August 24, 1944 — France
Editorial note: one or more pages of this letter appear to be missing.
Aug. 24, 1944
Dear Marian
I just got two letters from you yesterday that were really welcome. Last week I wrote you a letter that probably didn't sound any too good. When I received these letters from you yesterday I was ashamed of myself for even writing it.
The thing that happened was that mail call went by for over a week and I didn't get a single letter. Every day after mail comes in we ask one another how many letters did you get today. I was getting so tired of saying none that I didn't even feel like answering anyone. It was my own fault because I could have probably written more often than I did.
You mentioned in your letters about entertainments that are over here. Well so far the only one I have seen was
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Do you remember asking me how long I have been here? Well I have been here since the first day but I'm not close to the front lines now. I haven't been having it bad at all.
Will you send me some cigarettes? Luckies preferred. They give us some cigarettes but the rations don't always come in on time and lots of times I'm short. If you can get some candy that would be all the better.
These French people are swell. The further inland we go the happier the people seem. When we go through towns all the people are out in the streets waving at us and lots of the women have a ~~large?~~ pitcher of cider and a glass in their hands so they can give us a drink if the trucks stop for a while.
I'm learning to speak French as fast as I can. So far I'm doing pretty good. I know how to exchange greetings, ask for things I need and say a few words but I get stuck if they want to carry on a conversation. Maybe if I get a pass to Paris after things are straightened out I will be able to talk pretty good.
Well I guess that is about all. This writing is terrible but this pen won't hold ink and I have to keep dipping it. Tell Nick and Gary I send my best wishes and love.
Best of Luck your brother George