Monday July 3, 1944

Dearest Kitten:

Here it is the night before the fourth and I am celebrating by writing to you. It is a nice way to spend an evening anyway. Of course I can think of a million other ways that I would rather spend it, and they are all with you.

There is a saying that if wishes were horses, beggars could ride. Well if it were true I would be half way home right now. I should not kick through. We are lucky to be stationed in a civilized country. It is bad enough to be this far away from home but I can just imagine how bad it must be to be stationed in the jungles any place where the only diversion is sleeping or day dreaming. At least we can see a little civilization now and then so that it is not too bad. I manage to get to town and see a picture once a week but the pictures are usually so old that they stink.

It must have been funny when Bobby imitated the baby crying. He is at the age now that what ever he sees anyone do, he will try to imitate them. See, you will have to be careful of what you and the ice man do from now on. Or is it the mail man now. So, Sorry I forgot that you had sworn off for the duration, or until I returned anyhow.

Yes I have received letters besides yours. Just the other day I received one from my aunt and one from Mother, also a letter from your mother.

What, has Barby got the habit of jumping into her rocking chair every time she does something wrong and pretend that nothing happened. It must be fun to watch her do it.

Will you please send me twenty five dollars as I am broke. I received fourteen dollars for pay this month and last night we were playing a little poker and I lost rather heavy. If you will send the money by money order I will appreciate it very much. What with paying for my liquor ration through the club and having something to eat it is costing me a little money. Last night we were drinking beer and I did not realize that I was losing so heavily until this morning. I was slightly high but not too bad. It did me good to let my hair down and raise a little hell.

About your losing twenty pounds, I doubt if I would like to see you that slim. You suit me fine the way that you are, so forget about making too many changes.

Tell Pauline that she is the Belle of the Company, the only trouble is that she can not ring. Oh! Alright it's corny, so what.

Did you hear the one about the baby that was born with a mustache and tickled his mother to death?

Of course Bobby wants to write to his Daddy. After all he loves his Daddy, I hope.

Stop wondering and worrying if I will be changed when I return. Of course there will be some change, but basically I will still be the same guy who loved you with all his heart as before.

Well Beautiful I have to close now but will write again soon.

Give my regards to everyone & kiss the babies for me.

I love you and am still and always will be:

Your Loving, Devoted & Faithful Husband

Bob