12 Jun June 12, 1944

letter
from: Pvt George Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
12 June, 44
Mon. 1335Q
Noteworthy: Dad writes letter on bivouac, shows form of coded messages.

Dear Alice and Ronnie,

Here we are starting on our last week of bivouac.  Today all day we are set up
in the field under tactical combat situation working as a message center unit.
This AM I was a switchboard operator[,] this afternoon [I] am acting as code
clerk.  Both jobs are sitting jobs and really pretty much of a snap, which I
take easily in stride.  Of course you know what a switchboard operator is.
Army style is practicaly the same

page 2
as in civilian life.  Code clerk is something else again.  The code machine
we operate or converter as it is called is a small contraption about
8"x6"x6" in size and costs $1,100 they claim.  It is a secret machine and we
spent several hours learning how to operate it.  However, any dumbbell can do
it.  This paper [on which this letter is written]  is code paper used when we
send messages by pigeon.  I hope I never have to send one by pigeon as they are
used only as a last resort when all other means

page 3
of communication has [have] been cut off and we are completely surrounded by
the enemy.

I am sending you a sample message using the exact procedure we use here.  [See
the addendum.]  I hope you like it.

Yesterday after writing you I attended the little jam session they had out here
for us.  No women, all music and spontaneous entertainment.  Where one doesn’t
have any entertainment for a long time anything sounds pretty good.  There was
some of this pretty good though.

page 4
There was a concert pianist from the battalion who really brought down the
house.  Some pretty good singers etc.  Oh yes, did I mention that I attended
open air church yesterday.  Now I have done everything.

Tonite we run our four hour nite compass problem and it has been
raining off and on again today.  If it is raining tonite we look forward to
plenty of trouble all lights are absolutely prohibited.

page 5
I wish  you could see us here now.  We are set up right at the edge of a swamp
under trees.  There is water all around us and we are sitting here perched up
on a pile of chips from a tree that has been cut down  leaning our backs
against a stump.  I am working with Tony Schutte.  Our feet and legs to lower
knees are soaking wet.  And we have had our raincoats off and on a dozen times.
Tony is trying his best to keep a small fire going but as a fire builder he is
a royal flop.  Suppose you think we never work but in between everything

page 6
else we squeeze in a message once in a while.  It’s taken me two hours or more
to write this.

Changing jobs now so must close - I am going to be guard for [the] next two
hrs.  So guess I’ll have to work a little.

See you later - with love,

Daddy

1500
I am now a guard and it’s still a sitting job.  The only thing, I have to keep
my eyes open also my ears.  I am now sitting on a log in the woods writing this
on my helmet watching for anything or anyone

page 7
who might come or go.  It’s a little nicer here as I am on higher ground and
the sun is shining again.  So maybe I’ll get dried out a little.  We go on
C-rations tomorrow and again all day Thurs. and Friday.  There isn’t going to
be anything left of my box from home by then I assure you.  So far no one else
has <? sent> anything.  And if they want it to get here in time to do any good
they had better hurry.  Well think I’ll quit before I carry my good fortune too
far.  So far no one has caught me.  They caught one fellow on guard asleep this
morning.  It’s really going to be T.S. for him.  May add a little at chow time
if I get a chance.
GWS

page 8
6:30 P.M.

Just have a few minutes to let you know that my birthday cake came tonite along
with a nice box of cookies from Edith.  The cake was very much flattened out
but that didn’t seem to make one bit of difference.  I took one piece[,] called
the fellows to come over and help themselves, then turned around for a few
minutes.  When I turned back there was no more cake.  The cookies

page 9
are going almost as fast.  We had a lousy meal tonite so guess we all were
plenty hungry.

Sounds like Packard was a little high.  Hold it up until I get there.  I’ll go
see him.

As for my birthday kiss[,] when I get there - well don’t worry - I’ll see to
that.

Must go - lots of love to you both,
Daddy

Addendum:

page 1
Time Filed 1350Q, MSG CEN NO. 2,  HOW SENT Letter, CLASSIFICATiON URGENT

MESSAGE

No. 1   DATE 12 JUNE 44
TO ALiCE AND RONNIE - CHICAGO

On this my 33rd birthday I send you both all my love and hope and pray that
on all our other birthdays we may be allowed to celebrate them together

OFFICIAL DESIGNATION OF SENDER CD 1st BN, TIME SIGNED 1340Q

page 2
CBDFG
Time Filed 0311, , MSG CEN NO. 1,  HOW SENT Msg, CLASSIFICATiON

      MESSAGE
No. 1   DATE 12 JUNE 44

TO CO LINF
Send one CO of shock troops to me on 15 June
OFFICIAL DESIGNATION OF SENDER CD 1st BN LINF TIME SIGNED 1306Q
SIGNATURE AND GRADE OF WRITER D. Siliage M of S1