Saturday, Oct. 28, 1944

Dearest Kitten:

Did you know that I loved you? Honest I do. When I think of you, I get poetic, but unfortunately my abilities are such that it’s impossible for me to compose the poetry that would do you justice. The following is an example.

Roses are red, Violets are blue, I’m damn lonesome, How the hell are you?

See what I mean? The feeling is there but the words aren’t. So Beautiful you will have to be content with a man that is just an ordinary guy. Of course to you I am the greatest guy that ever lived. If you do not think so, then you do not truly love me. I am not worrying because I know how you feel.

To me you are the greatest little Sheela, Babe to you, that ever lived.

Tell Pauline for me that she had better forget about the sergeant in the picture. His name is Betcher and he is very much in love with his wife. Just like your husband.

I received my first Xmas card from Ray & Cle. They certainly mailed it early enough. This will be my second Xmas away from home. I plan to get stinko too. Last Xmas I stayed cold sober but not this Xmas. Last year I was about the only sober man in my company. I do not plan to make the same mistake again. Of course I will have to stay under cover away from the rest of the company as it is bad business for any sergeant to be seen by his men in that condition.

It is nice and warm today and it makes me feel like going in for a swim. Too bad but a cold shower will have to suffice. Tomorrow I may get a chance to go in for a swim.

I have a confession to make. I had planned to write a letter to both Barby and Bobby on their birthdays and I never got around to Barby and here it is Bobby’s birthday and I do not feel up to writing to him. So do me a favor and give them both an extra big hug & kiss for me. I know that you probably already have taken care of it, but given’em a go again.

The men in my Company have hung up a record in a certain type of work that will stand for some time to come. Now they are after a different record that will also stand for a long time. The work is in the construction of the barges. Sorry but that is all that I can tell you about it. Some day I may be able to tell you all about it and draw pictures and maps. In a couple of years maybe.

Well, Sweetheart, last night I was feeling down in the dumps and Sgt. Ryan & Donohoe took me over to the club and wanted to get me plastered and feeling the way that I was, I decided to go to a show and then to bed. They did their best to get me to take a drink but the only thing that I had was a coke. This morning I was feeling good and was just as happy that I did not take anything to drink. The beer over here is like a weak whisky and it does not take much to get high on.

I can not get over the last pictures that you sent me. Every time I look at them I feel so proud to have such a nice family.

Afraid that I am all unwound so until later I love you Beautiful. Give my regards to all the folks and kiss the babies for me.

Your Loving Devoted & Faithful Husband,

Bob