18 Feb February 18, 1944

letter
from: Pvt George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. G. W. Shonkwiler
2-18-44, 7 P.M.
Noteworthy: A description of Dad’s second day in the army.

Dear Alice and Ronnie,

The second day is about over and it has been a busy one but not as bad as
yesterday.  We were up at 5:45 A.M.[,] made beds - cleaned up and breakfasted
at 7 A.M.  About 8 A.M., we started getting our outfits and I am telling you
we got plenty.  First we had to strip in an unheated room.  Then we were
measured and given 5 pr socks 5 suits of underwear (two winter and 3 summer) -
the winter is 50% wool and 60% cotton[,] you got me, I can’t figure it out
eiter, two pair shoes - both like the kind we used on the farm, not bad fit
though; five pair trousers[,] five shirts (two wool, three cotton) two ties[,]
wool dress coat, jacket and heavy wool overcoat[,] two over ears caps, one
wool cap, one fatigue

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cap, one helmet, one fatigue suit (cotton)[,] two belts, two duffel bags,
eating and drinking equipment, identification tags and some other small stuff.
We put it all in one bag and carried it back.  And I mean it was heavy.  Then
we took our classification test (don’t know yet what I am going to be) took out
insurance - made out allotment papers (copies of which I am enclosing).
Mailed our civilian clothes home[,] got a haircut (not too bad) and just
before supper moved into our present barracks.  There are about 25 fellows in
this barracks and we have single beds.  The <? patrins> is about 50 yards away
in another building where we have to go for everything.  That brings me up to
now.  The chances are from what we can gather we will not be shipped out until
the first of the week.  But nothing is certain.  We don’t know a thing yet
about what we are going to do over the week end.  They say no passes but there
might be exceptions, so if I should be lucky will make it home some way.  I
still have practically all my money as I enjoyed a little luck today noon.
They say no gambling in this barracks so I guess I will keep it, too.

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Well, honey, I am going out to mail this now and will try to call you, don’t
know if we are allowed to or not.

Give Ronnie a big kiss for Daddy and let him give you one for me and I hope
everything is going all right.  Certainly hope I will get to see you before I
leave.

Keep your fingers crossed.  Oh yes[,] we got our 1 st shot today.
Daddy