The War Letters

February 23, 1944

"Boy did I have a good mail this evening." Nine letters. Took him 40 minutes to read them all. While he's trying to write he is "being constantly interrupted by the fellow's hot sexy stories - their experiences...real competition." Since he's restricted to the barracks he's afraid anything he writes will be "besmirched with the tall tales that are going on about" him. Started some PT - similar to what he received at R.O.T.C. Still having problems getting to pick up the mail. Chow, laundry and mail are all at 6 bells, and each place has a line so he's lucky to hit two out of three at the most. Looks like exams start Thursday. Been working on rifles. "They call them "Pieces." It seems the pre-servicemen keep "screwing off", and as a result everyone gets penalized because the "wise guys are too wise." He mostly hangs with the older, more experienced fellows, but they are all a "fine bunch." They seem to know most of the tricks and are able to help out on many occasions. Sort of hanging back from drumming up an pals at this point. Once exams are over there will be more time for that and he'll know them a bit better.