30 May May 30, 1945

Letter
from: Pvt George W. Shonkwiler
to Mrs. Alice Shonkwiler
May 30th, 1945, Thursday, 8.30 p.m.

Dearest Alice and Ronnie,

Another landslide today.  Received 28 letters, mostly all old, but one was
written March 14th and had Forest’s and Betty’s letter.  Also the first one
I have received with this address. It certainly is nice getting some more
mail and nicer yet getting a letter that is only two weeks old. I received
eight airmail letters and seven V-mails from you. Most of the V-mails were
written around the 1st of March. Glad to hear that you both are alright.
That is always a relief to know, at least at the time the letter was
written, that things were alright back home. I received letters from
Campbell’s, Jostes, Ronnies Easter card, which was very nice, a couple
from Norma, a card from your brother, a letter and a card from Chamberlin,
Dick Wessoluis, an aunt from Raub, and one from Dad. guess that is about
all. It’s funny how they all come in bunches like this, but I am getting
them and that is what counts. That makes over one hundred letters I have
received since coming here. Not bad at all.

Don’t know how I will ever get these answered as I am still working on
the last bunch. I used to try to answer yours individually, but when they
come like this, it is impossible. However, we will sorta <? skrimp> over
the last few and try to bring you up to date. As you know, I have

page 2
been to Paris three times. Each time very unexciting in the terms of what
some people back there would try to make you believe. But then I get a
kick out of doing things that a lot of fellows would call dull.  At least
my conscience never bothers me, and I don’t ever have to worry about
explaining, or try to, to my wife someday. Guess I’m getting old, or maybe
it is love. Anyhow, I don’t seem to be able to keep up with a lot of the
boys over here when it comes to playing around. As for eating in Paris,
well, we are not allowed to eat, because of the food shortage. There is
plenty of everything to drink. Some of it is pretty rotten, but the boys
drink it and get plenty drunk and sick regardless. Thanks for enclosing
letters from Forest and Betty. As for Gladys, she doesn’t write to me either.
Neither has Dick so far. As for Dick, I’m glad to hear he has gotten such
a good break, and it is a break.  I see how things are worked here a little
more now, and have learned that such things are nothing more than lucky
breaks. If your name comes up at the right time for the good jobs, you’re
in.  I hope he is able to hold onto it, but if he is in general service I
have my doubts as those kind of jobs are being filled with fellows like
me now, and the GA boys are going into combat. However, maybe the war
over here will be over before they get around to him. If they do though,
it can’t be too rough with the Jerries on the run.

Glad to hear Mary is beginning to think you can handle things yourself
pretty well -- not that it makes any difference, but it is nice. Tell her
and the Pages, Dickson and all the others Hello for me. It looks and
sounds like you are getting pretty well acquainted. There is one thing I
definitely don’t want you to get in the habit of doing though, and

page three.
that is going to the Haye’s Church with them every Sunday.  Going to church
is all right, and I’m glad you and Ronnie are going.  But there is a good
Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian Church around close enough that you
don’t have to go way down there. That church at 113th and Vicar is nice,
also, the one that Vita goes to.  If you don’t like those, there are
others within a few blocks that you can choose from without going clear
down there. I don’t have any particular objection with you getting more

friendly with them, but definitely I do not want you to allow them to
drag you and Ronnie off to their church all day every Sunday.

So you only weigh 104 pounds. Better do something about that before I
get home.  I guess we both have about the same qualities when it comes
to money. At least I’ve been accused of getting my money’s worth most
of the time. The letter you enclosed of Forest’s was the latest word
I have received from him. Certainly must be nice to be in a position
to have your wife and family to come and live with you whenever you feel
like it and still be in the Service.  Oh well, he shouldn’t be in at all
anyway, so he should get something out of it. As for the non combat boys
getting ratings, well it is true, especially while back in the States.
The only way I’ve seen anyone get ratings over here is when the man
ahead of him got killed and he took his place.  I wasn’t up at the front
for that and glad of it.  They can just send me home, the rest of them
can have all the stripes. (I’m just having a cup of tea, and

piece of toast, would you like to have a cup my dear.)

page four
You mentioned something about getting a letter from Chamberlin
or that you were going to get one.  Am very anxious to learn what he had
to say. You never have said what you thought of my recent idea again of
you going out there. You also mentioned something about caring for Jostes’
girls. What happened to that?

I am in closing a money order for $60 in this letter. Hope it will help
your financial troubles a little.  There isn’t much I can use it for
over here as long as I behave myself, which I expect to do.  Glad to hear
Ronnie did have a birthday party even though his daddy couldn’t be there.
Guess I’ll be able to make his next one.  I bought him a pair of wooden
shoes tonight, which I am sending in the next day or two. They are just
like a lot of the natives wear around here.  Especially the farmers.

You probably won’t believe it, but it’s true. They cost 100 francs -- two
dollars  -- I gave her two packages of cigarettes for them.

Can’t understand why you are having so much trouble with the car. It was nice
of Ed Lewis to come out and fix it for you though. I think you will find
he is a good man. Does he know about where all I’ve been of late?

One of your Feb. letters had the Christmas snap shots of you and Ronnie.
They are very nice.  A lot like the others, but I was still glad to get
them.  I also got the Aug. letter you had enclosed. I can’t understand what
happened to that one.

page five
It’s getting late and I’m a little tired, so this is it for tonight.
Certainly glad you are both all right and you still love me a little and
miss me once in a while. As for me, you needn’t worry. I know a good
thing when I see one or have one and I’ll be home someday to take
possession again without any fear of anything I’ve ever done standing
in our way.

Good night my dears and all my love to you both
Daddy