Friday, Nov. 5, 1943

Dearest Kitten

It has been three days since I wrote to you last. The reason is due to my new job as I informed you about.

Your husband has turned into a tough man. He has had to. I was put in charge of a barracks with about forty men in it. They have been used to having their own way about everything and it has been tough straightening them out. The job is far from completed yet.

They have gotten out of the habit of washing the floor of the barracks and of leaving the barracks in any old condition. The First Sergeant called me in and told me that I had tough job. He would back me to the limit.

At the present moment it is dark out and I am waiting, with my full field pack, gas mask, and steel helmet on, for three men to get the same equipment. Tonight they left the barracks, after washing the floor, without my dismissing them. They are going to get one hour of close order drill for punishment. I have to wear the same equipment as they do.

Last night I did the same thing for three hours. The night before, I was busy getting the beds, & equipment lined up for them.

(Later) As I was saying, I found out that to get immediate obedience, I have to make the men fear me. In return I do all I can for them in the line of passes and personal problems. Most of them can not figure me out. And that is just the way that I want it. The minute that they know that I am a softie, I may as well quit. They will try to take advantage of me. It is rough treatment, but it is rougher on me. You can see why my letters will be few and far between for awhile. It may be for only a few weeks, then again, it may be for longer.

Forgive me, but it is my job first, and my family next.

At present I am on the latrine hole and from here I will have to go to the wash room to finish this letter.

You wanted to know how I felt about your buying a camel hair coat that you like.

Why not? Don't you like it? Or haven't you got the money for it?

If you have the money for it and you want it, why not?

In a month or so, under the new allotment system, you will be getting a hundred dollars and I will be getting around fifty. When that happens I will be able to send some money home from my pay. I would now, only I am saving for that furlough that we are both praying for.

It is about time for me to tell you how much you mean to me.

I love you, do you know that?

There is only one person who can wrap me around their finger, and that is you. Since entering the Army I have toughened up quite a bit, but I am sure that you will find me the same easy going guy.

I should warn you, I am developing a temper. To keep the men in line it is necessary to blow up at them a few times.

You should be receiving my pictures very shortly. I told them and paid the postage to have them sent to you. Let me know if you do not receive them. I have ot been in to the main camp since then. If I go in Sunday, I will check on them.

Gosh but I love you Sweetheart and I can hardly wait until I can take you in my arms again. How lovely it will be to be able to take you in my arms again. To be able to kiss you, love you, feel you up, and then ----- Oh!

I love you Beautiful.

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

Your Loving, Devoted, and Faithful Husband

Bob

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So what if I did not make the L.O.P. honor roll? Who cares.

I received Mother's letter, yesterday.