11 Jul July 11, 1945

letter
from: PFC George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
Compiegne, France
Wednesday, 10 p.m., 11 July 1945.

My dear Alice and Ronnie,

Starting a little earlier tonight as I got tired playing poker and besides,
think I’ll try getting to bed a little earlier for a change.  I neither won
nor lost on my poker endevors [endeavors] so guess that was one reason why it
couldn’t hold my interest for the first time in a long while.  No, I think the
real reason is I’m about fed up with the hospital.  I asked the doctor if he
didn’t think I could get out this week, and he said maybe Friday.  If he does
let me out, it won’t be because I’m

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cured.  I know now for sure that there is nothing I can gain by staying in here.
Talked to one fellow here today who has trouble similar to mine.  He said he
has been in and out of hospitals since Thanksgiving.  Has been in this one
since March with the exception of two different periods of four or five days
each when they discharged him when he got close to the sixty day limit.  Guess
he has more persistence than I have or has just found a home here one.  Anyhow
he says he intends to keep coming back.  Well, I’ve had enough.  Perhaps if I
ever get back in the States, I might try again but for now, I’m ready to go

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back to work.  Since I’m no worse now than I’ve been for the past three years,
I don’t think going back to work will be any harder than usual.

Well that’s the news.  No mail.  I’ve done very little except the usual routine.
Even my ping pong game this morning was very sloppy.

I suppose by now you are nearing the end of your vacation at the lake and are
all rested up.  Certainly hope it has all come off well and you both did get
some good out of it.  I am waiting patiently for my next mail because I’m sure
it will contain more of what you have

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been doing and how you and my little Ronnie are getting along with all his
cousins.

Maybe more tomorrow.  For now, good night and all my love to you both,
Daddy.

P.S.
I didn’t get the money order today as the P.O. was closed.  However, he has my
money and I will get the money order tomorrow.  Look for it in the next letter.

Wes