Postmark January 8, 1944 Fort Benning GA

From: Harold Lederman, Eleventh Company Sixth Training Regiment A.S.T.P, Fort Benning Georgia
To: Mr and Mrs Ben Lederman, 923 North Leavitt St., Chicago Ill

Dear Mother and Dad,

I received your package of clothing and food. Mom, you ask me why I don't wash. If you got up at 6 o'clock in the morning. Made your bed, washed up, swept the barracks up and got all the clothes ready that I must wear during the day. And after I came back at 7 o'clock in the evening, I must polish 3 pair of shoes, so bright that you can see your face in them, and clean my rifle, oiling all parts. The lights go out at 10 o'clock. And you ask me why I don't wash?

However, they have just opened up a laundry down here. It will cost me $1.50 a month. I send the laundry out once a week. Mom, can't you get me pure woolen stockings? I need at least 2 pair of them. I take 15 mile hikes and I need them. As for more my cold it is not serious. Its just the damp weather that gets me down.

I hope you received the $20. I will get paid January 31 about $43. I'll send home about $37.

I received aunt Diena's letter and I will soon answer it.

Love, Harold