Monday morning.
June 4th 1944
My Dear John
I’d like to ask a favor of you. I have tried several places to get the Kodak films for this “machine” of Ben’s, and largely because of its size, so far I have been unable to get any. I am wondering if you can get some for us? It is a post card size you know, 3¼ x 5½. And if they can be gotten will you get two rolls if you can? If not two, then one will be fine.
My class is going to the cottage on June 25th and I would like them for that time. I will send you money if you will let me know how much they are.
We had quite a nice day down there with Ben’s class and with some friends who were called on to help take the crowd down. It was rather cold and windy, but Saturday had been such a beastly hot day, I was glad it was not that hot yesterday. It was really a bit too cool for comfort, however, we got along with-out any accidents and the sun came out a little and it turned out not bad at all.
Now about the new address and perhaps the change over; you ask us to comment, yet you say you are not going to be put into the foot infantry if you can help it, and will apply for Paratrooper first. Well that being the case I’m afraid there isn’t anything left for me to comment on is there? You say, “Don’t go off half cocked until I hear all.” Well, since you seem to prefer anything to infantry, I believe its better for you to make your choice for you can see the “ins” and “outs” of the question I do not, and that being the case you weigh the thing well then “jump”; but into what, I can’t say. Any of it is dangerous of course and all I’m concerned about is that you are getting along well in whatever you are in, and are reasonably happy in such and outfit and safe as best can be.
Of course I
wouldn’t be expected to, but I can’t see why there are too many Tank men while
the tanks are in full swing in
The patches on the shirts were 14th (and would be just because I took them off) but your Daddy said, I had to cut something off, so it was the patches. Well, they can at least be put back on and if need be I can do it, I did once before, once upon a time, but until you are needing those Winter things, we’ll let them rest all hung up and clean. Here’s hoping you will never need them again. Hold on to next months pay for I have a bill to present to you of money for these, now I am wishing to get some of your hard earned to pay myself back.
You spoke
of not hearing from Smarzo or Evelyn. I have too wondered about the mail from
No, you had not written as to whether you had received the cloths and knife and I have been wondering. You said the knife was just right, that’s fine, but how about the suit? If it’s not fine, also, you know what I wrote about it? Did you write bud about the knife?
In fulfilling the position of Battalion Spec, Service Officer and a jeep at your disposal in conjunction with your own car, you’ll more than ever be reluctant to go into the Foot Infantry, for that will be too much walking for you after all this riding.
Good bye to you now and I’m sure there’ll be another letter reaching you before your birthday, so right now I am going to say I can’t for the life of me realize you are going to be twenty three years old. My, my how you are getting old and worst of all, I too am getting much older, but a most Happy Birthday John Milton, and with a package we’ll send you, leaps of love and best wishes. Speaking of the package, I do wish I knew something you really wanted, but you seem so well supplied with every thing there’s just nothing I can think of, so what we’re sending is just to let you know we are thinking of you. So long,
Love,
Mother