Cherbourg, France

May 16, 1945

My dearest wife:

Time seems to be going awfully slow now again. The days seem to last twice as long as they did before. There really isn’t much of anything to write about anymore, it’s the same old thing every day. I have been writing a few V-mails as I am running out of stamps and money. I didn’t get all of my pay last month.

I guess it won’t be too long now before Allen has all his teeth. I guess they don’t bother him too much anymore. Just think, in another four years he will be going to school. I hope I am back before he starts. Children always get all mixed up changing schools. But if he does go to school see that he studies, and not be like his old man. I can still remember when I was in high school, one year I didn’t bring home one book for homework or any other reason, and that year I had the best marks I ever had. I never did like school, even to this day, but I think I may take up some subject while I am over here.

Your numbers seem to be a little mixed up here of late. I think you should try a better system. The way I do it, I put down a few numbers, and every time I write you a letter I cross out a number. Simple? Although sometimes I forget to put on a number.

I haven’t seen my cat around all day. Maybe something has happened to him. Could be that a rat was to big for him.

You don’t want to forget that about those vitamins. There won’t be anymore you know. I am not going to take any chances this time. I guess I said that before – didn’t I?

You do have brains honey, and you know it. I am going to rely on you for a lot of decisions. You always have a lot of good points when we argue on some subject. That’s not all – I love you honey.

I can’t figure out what happened to your box that I sent. Its almost two months now. I think it should be there – maybe something happened.

Yes, Maggie I really do like to hear you tell me how much you love me and miss me. I know I don’t tell you enough but that’s a man for you. You should know I love you and miss you by this time.

Honey, I really don’t have much time to go to services. I have to be around most of the time during the day. I guess I really could go, but I never did go yet and its too late to start now anyway.

I am glad you like my picture. I have a few more for you. The reason my pockets look so big, I carry the little Bible you gave me and Allens shoe. You and Allen’s picture, so you can see why they stick out. I don’t know if I am getting any thinner or not. The French scales weigh different than ours. They use a different measure. So I still have the devil in my eyes! I do feel pretty good, but I didn’t know I looked so young. I guess I am a little carefree. I don’t give a darn about anything. It’s a lonesome life though honey. I miss you so darn much. All I want to do the first day and night I am with you is kiss you. That is one of my favorite sports with you. I’ll kiss you until your are blue in the face and cry for mercy. I love you Maggie.

All my love,

Pres.

P.S. Ask your Dad if he still remembers the French outside urinals like the picture with Ric & I.