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 9 January 1944 at 12 p.m.]

Jan. 3 – 44.

Dear Ralph –

Well here it is a brand new year and it looks as though things are starting to go in our favor at last.  Two months more and we will have a year in overseas.  Time sure flies, don’t it?  Maybe our outfit will go home later on this year, if we’re lucky!  I think though, that we have more work to do yet up north somewhere.  Glad to hear you got a couple days rest over Xmas.  We just had off the 25th, but all of us had a very nice Xmas over here.  It’s midsummer now you know, and watermelons are in full swing.  Have you contacted Red & Dot Kuder yet?  Got a letter from them.  They are definitely in Calif., at home for a while anyhow.  On Xmas Day I had my picture taken with three American Army nurses, gold bars and all.  Very nice, my friend, even to hear them talk.  Right now my brunette is up from Sydney.  Having a nice time.  Don’t you wish you were here?  Write again soon.  So long for now.

Your friend
Bud