Spitball Army

[V-mail addressed to Ralph N., Richmond, California.  Return addressed to E.R.G., C.M. 3/C, 55th Battalion, Company D, Platoon 4, c/o FPO San Francisco, California. Envelope postmarked 21 October 1943 at 11:30 p.m.]

October 11 – 43

Dear Ralph –

Your letter of the 24th arrived last night and I was glad to hear from you and get the latest dope.  First I’d like to mention that if you don’t stop writing so small I’ll be forced to stretch over 7000 miles and kick you in the slats.  Either that or you’ll have to send spy glasses of great power with each letter.  I finally made out most of your letter and I get it you want a picture of me.  We are expecting to leave here soon and go back to our old camp in Australia for a rest.  There I’ll be able to get into town and will have more freedom, so will try to send you a copy of my latest.  Here it isn’t permissible.  Say, when we were both at H.B., I’ll bet you never thought you’d be hearing from me over here did you.  We don’t hardly expect to get home till ’44 sometime.  At first I enjoyed coconuts but tired of them soon and now haven’t eaten one in weeks.  I’m anxious to get back to Australia where we can get fresh fruit, melons and a good many other things.  Hurray for your Ma, winning a contest.  I can imagine how nervous she was if her luck runs anything like mine.  Hope this finds you both feeling as fine as I do.  Seven days a week now huh?  Only 6 ½ over here.  Want to try it out?  Write again.

So long
Bud.