31 January, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

31 January, 1944    1600

Dearest sweetheart -

First of all – your picture came today! And I love it! I didn’t want to let you know how anxious I was about getting it, darling, because I was really afraid it might have been lost – but sooner or later everything gets here I guess. I kept trying to remember what the picture looked like, dear – and now that it’s here – it’s swell. And I like what you wrote on it, too. I’ve already shown it to the boys and they feel better now, too, because they’ve been wanting to see what I’ve been talking about. Now everything’s fine. I like the folder very much, darling, and rather than keep it as a wallet right now – I’ve got it up on a small shelf near my bed where I can see it every time I enter my room.

In connection with pictures, Sweetheart, I haven’t neglected your request about a picture of myself for you. I have had two sets done already (three, counting Camp Edwards) and I can’t seem to get one I would like to send you. You have enough bad ones of me as it is. The last set I had done in London – a few weeks ago. Although they’re glad enough to take your money, they whisk you in and out before you know it. They’re all busy and independent. However dear – I’ll try again.

This morning I came back from London. What! Again! Yes – but I hadn’t planned to go particularly, this time. As I wrote you – according to the schedule – we get our 2 days off about every 14 days. If someone can’t make it – you move up. If you can’t take your turn – you must wait for the next series – so that you may have to wait about 4 weeks before getting a little time off. If I were going out evenings, I wouldn’t mind – but I’ve just been taking it easy, sleeping and reading – so the change is good.

Well, darling, Sat. a.m. I was given the alternative of taking 2 days or missing my turn. I hadn’t planned on it and no one else was going – but I went just the same. I got into London in the late p.m. and looked around for a hotel. It was rather easy because at the end of the month the boys are broke and stay away in droves. I got a fairly nice room – with bath – for one guinea a nite. (A guinea is one pound and one shilling – or 21 shillings or about $4.20.) I took a bath, a short nap – and then walked out to look around. I don’t like to be alone very often, especially when I’m thinking ‘hard’ of you, sweetheart, but London is a big city and just watching the mixture of people you can spend an evening – and the point is – I was out of camp. I got to bed early and slept late.

Sunday p.m. I read the Sunday paper and then went for a walk to Hyde Park to listen to the soap-box orations for which Hyde Park is famous. They talk about everything, but most usually against the gov’t, war etc. People stand around and listen and then walk away. There are no demonstrations or anything like it.

Early evening, dear, I thought I’d go to a movie. I found that I had seen most of the movies, but I came across a place that showed French pictures – so I went in. I saw an interesting picture ‘Un Carnet de Bal’ – or ‘A Dance Programme’ – and it referred to the programmes girls used to have when they went to a prom and exchanged dances. The picture deals with a rich woman whose husband dies; She comes across the programme and decides to look up the various fellows whose names were written down. The picture is a series of separate scenes, thinly woven together.

I hope I’m not boring you, Sweetheart, with this account – but I want you to know what I do when I’m off. Anyway – I got out of the movie about 8:30 and was hungry – but not for English food. It really is awful, darling – even in the best hotels. I asked someone where I could get some Chinese food – and sure enough, after stumbling around in the black-out, I found a rather nice place. It was much like our Chinese restaurants, but they call their dishes by different names. I managed to get something that looked and tasted like Sub-gum Chow Mein and it sure was good. Remember when we had Chinese food last, darling? I sat there by myself, dear, and boy how I missed you! I then went back to the Hotel, slept, and made a 0650 train back here. It really was a restful trip – and I’m getting to know London, Sweetheart. If we can ever get over here together, I think I’ll be able to show you around.

I haven’t forgotten today was my birthday, dear. I took out the letter you wrote me sometime ago in which you made some nice wishes for me and us and I’ve re-read it. That, for now, will be my celebration – but again, darling – we’ll make this one up – after the war.

Right now I’ve got to go pay my men – this being the end of the month, and then I’ve got to take care of a few details. I’ll write again tomorrow, dearest – and I love your picture because it brings you a little nearer to me. Gosh, how I’d love to have you in my arms tonight! I missed you so much while I was in London – even more than in Camp, I think, because I’m so envious of couples I see all over. But I’m satisfied, darling – because I love you and that love will hold us together until the day I get back and we consummate that love.

