December 25, 1944

December 25, 1944

Dear Mother, Dad, & girls:

            I just got back to camp from my 48 hour pass into Holland. I didn’t find any trace of Kenneth as I thought I would. I was in a rest area center and thought sure someone from his outfit would be there. Kenneth must be up in or close to the town – Maastricht, Holland. I am going to find out anyway. That boy, Sharon is about as far from Maastricht as is Safford from Duncan.

            I sure had a swell time on that pass – couldn’t have been any better over there. There were dances, Red Cross places where we could read – write – play games – and get donuts and coffee – listen to the radio. There were U.S.O shows and picture shows and even an indoor swimming pool and hot bathes. I slept in a big college that was fixed up just like a hotel. We are in a Dutch café run by the Dutch and soldiers – free. Nearly everything was free. And you should have seen that big Christmas dinner we had – perfect. We had everything good – ice cream too, first ice cream I had since one time in England in June. We had lots of good candy bars and hard candy too. So you can see your son wasn’t left out in the cold on Christmas. I have still got quite a few packages to get yet. Ha.

            I just got a letter from Kenneth that came in two days. We will run into each other yet. He said he could just picture me tall and lanky. Ha. Hell I’m fat as a hog. I’ve got to write him and Rosalie yet then finish a western story I am reading. I took a few pictures at this rest camp – I’ll try to get them developed and send you some.

Love to all,
Your son,
Max