21 January 1945
Letter no. 9 (?)
Sunday A.M.
Jan. 21, 1945
New Guinea
Dearest Mom:
What a day we having here! There is a regular tropical rain falling -- and what a rain. I went down for breakfast before it rained but didn't get back soon enough. Now I am sitting here naked wondering what I can wear today. Everything I own is in one duffel bag; so you imagine my condition. But I am not alone.
I still haven't received any replies from my letters down here, but you surely must be getting them by now. But every time I move I guess our correspondence will be delayed again, so please don't worry. As for packages, Lord only knows when we will get them.
Last night we got some beer, yes beer, a cook gave us a loaf of bread, and we had quite a party here in our tent. We got some candles and played pinochle, drank beer, and ate bread until midnight. I guess your son is getting wild! I wish could tell you more about our activities, but we are not allowed to write about any military actions. That's why my letters are all "small talk."
I am glad to know of your thoughts for me. I have always felt ashamed and guilty for the way I left home so early, without ever having repaid my parents. Now it looks like it's too late.
I hope your severe winter has let up. I know how you hate to be marooned on that hill. I can still see Pop very plainly driving that old truck up and down the hill. He ought to see our hills. Boy, I sure would like for him to have a jeep. If I ever get back I sure am going to try to get one. What a thought! Don't pay much attention to me as I ramble on. Down here, things are mostly dreams anyhow.
What is George doing these days? I know he isn't satisfied with one job. Did he ever get that deer? I guess I'll have to show him how. You know, Charley wanted to know when he could go hunting. I want him to learn some day.
I often think of my family and the future for those kids. That's when I really get the blues. From here it looks like they were born with two strikes against them. I hope they don't have my luck!
Lately, I have been thinking of a farm. It seems like a pleasant life. There are many boys here who were quite successful at it. However Penna isn't the right place. I wish I could make up my mind to something. There are lots of correspondence courses open to us. I feel a little bit too old now. Where the last few years went, I don't know.
I'll bet you and Red too, are already reading seed catalogs. They always seem more enticing in the winter! Tell Pop he will have to be Freda's gardener again. She said she done very nicely last year.
Well, I surely felt myself ramble on in this letter. But somehow I feel better after letting off some of this steam.
Take good care of yourselves, I want to come back to the old hill as I left it. It surely looks good from here.
Love
Fred
P.S. I have borrowed an air mail envelop in hopes it reaches you sooner.
P.S. Please send a box of eats soon.
Sunday A.M.
Jan. 21, 1945
New Guinea
Dearest Mom:
What a day we having here! There is a regular tropical rain falling -- and what a rain. I went down for breakfast before it rained but didn't get back soon enough. Now I am sitting here naked wondering what I can wear today. Everything I own is in one duffel bag; so you imagine my condition. But I am not alone.
I still haven't received any replies from my letters down here, but you surely must be getting them by now. But every time I move I guess our correspondence will be delayed again, so please don't worry. As for packages, Lord only knows when we will get them.
Last night we got some beer, yes beer, a cook gave us a loaf of bread, and we had quite a party here in our tent. We got some candles and played pinochle, drank beer, and ate bread until midnight. I guess your son is getting wild! I wish could tell you more about our activities, but we are not allowed to write about any military actions. That's why my letters are all "small talk."
I am glad to know of your thoughts for me. I have always felt ashamed and guilty for the way I left home so early, without ever having repaid my parents. Now it looks like it's too late.
I hope your severe winter has let up. I know how you hate to be marooned on that hill. I can still see Pop very plainly driving that old truck up and down the hill. He ought to see our hills. Boy, I sure would like for him to have a jeep. If I ever get back I sure am going to try to get one. What a thought! Don't pay much attention to me as I ramble on. Down here, things are mostly dreams anyhow.
What is George doing these days? I know he isn't satisfied with one job. Did he ever get that deer? I guess I'll have to show him how. You know, Charley wanted to know when he could go hunting. I want him to learn some day.
I often think of my family and the future for those kids. That's when I really get the blues. From here it looks like they were born with two strikes against them. I hope they don't have my luck!
Lately, I have been thinking of a farm. It seems like a pleasant life. There are many boys here who were quite successful at it. However Penna isn't the right place. I wish I could make up my mind to something. There are lots of correspondence courses open to us. I feel a little bit too old now. Where the last few years went, I don't know.
I'll bet you and Red too, are already reading seed catalogs. They always seem more enticing in the winter! Tell Pop he will have to be Freda's gardener again. She said she done very nicely last year.
Well, I surely felt myself ramble on in this letter. But somehow I feel better after letting off some of this steam.
Take good care of yourselves, I want to come back to the old hill as I left it. It surely looks good from here.
Love
Fred
P.S. I have borrowed an air mail envelop in hopes it reaches you sooner.
P.S. Please send a box of eats soon.