So long for now, Sweetheart, and on this my Birthday, I wish for both of us a happy long lifetime of richly wedded companionship and mutual affection and admiration. I think we have all of that now, dear – all but the wedded – and we’re coming to that I know –

All my love,

Greg.

Regards to everyone, dear

Love

G

30 January, 1944

No letter today. Just this:

* TIDBIT *

[Note from FOURTHCHILD: Upon his return from London, Greg received the orders shown below. His name has been removed, as usual, for privacy reasons. The order was issued by Colonel Plank and signed by David C. Bunin, 1st Lt, AGD, Asst Adj Gen. Some abbreviations are explained in brackets and others are listed below the orders. Also below the orders is a *TIDBIT* within a *TIDBIT* about Colonel Plank.]

RESTRICTED
HQ EBS SOS ETOUSA APO 517

PAC TWX LN-4301, Hq SOS, 10 Sept 1943, the following named O [officers] will proceed o/a [on or about] 7 Feb 1944 to the Royal Society of Medicine, 1 Wimpole St, London,W.1. on temp dy [temporary duty] to attend the Inter-Allied Medical Conference on War Medicine, to be held on 7 Feb, at 0900 hours, and upon completion of such temp dy will return to proper sta [station].

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SOME ABBREVIATIONS

 HQ = Headquarters
EBS =Eastern Base Section
SOS=Services of Supply
ETOUSA =European Theater of Operations, US Army
AGD=Adjutant General's Department

*TIDBIT * within a *TIDBIT*

Colonel Ewart Gladstone Plank, who gave these orders, was a Deputy Chief of Staff in Britain who grew up in Missouri. He is better known for having written a memorandum reflecting his exceedingly racist concerns about Black soldiers. Graham H. Smith wrote the following in When Jim Crow Met John Bull: Black American Soldiers in World War II Britain, Tauris, London, 1987 (pp 113-114):

"Possibly the most extraordinary attempt from the American military to provide guidelines on the issue of commanding black troops came from Colonel Plank on 15 July 1943...

Colored soldiers are akin to well-meaning but irresponsible children... Generally they cannot be trusted to tell the truth, to execute complicated orders, or act on their own initiative except in certain individual cases... the colored race are [sic] easily led, extremely responsive, and under stress of certain influences such as excitement, fear, religion, dope, liquor... they can change form with amazing rapidity from a kind or bashful individual to one of brazen boldness or madness, or become hysterical... The colored man does not look for work. He must be assigned a specific task that will keep him busy... The colored individual likes to 'doll up,' strut, brag and show off. He likes to be distinctive and stand out from the others. Everything possible should be used to encourage this... In the selection of NCOs the real black bosses should be picked rather than the lighter 'smart boy.'

Plank gave special attention to the problems which Great Britain was presenting, and in doing so made some judgments which would quite clearly have distressed the female inhabitants of the country. The particular difficulty, as he saw it, was the problem of black solder/white girl relationships. The Colonel saw the situation very simply: for him three types of girls associated with black soldiers, and all could be easily categorized. There were the recognized prostitutes, who could be dealt with by the civil police; then there was the 'semi-respectable older woman of loose morals' looking as much for drinks as money; finally there was the problem of the minor, and this again could be solved by collaboration with the local police.

The limited circulation of Plank's unsigned memorandum succeeded in generating so much protest, from black and white officers alike, that Lieutenant General Devers, the Assistant Adjutant General, requested all copies of Plank's letter to be destroyed."

28 January, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

28 January, 1944    1315

Wilma darling -

As I mentioned yesterday, I still don’t know your exact schedule, but if it’s a normal one – you should just be returning from lunch. Oh – heck – I forgot about the time difference. That means you’re probably just getting to work. Well – I hope you have a pleasant day, dear.

I haven’t mentioned the weather for some time, darling, but I can’t pass over the past few days. They’ve been beautiful, with the skies sunny all day (except for the hordes of our planes overhead) and the air fresh. It’s just like late March in New England.

