I don’t bother trying to point out to them the sins they committed

Tues. July 31, 1945

Len dear,

Sitting in the quiet of our living room trying to think of something of interest to write you but with no luck.

Last night Irv, Rick + I listened to the radio most of the night some fairly good programs including good music. We listened to Allen Young’s program. heard him once before and am very impressed with his show- darn good humor. Got to bed about 11 P.M. but couldn’t fall asleep for hours. Just hoping + thinking about you + Pat. Evenings are the loveliest of all except for weekends which seem to be endless. The boring life we lead is getting everyone down- I’ve watched a few of my men and they have been actually sick- homesick- no kidding. it’s depressed quite a few – on in particular Cpt. Bob Melquist, a very fine chap, clean cut + faithful, whose wife is expecting this month – poor kid- Rick has been kind of blue lately too – guess that’s because he had no mail for a few days- yes, dear, a letter a day helps keep the blues away- I know that I too have felt lonelier than usual this past week and although I usually manage to conceal my feelings, I know that I haven’t been as pleasant as I might be and perhaps am more irritable than usual.

I woke at 7 A.M. this morning and after a good breakfast for a change, went into Linz to finance office and picked up the pay for the Med. Det. – $3,333.00 all in schillings which makes an impressive looking bundle of money.

I then had to make the rounds of all the battalions and before the day was trough I imagine I covered 150 miles in all. I went to 1st B.N. in the morning – Schley is gone + only the MAC officer remains – the men shed no tears at Schley’s departure- I came back to 3rd BN after that + paid my men, then took Irv with me for the remainder of the day. Went to 2nd BN and then to Regimental Aid Station which is about 15 miles from here- Several men who are sick in the hospital or on leave weren’t paid and I have over $200 left which I must turn in to Finance tomorrow and thus relieve myself of all responsibility. Thank goodness it balanced to the last cent – usually the paying officer loses or figures on losing a few dollars- A new MC officer arriver today + is at Regiment- seems to be a very likeable chap- I think his name is Capt. Walters- he’s been overseas 18 months – had a separate collecting company + has exactly 85 points – He’s very jovial, honest about himself + others, and although very anxious to get home is annoyingly patient + willing sweat it out here for 3-4 months more, although he knows that he is going home- Guess one gets resigned + complacent after being over here for one or two years- I’ve noticed it several times already in these men who have been away from home for a number of years + their indifference i actually frightening. I can’t ever picture myself getting like that – what a terrible thought!!

I understand that the Russians are now in Leonfelden and the people are learning, but by bitter experience, how well off they are, or rather were, with the Americans- I wish that they would let Russia occupy all the conquered territories so these damned people could feel what the results of war really are. Under our regime these people haven’t felt a thing yet and I’m quite disgusted + dislike these people more + more. They are not to be trusted, are arrogant + thick-headed + obstinate. I don’t bother trying to point out to them the sins they committed + the crimes of the war they waged- they’re immune to that + have a million alibis.

Tonight I received a letter from Bob + a package from you but no mail. Thanks, darling for the package, seems like old times seeing that familiar shoe box size- Bob didn’t have much to say except he decided that it was best not to see Sally any more – although he didn’t sound sad, he certainly didn’t seem happy- said that he would write more once he got sailing again- Guess I’ll take a shower + get to bed early tonight. I’m quite tired at present but as usual, not sleepy at all- Darling thanks again for those medical journals but most of them are so old, 1943, 1944, that the treatment + articles discussed are outmoded. I appreciate your wonderful thoughtfulness though, dear. As a matter of fact, I love you. Come to think of it, I adore you. Then again, you’re the finest person I know + coincidentally the most wonderful wife in the world + our little Pat is the sweetest girl in the world and I’m the proudest man in the world. Send my love to Helene, Jim + It. Goodnight my adorable sweets. I adore you + love you with all my heart + soul-

All my love, forever + ever + always

Hal

P.S. A million hugs + kisses.

