Scanned in color because it was hard to read in B&W. Also, the ink color is interesting.
May 22, 1945
Germany
Good afternoon,
When the mail comes I hope to get a letter so I’ll have a little encouragement on this one. It always makes writing a whole lot easier for me. Sort of gets me in the mood I guess.
The most important thing going on around here (at least the most important subject for conversation) is the speculation on what’s going to happen to us. If we do go to the CBI1CBI stands for China, Burma, India Theater, but evidence shows that it was used by the soldiers in Europe as a term for the Japan/Pacific Theater as a whole there is a chance that we might get to go via the states. But I’ve decided that I could afford to sacrifice a furlough right now for a chance to stay here. This is certainly better than going over there. Of course, what I want will make no difference in the matter. Some one else will decide for me.
I was looking over one of you old letters in which you were telling about your beautiful spring weather. I sure am glad my home’s in Indiana instead of Germany. We are still having both very miserable days and nice days in alternate spells. Last week was so nice that everyone was beginning to get a little tan from going without their shirts. But about four days ago it started to rain and we’ve had an average of about six hours of rain every day since. The sun has just about forgotten how to shine. Besides rain it also has been cool enough that you need a jacket almost continually. No doubt, though, it’ll rain itself dry and in a couple of days we’ll be sweating again.
This, being the week that it is in Richard’s career, is one week I sure would like to be home. I’d hate it worse though if things weren’t going on in an almost normal manner. I’m anxious to hear the report on the senior week activities. I’ve not heard anything about the Spectrum yet this year. I hope that it was possible some way or other to have one. If there was one made I suppose it’ll be coming out this week if it’s not done so before.
This won’t be sent out today anyway so I think I’ll sign off now ‘till after the mail comes.
Bedtime
Just in case I don’t get time tomorrow I want to finish this in some fashion tonight. The mail came late this evening. Got your letter of the 14th. It really made me glad to hear that my medals got home. Keep praying and all things will turn out for the best.
Love,
Donald