In my present set-up I’ve been doing more visiting to the various sections of the batteries and as a result most of my mornings are spent getting into and out of a jeep. By now my cheeks are pink and I end up ravenously hungry, darling. I just got back from lunch and believe it or not dear I consumed and enjoyed five medium-sized pork chops and were they good! The food has been good on the whole, darling, but very plain and the big trouble has been in between meals. There’s just nothing to munch on and the days of ice cream, milk shakes, cokes etc. are gone until we get back, I guess. I think I’ll probably be able to stand it, though.

Last night was another quiet, but pleasant evening. Thru Special Services distribution I got hold of a January 10th Time Magazine – pony edition and I spent the evening getting up to date with America. Later in the evening a visiting Major dropped in to stay with us for a couple of days. He’s from Chicago and knew a fellow I once knew. We had a nice time chatting and reminiscing. Early this morning I gave a class in First Aid to some of the men. After I get through writing to you, darling, I’m going to the club and soak in a tub for a couple of hours. It’s funny how I’ve gotten to like a tub. I used to enjoy only a shower, probably because I was always in a hurry. But Sweetheart I have time on my hands these days.

By the way, in one of your letters you ask me to tell you more about things, dear. Honestly – I’m telling you just about everything that can be told in the mail. You must by now realize what our mission has been so far in England. Other than that I believe I’ve told you about everything that happens to me, day by day, dear. Frankly – I’m content to let matters stay as they are right now, because the Lord knows we could be doing a lot of other things.

I’ve just re-read one of your recent letters in which you tell me you believe your folks are getting used to the idea of us. That’s swell, darling, and will make it just so much more natural for us to get married when the time comes. Your asking me not to change dear, was interesting. We each have a mental picture of the other at the time we last saw each other. I’ve re-lived that very last evening a thousand times, by the way. We were alone – most of it – and the only factor that made us act pseudo-casual was the thought that we might see each other in New York. But I remember you so vividly those last two nights, and I don’t want you to change either, Sweetheart. I want you – and I know I’ll have you – just the way you were when I first loved you. As for me, Sweetheart – don’t be afraid. The war won’t do anything to me except to make me a patient waiter. My tastes won’t change and neither will my ideas on life; if anything those ideas are becoming more crystallized. If there’s horror to be seen – I’ve seen horror before – in my profession and I know it won’t affect me. I’ve always been simple in my tastes, darling, and I know I’ll remain so. I know that when next I hold you in my arms – it will be the same fellow who held you in his arms one Saturday night and said “so long” to you, and to himself in a low voice “auf wiederschen”.

Dearest – that’s all for now. Be well and don’t work too hard. You’ll have to have a lot of pep to keep up with me – you know. Regards to everyone and

All my love for now

Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about Time's Pony Edition

Time magazine produced what was called the "Pony Edition" during World War II to save on materials. These editions measured either 7-5/8" x 5-1/2" or 8-3/8" x 6-1/8", depending on where they were printed. The content was the same as the full-sized edition. In this photo, a U.S. Marine is reading a copy of a Time Pony Edition.

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The cover of the Time issue for January 10, 1944 is shown here:

27 January, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

27 January, 1944    1330

Dearest sweetheart -

The mail has been erratic this week, but good. Although there have been gaps in the dates – the fact is, dear, that I’ve been hearing from you regularly now for several days. When I got a letter from you day before yesterday, stamped Jan. 14 – I was tickled, but last night, darling, I got one stamped January 17th and getting mail in 9 days is really something. It’s a shame it can’t be like that more often.

By now, sweetheart, you must be well entrenched in your job and yet I have not received the letters which tell me actually whom you’re working for; but I know it’s for at least a dress and sweater shop. That’s darn good experience, dear, in handling people for a starter and you won’t be sorry for it I’m sure. One of your letters should have more detail and I’m looking forward to it, the hours you work, when you get home – etc. It certainly should help pass the time more easily – and I know – that’s what we’re both striving for during this lonesome stage.

