Monday 17 July 1944

Dearest Kitten:

It is a beautiful night out. It reminds me of a cool fall evening at home with the smell of burning leaves in the air. The smell of burning leaves is missing over here though. Nevertheless I can still appreciate the cool, quiet evening.

The memories that are flashing through my brain are all pleasant because they are all centered around you. How could they be otherwise, when you are the very heart of all my happiness and pleasure. All that I am trying to say is that I love you. My love for you is deep and trusting. Every time that I think of you and home there is a great longing that settles over me. Every cell of my body seems to yearn for you. The only way that it will be relieved is to take you in my arms again, and that time is not too far distant, I hope.

Since writing to you last, I received your 53rd letter. I am glad that you had Bobby taken care of. You may find a big difference in him now that his tonsils are out. I bet he was happy to be able to eat all the ice cream that he wanted.

I can visualize what they are like from your everyday account of them and also your snapshots that you send.

Yesterday our team played B Company's baseball team and we lost 2 to 1. It was a very good game and I enjoyed it very much. Sports, especially competitive, are very good for the men's morale. It gives them something to talk, scrap, and kid about. When you have a bunch of men with something else to think about, other than the mess that they are in, then the morale of the men is high! We are very fortunate here because we have good and diversified facilities for the men. There is so much going on that they hardly know what to do or where to go. Their work is highly satisfactory to clinch the bargain.

Now that Lorraine W. has returned, you should not lack for company. I expect to be hearing that the three of you go out regularly. It will do you all good to get out to a show or something occasionally.

Have not had a chance to get out to a golf course yet, but with luck I may make it one of these days.

This afternoon I went out to see a couple of my men in the hospital. They appreciate a visit like that more than if I had given them a million dollars. It gets very boring staying in a hospital when no one ever calls to see you. I should know.

My cold is very much better and I am back in fine shape. The only thing I need is you.

Give all the folks my regards and kiss the babies for me.

I love you with all my heart.

Your Loving, Devoted, & Faithful Husband,

Bob

P.S. I have not received Ce's letter as yet.