18 Aug August 18, 1945

letter
from: PFC George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler.
Marseille, France
18 July (sic August) 1945, Saturday 8.30 p.m.
Noteworthy: describes Marseille

Dearest Alice and Ronnie,

Nothing to do tonight so guess this is about as good a way to spend some
time as any.  We got up at 6:30 this morning because we were told last night
there would be an inspection this morning.  And they were sorry but we would
have to stand it.  So for the first time in a long time I saw the sunrise.
It was well worth seeing and a good thing too as the breakfest wasn’t worth
getting up for.  As it turned out after we got all prepared we didn’t have
to stand inspection after all.  So we spent the morning loafing.

Had early chow then went out to the city.  We walked around town a while
then I went to

page two.
a show.  The other boys had already seen the show they said.  So I left
them.  Guess they had other things on their minds anyhow.  After the show
which was pretty good, "Twice Blessed" and shown in a very nice theater,
I walked around some more, had chow at the transient <? mess> then came
back to camp.  Since coming back have washed up, watched part of a ball
game, got a couple cokes and now here I am in the day room writing you.
Oh yes took time out a couple of minutes ago to get beat at a game of
ping pong.  Since leaving the hospital my ping pong hasn’t improved.

Marseille is a very disappointing city.  It is dirty, old and little or
nothing has been done to repair its war ravages which

page three
seems to be true throughout France.  Only here it’s even worse.  In many
places rubble from destruction of bombs hasn’t even been cleared away.
The people here are a very mixed breeds and all nationalities seem to be
represented.  Here it’s nothing to see white with colored.  The color
ranges all the way from white <? darky> yellow to black and the filth
is everywhere.  This is the first French town I’ve been in where there is
actually beggars working in the streets.  Of course the kids, as always,
ask for chewing gum, chocolate, and bon bons.  About half the city it seems
is off limits but that doesn’t prevent those who are looking to easily find
what they want.  There are the

page four
usual dozen or so cafes to every block with their sidewalk tables.  Plenty
of wine and cognac.  Not always good though I hear.

Here for the first time in France I see a lot of sailors --  mostly American
and French.  Didn’t get to see much of the harbor but looked like there was
plenty of activity around that part I did see.  The army is really here in
force.  Don’t believe I have ever seen a place so taken over by USA.  They
have a continuous bus run from this camp into Marseille.  Coming down on
the train we passed another camp just as large as this one.  Heaven only
knows how many more like this one they have around here.  I know this one
makes our <? Ve cto> depot look sick and I used to think we had a pretty
big place.

page five
Well just got beat two more games.  I blamed it on the bad lights but it’s
really because the other fellow was better than I <by> quite a bit which he
knew very well.  Guess I forgot to tell you that I received your May 10th

letter the morning I left Compiegne.  The one with Jois’ letter enclosed.
A nice long letter it was too.  Guess I should <? bray> a little in that
lilly stationary you have been using of late.  It’s not too bad.

I see you too oppose my idea that they might as well keep their Hirohito.
I was not exactly in favor of their keeping the old boy but I was very much
in favor of ending the war.  Couldn’t see why we should kill thousands more
of our men just because we were afraid we

page 6
couldn’t handle one man.  I really think we can keep a pretty close eye
on him.  However Japan’s slowness in carrying out our terms of surrender
may prove me to be wrong.  They still seem to be as cagy as ever.
We really will have to keep on our toes in handling that bunch.

I haven’t been able to learn for sure if Dan Sweeney ever left for the
S. Pacific yet or not.  Hardly think they had time yet.  If not he is
very fortunate and probably will be home this Fall after all.  The fellow
from Rockford <? Jr> Stoltz has long since left.  Don’t know where he is
now.  Go ahead and send the old clothes.  Have no idea what I can sell
but think women’s apparel would be easiest.  Put a couple three X’s above
your name on the outside of the of the package so I’ll know it’s clothes.

page seven
when I get the package.  There is so very little one can buy in this
country.  Think most any kind of dresses would be suitable.

Suppose you would like to know when I am coming home.  So would I.
<? But> right now all I can say is it will be some time between now and
next June.  The paper said today we would all be home by next June.  That
is all those who are going.  I’m hoping for a break and home by Christmas.
But that is asking for a pretty big Christmas present.  Right now won’t
even venture a guess.  As long as we have waited this long guess another
month or two won’t be more than we can stand

page eight
especially now since it is definite that i will get there someday.  Just
take good care of yourself and Ronnie so when i do get there we will be
able to start off on the next fifty years with a bang.  After doing thru
all this I’ve decided that now I can live to at least eighty five, so
you have a long time to put up with me.

Well Ronnie, old boy, how are things with you these days?  Hope you and
all your little friends are having a good time and don’t forget your Daddy
because he is going to be home to play with you and Mommy some of these
days now.

Bye now all my love to you both,
Your Daddy

What happened to the justis?