I don’t know the Dr. Aronoff you refer to, darling, but he’s certainly lucky to get back to Boston. But everyone agrees that after 19 months in Iceland – you deserve a trip home. You remember dear my mentioning another MD who went home recently from here after 19 mos. in Iceland and 5 mos. in England. I laughed at your description of him and his wife; it was short but concise – as they used to say in English Comp. By the way, dear, how does it feel to say casually “when I was at Holyoke?” In backing up your description, though, all I know is that a few years ago there was a mad rush of fellows to Edinburgh School of Med. – who didn’t get into a U.S. school – until a couple of years ago the AMA forbade it by refusing to grant AMA membership to graduates of foreign medical schools.

Your description, Sweetheart, of your emotions on a lonely Sunday afternoon in the winter are well appreciated by me – and I only wish I could take you in my arms and tell you how much I love you and understand you. You made a significant statement in this most recent letter of yours – when you said it was surprising how attached you became to me in so short a time – and how much you miss me. I think of the reverse myself – often, and it is very surprising and yet satisfying because if on such short notice we got to love each other so strongly and we’re willing to give up anyone else in our affections – then we really must have something that attracts us to each other, and just think how that something will cement us when we’re together.

There have been so many definitions of love that I would hardly attempt it. There’s always a poignancy about it that could conceivably be interpreted as sadness – but on the whole I find in loving you the same happy, invigorating, fulfilled experience that you must feel. It makes you feel that fundamentally – all is well or will be well with the world. I feel that, sweetheart – and that’s why I’ve told you so often that being in the war isn’t too hard for me – knowing and loving you. Without your love, darling, I know I would be as bitter as many other soldiers are.

I also got a letter from my father yesterday. He speaks again of you – and us Sweetheart – but I really can’t say I’m jealous. They really love you, dear – my folks do, and that makes me very happy; but then you remember I told you they would.

I’ve got to go now, dearest. I’m writing a history of the Medical Unit from its beginning – for submission to the Surgeon General’s office and it’s a headache – but I’m pretty well along with it now. Evenings here have been very very quiet. I haven’t been out of camp – except to a town on business one day – since my trip to London. But I don’t mind. I read, listen to the radio and think of you, darling. The latter is so easy and pleasant. So long for now, darling, and

All my love

Greg.

Regards!
     Love

G

* TIDBIT *

about US Troops in Iceland

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American Forces arriving in Iceland in 1942

When Hitler's army occupied Denmark on April 9th, 1940, communications between Denmark and Iceland were severed. Although Iceland by then was a fully-sovereign nation, Denmark still represented its foreign affairs and defense interests. On the 10th of April, Iceland elected to take control of its own foreign affairs, strictly adhering to a position of neutrality. However, a month later, on May 10, 1940, British military forces, fearing that Iceland may be another target for Hitler, invaded Iceland by sailing into Reykjavík harbor. Iceland protested this violation of neutrality, yet Icelanders were directed to treat the British troops as if they were guests. At the peak of their occupation of Iceland, the British had around 25,000 troops stationed there, all but eliminating unemployment in the Reykjavík area and other strategically important places.

As the need for men mounted on the British at home and in the Middle East, and while the U.S. was still a neutral nation, responsibility for Iceland's defense passed to the U.S. under a U.S.-Icelandic defense agreement in July of 1941. An American occupation force of up to 40,000 soldiers was eventually stationed on the island. This number of soldiers was greater than the number of all grown Icelandic men. A very detailed history of the planning and execution of the US deployment to Iceland can be found at: US Army In WWII: Guarding the US and its Outposts by Conn, Engleman and Fairchild. Also from that source came the photo above and the two below:

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"Main Street" of an Icelandic Camp


Mountains from Camp Pershing

In October 1946, Iceland and the U.S. agreed to end U.S. responsibility for the defense of Iceland. Still, the United States retained certain rights, such as the right to re-establish a military presence there, should war threaten. On March 30, 1949, amid an anti-NATO riot, Iceland became a charter member of NATO with the reservation that it would never take part in offensive action against another nation. Following the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, and requests of NATO military authorities, the United States and the Icelandic Parliament again agreed that the U.S. should take responsibility for Iceland's defense. This agreement, signed on May 5, 1951, authorized a controversial U.S. military presence in Iceland, which remained until 2006. Although U.S. forces were ultimately withdrawn, the U.S. still assumes responsibility over the country's defense through NATO. However, since the withdrawal of U.S. forces, Norway, Denmark, Germany and other European nations have increased their defense and rescue cooperation with Iceland.