July 30, 1945

Monday July 30, 1945

Len dear,

It’s after 7 P.M. now and is rather lovely out. No mail has arrived as yet but there maybe some later. Today I moved again with Irv + Rick. Here’s the story. As I told you we aren’t allowed to live in private houses but all the officers went out and grabbed rooms for themselves so that they could bring there frauleins with them – Some have their frauleins living with them – Irv + I were the only officers living in a Gasthaus and as I described in a previous correspondence had a very nicely furnished room. There was but one drawback- or rather, a few- There was but one toilet and one bathroom (bath + shower) which was located on our floor. As a result there was a steady stream of traffic in the hallway. Another thing it’s difficult, in not impossible, to have 25 men keep a toilet + bathroom clean. In addition a few of my men contracted some V. D. and although cured, I was skeptical about using the same toilet. Then again the men are very boisterous- however, as noisy as they are I know that they felt inhibited or restrained at least because of my presence. So Irv + I looked around and found the Dr’s home here in town, the most beautiful in town, and from which 3 officers just moved out who were with the outfit which preceded us. They have spacious grounds with sun chairs and at present Irv, Rick + I are sitting out here writing. We have a large bedroom with 3 big beds and an easy room to lounge in, write + listen to the radio. It’s beautifully furnished + is so cheerful + bright. The Dr. + his wife seem to be very congenial + their son who is also a Dr. + his wife live here. They have a maid who will fix our room up and make hot water for our shower. Maria is staying at the Gasthaus which is only 2 minutes away and we shall eat our 3 meals there. It’s a swell setup but there’s a fly in the ointment- We saw Col. Walker tonight and he’s trying to get a Gasthaus so all the officers can live in it and be centrally located. He’s afraid of housing his officers spread out as they are and living in private homes – he’s sticking his neck out too far- so if they should get the Gasthaus and make the officers move there, Irv, Rick + I shall move back to our own Gasthaus with the men ’cause it’s the cleanest place in town. We know, cause we looked at every one before we moved it-

Last night, Irv, Rick + I sat around in our room and listened to the radio all night. Frank Smiles, my M Sc officer, is going to leave Aug. 2 for the 103rd Inf. Div. So he stayed at the Gasthause, figuring it was silly to move to the Dr.’s house for only a few days. He’s a queer guy and he more we see of him, the more we appreciate + miss Bob de Redon.

Just received 2 wonderful letters from you postmarked 22+23rd July, one from Buddy Wolf and also one from Myron Karlin. Buddy says that his outfit may move to the vicinity of Vienna- he was quite fed up with his monotonous existence which he says is comparable to the one I lead here. Myron Karlin wrote a very nice letter- was surprised to hear from me, is very happy with his army work. He’s an Agent of Military Government Service and has no rank. He’s Mr. Mryon Karlin said that had he known of my wehereabouts before he could have taken airplane tripas to see me but at present is quite busy + consequently unable to. He relates that he has a nice home, jeep, and almost 100% freedom. He’s very anxious for me to go to Paris and will really show me the sights. He sounds like the same swell kid I remember some 15 years ago and now I am very anxious to visit Paris. Prospects for a pass, however, look very poor indeed.

I’m glad that you saw Dr. Schiller and he gave you the pills and serum for the dust. I do hope that you have no allergy attacks while in Florida- That was a good idea giving Bill Berenberg the whiskey- he’s a nice chap and has been swell to take care of Pat. I know that she is in competent hands. The little devil – so she’s fussy where she sits- won’t go unless it’s a toidy seat- I could squish her just listening to stories you tell about her. The twins must be enormous with all that weight – Pat sounds as though she’s quite petite- I still think that she’ll be tall though + agree that she’s not very photogenic- I wish that you would put a tracer on that picture of you + Pat that you sent – I’m dying to see it- if you sent it 1st class mail, it should have arrived long time ago.

