Military Letters, WWII

As found in old newsletters.
Transcribed by barbara stallman-speck

As you know, no doubt, I have been moving fast and furious in the 80th Division manner; ever onward. In the past two weeks, I have covered much territory and traveled through and stayed in many of Germany's historic and famous cities. I have enjoyed it all in one sense of the word. I don't mean, by any means, that I liked the battles we have had, but since the resistance we   encountered was light and scattered, I had plenty opportunity to see the cities and and to observe the ever-changing landscape.

In addition to interesting sights, etc., you must realize that the "road to victory" is a joyous one for the soldier. Morale is high with me and it sure helps one along a tough road. I can't tell you my exact location, but not so long ago I visited in the German cities of Weimar, Jena and Gera. If things continue to go well  I don't see how the war can last much longer over here.

Our victories over here have been marred by the death of President Roosevelt. The news was very much of a shock to us all. I suppose the world will go right along with someone else in his place, but it is hard to see just now. It seemed that so much of the burden of these troubled times rested on his shoulders and everyone looked to him as the lead man in solving the countless world problems that are coming.

How true it is that God's will is sometimes strange and hard for us to understand. It is no less true that we must trust God to lend his willing hand in guidance to the successor in the White House.

Mail has been coming through in spurts. I haven't heard from you for some time now, however, several of Rosetta's letters have come through in good season. I guess it's because of so much moving that the mail is slow. I know it's on the way and one of these days I'll get a whole truckload of letters.

Rosetta sent the camera and I got hold of several films so I have been taking quite a few pictures. The big problem is going to be getting them developed. I'll just have to wait until someone goes on pass to Paris and send them with them. I can't send undeveloped film home.

We have been doing a lot of our own cooking lately and we have a lot of fun doing it. We are issued rations that just have to be warmed up and then we help ourselves to German food such as potatoes, canned goods, eggs, etc. We always take over a complete apartment house when we have to stay in one town for more than two hours or so. That way we have a good place to cook and rest. Believe me, we take full advantage of all facilities for our convenience.

Well, I guess I had better close for this time. Hope I can be more prompt with my next letter. Hope you are not working too hard and also that this finds you in the best of health.

Say hello to everyone for me and tell them to write a line once in a while.