March 24, 1945

Dear Mother, Dad, and Grandpa,

               I’m hoping that today’s mail call will bring some letters from you. Earlier this week I received several letters from you, Mother, 2 written on the 10^th and 11^th and an undated V-mail. Those came on Monday and then on Wednesday your letter of the 6^th arrived.

               Last evening the box you sent Feb. 14^th came—and it was in perfect condition. Thanks so much. Everything is marvelous. The cheese and crackers look especially tempting. Also the fruit juice. I liked the cheese and mustard with melba toast so very much—the things you sent in a previous box.

               This past Tuesday I had the extreme good fortune of being able to see a production of the “Night of January 16” which was very well done for that type of play. It was raw in many spots, but, ^{since they were} playing to a G.I. audience I ken knew that they would do it that way.

               I’m enclosing the program which you might find interesting.[1]

               Please send some food whenever you care to do so.

We had to travel quite a distance to see the play – through twisting, turning mountain roads—too much altitude to suit me! But seriously, it’s some difference from stepping into a shiny car and driving a short distance to the Victory for a legitimate production.

               The war is progressing quite well it seems. This morning I heard over the radio that Patton has crossed the Rhine. I came in at the end of the broadcast, so consequently I missed the details, but am anxious to hear about it. Kesselring has been removed from this front to replace Von Rundstedt, it has been announced.[1] The Germans are well on their way to Valhalla and the “Twilight of the Gods” but they can still do a lot of damage.

               We got the pony edition of “Time” and I read about, ^the action in Italy in it. You read it, no doubt. It is the March 19^th edition.

               In the same issue General Leonard and his 9^th Armored Division get a nice write up for taking the Remagen bridge.[2] What does he write Mrs. Sullivan?

               Don’t forget to send some food.

I was going to write you about it the day I received the clipping from you, Mother. As you say, he wanted to make a name for himself, and is doing it.

               Thursday night the family we are living with at present invited us to an Italian dinner. They are wonderful people. They haven’t much, but would give us everything they have and would do anything in the world for us.

               It was the first time we had eaten on plates since leaving Swift. The started out with real Italian spaghetti a mile long with chicken cooked it it [sic]. We all had a heaping plate full of it with more for everyone. Then they served us roasted [undecipherable] rabbit with potatoes on the side.  Also plenty of home-made bread. The women worked all the day before baking bread. And of course “vino” or wine flowed like water. And we even had tablecloth! Funny how such seemingly trivial things can become so important. It was a very pleasant experience to remember.

               And while I’m on the subject of food, my favorite topic, don’t forget to send some whenever you care ^to.

               Yesterday one of the boys scaned [?] around and was able to buy 3 eggs for each of us from a farmer. 15₵ apiece, by the way. So for breakfast this morning we had bacon and eggs, sunny side up. Outside of these times, though, we have been eating with the rest of the company. And we do have bacon and eggs quite often, but it was a novelty to do it this way.

               The woman here is doing my laundry. I gave her a bar of Kinkman’s soap which I got with my PX rations.

               The food in Cincinnati must have been terrible. Those cookies you are sending sound wonderful, Mother.

               I have been getting your air-mails in a very short period of time, so I don’t think that clipping applies to this theater. Looks like V-12 is just about finished.[1] I imagine all colleges want to get back to normal as soon as possible.

               I’m sure I wrote you that the sweater and scarf came. They are swell, and I was terribly glad to get them.

               Please send some food whenever you care to.

Mother, you write of Churchill being in Germany. Well I just heard that he was there for the spectacular crossing of the Rhine which was just described in detail. It certainly is wonderful.

               I will thank everyone, etc. as soon as possible.

               I’m waiting for the almond bars. The should come soon.

               If I can get today’s “Stars and Stripes,” I will send it. We can only send the Saturday edition.

               I must write a few lines to the kids. It’s hard to realize that Victor is in the Confirmation class.

               I’m so glad you liked the thinks I sent. Mother, today is your birthday, and I can’t tell you how much I would like to celebrate it with you. I know it will be a happy birthday, and I wish you so very many more of the same. I haven’t been able to send you any remembrance, but I may have an opportunity to do so yet. But it will reach you quite late.

               It is “One World,” isn’t it? I believe I mailed that box Jan. 28.

               Please send some food whenever you care to do so.

I was surprised to hear of Paul and Phyllis’ blessed event.

               Well, the holidays are almost here. Last Passover I was in Camp Livingston. Today all boys of our faith were given a box of matzos supplied by the N.J.W.B. I think it’s a very nice thing. A gesture like that means so much to all the boys over here. Here’s hoping you will find the holidays at home very pleasant. I know you will.

               Love to all of you.

P.S. Please send some food whenever you care to do so.