26 January, 1944 (Postcard)

[Note from FOURTHCHILD: This "real photo" postcard (left picture) was mailed on January 26th and received on February 23rd, 1944. It is a picture of St. Mary-le-Tower on Tower Street in Ipswich, about 40 miles from Honington. On the right is a picture of the church today.]

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* TIDBIT *

about the Bells at St Mary-le-Tower

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The information was provided by George Pipe at St Mary-le-Tower

"Change ringing, the traditional English method of sounding bells swinging full circle, evolved during the 17th century. The basis of the art is that having started from 'rounds' (ringing down the scale), each bell follows a pre-determined path amongst the others, so that the bells ring in a different order each time until they return again to rounds. Fully developed, this becomes an intricate and exacting science which today is keenly pursued by over forty thousand men and women of all ages. They form a well organized and important part of the Church and social life of England and indeed many other countries where campanology has taken root.

The bells and ringers of St Mary-le-Tower are amongst the best known in Britain. There were five bells and a Sanctus in 1553 of which Miles Graye I of Colchester recast the Treble in 1607 and the Tenor in 1610. In 1671 John Darbie of Ipswich recast the 2nd and 4th and added a Treble to make a ring of six. By the addition of two trebles by Christopher Hodson in 1688 this ring became the second octave in Suffolk. The first full peal recorded on the bells is Grandsire Triples on 12th December 1735. Here is a quick video showing three leads of Kent TB Max being rung on the glorious 12 at St Mary-le-Tower, Ipswich. The bells were being rung at the end of the railway guild tour to Ipswich. Rob Lane, who posted the video to YouTube, is ringing the 11th.

Two more Trebles to make ten were cast by Taylor in 1844/5. Then with the great Victorian rebuilding of 1865, the opportunity was taken to provide Suffolk with its only ring of twelve, for in the following year a new Treble and Tenor were added. In 1976, a full scale restoration took place with the recasting of eight of the bells by Taylor of Loughborough, including a fine new Tenor of 35cwt in the key of Dflat, retuning the remainder and rehanging with all new fittings. A sharp 2nd was added in 1980.

In 1999 the 5th was recast, and the 8th retuned. Bells 9, 10 and 11 were replaced with bells cast to a heavier weight. The old 9th went to Australia to form the Tenor of a ring of 8 in the key of F#. The old 10th is hung in the Tower as the 'passing' bell and the old 11th is also hung in the Tower as the Sanctus bell. Here the bells are shown by diameter, date, weight and note. The peal is tuned to the key of C# (545 Hz).

Diameter	Bell		Date	Weight	Note
2' 1"	Treble		1975	4-0-0	G#
2' 2"	2#		1980	4-2-15	G
2' 2.5"	2		1975	4-2-10	F#
2' 3.5"	3		1975	4-3-1	F
2' 5.5"	4		1975	5-2-26	D#
2' 7"	5		1975	6-1-12	C#
2' 8"	6		1975	6-2-26	C
3' 0"	7		1946	9-0-13	A#
3' 2.5"	8		1975	10-1-14	G#
3' 6.5"	9		1999	14-2-12	F#
3' 9.5"	10		1999	18-2-0	F
4' 3"	11		1999	25-1-21	D#
4' 9.5"	Tenor		1975	34-3-16	C#

There has been a ringing tradition at St Mary-le-Tower for over 300 years and certainly from 1880-1939 the St Mary-le-Tower society was the leading twelve-bell Company in the land. Over 400 peals have been run, here, many of them for notable occasions. George Pipe, who contributed this history to the St Mary-le-Tower website, is the great great great nephew of James Pipe, who rang a peal here in 1816.

26 January, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

26 January, 1944     1400

Wilma darling -

Two more letters from you today as well as one from your Dad – and if you don’t think this has been a good week so far – you’re mistaken dear. And your letters are swell. Before I forget it, sweetheart, will you please stop belittling your letters? They are not ‘boring’ and not ‘nonsensical’, and whatever in the world makes you think so, dear? I love your letters for their directness and sincerity and because of these qualities – you become more vivid to me. I wouldn’t have you write them otherwise for anything, sweetheart. When you say you feel futile and frustrated after finishing one, dear – I do too, but I know it’s just a substitute and that after the war I’ll be able to tell you what and how I feel.

