Nov. 26, 1942

Dear Mother,

I got two of your letters today, one that you sent to Crowder and the other direct to here. 

I just finished my Thanksgiving dinner and it was very good.  Turkey, olives, lettuce, celery, cranberries, milk, dressing and pumpkin pie.  That’s a real meal.  The army serves us all our meals here.  We don’t have to buy a thing. If we miss a few meals we will get paid for them.  51¢ per meal.  This is what it costs to feed the soldiers every meal. 

We also are allowed more for the hotel.  When all the bills are paid we should have close to $80 left.  In camp we only got $50 straight pay.  We make a lot more money being in school than being in camp. 

Every day is cheerful in a place like this.  It’s just like heaven. 

I am almost positive I will not be there for Christmas. 

Tell those guys not to play with the hunting dog because that spoils them for hunting. 

Texas is the swellest place I’ve ever been to. 

It’s nice and warm in the day time and cool at night.  Millions of stars and a very bright moon.  I see them every night when I get out of school at midnight.

When we march down to the street all the cars and people stop to watch us go by. 

This is supposed to be a crack outfit, with only the best men from the Signal Corp, Infantry and anti Aircraft here for schooling.  There aren’t any dumbbells here and when we march every one’s in step. 

We just march from school to the Cafeteria for meals. 

Aunt Nessie mailed me a letter Nov. 9 and I just got it today.  She had a slight error in the address. 

I hope your mail was satisfactory. 

Say hello to Grandma any everybody.

                                                            Your son,

                                                            Melvin