March 14, 1945

Dear Mother, Dad, and Grandpa,

                Once again it is a beautiful spring day as I sit in the warm Italian sun writing this letter. What a magnificent view I have of the mountainous countryside  -- so foreboding and awe-inspiring. I just finished reading the New York papers and couldn’t help comparing the pitiful contrast between the new American clothes being shown for spring and the garments worn by the mountainfolk of Italy. Just a few thoughts that are running through my mind are the above. I find it impossible to refrain from thinking of all the blessings bestowed upon us in the U.S.

                Mother, your letters of the 1^st and 4^th arrived yesterday. Your V-mail of the 3^rd is still on its way. Sunday a box mailed the 30^{th 1st} of Jan. arrived – the one with the paraffined fruit, nuts, and crackers. By the way, please send some more food whenever you care to.

 

I’m sorry to report that the fruit did not keep – all save 2 apples. The nuts were delicious, however. Also the bottle of ink came—a very clever idea, too. There is no worry of breaking the bottle or spilling the ink.

                I never did mail the “Stars and Stripes” to you. In one of my previous letters I mentioned that I intended to do so. I do want you to see what the paper is like.

                You really did get a bunch of my letters in one week. I’m surprised that it takes so long for packages to reach Seymour. Mail service to and from Italy is much better.

                No, I didn’t hear the President’s speech to Congress, but did read about it.

                Did Harry, Jr. leave for the Army? What branch is he in and where?

                That clipping showing the ancient and modern Signal Corps equipment was quite interesting. What a difference!

                The Feb. “Reader’s Digest” also came and I was indeed glad to get it.

                I hadn’t realized that Alan Burrar had been in for 17 wks. already. What does he do?

                Don’t forget to send the food I asked for.

 

                The war is going along quite well, I think. Of course we’re all waiting for V-day, and I hope it will come soon.

                Grandpa, it made me very happy to hear from you. Don’t forget to write more often. Hope you will feel better with warmer weather approaching.

                It’s about time for “chow,” so I must close. Write everything. Love to all of you.

 

 

P.S. Please send some delicacies if you care to do so.