Back in the USA

Sunday
[probably October 1945]

Dear Mom & Lou,

A welcome face at the GI train

Well, I won’t be going to New Orleans or up the Mississippi now - orders are in for those of us with 73-77 points to be sent to to other camps for separation - I think I’m going to Camp Seibert, Alabama on Wednesday or Thursday - exciting to think of actually starting down the discharge path but a little depressing to think of still another G.I. train-ride ahead. It should mean that Chattanooga will be on my route home so probably I’ll stop off with Frank Baisden for a day or two, especially if I can manage to get there while he is not teaching.

Saw a stock version of “Porgy & Bess” last night which was well done from a performer’s standpoint but poorly managed - too bad the 603rd wasn’t here as an outfit or we would have made them good scenery and done a better lighting job. But even so it was enjoyable to hear some really good chorus work.

The letter from John [Stromberg] is in Norwegian and I know of no one here who can read it so am enclosing it. Probably Lou can have it translated by the time I get home.

Yesterday I sent off another package with a few things in it - khakis - underwear, socks, my mess gear for a souvenir, etc. Also a pair of pajamas from the Post clothing store. I don’t have much left either to carry or turn in now.

Looks like tomorrow would be my last day at the office which doesn’t make me the least bit angry or disappointed. That experience has shown me definitely that office routine work is not for me.

In addition to looking into the film field I think I’m going to ask Norman [Dahl] to get me an interview with someone well up in Television who might find a spot for me.

We heard from Emory Bunts - the 2nd platoon kid who sat on the piece of glass up along the Rhine. He is still in England - out of the hospital now but unfortunately it appears that his inquiry will have permanent effects on him. From the general tone of his letter he is a mighty sad sack, poor kid.

I’ll let you know when I am discharged - and will also let you know if anything is going to delay it. Might possibly stick around for some medical treatment seeing as I’ll be attached direct to the separation point there and wouldn’t get left behind as a result of being thorough and careful. Here it would be different & I’d do everything I could to get out pronto. It is a good thing they are moving us because several divisions are coming in here - all with lots of 80 - 110 point men.

So - don’t write any more letters to Camp Shelby counta I won’t be there!

Love
Harold