27 MARCH 1945

Dear Family- ITALY

The atmosphere is charged with excitement and anticipation here. Rumors of big doings are afoot. It always amazes me that things, which are common knowledge here, never manage to leak out to the press. We’ve been off the line now and have spent some time in an Army Ret Center. This is a picturesque resort town where 200 hotels have been taken over for army use. We just completed a period of special [censored statement] in preparation for [censored statement]. We are now moving again - this time to a new area. Expect a pass to [censored word] beginning tomorrow. Will fly there by C - [censored word] PISA and the Leaning Tower.

27 MARCH 1945

Dear Family- ITALY

Things are about the same. Spring is on the way. The Kraut Paratroopers we capture say they are warned to be very cautious in this position because they are faced with an elite “STURM” division - the best the US has. That is us of course. This outfit fought at Stalingrad and held bloody Cassino. I have learned to like both chess and beer these last few months. My last three letters to Auffy came back marked “deceased.” I still can’t believe it. Heard from Beanie—he’s a captain now and has but a few missions to go before he’s home. Alvin Newton’s in Germany with the 26th DIVISION.

Love to all,

Henry