17 Aug August 17, 1944

Letter
from: Mrs. G. Shonkwiler
to: Pvt George W. Shonkwiler
August 17, 1944, Thursday, 10:30 p.m.

Darling,

I got the first two letters - P.L.  Could it be Plymouth? If so, just say the
answer to your question is yes, and I’ll know.

Just received your letter of August 11th today, which still keeps up the 6 day
record.  You mentioned some V-mail in today’s letter.  As yet, I have received
no V-mail from you.  Should I have received some by now?

I mailed your first request package today.  It weighed 5 1/4 lbs, tho, so I
had to unwrap it at the post office and take out one-quarter pound to make it
an even five pounds.  When they say five-pound limit, they mean it.  I asked
him how long it would take to get there, and he said from 6 wks. to 3 months.
Eleanor says her

page 2.
brother in Stockholm, Eng. gets her packages in 2 weeks, so maybe you’ll get
them that quickly, too.  I sent you a "candy letter" last week, so don’t
confuse this small pkg of candy with the 5 lb pkg I mailed today.  I managed
to get that zipper tobacco pouch you asked for at People’s store after trying
everywhere else.  They had them all over, but without zippers.

I also sent you the photograph of us that we had taken on your furlough.  I’m
sending you the 5X7 size in folder, but if you have no place to keep it without
ruining it, I’d like to have you return it, and I will have it billfold-sized
picture made for you so you can carry it with you.  Let me know at once, Will

page 3.
you, honey.

I had just called Roseland News this morning about your new address.  It was
quite a coincidence that you mentioned it in your letter, which I received this
afternoon.

I suppose you have heard of the invasion of Southern France.  From what I hear
over the air, we’ve been hearing over-optimistic news about it, as it’s not
going as well as they at first reported.  I’m sending an invasion map of
Southern France’s coastal area.  Hope it will interest you.

I’m terribly sorry to hear you’re not getting any mail.  It must be terribly
discouraging.  I’ve been writing every day, but I suppose you will never get
some of them.  Certainly hope you will at least get most of

page 4. them.

You mentioned a dance.  Did you have a nice time?  Be careful of that moonglo.
They say it does things to people, especially in combination with beer and
cider.  By the way, I hope you don’t overdo this drinking business as the fact
that you didn’t drink or smoke were some of the qualities I admired so very
much.

By the way, when you do get that rating, or are they canceled for the duration,
as they are in the Navy?

It is now 5 weeks since you left and the only evening I’ve been out was at
Paw Paw Lake last Saturday.  I haven’t even seen a show in 5 wks.  Imagine?

Can’t seem to be able to get anyone to care for Ronnie anymore.
Ronnie is still a honey and is growing up fast.

Bye, sweetheart and all my love,
Mom and Ronnie.