I didn’t find out any details today on where Major Gautsch + Dick Schley were transferred to yesterday but the 1st Sgt. from Reg’t Aid Station was here this morning + told me what he knew. It seems that they called Major Sat. night + told him that they needed two medical officers including himself, for immediate transfer- The Major wanted me to go with him but couldn’t contact me as we were the only Battalion that had moved at the time and had no communication with the remainder of the Regiment. As a result, he called Dick Schley, where Battalion was near the Major’s and Dick went with him. I understand that Dick was furious- They went to a Replacement Depot near Paris. What exactly the deal is, I don’t know- A replacement depot is a terrible

place to go to- You may sit for weeks or only a day waiting to be assigned to an outfit to fill in a vacancy- replace a missing medical officer. If lucky, it may result in an excellent assignment. However, there is a good chance of being assigned to an outfit headed direct for the CBI. May go with an outfit headed back to the states- the uncertainty is terrible + it’s pot luck unless you know someone. So it’s just by chance that I didn’t leave yesterday. Who knows the Major + Schley may get a good break + be on their way home next month – then would I be sorry- But for all I know, I may have orders tomorrow. Now that the Major’s gone + Pate’s still on leave, tomorrow being pay day, I have to go to finance in Linz + pick up the pay for the whole Med. Det. and spend the entire day going to the different battalions + paying every man. Some fun, eh.

Enclosed are some more snaps. Hope you like them.

Goodnight, my loves. I love you + adore you + miss you more + more with each passing day. Have a swell time in Florida and send my love to Helene, Jim + it.

All my love, forever, + ever

Hal

Received the medical journals tonight too – Thanks darling. A million hugs + kisses.

July 7, 1945

Len Dear,                                                                 Saturday July 7, 1945

It’s only early afternoon now and has been thus far an exceptionally long & boring day.  It poured out most of the day and we have been indoors, reading & kidding around – Bob, Rick + Irv (?) are such congenial & pleasant companions that for which I’m thankful because the monotony of our present existence would be unbearable if there were discord among us.

Last night I read till 1 A.M. and then slept soundly till 7:15 this morning when I was awakened by a lady to examine her 18 month son.  The poor child had a very difficult time breathing as a result of involvement of both lungs with pneumonia – so I had arrangements to have him hospitalized immediately – I went back to bed ‘cause there was nothing else to do, although I couldn’t sleep. Finally got up after 10 A.M. – Earle Schinalle came over and and stayed for a while – he also is on orders to go to the 9th Inf. Division and doesn’t know how soon he is to leave – Schley + Larson are going there too.  As yet I know nothing new concerning our moving.  I have half my men in the new town, called Waizenkirchen, about 25-30 miles west of Linz and was told to keep them there till further notice – I sent my jeep back there this after-

-noon to pick up my personal belongings so I’ll be able to change my uniform + underwear, ‘cause I don’t know how long we will stay in this town.  There is talk now that we won’t move at all but I spoke to Major Gautsch before and he said that chances are that we will move to the new town in a few days.

As I gather it, Gen. Rheinhart is trying to keep the 65th intact and have us shipped home in the near future and then rep redeployed once we get back home – but 3rd Army is obviopusly trying to break us up here and redeploy us to various units over here.  What the outcome will be should be known soon.  I wish I had something more definite to tell you.  I know that you are as anxious as I am to know what my disposition is to be – this uncertainty is discouraging.  If I knew that I was/were (?) coming home in the near future, I would mail home many articles of clothing, including my overcoat, jacket, socks, underwear, etc. and thus lessen my burden and make room for my microscope + movie camera projector which I plan to put in my foot locker.  That’s the only place I can put them and hope that my foot locker arrives intact some day.  It’s quite a problem to get that home but I would gladly throw all overboard if I thought I would be sent home to stay.  I’ll finish this later – going to take a shower now and then eat – maybe there will be some mail from you, then I’ll have some thing to write.  I love you, darling.  Kiss Pat for me.  I’ll be back –

Hello again, darling, just returned from deer hunting.  We went out in the midst of a thunderstorm.  In the distance it looked like it would clear and so we started out because deer are plenti-ful following a hard rain – but it was deceptive, the wind stopped blowing and it continued to pour.  All we saw was one doe + its fawn who were brave enough to weather the storm.  We walked through the woods and although we saw no buck, I enjoyed the rain and was wishing, as I always do, that you were walking with me instead of Herbert.  Finally, the sun broke through, the sky became blue and the threatening black clouds became a pretty red and the setting was complete with a rainbow.  It was late by then + we headed for home.  Irv saw a buck 75 feet away, shot and missed it.

