Scope and Contents 163. 11/1/44-France. Many of the men have built "shanties" since they are still at the same position. Observations on their location. US election-voted on a "soldiers’ ballot". Some of the men too young to vote. Others first time they voted. 164. 11/2/44-France. Got some combat boots. Don’t have to wear "leggins." He will soon be a witness at a General Court Martial, which is the highest court. He’s a Trial Judge Advocate for the 2nd highest court. No longer in envelope: Invasion money used...

Scope and Contents 183. 12/1/44-France. The Colonel joked about his performance at the party where he went to sleep. 184. 12/3/44-France. Duty Officer tonight. No longer in envelope: picture taken at Cherbourg of a coastal defense gun. 185. 12/11/44-France. Acknowledged to her that he had been at Verdun. Tried another court martial. No longer in envelope: Photographer's card (photos he took of him weren't ready yet); photos of some cemeteries and monuments he took on some of his tours of the countryside. 186....

Scope and Contents 195. 1/1/45-France. New Year's Day. They sent turkeys to the front line troops. 196. 1/2/45-France. They are in a "hot spot". Lots of firing, but not like at Averanches or Verdun. They call it a Spam ribbon "because they have been fed so much Spam". Actually, ribbon denotes service over seas in various locations. Stars denote major battles or operations declared by the War Dept. Enlisted men get points for each battle star, but the officers don't. It is 10 degrees outside. No longer in...

Scope and Contents 217. 2/2/45-France. He just received a package from her dated Aug. 29, 1944!! He had thought the package was lost because some packages were lost from submarine attacks. The package was very beat up, but contained food and a bottle of ink. No longer in envelope: Photos of Peggy. Also a sales slip from Metz, where he bought Natalie some powder. He saw the Cathedral at Metz. 218. 2/5/45-France. Received the tie and Valentine that Natalie sent to him. 219. 2/5/45-France. (same date as previous...

Scope and Contents 235. 3/4/45-France. Back from Paris. Tired. Will write again. 236. 3/5/45-France. His special course was at Paris University in connection with the Army's education program. The course he took was on how to train discussion leaders. He will give a 2 week course to officers and men who are discussion leaders of the Battalion. The goal is to make the men “think for themselves and make them good citizens when they return home.” Saw friends from San Francisco while in Paris. No longer in...

Scope and Contents 248. 4/1/45-Germany. He's been on the move so couldn't write. 249. 4/2/45-Germany. Very interesting letter. Houses have a white flag hanging outside. The people don't line the streets to wave. "can just feel their attitude towards you that's anything but friendly." They are coming as conquerors, not liberators. He celebrated Passover. A photo was taken with the Jewish Chaplain, a General and dad that he will try to get a copy of. This is the first Passover service conducted in Germany since...

Scope and Contents 263. 5/2/45-Germany. Hitler was supposed to have died yesterday. School Dad went to in Paris was for an education program during and after the war. Soldiers can pay $2 and take a course in any subject and get their textbook and work sheets. He'll probably teach business law in the "after the war classes". He's sending her his mimeo'd hints for discussion leaders. The whole program is called the "Information and Education Program" (I&E). In the Battery discussion groups, they discuss...

Scope and Contents 285. 6/1/45-Germany. Went to more Jewish services at Staubing. Young man typing up the Battery history for him acted as his secretary in drawing court-martial records. Young man was stationed at Battalion headquarters, but wasn't happy so dad helped him transfer to the Battery, and the young man was very thankful. 286. 6/2/45-Germany. No longer in envelope: clipping on officer discharge. 287. 6/4/45-Germany. Misses her. Not numbered-6/6/45. Telegram wishing Natalie a happy birthday. 288....