10 Jul July 10, 1945

letter
from: PFC George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
68th Station Hospital
Compiegne, France
[July 10, 1945], Tuesday 6 p.m.
Notworthy: Dad gripes about the Army and his rash, doesn’t think he has done
well in it.

Dearest Alice and Ronnie,

Finally some mail today.  Three letters from you plus an old one enclosed
written, last Sept., one from Forest that had been censored so I take it from
that that he must be <? destined> for shipment overseas.  He mentioned that
possibility.  I certainly feel sorry for him and his family.  Having been
through <? no> <? fun> now going through all that, I know what he has to look
forward to.  However should he be attached to a hospital he will not be in the
worst himself[,] just will see some of the results of the worst which at times
can be plenty bad.  Also a letter from Norma telling of her accident, which she
said wasn’t very bad, although she was getting about on crutches.

page 2
Your letter told of your trip to the lake and your first evening there.  All
about Ronnie’s little troubles and accidents.  I imagine there will have been
many of them in the next two weeks.  Just hope that none of them proved to be
serious.  Certainly hope you haven’t let him or any of the other kids go
boat riding without someone along who could swim.

One of your letters had Elinor’s letter enclosed.  She mentioned something
about you seeing her new house but I didn’t read anything about an invitation
to spend some time up there.  How about that?  Also, Mr. Chamberlin’s letter of
course was enclosed.  Couldn’t make out exactly whether he wanted you to come
out there or not.  What did you do about it or

page 3
going to do?  So Murray doesn’t think there is enough money there for him.
Too bad - I didn’t know I had asked him.

Certainly sounds like Dick is really doing all right by himself and family. It’s
damn funny I don’t hear from him.  If he has written I know very well they
can’t all have become lost.  Guess I’ll have to write him again.  Especially
for some film.  However, I have already done that at least twice before without
any results as yet.

Well the doctor changed medication on me again today.  I am now soaking my face
in some kind of solution before getting the penicillin spray.  This can go on
forever and no fooling it’s only my face that is broken out now.

page 4
But I know that about [the] time that clears up, it will start someplace else.
What burns me up [is] they aren’t making any further effort to find out the
source of the trouble.  I asked him point blank today for the secod time.  He
avoided the question and gave me some answer not covering any questions at all.
Damn it[,] this makes four weeks I’ve been in here now and absolutely nothing
has been done or is being done.  Usual Army BS.

The fellow who brought my mail over today told me that my boss had asked him to
ask me when I thought I would get back.  Seems my work is getting so far behind
that unless I return soon he is going to have to get someone to replace me.  I
didn’t enjoy

page 5
my job so much but I’d hate like hell the thought ever of having to go through

replacement depots again to another job.
That’s really a dog’s life.  I have never seen it fail though.  Just about the
time I get settled some place and start getting acquainted with some of the
boys[,] I am cut loose for some reason or another.  The breaks just have never
come my way in the army and [it] is beginning to look like they never will.
I guess there must definitely be something wrong with me.  If showing my
dislike for the army is the trouble then I am one hundred per cent to blame as
I have never yet let on to anyone that I care the least for any part of it.
Guess it proves one can’t get ahead at

page 6
something he has no interest in.  That’s a pretty lame excuse for my miserable
showing in the last year and a half but it’s the best I can do at the present.

Now my dears, there is a show in a couple minutes which I think I’ll run
down and see so maybe will add a little more later.

Bye Wes

11 P.M.
And later - one show and three hours of poker later.  Also some twenty dollars
richer.  If this keeps up why in hell should I ever get out of the hospital -
Oh yeah well it’s proven to be a profitable way to pass the long hours.  In
fact, when I look back[,] the last four

page 7
weeks have gone pretty fast.  I know I’m always able to find something to do
and that’s always a good time killer.

I can’t understand why you haven’t been getting more of my mail.  It certainly
isn’t because I don’t write.

It sounded like the Clauds really had a nice cottage.  Glad you had plenty of
bed rooms.  Maybe you really did get some rest.  Am certainly glad to hear your
headaches are over.  Seems to me if you need glasses you would get them.

This Sept. letter you had enclosed was really alright.  Just think I almost
didn’t get that one. Really I’m surprised you sent it back.

page 8
That romancing and leaving some little something to show for it is right up my
alley.  Especially the romancing (as you call it) right now.  I could use
plenty of that.

Well now for a little bad news or bad rumor.  My letter bearer today - one of
my roommates, said that rumor has it now that the depot will stay here until
Dec.  That’s only three more months than originally expected but boy what
<? big> months they will be.

So with that I’m forced to leave you for another day.  Good nite now and all my
love and "romancing" to you always.  And a big hug and kiss for Ronnie.

Daddy