18 Jul Life amongst the French, 9-18 & 19, 1944
18 Sept 1944 V-Mail
Hello honey – It’s cold & raining again, but fortunately I spent quite a bit of time yesterday sewing another flap on the front of my tent and patching up a few holes. I am now practically hermetically sealed when I climb into bed. As I sat & sewed yesterday, I attracted quite a crowd of sightseers. On Sunday the country folks put on their best and walk around our area to see how “those crazy Americans” live, I imagine. I picked up considerable loot in the way of fresh fruit – and even a couple of eggs. I don’t have the great yearn for fresh eggs that some G.I.s are supposed to, but never refuse them – not really. The powdered eggs which we get for almost every breakfast could be much worse. Maybe I’m getting used to Army chow – or have forgotten how good specially prepared food can be. I know that the salad you mentioned making with Mercedes was far out of this world! Give her & Dolores my very best, by the way. Hope they’re happy up there – they sound like it from your ltrs. Haven’t heard from you in a couple of days. Probably today. Had a long ltr from Mickey. Must write him & Corny. Miss you most of all when I watch the glow of a cig as I lie in my black tent at night before sleep – all my love to you my darling - Mr B.
19 Sept 1944 V-Mail
Mary, darling – Just got your ltr of Aug 22 (FINE date) telling of plane trip, and Great Scotts arrival. Very glad that pkgs are getting through that direction, anyway. Have enough junk to get off pkg #4 one of these days (Have sent 3). So you flew with Bob Montgomery. Mom always said he couldn’t hold a candle to me – she could be wrong. They allow us out in the evenings occasionally now, so we patronize the local pubs. Very nice – quiet & clean. There are a few with an accordion for an orchestra which the kids of both sexes frequent – but they’re full of smoke & dancing etc. We prefer the ones with a billiard table, and a big corner table where, evidently, seedy customers sit by the hour and drink beer and play a card game which looks similar to pinochle. We got talking to a fellow who speaks Eng. quite well. A former Belgian officer – 3 months in German concentration camp. Told us many interesting things about Jerrys & his country. This is the way to really find out about a country. Talk to people over a glass of beer. I’ve met a guy in the Med. Det. who comes the closest to being a buddy of any one in this outfit. He’s from Newark – with the typical lingo & dialect. He’s “pal” & I’m “chum”. Sometimes vice versa. Lotta laughs. Big kisses & hugs to you, sweetheart – and little ones for Miss K. As always, Pappy
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