May 19, 1943
Dear Mother, Dad, & Grandma
Your Wednesday and Friday letters have arrived - but not the Sunday letter as yet. I shall save it so that I have something to answer on Sunday when I write again.
Thank you very much for the $2, Mother. I shall use it as you suggest - although it can't possibly buy me the meal I would have had, if I could have been with all of you. Did you have a good time - and how did Grandma weather the excitement?
Yes, Dad, there is a Masonic Club here, but it meets on Tuesday nights - and I have to go to Gunnery classes Tuesday evenings - so it doesn't help me out. Perhaps sometime I'll be able to make it. I'd like to.
I got the card you signed at lodge, Dad. I appreciate knowing so many of the men are thinking of me. It must have been a good session.
So your diamond and wedding ring sale panned out after all, Mother. Now You can kid Dad & Pearl.
I'm glad my bond arrived. They just established a new system. Up until now bond deliveries had been very slow - but this month they were mailed out May 2nd. The one you got was my April bond. There should be one along each month from now on. If they stop coming, let me know.
I think your letters are late in arriving because of difficulties at this end. The new hours just don't agree with the train schedule and most of the mail now takes a half a day more - usually laying over night in the post office here.
You asked about Lt. Decan, Mother. Yes. he's older – about 29 or 30, I believe. He was an engineer - civil, I believe - before he was drafted. He's been married since he's in the army. He went to school in Ohio somewhere - but not to Ohio State.
When Wells Henderson finishes the Executive Course he'll go out to a line outfit. In all probability he'll be a Btry Executive - and a 1st Lt. - very shortly. By the time I get to a line outfit. I'll be a Captain.
I got a letter from Harold Kleppinger. It just made me feel very much depressed to read it - but at that, considering his condition, he didn't do too badly.
Where's Bud Marsh? I haven't heard from Aunt Nelle, and you haven't said anything. Bud let me know about Scotty White too. - And Bill Johnson, if you've heard anything new, + Jr.
Not much new this week. I had a section from the Officers Basic Course one day this week. A major fell asleep in class, and I didn’t have nerve enough to wake him. I tried shouting and whispering – but neither method disturbed him. At least no one else fell asleep, however.
Monday morning I conducted gun drill for the enlisted instructors of the department. It's good experience - but a tough job because our men don't know as much about cannoneers hop as they should.
Our Gunnery class last night featured the new terrain board the Dept. has acquired. It's really good - complete to puffs of smoke to represent rounds bursting near the target. From now on we can get plenty of practice firing without wasting ammunition.
Yours,John