February 29, 1944

Shreveport, Louisiana

February 29, 1944

 Dear Mother and All,

            We moved again today and guess we will move again tonight. We will get another rest period tonight that will probably last until sometime Sunday. The reason we have been moving so much the last couple of days is because the red army is whipping us and we are retreating. I think the two generals of the two army’s – red – and blue – get together each night and decide who is going to win the battle the following day.

            We were paid today. I drew $28.64, the most I have ever drew next month I will draw a little over $40 and $37.60 thereafter. I collect $24 that I had loaned out and darned if the little games haven’t been very profitable. I have been doing right pert. As soon as I can get too or have one of the officers do it for me – it will be a day or two – I’m going to send you a forty dollar money order and I want you to put it into a living room set. You know a couch and nice chairs for the front room. See, I’ll get the good out of the nice couch on long evenings with Rosalie when I come home. This money is honest money that I have worked for Mama, so don’t be afraid of it. I am keeping over twenty dollars for my own use and what I am keeping is the dishonest money. Now Mama, if you don’t use the money as I say or in some useful way, I’ll start smoking and drinking wine. And by sending this money to you to use will be just that much I won’t gamble away, so Mama you had better not dare put it away for me in any other way than that set.

            Don’t feel bad about me shooting dice cause we have no other use what so ever of our money out here and no other recreation.

            I am sending you three dollars tithing to turn in for me Mama – it is the most honest money that I have. Ha.

            How are you all? Aren’t you working too hard by putting in two eight hour shifts a day Dad? Better take it easy.

            I got a letter from Rosalie today – real sweet. One from John J. and one from a kid I chummed with in Wallace and Helen. He is in Tennessee on maneuvers. He left Helen one week after I did.

            I have got to write a line to Rosalie.

Love to all,

Your son,

Max