Training in the USA

[postmarked January 25, 1944]

Monday –
8:00 P.M.

Dear Helen –

Letter #2 arrived this noon and after a long morning in the field it was good to come in for chow and find a letter from you waiting for me.

Once again, I am out of the office and in the line. In spite of Sgt. Gluckin’s protests our puerile C.O. insisted that I was needed more in the field than in the office. I don’t mind so much – the weather is warm, the mud is gradually drying and at last we are doing something a little different than we’ve done before – we are in the middle of something big – something which I cannot divulge. Not that I want to sound mysterious – but, rather I wouldn’t want to put it on paper.

It’s good to hear that you’re feeling better – I feel partly responsible for the lack of sleep and rest on your part during the last couple of weeks before I left. Nevertheless, I know I would do it all over again – and I know you would chastise and reprimand me severely if I didn’t – so – case dismissed.

About those seven children – I know I’ll have plenty to tell after this war is over – but, Helen, - seven kids! – that’s an awful lot of barley soup and stories to match. Besides, I’ll have to save time and my esophagus for the stories I’ll be telling you on cold winter nights. So – please reconsider – and to top this off – my eye just chanced to fall on an advertisement in an open magazine on the next bunk – which reads “Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman” – seven children – hrm-m-m!

You know what – I’m beginning to like my short haircut. It doesn’t have to be combed – and in spite of what you think I still maintain that I did comb my hair occasionally – and when I put my hand to the top of my head it feels like some kind of fur – you’ll see, it feels nice – and it won’t look as bad as you think.

Along with your letter – I received a package of eats from home including brownies, strudel, candy, cigarettes, etc. Of course, I was immediately besieged by a swarm of hungry men who made quite a dent in my supply before I beat them off with tooth, nail and invective.

Well, by tomorrow I should have your first report and reaction to my inviting you to Syracuse to see my etchings – So I’ll say goodnight and I miss you very much.

My regards to all concerned and my best to Zlotnick –

Yours (need I say more)
Saint Ted