I love to have you think about the future, darling, because I do so much myself. I honestly don’t know what the set-up will be in Salem after the war. It seems that Mrs. Tucker is still holding an office for me and expects I’ll be back. Yet Frank M. will probably want to go back, too. Since Mrs. T. has converted my office into a living room – I don’t know what she has in mind. That office was a good spot – as you would more easily realize, had you lived in Salem, darling. Where we’ll live at first is also a mystery to me. There aren’t too many spots available and right now I think Marblehead is a bit too far. As for schooling – I honestly don’t know. The thought of a sort of honeymoon after the real one, combined with brushing up in medicine for a few months appeals to me strongly, darling; yet I know that the longer the war lasts – the more anxious will I be to get started right after our marriage.

In that connection, sweetheart, I’m pleased to read that your folks are getting used to the idea of the two of us. Believe me – they’re very sweet in not opposing it – even in your mind – and again, all I can say is I know I won’t let you down in any respect whatsoever.

Also – in connection with my future status in Salem – I got a swell letter yesterday from no less a person than Dr. Walter Phippen – about whom I’ve spoken so often. I know I’ve told you of his stature as a medical man, not only on the North Shore – but in Eastern medical circles as well, and frankly I was pleased that he took the trouble to write me. As I look back on it though, I did do a lot of work for him – because he mentioned that fact; he also mentioned that they were working hard at Salem H. to keep it as high grade as when we young fellows were there so that we wouldn’t be ashamed of it when we got back to take up where we left off. He closed by wishing a speedy return etc. and all in all – it was really a swell gesture on his part. I shall write him one of these days.

About your periodic distress, sweetheart – honestly there’s no known material for injection that has proved worthy of the trouble (at least there wasn’t any while I was in practice and I haven’t had opportunity for research in the Army, dear.) Very often the condition is greatly alleviated by married life – or after the birth of a child – so – darling bear with me a little while, will you? (Seems to me I’ve used that pun before?)

I think a lot of the time we’re away, dear, but never in terms of estrangement – in the actual meaning of the word. No doubt we’ll run through a whole gamut of emotions right before we re-meet, but oh! how I’m looking forward to that moment!

The book you mentioned, “Land Below the Winds”, sounds good. I’ve had a chance to do quite a bit more reading than for a long time – and I like it. I’m just finishing an interesting little book called “The Late George Apley” – by John P. Marquand; it was a Pulitzer prize novel – but it’s written in the form of a memoir. It’s particularly interesting because it traces the history of a Boston family, brings in many familiar scenes in Boston, Milton, Harvard, the North Shore etc. Starting tonight – I’m beginning “Oliver Wiswell” by Kenneth Roberts. The latter, incidentally, is the patient of a fellow I interned with at Beverly one year – Ken Cuneo, a swell fellow – who was practicing in Kennebunk, Me – before going into the Navy. I’ve always been in touch with him, visited once, and promised to stay longer as soon as I got married. He has a swell place up there; you’ll love his wife Mary who is a swell girl, too. She was from the Dutton family of Houghton-Dutton – remember, dear? They love to go fishing, hunting, golfing, etc. and I now we’ll be able to visit them from time to time. For that matter – a couple of other fellows I interned with – will be around New England – and our friendship was so close as interns – that we always kept in touch. I don’t know if I ever mentioned that fact to you – or not, but then dear – we had so little time. But put them on the list of our future friends – darling.

Well – I’ll close now, darling, but not without reminding you again that I love you more and feel closer to you now – than when I last saw you – and the reason is, dear, that with each passing day – our love is standing the test of time, and that is what counts. So long then, for now – and you have

All my love

Greg

Regards to the family and
that does include Mary

Love

G.

Enclosing some silly stuff from The Stars and Stripes, dear

Love

G.

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25 January, 1944

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 527 % Postmaster, N.Y.

