning honey. Hope you had a nice dream as I did. It was about you and was almost satisfactory. Now, don't take that wrong. It wasn't at all a sexual dream. Just a nice everyday dream of being with you. We were out in the yard on a nice peaceful evening, just relaxing and having a nice talk. We also seemed to have a large container of something to drink with ice floating around in it. I don't know what it was but I had drunk so much I was bursting and still trying to drink more. Of course you were doing the same. It was fun. Seemed just like old times. I guess that dream was an outgrowth of my two greatest desires. To be with you and to have plenty of something cold to drink to get some relief from this heat.
The supply of ice down here seems to be very limited and there are no electric coolers in the P.X.'s. If I don't get there within an hour or so after they open all the cold drinks are gone and they sell them from then on at water temperature. I guess being a new camp, the material to properly equip it wasn't available. The first hour or so after the P.X.'s open are just like a bargain basement sale. The boys just fight to get a cold drink. It's too bad but I guess it can't be helped.
I didn't get up until 0700 this morning. Had a good breakfast, pancakes, ham, cereal, and coffee and an orange. Not bad huh? After breakfast I did my laundry, 4 pairs of fatigues, 2 of mine and 2 of Max's. I did his for him so he could be with his wife. Quite a job with the facilities we have to do them with. They are real heavy like those red overalls I have at home and you can imagine what they are like after working in the garage. I just spread them out on the shower room floor, turn on the showers, soap them up good, take a G.I. brush and go after them. Pretty tough on the fatigues but it gets them clean and when they wear out the army has more.
Just had another haircut. Only three weeks since the last but I got to stay "on the ball" to keep these stripes. I didn't care so much about these but they'll help get the real ones and that will mean more dollars.
Some of the ambitious boys have discovered different means of making money. Several of them wash fatigues for $.50 apiece, some shine shoes for $.15 and Cantor writes the boys special letters for from $1.00 up so if a man's ambitious, he can make money on the side. I've never been near enough broke yet to do anything like that. I'd think I'd ask wifey for money before I'd do that anyhow, and you'd be sweet enough to send it. You're nice mummy.
Here it is nearly 4th of July again, and next Saturday will be payday and the end of our first thirteen weeks at this camp. The time has just rolled by. I remember when we first got here and figured basic to end July 4th, it seemed a hell of a way off but here it is and the next target we aim for is the end of advanced basic and beginning of maneuvers. Don't know the date but probably in August or first of Sept. A couple of months of that and we should be ready to go over. This is all guess again.
Thursday night I worked at the motor park until quite late getting a broken down half track to run again and Friday we scrubbed and "bucked" for Sat inspection. All passed O.K. After inspection, I had charge of ammunition loading detail until 1830. We loaded 80 machine gun belts of 250 shells each. I go back to the range Mon. afternoon to see if I can better my poor score of the other day.
I have changed barracks again and am now upstairs where it's hotter than hell. Max sleeps on one side and Pvt.Q. Martin on the other. Martin is a typical southern man. Comes from just over the line in Texas, almost straight west of here on the Sabine river, only 80 miles from home. Wouldn't that be swell. He is home this weekend for the first time in a mo. He has had guard duty every Sun. for 4 weeks. He is married, about 25 years old and has 3 yrs. in the army. He was a staff Sargent and was "broke" for going a.w.o.l. for a couple days. He doesn't seem to give a damn. Just a happy go lucky man. He and his father own a 2000 acre cattle ranch. We had quite a talk about ranching and etc. the other night. I like to hear him talk. Typical southern drawl. I'd like to work a weekend invitation out of him but don't know if it's possible or not. He's nice and I like him but these people down here still resent the northern people. He tells of fishing and shooting alligators on the Sabine, of riding and herding cattle and a lot of things I'd sure like to do.
Well honey I guess this is all I have to say for now. I love you and am just waiting for the day when we can take up where we left off again. Bye Tootsie Wuggles until next time.
Your loving hubby.
Norm