August 1, 1944

France

Aug 1, 1944

Dear Mother, Dad, & Girls,

             The boys just went for the mail so I don’t know whether I have any today or not. The news has been so good and everything going so well the last few days that my moral is way up. You can sure see some interesting things over here that are really worth the money and that I would have never seen if it wasn’t for the war. It is really educational to see so much. I have never seen people so happy in my life as these liberated French people. Especially the older ones. We were talking (best we could) to an old Frenchman that was just about as old and looked like old man Campbell used to. He was telling us all he had done and the medals he had won. He had on an old uniform form the last war on – or French uniform. We gave him a few things and he was tickled to death – they all are. One of our cooks gave a young girl with a cute little baby some bread and the kid some candy and gum. The girl was holding the little girl and she told it something and it leaned over and kissed the cook and the young girl thanked him over and over.

            How is everything at home? You girls will be going back to school again soon. Bet you’ll be glad. I’ll wait for the mail then write more.

 

            Aug 2, 1944

            It was dark – eleven thirty when the mail came in last night and I didn’t get to finish. It is three thirty pm the following morning and I’m on duty so I’ll finish now. I got letters from you and one from Rosalie. I’m glad that you all enjoyed the trip in the mountains. I had to laugh out loud when you said that you came back early after sleeping on the ground for one night. Hell I’ve been sleeping on the ground for four months now and think there’s nothing like it. Ha. When I get home I’m going to take me a couple of blankets and sleep out in the yard under a tree until I kinda get used to coming back in the house to a bed.

            Dad your about the fishin(ish) man I ever knew ha. But I’m sure glad that you go out and enjoy yourself. I’m going to try to cabbage on to an army rifle to bring home and we’ll really hunt and fish when I get back.

            I hear the war prisoners of Germany talk from Berlin over the air every night or so. They give their name and address and say something to their folks as to how they are. It may be that Johnny will pull through it all after all. I hope so.

            Rosalie was saying that Elda Lunt and Doris Arnett were going to California on a two week vacation and sure is dying to go with them. She may if she can get off work.

            It sure tickles me to see these guys getting into the army even at so late a date. A little G.I. business will be good for them.

            Your guess on me being in France and getting a letter from me there was just about right. I’m glad that it didn’t surprise you.

            If we had of had some hay to cut and down it would have rained much sooner. It never failed when we used to cut. Hazel and Norman was telling me about their dog. Mama, why don’t you go to Louisiana with them? The trip would do you good and you would enjoy seeing the country I know. What do you mean civilians can’t afford a vacation hell you aren’t no civilian – you’ve got two sons in the army what else do you want. You can afford it now that you are getting the $60 allotment I know so why don’t you. Ruby is coming back with them and can’t hardly wait until them.

            Well ha – it’s after four and getting early – so I’ve just got to jot Rosie a line before breakfast and my flashlight goes dead.

Love to all,
Your son,
Max

P.S. – That coin I sent was equal to one American penny I found out later. I spent an hour catching a butterfly for Rosalie’s damned infernal bug collection. Ah – that will bring me high praise, sympathy, and much love from the little lady. Ha. Aren’t these women funny things Dad? Send me some air mail stamps or airmail envelopes in a letter right away.