England

25 January, 1944      1345

Dearest darling Wilma –

I ought to have my head examined for some of the things I write, dear, particularly anything that sounds lonesome. You wouldn’t believe me if I wrote I never was, but it’s something better not to write about. Honestly, darling, if I’ve sounded very lonesome in my letters I haven’t meant to. Perhaps my expression of love for you makes me sound that way in my writing.

Today I got the letters which yesterday I wrote were missing. That practically completes me up to date to January 9th – except for one letter in early January that must have told me about the job. In your letter of Dec 29 you refer to a lonesome type letter I wrote you earlier. Someone ought to kick me for having written it. I can only say, darling, that it was the holiday season, I hadn’t heard from you, and we are so far away from each other. I can also say that no one letter you ever wrote me so far did more to make me love you than that one I’m referring to which I received today. Really, darling, you are just the tonic I need. It was a swell letter and must have been difficult to write after having received a sad one from me. And your drawings!! There’s no doubt in my mind that one of our four children will be an artist – well, a cartoonist anyway. And when you drew a picture of a ‘smile’ I didn’t smile, dear, I roared. I’m glad you like the name of Mrs. H.G.A.; I like the sound of ‘Mrs.’; your picture depicting my kissing you or vice versa had me puzzled, darling. I didn’t know who was who. I tried to get a hint from your drawing of a diamond ring – as to what type you like; anyway you made it sparkle, sweetheart, so I’ll do the best I can; the bride and bridegroom look like a couple of sad-sacks (if you’re receiving the YANK, you’ll know what I mean, dear), but I like the idea! And finally, the pièce de resistance! The home! I can see it all, the picket fence, the arch of roses, the trees (what kind?), and the colonial (or was it?) style home with nursery for 4. Sweetheart – you shall have them all – and more, for you are without a doubt the sweetest and most lovable girl a fellow could ever hope for – and don’t think I don’t know it.

I also got a letter from your mother – written about the same time, as well as your letters of Jan. 1st. Your mother made some sweet wishes. I’m sorry I left the impression I was so lonesome – because she remembered about it too. I wasn’t worried about the Cornell Stationery, dearest. I used to have some nice Harvard stationery like that.

Sweetheart – I feel badly about people noticing your hanging around and not going anywhere. You are young and should be doing a great many things and maybe they’re correct. The Lord knows I don’t like the idea and yet, darling, I don’t want anyone to feel sorry for you. All I can say is that when the time comes I hope you can tell them I was worth waiting for and that you’ll feel proud of me. Anyway I get consolation out of the fact that almost anyone you might have met would have had to leave you eventually for some service or other – unless he were 4F – and so it might as well be I. Gosh – people are fundamentally selfish, aren’t they, dear?

One more thing I want to mention, darling, is your thoughtfulness about my folks. Needless to say, I love them and you are sweet to call them so frequently and to reassure them that all is well with me – even to the point of saying you heard from me on a day you didn’t. That shows me a great deal about your character, dear – and I like it. In every letter from home – your name is always mentioned and my mother and father never stop telling me how crazy they are over you and how much they love you. Darling, your in-laws will not be a problem! Barbara and Stephen write me that they love you. I’m still waiting for a letter from Ruth and Irv – but I know how much they think of you already – thru my Dad’s letters.

Gosh, Sweetheart, I could go on for page after page telling you why I love you. I’m not concealing a thing from you, dear. I’m occasionally lonesome – but 98% of the time I’m happy in my thoughts of us in the future. That thought easily overcomes everything else. When I hadn’t heard from you early in my days over here – it was natural to let my imagination develop my doubts. Your subsequent re-assurances, sweetness, thoughtfulness and sincerity – have instilled within me such a satisfied feeling that I can stand this damned war until the day I return to you. And return I will! Mentally and physically, darling, I’m in excellent shape – better than when I last saw you. I’m carefully watching myself because I have something to guard myself for. That – you will see for yourself.

I’ll close for now, sweetheart, not that I couldn’t go on writing. But tomorrow is another day and I may not hear from you. So I’ll save some ideas for then. Bless you, darling, for being the person you are and forgive me for my doubts and occasional sadnesses. I believe I have mastered both. For now, dearest, so long and you have and will eternally have –

All my love.

Greg.

Regards to everyone
in the family, dear.

Love

G.