Germany

April 27/45
Germany

Dearest Helen,

I’ve just been reading the copy [of] the “Star” – Apr 11th – which came today and I note a tiny paragraph which states that the war is costing the U.S. 266 million dollars a day – and then I note how easy it is to look at such an astronomical figure without blinking an eye – and turn with interest to a column with the heading “22 D.C. Men Home on Furlough from War Zones” – the world furlough making me blink like a high speed camera shutter – and under the heading is a list of names of lucky boys with their branch of service and length of service overseas – and as usual I see that the Air Corps are the fair haired boys – only 6 or 7 months overseas and they’re back on furlough – and the Infantry, etc – all average between 30 and 35 months overseas – one being all of 45 months. Because of things like this and better housing, equipment, etc the Air Corps is not well regarded by the Ground Forces. I can’t understand this business of sending Air Corps personnel back to the U.S. after completing a stipulated among of missions (35 I think it is) because of “flight fatigue” or some such fancy diagnosis. An infantry man who has wallowed in the mud from Normandy to the heart of Germany might have a little case of nerves or fatigue too – but if he is still alive by that time you can be sure that he doesn’t get home – but that’s the Army. The ones who do the most work and suffer the worst hardships get the least consideration. When I say this, I do not mean to take any credit away from the AAF, they’ve done a wonderful job – but compared to the infantry, their lot has been an easy one – and so I ponder on why they get home in such a comparative short time. In spite of this I assure you that there is one member of the AGF who holds one member (so to speak) of the AAF in very high regard.

4 letters from home tell me that all goes well in Syracuse and that my mother is sending you a birthday gift, though she didn’t say what it was – so – I guess I’ll hear about it from you. She also says that you’ve been wonderful to them and can’t wait until your proposed visit.

The boys “next door” are waiting for me to come over and give a “concert” on their piano. I gave one last night and it was lots of fun. A candle set on the piano called for lots of soft, romantic music which in turn brought on many, many memories. So – I’m going over and see if I can’t conjure up some more good ones about you – not that I need any external stimulus – but music can always intensify a mood – and I’m in the mood –

I miss you very much –

All my love,
Ted