November 24, 1944

November 24, 1944

In this letter, Johnny writes about writing letters, Thanksgiving dinner, and trying to purchase gifts to send home.

John C. Waller

1944-11-24

November 24, 1944



Dearest Geraldine,



This air mail doesn't go through as fast to the U.S. but I'm not sure that U-mail will reach you. I sent one to you last Saturday but forgot to put a stamp on it so whether you'll ever get it is something I don't know. Here's hoping though.



We've been on the run since Monday night until last evening. That's the longest run I've made so far. Trouble is that I can't tell you what I saw because of the censor. Suffice it to say the weather was generally lousy and the scenery as usual. Very enlightening isn't it.



We had our Thanksgiving Day dinner last night after we got in. I didn't even realize yesterday was the day until a fellow asked me if they would be served turkey on the train. Of course that is impossible when we have only one kitchen car, however, they would get their turkey at the hospital. It's funny how time passes in the Army. Half the time I don't know what day it is.



I've been on the ball tonight in so far as letter writing is concerned. I've knocked off five letters so far and my buddy has written ten. The entire train personnel is in the mood tonight from the captain down. He told me to try to get my mail in tonight so he could censor it and take some of the load off the major tomorrow. They much get a kick out of some of the letters.



We pulled into a station last Tuesday where two other hospital trains were. In the one my two or rather two of my buddies are serving as maintenance men like I am on this one. One is a sgt. and the other a cpl. We were together for five months over here working together so I was glad to see them. Their orders have been changed like mine so we'll probably soon be together again. The cpl. is the one whose wife sent him the sachet so get on the ball—please—and send some of the fragrance that haunts your letters. Well phrased don't you think.



It looks like I won't be able to send you anything other than that damned do-dad. You just can't buy anything over here. We've all tried and end up disgusted.



I just stepped outside for a moment and was surprised to find it a clear night after all the rain we've had. The hills are standing out against a cloudless sky. The moon is as sharp as a piece of lightning against the thunder cloud and the stars are twinkling merrily.



I can't remember when it has been ever so light outside at night. Certainly not since I've been on duty with the train. I'd like to see a night like this when I get home. It would be just right for riding slowly along with some nice dance music on the radio. The St-sgt. is supplying the music for me now on our electric phonograph. There's a heck of a lot missing though.



To help fill in my epistle and also because I think you may like it, I enclose the following lines courtesy of Det. H mailman: G.I. (govt issue) Sitting on my G.I. bed

My G.I. hat upon my head

My G.I. pants, G.I. shoes

Everything free, nothing to lose

G.I. razor, G.I. comb

G.I. wish that I was home.

They issue everything I need,

Paper to write on, books to read.

They issue food that makes me grow

G.I. wish I'd get a furlough.

My bed, my shoes, my G.I. tie

Everything free, nothing to buy

I eat my food from a G.I. plate

Buy my needs at a G.I. rate.

It's G.I. this and G.I. that

G.I. haircut, G.I. hat.

Everything is gov't issue

G.I. wish that I could kiss you.



Here's another out of Stars & Stripes. Our grandmothers believed that there was a destiny that shaped our ends. But the modern miss places her faith in girdles. Heh, heh! I don't think destiny or anything else could improve much on you though, don't your navy friends agree?



Well Toots I guess I better sign off for now. I hope you are well and don't work too hard at work or play. Now hoping they're either too young or too old, I remain as ever with love,



Johnny

134

Llandaff