Postmark: 02/13/1943

Return Address:

Pvt. Vincent Misitano
Co K 342 Inf
A.P.O. 450
Camp Howze, Texas

Dearest Mother,

   Today all we did here was clean up around the barracks and just did a little marching. Mom guess who else is here, Russell Gallagher, he just pulled in the other day.

   I went down to the P.X. to buy some pop and I met about 5 new fellows that pulled in yesterday who are from Altoona, and guys that I used to go to school with. Well mother I don't remember if I told you this is just a new camp, well it is, in barracks some parts of our barracks aren't even finished yet, and carpenters are working on them now.

   Mother, so far I haven't done anything hard, so please don't worry about me because I like the army so far and don't mind being here, Well, mother I'll close now with love and kisses to you daddy and the kids. Take care of yourself and keep smiling.

   Love

"Jimmy"

P.S.

   Mother try and see Rosie and tell her that I'm real sorry I have only written her a card so far, but tell her I'll write to her as soon as I get more time, and tell her it will be a big letter, give her my love and tell her to write, and mother you write to me too, I know what Phil meant when he said the only letter he wants is from home. Well mother so long till tomorrow.

   Love

"Jimmy"

P.S.

   In the envelope you will find the insignia of my div. I have this insignia on all my sleeves, there is also one in there for Tommy.

"Jimmy"

Gallagher Family

Russell Gallagher, mentioned here and in a number of other letters in this collection, was an acquaintance of dad's who lived at 1426 16th Avenue, or a literal stone's throw away from his house. There were 11 children in the Gallagher family as reported in the 1940 census, ranging in ages from 2 to 20. Russell was one year older than dad. Like the Misitanos, several sons in the Gallagher family served in active duty during the war, including Robert (3 years older than Dad) and Regis (2 years older than Dad)