1/30/44

Dear Folks,

            I received your good letters and also your two telegrams in which one of them contained a $40 wire.  I certainly feel as though I have plenty of money to get home with now and I wish to thank you alot. 

            Folks, this army really has me puzzled.  They have postponed all furloughs until further orders.  All men in the rifle companies have been put in groups such as 1-2-3-4 etc. and have had a physical check (all men in groups 1 to 8.) They had a clothes check last night and had them pack their clothes from groups 1 to 8.  Nobody knows what is going on and we keep on wondering. 

            They say that the heavy weapons companies will be next on the list for their check.  Jim Dorr is in group 11 and as far as I know they haven’t put me in any group although they have taken 35 men out of our company and they are all ammunition carriers.  The bivouac was canceled this weekend of course that means something because we were scheduled for a 3 week bivouac.  The rumors are really flying around.  My furlough will be delayed for awhile maybe only for 7 or 8 days.

            I am glad to hear that you are much better gram and I hope to be with you soon.

                        Much love

                        Mike