The Col. told me at supper that we may remain here for 7-10 days yet.  My men that are there are to stay.  I got my foot locker + personal belongings this afternoon –

They are talking about give us a 3rd battle star for the battle of Austria- We don’t deserve it – it would ashame (?) to give us another but if we do, it means 5 more points – total 53 – What a farce!!  The battle awards, medals + citations get more ridiculous every day.

I received a letter from Bill Breedwick today.  They refused to operate on his knee and he is being retired from the Air Forces – isn’t that wonderful!!  He expected to be home in a few weeks – he undoubtedly will be home by time this letter reaches you.  Lucky fellow!!  Get his home address and I’ll write to him.  No sense writing to Calif.

Well I have (?) nothing more to say except what I’ll never know how to say adequately – I love you and adore you with all my heart + soul – Goodnight, my sweet, I miss you so very, very much – Wish you were both here so I could smother you with kisses and hugs.

All my love, forever,

Hal

July 29, 1945

Hello darling,

Doris has been using the typewriter most of the morning and wrote you a nice long letter. It’s swell having her here because she peps Mom up beautifully. Uncle Joe and Aunt Ida are coming over later as are the Daniels and that will be good for Mom so she wont sit and think about it.

I’ve been on the telephone all morning and we still have no news but we have to feel that no news is good news. The suspense is so nerve-wrecking though. When I called the field this morning they said that they had all the details but that they cant give out any further information than that which we already have. They said that they would keep sending us telegrams. It’s such a helpless feeling just sitting here and waiting and every time the telephone rings we all jump a mile.

Jeanette came up this morning and wanted to know if I would like some chicken and soup for Pat for lunch and we all thought that was so sweet of her. She’s going to bring it up when Pat wakes up. It is really nice to have neighbors like that.

There isn’t any other news. Oh yes. I spoke to Cynthia this morning and she said that Aunt Fan is feally coming along swell and was even out on the porch for awhile and now eats everything. That is really remarkable I think after how sick she was and how they almost gave up hope completely. They all send their love to you.

Hope you have received that picture by now. It makes me feel so badly because it’s really the one decent picture I’ve sent of all. You’ll get it eventually I guess. There hasn’t been a nice day lately for us to take any pictures with the roll of film which Leo go for us but there’ll come a day.

I’ll be back later, dear, and hope to have some good news. Love u. Here I am again. Got another telegram from the Field today and still no news on Herb. This waiting is just awful but I’m still optimistic.

This afternoon the Wolfs came over and then all Mom’s cousins and there were about 18 people in this room. Just as they were leaving, Ginzia and her sister, Mrs. Rosenthal came in and they have the best sense of humor and really pepped us all up. Doris is still here and the Daniels will be over later and she’ll go back with them. Everyone asked for you and sends their love.

Pat was so wonderful as usual and they all were entranced with her. She went to everyone and gave everyone a kiss and a hug and that was all they needed. She answers yes or no when i ask her a question and everyone says she is so smart. Noone can get over the way she eats by herself even though she still makes a mess but she has wonderful coordintation and really manipulates that spoon just beautifully. She has very good coordination anyway which I’m sure will please you because everyone remarks on it and it’s an odd thing about which to remark so it must be remarkable. I had her dressed all in yellow cause I love her in yellow. Somehow it brings out her eyes and they’re so lovely anyway.

At this point Jeanette has Doris in a chair and is fussing with her hair. She’s very good at it and does wonders with it. Everyone just raved about mine today so I guess it really does look nice. I shall have to get the knack of doing it by myself. I’m going to let it grow again and then when I get home Jeanette will find an even better hairdo. She’s a swell kid. She was telling us about her life and they shure have had things tough. It’s really some story.

The war news continues to be wonderful and we dont think it can last much longer. All the commentators seem to feel that it wont be long before they surrender unconditionally.

Here are the Wolfs now so I’d better close for now. Doris’ hair looks just beautiful. Think I’ll hire Jeanette. I’ll be back later when everyone is gone and I can write in peace. I love you.

Hello again- after midnight + still no word. Harold, darling, I can’t tell you what a brick Mom is. She’s really the best sport + her sense of humor is marvelous. She’s just wonderful and it’s made this suspense so much easier.

Bernie called tonight ’cause she read in the paper + we were really so touched by that. The Linbergs have been calling all the time.

