Written on both sides of the page, so apparently they had stopped censoring by this point
May 18, 1945
Germany
Hello Folks,
I am going to start this while I have a little time this evening but no doubt it will be tomorrow before I get it finished. The main reason for writing tonight is to sort of half way answer some of the questions that you have asked me. Since I got so many letters at once (8 in case you didn’t get the letter I wrote this morning) when I got back from Paris, I’ll be sure to miss some of the things I might have said if I had received them singly.
One of the things I remember that mother wanted to know was how many battle stars do I have on my EJO ribbon. I guess the reason I remember it is because we have been discussing that question recently in connection with the point system for discharges. As yet we have not been issued any stars but we’re pretty sure of at least two. The list I saw the other day said that there would be stars issued for the following campaigns: Normandy, northern France, southern France, Ardennes and Germany. We certainly fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Germany and we fought about two weeks in the Saar before that. I don’t know whether that will be considered as part of one of the campaigns of France or not. We did do some fighting in France but that may turn out to be a donation as far as stars go.
Daddy seemed to be worrying a little bit about changing things while I am gone. We’ve been wanting to get a little remodeling done on the house for so long that I’d feel bad if you didn’t do it now that you have a chance. It’s even more pleasure to look forward to seeing something better than it is to think about seeing the same old things. Don’t take me to mean that seeing familiar sights won’t be good though.
I can see that what mother said about Jim’s growing is sure true. The picture of him in the basketball suit shows quite a change. It would be a shame if he didn’t grow though.
I am very interested in what is happening and will happen to Richard. It looks as if he certainly will have a high school record to be proud of. Being valedictorian and getting the scholarship is sure getting his honors off to a good start. Maybe this should have been a letter congratulating him. I guess that's even better than a guy could really ask for.
Richard’s course in chemical mathematics sounds interesting to me. He mentioned about using the slide rule a little. It has passed through my mind several times that I would like to know a little about that instrument. I’d be interested in getting a little pamphlet or anything that might enlighten me a little on this subject. Don’t go to any trouble and be sure not to send anything that Richard will be able to use.
It’s getting almost dark so I think I’ll sign off for tonight. Hope things are OK. back there. I sure hope that Dad is coming along with his job.
Goodnight
May 19
If I am guessing correctly, this should be Richard’s last day of high school work. Perhaps this won’t get there till after commencement but I sure want to send my congratulations. I wish it were possible for me to attend the commencement. You’ll just have to understand the circumstances and forgive the fact that I don’t even send a graduation present.
I sure would like to be where I was this time last year. A year is a very long, long time to be away from home. I hope that I never have to spend another year like the last one. One does get pretty lonesome for home but letters etc. do help out a lot. I got quite a thrill out of that box yesterday and the day before.
The mail didn’t bring me anything yesterday so I’m sort of looking forward to mail time today.
Be good and God bless you.
Your son and brother,
Donald