25 Jun June 25, 1945

letter
from: PFC George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
Station Hospital, Compiegne France
25 June 1945, 3 p.m.

Dearest Alice and Ronnie,

Missed writing last night because I got involved in a hot pinochle game until
way after dark.  Besides of course there being no mail and nothing to write
about.  I’m starting early today because tonight there is a movie and then more
pinochle, I suppose.  And that might mean missing again.

I guess you think all I do now is loaf.  Well, it is pretty nice, but I’m
afraid my days of leisure are rapidly coming to an end.  The doctor said to
stop the penicillin today for a couple of

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days to see what happens.  If nothing happens by then, I’ll be on my way out in
the cold, cruel world again that’s certain.

I’m in the ARC recreation room now and have just finished playing nine games of
some real fast ping pong.  I got beat 5 times to 4, but I’m improving.
This fellow I play with beat me every game when we just started playing a
couple, three days ago.

I called Al Evers Monday and he said he would try to come over today but guess
he couldn’t get away.  They

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are moving out soon.  Have already moved out of their hospital.  He didn’t say
just when they are leaving don’t suppose he knows but no doubt it won’t be long.
He didn’t know if they were going direct[ly] to CBI or not but this other
general Hospital I mentioned a few days ago is, so I don’t much doubt that his
outfit will do the same.  Can’t say that I envy him any if they do.  But then
if they go back to the states that will be something else definitely.  Sure
would be hell if I

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stayed over here until this [F]all then we went direct[ly] to the CBI.  That
would really be my luck.  Well time will tell and right now time is a long
time coming.

8.30 p.m.
Just back from the show.  A lousy detective affair.  It’s raining and quite
refreshing after a rather warm day.  I still think this weather is pretty good
though.  Probably will change my mind after the two hot months just ahead have
come and gone.

Stopped in to see Johnson a few minutes on my way back from the show.  He says

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he is bucking for going back to the states.  He might make it too.  I know he
will if they have to operate on his knee.  Guess I’ll jump out of the window
here so I can break an arm or two.  A broken <? bme> means a sure trip back to
the states and this hospital life is pretty soft.  Take it from me.

Well my dears, the boys are hollering for another pinochle player and they
won’t give me any peace so guess I’ll have to either finish this up now or
postpone it.  Anyhow

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for the present that’s about it for today.

Of course no mail again today.  Some times I wonder if you really do write all
those letters you are always telling me about.  I know one thing[,] I am only
averaging about two letters a week from you for some reason.  And it’s been
that way for quite a long time now too.

Now all my love to you both.  How’s my little Ronnie tonight?
Daddy