Aunt Miriam + Uncle Dan are swell. Do you know that Uncle Dan has given 18 pints of blood + he says he just wishes that at least one of those pints has saved someone’s life.

Hope there’s lots of mail for me tomorrow. Maybe you have been transferred by this time too. Am so anxious to hear.

Goodnight darling. hope there’s some good news on Herb by morning. There just has to be – but we’re keeping our chins up.

Pat kissed your picture in such a cute way tonight. Everyone was watching her + she was showing off a bit. She’s a honey. Goodnight again. I love you with all my heart + soul.

Your loving+adoring wife

Len

July 29, 1945

Len darling,

Another Sunday, the loveliest day of the week. It’s later afternoon and I just finished writing a few letters. Wrote a V-mail to Uncle Joe and letters to Jack + the folks- that represent about the extent of my activities for today. It’s nice out + Irv + I took a little walk earlier in the afternoon. Last night Irv + I had an interesting + stimulating discussion on world politics and before we knew it, the hour was afte 1 A. M. I speculated what kind of a world this would have been or would be if U.S.A. should ever become aggressive and this led to some interesting topics ofdiscussion – We agreed in principle. After seeing other countries + history bears out the fact that their form of government has been unsuccessful, we can say unequivocally + without prejudice, that we have the greatest country + government in the history of mankind. The principles of democracy ensure peace and are the nearest thing to a utopia on earth ever presented to a people. What would this world be like if it were entirely democratic – After World War I when we stood alone as the most powerful nation in the world, what would have happened if after Germany was dfeated, we kept our conquered land, took over the government + taught our language, English- What would happen if we took over South America + Canada + consolidated the entire western hemisphere into a democracy- In this war Russia has assumed undue prominence which we feel is only a prelude to her future aims – Europe is ripe for communism now and I for one fear it but can see the handwriting on the wall. Continuing with our democratic world- can you picture a world democracy with an international government and a common tongue- It was interesting to speculate about the possibilities + we felt that our theory would be the solution to world peace for generations to come. The Col. came over a little while ago + sat around for a while. He told me that Major Gautsch + Dick Schley received sudden orders last night to report to II Corps in Salzburg + left early this morning – You could have knocked me over with a feather. I don’t know the details yet but shall find out tomorrow if I can. They are plucking them left + right – At present Julien is on leave so I’m the only surgeon remaining in the whole regiment. I expect orders any day now. Time to eat supper- I’ll be back later- love you.

Hello again, my sweets. back again. A couple of officers who were formerly with this outfit _ since transferred to the 9th Inf Div. dropped in today. They gave me a note from Bob de Redon – he wrote a very nice letter telling me about his new setup – he’s about 30 miles from Munich and says that the man + officers are nice but he misses Irv, Rick + I. He asked for a few things he left behind + I sent them to him with these officers. Oh yes, when Bob left here he took my movie camera projector ’cause he was told that they are allowed to mail things home – He wrote that he mailed it home so I hope that it reaches home O.K.- Just happened to think that there will be nobody home when the package arrives – Bob is going to try to get down here one of these weekends- Incidentally the reason these 2 officers came back here, believe it or not, was to pick up the “frauleins” they left behind- the “shacking material” is not too good in the 9th Inf; they complained, so they drove more than 100 miles to get their personal stock of women- Oh yes, both of these officers are married men- Shocking, eh, but far from an uncommon practice.

My new MAC officers, Frank Smiles, received orders today to go to the 103rd Inf. Div. Aug. 1st. Apparently the 103rd Inf. Div. is going back to the states next month and it’s a break for him as he’ll be home sooner than he expected. He’s not a bad fellow- sort of negativistic- if you say white he’ll say black- He’s one of these ”dese” + ”dose” guys from Staten Island, N.Y. He’s engaged to an English nurse whom he met while in a hospital in England. As soon as they permit civilian travel she’s going to Canada + they’ll be married there and then go to America to live.

There are so many new faces around here that you have to look twice to see an old familiar face – Everything is so mixed up- nobody seems to know what the score is. No mail today, being Sunday, but maybe tomorrow I’ll have some goodie goodie mail from you- I hope my letter to the folks today soother over the hurt I gave them accursing them of wanting to sell the pistol- I wonder if you’ll get to see Jack while you’re in Florida. He should be able to get a flight over to Boca Raton.

