May 20, 1945 (to Marion Sneen)
Still here
May 20, 1945
Dear Marion –
Seeing as how I’m again back in the battery for a few days rest, I’d better say hello quick while I have the chance.
War is sure hell, Marion, & if you don’t believe me I wish you could see us “sad-sacks” wallowing around in the mud & slime around the area here. The doughboys fight ahead for 100 yds. and slip back 150 yds. – you just can’t make much progress that way.
From all this talk about mud you’ve probably gathered that the wet season is here. Two days ago it rained so hard and long that the dirt swelled around our little dugout home, and caused one whole wall of sand bags to cave in. All naturally on top of Alquist’s bed – natcherlee. Our little home is a natural cesspool for all the water coming down off this mountain in front of us, so in order to continue existence we have devised a drainage system, It consists of a big ditch running right thru the middle of said home. During a downpour anything dropped, or anyone stepping, into the ditch is gone forever.
Well, so much for the weather Marion. You’d be mad if you could see me now. Had a Filipino barber cut my hair yesterday and didn’t get the top cut short. Wonder if I should let it grow and try to train it again? What d’you think. Eh gads – what a subject for a soldier to be talking about! Let’s change it again.
Lessee – lets talk about you – much more interesting! Your letter of May 7th received and contents noted. I expected to see about three from you when I got back this time, but the mail is slow these days and besides you’ve been working overtime. Now don’t get me wrong Marion but-a – of just what does this “overtime” consist? OK. so I’m a snoop! Oh never mind – I understand. I used to work overtime with figures myself. Hmm! What am I saying!
You play golf like I used to Marion – I mean about having so much fun you forget all about your score. Sometimes when Lee, Rolie, Coll, & I used to play together we’d have to wait for five minutes before each putt in order to quit laughing enuff to hit the ball. I still don’t know which is most fun – a big time or a good score.
Are Micky & Lee back in Mpls. yet after their second honeymoon? maybe Lee can pull a couple of strings now & keep himself from going overseas again. Too bad he can’t acquire himself a family in a hurry – it might help.
Well I see it’s time for my evening shower – we have a natural 8’ waterfall just down the road. You’d probably be shocked to know that we don’t wear a stitch of clothes around here when we shower.
With that I’d better say g’nite Marion, with a hope that you’re well & still thinking about us over here once in a while. Are ya?
“You better go now your Dad’ll start to wonder what we can find to talk about so long – down here on the porch.” “Here’s your key, g’nite.” “I’ll call you tomorrow night.”
Love, Dip
P.S. “C” battery, next door, had an eventful day today. First their little dog mascot fell off the kitchen roof and broke his leg. He’s now limping & whimpering around with his leg in a splint. The boys chloroformed him and set the broken bone – pretty clever these G.I.’s, eh?
As if that wasn’t enough excitement – “C” btry’s “little boy’s room” burned down this aft. (wasn’t insured either)
