August 22, 1944

France

August 22, 1944

Dear Mother, Dad, & Girls,

            I’ve been sitting around all morning wondering what I was going to write and dreading to start. Damned if I ever write another letter when I get back home. For September I want you to send me some magazines. Ranch Romances or anything with good stories in. I have too damn much time on my hands that I don’t know what to do with. Out of the day of 24 hours, I’m only busy about six and the rest of the time I just loaf and I’m getting loafed and rested out. Another kid and I was throwing bayonets at a tree this morning. I missed the tree and the bayonet went through a pair of shorts and a towel of the other kids, on the fence. He swears that he’s going to go bayonet mine first time I leave mine out. Ha.

            I spent two hours this morning gathering up some French stamps for Rosalie. Ha. She had me out chasing butterflies for her once and all the boys thought I was crazy. Damned if these women won’t drive a man to drink – won’t they Dad? Ha.

            You were asking me to send you a poppy from France a long time ago Mama but I never did see any more and I guess it is too late now. That was sure a pretty columbine you sent that time.

            We have had rain the last two days. The farms sure needed it here. How is everything around home? Have you had any luck fishin lately? The mail comes in a couple hours. I will probably hear from you and Rosalie then. I have been getting quite a lot of mail lately.

Love to all,
Your son,
Max