The War Letters

January 29, 1944

One of the most important items today he tells his family is that he finally "crapped". He was worried, but he's back on track and feeling OK now. Today he took his IQ test, but had no idea of the results and wouldn't until his interview Monday. He dreads the day he's finished processing as he's pretty sure he'll start getting the "shit" jobs, but he's a fast learner and has his eye open for a soft job. Tonight he and two other fellows went to the PX and had a few beers - "great stuff! Pabst on draught even if it is only 3.2". So far, he's stuck with a few of the same fellows - a Jewish fellow, 35, school teacher, an expert in ball bearings, Harwick, a catholic - these guys are more mature, married, and they like to do what soldiering we have to do first and "Goldbrick" afterwards. The younger squirts just gripe and fart around". In closing, he's on his way to a hot Pinocle game in 20 minutes. "Take good care of youse and Mike."