June 4, 1944

June 4, 1944

Dear Mom & Dad:

I certainly wish you could be here with me tonight as I sit here in my tent & shiver thru this letter. You’d never believe it was “the tropics”. Boy these nights are really chilly now – have to wear a jacket as soon as that warm sun sinks in the west. It’s actually winter down here now you know. The days are very nice – like June in Mpls., but at night we cover up with 4 woolen army G.I. blankets. In fact we get into bed early to get warm.

By the sounds of your last letter, you are now having that warm sunny spring weather I remember so well. Things certainly must be really rosy now with Dorothy home & those two little tots running around. I know you’ll hate to see them go on the 20th. You both ought to take a trip out there on your vacation this summer. However I guess that’s not such a sharp idea with the traveling conditions as bad as they are.

We came back off our field problem after a four day battle with the “red” forces. Our side won & I came thru without a scratch, but very much stiff & tired. I spent a couple of those days & nights on top of a hill (young mountain) living on K rations & water. Three G.I.s & myself had to establish this O.P. to observe the fires of our Bn. It was the roughest climb I believe I’ve ever made – had to pack a blanket roll, musette bag, radio & eats. The hill was practically straight up & covered with brambles. It took us an hour & a half to reach the top. We were lucky to have two sunny days & two starry nights – it was plenty cool but don’t know what we’d have done if it would have rained.

Your letter of the 24th of May including the pictures came yesterday. The pics were swell & I really enjoyed them. Was surprised to see how much Evelyn Jones has grown since the last time I saw her. It was good to see pictures of Art, Swany, & Sykes again which reminds me I must write to Mrs. Jones & thank her. Haven’t heard from any of the boys “over there” for a long spell now – they must be kept pretty busy prepping for the big D-day.

I just had two letters from Dot in two consecutive days & both contained pictures of the family – wonder what I did to deserve all this attention. That little Nancy is surely a cute one – the baby is still too young to look like anybody in a picture.

I haven’t had the time off lately to visit Lee or Roger, however instead, Lee made the trip up to see me last Sunday. Roge didn’t come along because he was busy at Hdqs. We made a little photographic tour up the island making snaps of a few of the natives & their homes. Lee is having the pictures developed.

A week ago we had a Division parade at which the General gave a short speech. According to him nobody knows at this time what is in store for the 25th. The “thing” we were pointing for has been postponed or something, so we are liable to be here for some time yet. Personally I’d like to get going – get the thing over with, & then take off for home. But I’m not running the war so I guess I’ll just sweat it out with the rest of the boys.

Now its 9:30 & well past my bedtime so I’ll say good night.

Love, Dorance