How’s our darling Pat today? Is she excited over her prospective flight to Florida? I’ll bet when they “rev” up the motors it will fighten her but once in the air she’ll be an inquisitive little thing (like Nana + mommy) and want to see everything? Give her a big hug + squish for me and for you too. Nothing more to write about, darling, so I’ll say “goodnight,” my adorable sweethearts. I love you + adore you with all my heart + soul. How I miss you.

Love to Jim, Helene + It.

All my love to my two young ladies-

Hal

P.S. Enclosed is an article from Stars + Stripes on joy riding- I like the one about the general.

April 7, 1945

Hal dearest,
Just put Pat to bed. She has another cold but I think it’s from the vaccination and teething. Nevertheless she’s breathing so heavily and is rather uncomfortable. No temperature tho’ so she’ll be o.k. She’s so good when she’s sick + takes any medicine beautifully. She loves aspirin – what a riot – and actually wants more.
Got 2 letters from you today – postmarked March 27th and dated the 24th + 25th. You wrote about the places you had seen + I had them pretty correct. We knew you were in Saalautern because on March 20th the Traveler wrote about the 65th capturing the lawn. On March 23 the New York Times placed the 65th at Neumkirchen and then 2 days ago the Same said you beind the tank drive so you must be well into Germany now. I get a great kick out of all your descriptions so keep them up if you can – even if they seem trivial + uninteresting to you. Anything you write is of insterest + gives me a very clear picture of what you see + do + that’s what I want to share in my small way.
You asked for slippers – Darling, you must have received the ones I sent or rather Pat sent you for your birthday. I sent them 3 weeks or more ago so you must have them. I hope so and also hope they’re what you want. Mother sent you a Life Magazine subscription for your birthday + hope you get it. I’m going to send you the Reader’s Digest as soon as I find out where their address is. I’ll do it within the next couple of days. This morning I put Doris to work + we cleaned up the apt. Mother came over for lunch + brought your 2 letters and a present for Pat that came to the house from Herb. It’s a beautiful white fur dog with black ears. She has so many stuffed toys now that the apt is full of them. That was sweet of Herb to remember her birthday tho’ + it’s a lovely stuffed toy. She got a present from Carl today too – a big plastic ball willed with water + a red fish to play with in her bath. That was so swell of him I think.
Mother brought along a letter she got from Bob this morning + he’s fine — out at sea tho’ + repeats it’s just a pleasure cruise + remarks it’s his third trip.
Kay came over after a wedding she attened + looked very nice. She said she sent you a package of goodies. She left with Doris about 4:30.
This morning Ralph Mann came over + he looks just awful – Remember his usual pallor? Now it’s twice as bad. He was just tranferred to the Cushing General in Framingham + they’re getting ready to do some bone grafting as well as skin grafting on his arm. His elbow was shattered by bullets + he got shrapnel in his leg. He was with the 104th division + was hit back in January + went from Aid Station to Collecting Co. to field Hospital to Gen’l Hospital in Paris + was then flown to England + came back on a hospital ship to Charleston, S.C. + on to Camp Pickett + then here. Paul is with the ATC in England + Irving is in Brazil.
Spoke to Alice today + Bob called yesterday from Chicago + will be in Calif. tomorrow morning. Janet called too + may be over tomorrow night.
Glad to hear you got a radio. Do you have it with you? Danny Kaye is now + funny as ever. His program is swell.
Haven’t a paper tonight so miss the comics. I was going over to see the Faeke tomorrow but if Pat’s nose is still running I won’t take a chance in taking her out.
Called Uncle Joe just now + we deduced that you were with the 15th Army + were transferred to the 3rd. Is that correct? You said Uncle Joe was correct in his deductions + he said he wrote that he thought you were in the 15th – therefore our deductions!
The Kaufmans just called + said they were coming over now so I’ll have company again tonight. I haven’t been alone at all since I moved in. Everyone has been so nice Ethel Weinstein has the play pen ready for me whenever Ican pick it up so I’m really all set. – – – –
A couple of hours have passed since my last sentence. The telephone rang + then Janet + Ruther walked in. Cynthia called + is fine + so are the Kaufmans + they all send love to you. Pat woke up + cried for a couple of hours straight + I just got her to sleep – but oh! am I worn out. She’s O.K. but is uncomfortable + didn’t feel like sleeping. Jan + Ruth didn’t find me a good hostess at all ’cause I was trying to quiet Pat all the time. She does’t have a temp. so I’m sure she’s O.K.
Elaine called + I had to hang up + tell her I’d call in the morning. She’ll probably be over tomorrow anyway.
For the past few minutes I’ve just been a-dreamin’ of that wonderful day whne we three are together again. Wonder where you are right this minute ’cause my heart is right there with you + I’d sure like to know where my main cog is. Just hope you’re well. You sound very optimistic + encouraging in your letters and I know very well that you’re trying to allevieate my worries. Guess I wear my feelings on my pen. I’m improving tho’, darling + don’t worry when I don’t hear. I won’t say I’m not anxious + diasappointed ’cause I am when the mail man passes me by – but you are too – perhaps not anxious (’cause you know I write every day regardless) but certainly disappointed.
Must get some sleep. It’s early tonight or rather earlier than usual – so I’ll take advantage. I miss you so, sweetheart + love you more + more + more. Pat sends a squish, a squeeze, a hug, + a kiss.
I love you forever, darling —
Len

