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 25 October 1944 at 2 p.m.]

October 17 – 44.

Dear Ralph –

My day off over here (imagine that) so guess I’ll answer your letter which arrived yesterday.  Say, what’s the idea of you taking another Army physical?  Don’t you know when you’re well off?  If I were you I’d let them forget all about me.  Look at Harry.  More than 30 months overseas, living like a dog, no raise in pay and no future to look forward to.  I’m a lot better off than he and even I don’t like it.  Nothing new to report from over here but I do sorta expect to see you again around Xmas.  Not a thing definite but we all have our fingers crossed.  I’m afraid conditions after the war will be pretty tough for some of us late arrivals.  You better reserve me a place in the nearest breadline.  Could be I’ll go merchant marine if there are any openings.  Haven’t seen enough of this world yet you know.  How about you signing up?  Well Ralph, so long for now, say hello to your mother for me.

Write again
Bud.