Spitball Army

[Letter postmarked on 3 August 1941 at 11:30 p.m. at Greensburg, Pennsylvania.  Addressed to Miss Crystal K., Berwyn, Ilinois.  Return addressed to George B., Greensburg, Pennsylvania.]

Greensburg, Pa.
August 3, 1941

Crystal:

                I was planning on taking a few days leave soon, but then the outfit is having a Rodeo on August 30^th, and I may just wait until after that date before requesting a leave of absence.  However, a fellow never knows where he is going to be two days hence, so don’t be surprised if I should see you to-morrow.

                I haven’t decided where I will go for a few days leave, and I don’t think there would be any use going out your way as there isn’t any special attraction out there for me, not since all your time has been taken up by that new Gentleman who comes around your house every day.  Not when you’re away, either.

                You must have had a wonderful time on your trip out West.  I often think of taking a trip like that, but I reckon I will need more than 15 days to do it in.  Maybe someday I will take my 20 days all at once rodeo, traveland take a real nice trip.

                How is your Mother; and how is your Dad?  And your nice Grand-Mother?

                You’re really nice people, and I want you to know that I think so.  I felt as though I really knew you people for a long time when I first saw you all at West Point.

                Do you ride the horses much, and how is your blonde friend Katherine or Kathleen? (Please don’t tell her, but I believe that I am not sure of her name.  Will you please tell me in your next letter?)

                I have not been home since Easter, so I believe that I owe the folks a visit as they look forward to our visits, that is, Tony and me.  Dad and Mother are growing old, so I don’t want to neglect making every visit that I can, so that some day I won’t have memories that might trouble me, if I live.  They’ve been good to me, and I don’t want to be ungrateful.  So, I reckon that if you don’t see me around Berwyn, I will probably be up in good old Shawnee (Plymouth’s old name).

                Anyway, you never sent me your photograph, and all I have is that little snap-shot which, I must admit, I had to steal from you.  On it, I reckon, you are about 12 years old, maybe 14; just a little chippie, but you’re nice, very nice.

                I’m glad that you received an increase in salary, and that you like your job – you must be a happy girl; anyway, I wish that you are happy in everything that you do and that you are a credit to your parents.

Sincerely,
                George.