June 9, 1945

Hal Darling,

July 10, 1945

Len darling,
I’ll start this now before supper, although I’m not optimistic about it’s being lengthy or newsy. It continues to be nice out, making three consecutive days that the sun has shone a new high for this part of the world- Hubert, the guide, was here this morning and is anxious to go hunting tonight. I told him to return tonight and I would see – it such a slow season for deer now that I’m a little reluctant to go although it’s the only for of diversion that I have.

The daily exodus of men from this division continues in large numbers and soon there will an almost complete turnover of personnel – some are flying directly to the Pacific yet but I don’t know what fate of their men who are being transferred will be when they arrive at their new organizations. A Capt. friend of mine came in this afternoon – he has 90 points and is flying home this Friday – he may be discharged or retained in the states as an instructor-

This afternoon I wrote to Bob, read the N.E.J.M. and topped it off by having my hair cut – isn’t that an exciting way to spend an afternoon. I receive your letter of 26 June today which held the key to the mystery of Pat’s black eye-

Hello again, dear, just finished supper – Decided not to go hunting tonight but shall stay in read and listen ^to the radio. Pat’s eye sounds as though it were a honey. Be sure you tell me everything that happens, good or bad; you said that you weren’t going to tell me about Pat’s black eye and I would have felt terrible to know that you were holding anything back from me. What a doll she must be – seems to be precocious in everything except walking. I’ll bet that you could eat her up when she says “come”- I think that it’s wonderful that she goes to the john by herself – When I get home (I’m warning you in advance) you’ll have to excuse me if I spoil her for the first few weeks – I just know that I’ll shower her with attention + affection – Of course I plan to save a little for you but I’m sure that you won’t object too strenuously – Boy, oh boy. I’ve got plenty of affection stored up and when I get home there’s going to be a storm of love and happiness in our household that will be unparalleled in the history of mankind-

That $2083 sure is our lump sum which I didn’t anticipate- a most pleasant surprise – I think that your suggestion of putting most of it in the saving bank is the most practical thing. If we had a lot of ready cash I would say unhesitatingly to put it all in bonds but after the war we’ll need cash for the period I’m in the hospital interning and it would impractical to have all our money tied up in bonds. Incidentally, what is the box score on our financial status, including total assets v liabilities – total bonds, cash in the bank.

I’m anxious to know if you are going down to Helene’s. Remember, don’t stay home on my account because everything is so indefinite – I can imagine that travelling accommodations are very hard to obtain now which is to be expected with all the troop movements taking place now. For that reason I would say not to go to Florida unless absolutely necessary. If Mrs. F. is going to be there than I think you should stay home; if Helene is going to be alone, then by all means, go –

Well, my sweets, I’m sorry this turned out to be the brief letter I promised earlier in the letter, but that’s all the news I have-

Goodnight, my loves, I adore you + love you with

all my heart + soul
Love to all
All my love, forever + ever
Hal