19 Feb February 19, 1945

V-mail
from: Mrs. G. Shonkwiler
to: Pvt George W. Shonkwiler
Feb. 19, 1945
10 o’clock.
Noteworthy: Midnight curfew imposed on places of amusement.

Hello, honey,

I finally rec’d a letter from you today, which was dated Feb. 6.  The last one
that I got 12 days ago was dated Jan. 26.  I hope you write some in between the
two!  Maybe tomorrow I’ll get several.  I got a letter from Forrest today
asking for news of you and he said he’s now a Ph. M 2/c.  He’s doing all right
by himself, isn’t he?  He’d liked to have his family move out, but it would cost
$300 for a train fare to ship some of the furniture as he can’t rent out there
he’d have to buy.  I was so relieved to hear you won’t go back in combat and
yet I can’t help but feeling let down, because I kept thinking you’d be sent
back here.  Can’t have everything, I guess.  S’pose we’d better thank God
you’re alive, and that’s that!  Still can’t help wishing we were younger, so
that the time apart wouldn’t see us getting too old to take care when we do see
one another.  Am I being silly?  Think they’ll let me come to England?

Love always,
Mom and Ronnie

page 2
Feb. 19, 1945, 10:30

Darling,

Thanks for the nice telegram you sent for Ronnie’s birthday.  I was rather
stunned when I got it and hated to open it for fear it was bad news, but was
very happy when I found it was from our "Daddy."  I’ve been pretty busy today
washing some of the dirtiest walls and all the doors and woodwork.  I’m having
a small party for Ronnie tomorrow night.  I asked the Hayes, Campbells, Holmes,
Dixons, and the Pages.  The Hayes are going to church at 8:15, so guess they
won’t be here.  (Darn funny they couldn’t skip church for once).  They want

me to come over for supper, but I won’t.  Mrs. Dixon has other arrangements, but
Bobby (and maybe his dad) will come.  I’m only serving cake, ice cream and
coffee, so it won’t be too much expense.  Just heard on the radio, all places
of amusement in this country will be closed on midnight every night from now on
to save fuel and light.  Sure will be tough on me.  Good night, darling, and be
good.  Someday we’ll be together again.

Love,
Mom and Ronnie.