MilColl_WWII_21_Morris_Howard_O_Papers_Corr_F5_Feb_Mar_1945

France Feb. 24, 1945 no. 98

My darling Wife

Well, we are settling down a bit but far from normal. We always come around tho' with time.

Suppose you are a bit suprised to receive mail marked France, but so are we, and it is true Army. I had some pictures made in this city and it does seem strange to be back. Maybe I should have another set made and see if time has made much difference. Our present set up isn't too bad tho' it is the first time with this detatchment that we haven't eaten and been quartered in the same building, but we can't always

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be so fortunate. Our mess hall is at least a mile from our quarters but our officers only a block from the mess hall. The walk is good exercise in nice weather tho' it is up hill from the mess hall we are now in what is classified as communication zone which is farther back than I've ever been. It is 0.15. but back here we have to pay for our PX rations. Probably won't last very long.

Just before leaving our last place I received your letters #77, 90, 91, 95 & 99. Also received two from mother.

When I wrote you last night we didn't have any heat and tonight we aren't much better off. We do have the chill off and tomorrow will

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bring about more improvement.

A funny thing happened. Since we were making a return to a city as many as possible of the old billets were secured. Well, upon our arrival it was meal time and we gathered at the bldg. in which the enlisted men had been quartered. It is now occupied by M.P's and they fed our small party that meal. I checked around and discovered fellows that knew Bill Thornton and it is my understanding that he stayed in the same bldg. for awhile and is possible that he will be back. That is really something and hope we do meet. I'll surely have to write the Thorntons.

I'm cutting this off and write mother since it has been several days. Regards to the folks and a strong hug for the boy.

All my love, Howard

France Feb 25, 1945 No. 99

My darling Wife,

Another day, another week and and another birthday. Twenty nine years old, the brightest of which have been the last three years. Yes, I know so much has happened and I'm not selfish in my outlook but just thankful and fully realize my many blessings. No matter how long we are separated I'm going to keep my present outlook. I suppose the reason I said "no matter how long we are separated" was because of what I read in our paper today. It was an article on plans for getting us overseas fellows ready for civilian life. Mentioned schools that would be used and went on to say that it is estimated a million will go

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home during the first year after the war is over and 50% of the total here now would go to the Pacific and those used as occupational troops would be granted long furlough to Paris and England. I can't see why they have to start into detail as to who will go where and when. In most cases the plans never work out and the whole write up is more demoralizing than uplifting. You never know what will happen in the army and probably those that expect to leave last will arrive home first. But regardless of all the bum articles I'm still hoping to be with you and the boy this year. Don't let my blowing of steam discourage you because I'm really not. I just can't see the point in voicing estimated figures and contemplated plans when they are on the discouraging