02 Mar March 2, 1944

letter
from: Pvt George W. Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
3-2-44, 6:15 P.M.

Dear Alice and Ronnie,

Will try to get in a few lines now before we have to fall out on the double for
something else.  Every time they want us around here it’s "fall out on the
double."  And that means run - not trot or walk.  This week we have been falling
out practically all the time from 5 A.M. to 9:30 P.M.  In other words, our
training has really started in a big way.

We have had lectures, movies, exercise, drill, chemical warfare, gas mass drill,
physical inspections, retreat inspections, ex animations, etc. until I am blue
in the face.  I am still plenty stiff and sore both physically and mentally.  We
are plenty tired when "lights out," time comes but last nite is the first good
nite’s sleep I’ve had since entering [the] Army.  My itch is bothering me a
little also my stomach, between

page 2
the two and my many aches, I am kinda feeling Army life.  A little too much for
my personal satisfaction.

Today, for some reason and on questionable basis, I was picked along with three
other fellows to be temporary squad leaders of our respective squads.  A squad
here is 15 men.  The squad leaders originally picked were all replaced.  No one
knows why.  I suppose this time next week they will be replacing me too, because
I was really mixed up today.

The telegram about Zetta Smith’s death really gave me a good scare for a few
minutes.  They gave it to me last nite at the retreat and of course I could not
open it until after it was over.  All the time I was worried about which one of
you it was.  (Now, 9 P.M., since starting this.  Have had 4 long overdue letters
from you and saw a "must" picture on "actions of [a] soldier when entering battle
for a first time." it was kind of gruesome.)  The letters were the first ones you
wrote.  The ones with the pictures and inhaler etc.  Guess I spoke a little too
fast a

page 3
couple days ago.  But it did take them a hell of a long time getting here.  I was
beginning to think Ronnie doesn’t miss me at all because you hadn’t said anything
in the letters I had received so far.  But now that you say he does, I guess I
feel a little better.  The check for income tax is for only part of the tax.  The
rest will have to be paid in 1945.  You do not have to pay any more in April, as
I understand it.  So you have money now.  Spend some for me, will you?  As for
washing and scrubbing -- Baby, we do plenty of that here.  [I] got the radio and
hangers last nite and they were O.K.  It was very nice of Mr. Page to get the
materials to pack it for you.  Thank him for me.  [I’m] Also glad he fixed up
the sidewalks for you.  As for taking a picture here of myself I don’t know how
or where it can be done because they have no such facilities here in camp.  And
as you know we cannot get out for at least 3 weeks.  The same goes for the pin
you asked for.  I will

page 4
see what I can do, though, at the first opportunity.  [I] wonder what happened to
Edith and Ernest.  As for giving out my address, you can give it to anyone who
wants it.  No fooling. we are kept so damn busy here we don’t have time to write
much.  There are a dozen things I should be doing right now instead of writing
you.  And after I finish this they will still be here to be done before retiring
for the nite.  I think all my suits not in bags are dirty and should be cleaned.
(You see I am kinda going back thru your letters and answering your questions as
they come up).  Oh yes. when you write my name, write it plain and write the O

in Shonkwiler like one not like an a as you are in the habit of writing it.  I
am very interested in hearing what Murray has done or is going to do.  I still
believe that someday he will be sorry if he doesn’t get in the army -- as tough
as I already know it is and as much as I would like to be home write [right] this
minute for good.  We are learning a lot and we certainly meet a lot of nice guys.
Especially now since practically all of them are older and have been pretty well
established in life.

page 5
The boys in this hut are all nice and so far very congenial.  They come from all
walks of life, barber, nite club owner, beer truck driver, salesman, C.P.A. etc.

The worst part of the army so far is the guerrilla exercises, marching thru sand,
(we have from 6 to 8  <? wiakes> all over here) and wearing those damn leggings.
Everything else I have either done plenty of before or is merely routine.  The
food has been pretty good with the exception of today.  Today was really lousy.
All starches and mo meat at all.  And then we never get milk even once a day.
And not enough then.

Have not had [a] chance to write to Evers yet.  Call his wife and tell her to
have him write me.  And I will write [him] the first chance I get.  Got a letter
from Gladys yesterday.  All the rest have been from you.  Will try to write other
people if we ever

page 6
get a break which I doubt.  They really mean to crowd 17 weeks basic training
into 6 wks.  I can see that now.  Maybe the last 11 wks will not be as tough.

Well honey, I am glad you still love me and miss me a little.  Even though I
don’t tell you very often I love you too and miss you a <? hell of a lot>.
Ronnie too.  Take good care of him and yourself and I’ll be there someday yet.

Lots of love and bye for now.  Give each other a big kiss for me.

Goodnite Ronnie little boy,
Daddy

P.S. Tell Oralee hello for me and the trip to Rockford sounds like it might be
O.K.  Also say hello to your roommate and hope you are both getting along O.K.

Lights out,
GWS