Oct 3, 1943

Dear Mom;

I started a letter Friday, another one Saturday and now I am attempting one today. The other two I didn’t finish. This one I intend to complete if it takes me all day.

Yesterday I hit the jackpot in letters, having received 7 all at once. It was a great feeling to have a handful of mail.

Jack Ryan tells me that he & O’Brian were over to the house but you were not at home. By this time Ed must be quite a seaman. After this war he and I will have to get together on our experiences on the sea. Remember Jim Joyce? He also was home on a 22 day furlough. All Jean says is that some fellows have all the luck. Jack mentioned Bill Lynch in his letter and said he is still in Mississippi. I wonder if it would be possible for you to send his address. I would like to drop him a line or two.

As Herm brought to my attention the fall season is just beginning back home. The trees are shedding their leaves and the air is growing crisp. The days are getting shorter and the newspapers are talking football. Here there are no trees; the sun is as hot as the hottest it ever gets at home. Right now as I write this letter my body is clammy with sweat and the flies are as bothersome as usual. This is a great country not to be in.

The other day I received 2830 Rials for two months pay and enclosed is a money order for 2408 of them. In American money that is $75⁰⁰. Accept this little gift and use it any way you see fit. Christmas is just around the corner and gifts I was never able to buy successfully. I would appreciate your getting something for the children and for Lillian and Herm and Jack and Mike with my regards. Will write again soon.

God bless you, Mom,

Joe

P.S. Enclosed is a 5 Rial note.