June 30, 1944

Dear Mother & Dad,

Days in the army are long, but the weeks go swiftly by. I recieved your letter and had intended to answer each, but some little thing was always coming up. Just today I began to think how long it had been, and it startled me. Never again (this may sound trite) shall I postpone writting for so long.

...The infantry may not be an ideal outfit, but it has some advantages. I have neveer been in better physical condition. It has made me more self reliant, but also more conscious of my fellow soldiers. I'm securing a greater understanding of men. this will be an asset when I get out of the army.

Our training schdule has not been very rough, but we have spent a lot of time in the field. Assistant Secretary of the Army Patterson is giong to review us tomorrow. All the brass (officers) in the division are amking plans on entertaining him.

I recieved a letter from Elo. He is now in North Africa. He's a member of the armed guard in the merchant marine. I sent Ruass a ltter several weeks ago, but I never received an answer. I'm going to write him again. I recived the package from teh cousins club, sent by Aunt Dena. I realize my obligations and will fulfill them.

I'm glad to read that Leo's finished his first year of high school and that he is working... So Lennie's in California again! I'm sure he'll be back in Chicago soon.

How is every at home? How is the store getting along and your (oil) property in California? --also the bulding. I hope everyone's health is good. Mom, tell Pa to go the beaches or to the parks on Sunday and not work so hard. Money is not everything.--and millions of men in the army will testify to that quotation.

Your loving son, Harold.