Nov. 8, 1942 Dear Mother + Dad
Well the Yanks invaded Africa yesterday. I suppose Dave will say more than ever now that they were just waiting for him to go ahead. I hope he doesn't have too much trouble -- but I imagine I will be harder for him to adjust to a new situation.
I shall be looking forward to seeing you this week-end. Dont forget to bring my candid camera.
I suggest that you come out to the Guest House about 2:30 or 3:00 Friday afternoon. I'll tell them to expect you at the control gate about that time. Then you'll have a chance to get settled by 5:30 - when I'll come over to the guest house to see you.
Yesterday just after supper I went up to C-6-2 to see Will Duck. I couldn't place the name -- but as soon as I saw him I recognized a Lewisburg face. We had quite a chat. He seems to like it all right I told him you folks were coming down, so perhaps Dad can go up with me to see him next Saturday.
I hope you had a nice trip to Harrisburg. But, Mother, you certainly are forgetful. You said you hadn't been out of town in 6 mo. Don't forget our trip to Penn State and down to Lancaster.
I had a letter from Jean Dyer this week. She asked me to be sure & tell you. It seems she was in the store homceoming and she thinks Dad was mad because she hadnt written to me.
I also had a letter from Janet Bold.
I got up early this morning and ran the obstacle course just for the fun of it with 3 other boys. Then I went back to bed intending to sleep til nine -- instead I overslept and didn't get awake til 10:30. It was too late for church so I listened to several radio services.
Yesterday inspection the Lt. pointed to me & remarked to the Sgt. "There's a good looking soldier." I got a big kick out of it and the boys have been razzing me ever since.
Rumors are hot + heavy around here this week. It is now wispered that the officers training program is to be transferred from Ft. Sill to Fort Bragg on Dec 15th. In this case I'd never get to Okla. but would get my commission here instead.
It is definite that at the end of 5 weeks our battery is to be completely disbanded and the quarters used as barracks for O.C.S. men in the Center School. So I know for sure I'll be out of here or wlse in Center School myself within that time. Rumor has it that the whole Regiment is to be used used then -- which would fit in with the lot rumor.
Since the battery is disbanding -- the battery fund has to be spent before we leave. The fund is accumulated by deducting about 50 ¢ from each man every payday. There is about $ 1000 there now. We have to spend it in the next 5 weeks -- so we expect to eat better for awhile. Already they have started to have "Coke" cigarettes + cigars with meals. I enjoy the "Coke" but the tobacco is just a waste of money as far as I'm concerned. I suppose they'll buy beer next.
Mail call just brought your Harrisburg card, Dad. Too bad you couldn't buy any goods. I also got a fine letter from Leon Arbogast and a note from Ted. Still no note from Ken Dannenhauer. If you see Miss Henderson Mother, ask her if she has heard anything about him. Something must have happened.
I shan't write again until after I see you -- and since that's the news for now --
Yours,John