July 21, 1943
Wed. morn, 10:30
Dearest Mother,
Just a few lines to let you know that I'm feeling fine and hope that you are the same.
Well mom, we finally had the test last night that we've been practicing for, for the past few wks.
We did 4 mi. in 45 min, and mother that's really travelling fast on your feet. We came in first
again and for coming out on top we all got a free pint of ice cream and at 12:30 every co. in the
342nd. is going out on a 2 day bivouac which is 7 1/2 mi out of camp they all have to walk out
except co. K. We got to ride out as a special favor from the general. He told us last night
after the hike that he's really proud of us and said that the other co's really have something to
go to to get as good as us. We even have the morn. off and other cos. are out right now drilling
and going through problems.
Did you hear from Tony yet?
We have about another month of training yet before we go out on maneuvers.
I just finished the cookies that Rosie had sent me. I still have some of the candy that she sent
me and I'm going to take it out on the bivouac with me this afternoon. I still have half of that
piece of dried sausage that you gave me when I came back from furlough and I'm also going to take
it out on bivouac with me. I'll get some bread from the cook out there. He's a red head and him
and I are pretty good friends so I'll be able to get it pretty easy. The last time I was on K.P.
he left me boil 8 boiled eggs for myself. He's really a nice guy.
Well mother, not much more to say except take care of yourself mother and don't worry about me
because I'm O.K. and also tell daddy not to worry.
Well mother, I'll close now with lots of love to you mother dear, daddy and the kids.
Your loving Son,
"Jimmy"
P.S.
Have you seen Rosie yet since I've left?
Mom, did Compare Tony and Comare Grace baptise Aunt Kate's baby? Tell her I'll write as soon as
I get a little more time. Well mother there's the whistle to go and eat so I'll say so long till
after the bivouac. God bless you mother, and take care of yourself.
