15 May May 15, 1944
Posted at 21:15h
in Letters
letter from: Pvt George Shonkwiler to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler 5-15-44, Monday, 8:30 p.m.
Dearest Alice and Ronnie,
A little extra time tonight. When we started out this morning, we thought we were in for a tough day. We were on C-Rations all day and were to fire the 50-caliber anti-aircraft gun. We did, but it wasn’t at all bad. We marched about four miles and then rode the other six. Took all day to fire 20 shots apiece and then rode all the way back. This morning and today noon, we did eat C-Rations, but tonight we renigged [reneged]. A couple of the boys got some very appropriate packages and with what we were able to get at the PX, we really had a feast, cokes, cheese, crackers, ice cream, beer, 1 pint of whiskey, candy, sardines, jelly, and so on. Oh, my stomach. And by the way I am still waiting for those packages. Pretty soon the guys are going to stop feeding me if some one from home doesn’t come through. How about some of my so-called friends up there?
Page two. It has been hotter than hell here today. Don’t know just how warm, but I am willing to bet it was well up in the 90s. Just a sample of what is to come, they tell us.
I had a very quiet week-end. Got to the theater Sat. nite too late to get in and Sunday morning caught up on some of my correspondence. Sunday afternoon we tried going to show again but after taking our money, they called it off because of some paratroopers making some exhibition jumps. We didn’t get our money back. But did see the paratroopers. It was pretty interesting. Sunday night finally got to see a show but it was just fair. Went to bed early, and that’s that. Tomorrow we have an easy day, 4 hrs of code and 4 hrs of advanced map reading. Wednesday, we have a five hour nite class so means out to midnight. Saturday the obstacle course again. Maybe someday, this damn training period will taper off a little. Anyhow there are only 5 weeks more. Thank God for small things.
Sounds like Ronnie is doing alright playing with his neighbors and taking their toys. He certainly likes balls. Maybe someday he will be a big league ball player. Who knows?
Page three. As for the new neighbors, I certainly wouldn’t break my neck trying to please them. Live as you have been. If they don’t like it they can always move. After all, we were there long before they came and I know if I were there I certainly would[n’t] change any of my living habits just for them. As for Judy barking, if she wants to bark let her bark
Why is Betty coming to Chicago to live? Is Bill being transferred there or something? Whatever happened to Campbell’s. I haven’t heard from them for some time? Did you ever thank her for the Easter present? If not you get on the phone at once -- or stop in there. Have you heard from Gladys and Dick yet and how about Ray Hitchcock?
Sounds like you are really going into house cleaning in [earnest]. Well that’s one thing the Army has done for me at least. Got me out of Spring house cleaning. Of course I get it here every Friday nite. And of course six other days of the week. So guess I am not getting such a break at that.
page four. How is Eleanor and the Pages? Have you talked Eleanor into driving down here yet -- or am I going to have to write her a personal letter myself?
By the way, along with your various other jobs don’t forget to have the car taken care of such as have oil and grease changed, motor tuned up, and Presstone taken out. And don’t through [throw] the Prestone away. You can use it next year, you know. Put it in those glass gallon jugs you will find in the garage. And then just before you come down here have it <? summerized> and the fenders straightened out. They will do all that at the garage at 115th and Halsted. See Ed Lewis. If he is not there ask for Don Regan and be sure and tell them who you are.
Well, I have to shave, shine my shoes, and otherwise prepare myself for bed so good night to you both and give Ronnie a big kiss for Daddy. And then Ronnie can give Mommy one for Daddy too.
Bye now, Daddy.
