John F. Zeller Papers
First of all, I'll get business out of the way, and then later I can tell you the news. I mailed a package to you this evening. I'm sending back some of the stockings you sent, mother; I can't use anything but brown or tan socks. I'm also sending the letters I have received so far. Store them somewhere for me -- I want to save them. Also one of the books you sent for which I have no use, and the B.U. Handbook which I have read and want to save. Put it with the previous hand books -- in the bookcase, I think. I'm also including the battery picture. My barracks is on the top row all the way across. The battery officers are on the ground. Jerry Roche, the Wilkes Barre boy, I've been paling with is third from the left top. I think you'll have no trouble finding me.
Also, I'm sending a sort of booklet on Fort Bragg. It may be the same one Hen Wolfe showed you. Anyway when you've finished looking at it, file it away for me. It will be nice to show to my grandchildren.
Enclosed in this letter, you'll find a money order for $20. Please deposit that amount to my checking account.
As you can guess from the above paragraph, today was payday. I drew $30.71. I still had the $10 partial pay we received before, so I have all the cash I shall need til next payday. The $6.60 monthly insurance payment was deducted before I even saw the pay envelope, as was the charge for laundry, picture, etc.
I have signed up to have an $18.75 bond deducted from my pay in the future. With insurance deduction, etc., I will thus get approximately $22 a month cash in the future. The bond will be sent home to you, Dad, beginning next month. Please put them in the bank box with my other bonds as they come. I had Dad's name put on as co-owner. O.K.?
Now for the news. We are beginning to learn a bit about artillery, and, of course more about telephone, etc. We have been warned repeatedly about disclosing military information, so I guess in the future I won't be able to tell you the actual details of my technical training.
My physical condition is much improved; I'm sure, but I haven't been weighed, so I don't know whether I've lost appreciably or not. Boxing class is getting more and more strenuous, and I'm able to take it without more serious after effects than loss of breath. Yesterday we ran the quarter mile -- and I passed quite a few of the younger boys who should be in fairly good condition.
Both Monday and today we went over an obstacle course. It's really tough. Just like a steeple chase. If I can do that, I can do anything.
Now for the rumor. One of the men who is stationed here permanently heard one of the officers remark that 5 of the men from the battery were to be moved out within a few days. My name was one of those mentioned. (There were 5 of us who were interviewed that time for officers training.)
I saw Roscoe Brownell tonight, and he tells me that he has been told to turn in his equipment tomorrow. That he too is being moved! He saw Paul Johnson, + Paul is in a division where all are shipped out after 6 weeks to officers training. He thinks that's where he is going. Maybe, I'll be there too.
I do know for a fact that they have a one-month school here for men who are to go to officer's school at the end of that 1 month's training. Maybe that's where I'll be soon. But I've had no official notice as yet -- only this rumor. Perhaps, by the time this letter reaches you, I'll be moved. If I do change address, I shall telegraph you immediately.
If I do leave, it will be with some misgiving, for I'm just beginning to really enjoy myself with this group, and I've made some fine friends in F-10-4
P.S. -- We are scheduled for another overnite hike tomorrow and Friday. This time we are to go twice as far as last time.