June 18, 1945
Click Here to Enlarge Item
310.194.1-3.2017 Transcription
Bad Mergentheim, Germa[ny]
18 June 45
Dearest,
I don’t know what kind of a letter this will
be as I’m writing it in the surgery tent while
waiting to give an anesthetic to a Hollander who
was shot c̅[1] a .45 through the upper lungs &
spinal cord. P.S. His chances are not good.
The mail situation (even as to possibilities of
receiving it) are so bad that even some of those
executively connected c̅ it are begining to
squak. Ill not bore you c̅ the details; only
summarize by saying that the logistics of our
mail is that we are the mercy/beck & call
of other units via “courtesy”, & dont dare make
even a peep about its “snafuedness” for fear
of being shut off completely.
I could ad lib that at least 2 pkgs sent
out of Dachau by other guys at the same time
I sent ours [note—O-U-R-S {You Mom Dad[2]][3] [arrived][4]. Dakota is a
long way from N.Y. where those 2 (above) landed,
AND even those were a huge suprise to the
fellows concerned as we heard they were going
to be stored in a warehouse for months till
shipping space was freer—truly free.
Last night I wrote about how we would
be moving into that swanky Kraut[5]-Spa hosp
today. The executive part of the 116this moved,
[2]
but the Surgical Service doesnt move up
until tomorrow morning. So, thus, & accordingly,
we are operating tonight in tents—just
like ol times. [NOTE:- I g didn’t say GOOD ol’ times][6]. Oh me!
Because of waiting on this operation Im
missing what is reported to be a pretty good
Russian-U.S.O. show up at the 63rd Div’s. Theater.
They have some type of “time-Riller” up there every
night which is a help regarding this day
in day out (relative) stagnation. Usually it is
a sho movie but 5, 6 or 7 times a month it is
some kind of a stage show.
Reps:—(1) The 2nd pkg of printing paper
arrived; the smallish size. (2) During Dachau
days on until to date, I’ve received 4 or 5 pkgs
from you (2X Mom & Dad’s swell cheese they should NOT have
forgone; malted milk tabs, stationary, bars, leather laces,
“Ritzes”, peanuts (mixed), etc—I always forget to say, dear,
we get loads of gum). (3) The deeeeeelicious Wis[consin] cheese
arrived ages ago & I’d surely like more if they
will permit a repeat. (4) Im tickled that Terry’s[7]
sweater got there. (4) You have head-handkerchiefs & an
ancient perfume vial forthcoming via packhorse Wilsey.
Ive “reped” so many times it may be
hard for you to follow me—but a brief
summary is that we still have a good chance of
being on that Second-Three-Month-Shipping-List to
be drawn up in August, & thus arrive in beloved
Home in latter Sept or early Oct.. Heres prayin’ with—
All my love,
Dave
[1] Medical abbreviation meaning “with.”
[2] In original, “You” is written above “Mom,” which is written above “Dad.”
[3] Bracketed text is part of original.
[4] Bracketed text inserted into original with a caret.
[5] German.
[6] Bracketed text is part of original.
[7] Their infant son.