18 May May 18, 1944

letter
from: Pvt George Shonkwiler
to: Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
5-18-44, 7 p.m. Thursday

Dear Alice and Ronnie,

Another very hot day and we are all very glad that we haven’t had too much to
do.  This morning 2 hrs of code, (I am in 14 words per min) and 2 hrs of
advanced map reading.  This afternoon we had a 4 hr message center problem out
in the field, and it was plenty easy to gold brick.  It was taken advantage of
100 per cent by everyone, I was no exception.  Tonight I almost went swimming
but finally decided it was too much of an effort and I had some other work to
do along with writing this letter.  Besides I don’t like the idea of having to
march to a swimming hole.

We are really beginning to know what Florida heat can be.  It is so hot that
we don’t even eat.  But the mess hall is never over 1/2 full and then those
who eat through most of what they take away.  We still have pork twice a day,
and now the fellows are really complaining.  I haven’t eaten enough meat this
week to feed a 1 yr old baby.

As for packages -- so far I have only received candy, and that was gone the
first day.  When you send package for bivouac -- small cans of juice to [too]
would be better.  However

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don’t deprive yourself of points so you won’t have any yourself.  As I know
I’ll manage some way, regardless.  Send what you can and that’s all.  I imagine
we will have plenty anyway, as everyone is expecting packages.

You mentioned Analee visiting you, but that’s all.  What’s the latest news
about her?

Those bulbs in the basket are <? Canna> bulbs and chrysanthemum bulbs and they
should be out now fast.  Plant the Canna bulbs in that round space around the
tree in the backyard.  The others plant someplace where they have plenty room
to grow as they grow three or four feet high.  Did all those  "what you call
it’s" put in the backyard, in pots, die?  I usually put a couple of them on
each side of the front platforms to cover up that bare spot.  Don’t forget the
tulips have to be dug up and let dry out when they are through blooming.

Well, I thought I would have a chance to write you a long letter tonight, but
there has been a lot of interference since I started this one two hours ago.
I took a shower -- got a haircut, went to the PX and in general wasted
considerable time.  Now it is 9:30 p.m. and I suppose lights out any minute.
Although they

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have been getting pretty lax with us lately.

I have never heard from the Holmes since I answered his first letter.  Guess
he is too good to write -- or something.  Also, how about Campbell’s?  Haven’t
heard anything from or about them for a long time.  I guess the novelty of me
being in the Army has worn off.  Haven’t heard from Gladys yet either.  What
happened to them -- do you know?

Sounds like if I ever get home I will have plenty of corn and fresh vegetables
to eat, plus steak -- steak and more steak, I hope.

I may go into Jacksonville this week-end as I want to go once before the
cycle is over and the next two weeks-ends I understand we work all day
Saturday, which means I go this week or not at all.  Unless I am stationed

here.  Should I be stationed here by chance, how would you like to come down
here and live?  Of

page four.
course, that’s some time off and the chances are I won’t be but it’s an idea
nevertheless.  Anyhow, in about 5 weeks I’ll know I guess.

So Ronnie is getting to be a regular commando.  Well, all I can say is that he
will have to get pretty tough if he wants to stay up with his old man.  After
what I understand, we have to go through the next 5 weeks, I’ll be able to
take anything.

I must close now --good night to both of you.  And don’t work too hard.  And
keep in mind, you half way promised to see what you could do about getting a
playmate of our own for Ronnie.

Love, Daddy.