Scanned in color because he mentions the “crazy german”, purple ink.
May 23, 1945
Hello folks,
Don’t expect me to start writing everyday but there are a few things I have on my mind so now is a good time to get them off. If I’m not interrupted I’ll try to finish this in one attempt this time. If any letters come today they won’t get to be included in this letter but they’ll give me something to talk about some other time.
That letter I got last night made me very happy. If that box had contained only one of my awards I wouldn’t have been quite so worried. From now on I think I’ll send things like that separately. In connection with this, I found something in a Tribune of March 26 that just came the other day. It was all news to me. It sounded so much like a funeral that it sort of aroused my curiosity. What really did happen. (Part of the article is enclosed).
Daddy asked about this division still being in the third army. As soon as the fighting was over they really began shifting us around. It seemed as if they were trying to make sure we weren’t going to be in an army that is staying here. First they put us in the 1st army then in a few days we were put into the 9th army. We were in the seventh when we first hit combat so now we’ve almost made the rounds.
I wonder what you’ve found out about whether Ben is really back in the states or not. It may mean that they’ve had bad luck but the chance to hit the U.S. is worth something.
As each day goes by we wonder more what’s going to happen to us. There’s no use worrying but it is a question for deep concern. Mother made a casual remark in one of her letters along this line that has done and is doing me a lot of good. It just stuck in my mind and is giving me constant encouragement. “Prayer changes things.” Even if the Lord wants me to go to the other side, he will be with me there. May His will be done.
How’s everything coming back there now? Hope the Aladdin job is still proving satisfactory. I sure would like to be home tomorrow evening. I’m anxious to hear more news of the Senior Week activities.
Be good and God bless you,
Love,
Donald
(Forgive this crazy German ink. It’’s the best I could do right now)