Twenty Five Bucks Ain’t No Hay

February 17th, 1944 – Thursday, D-110

Darling Mother –

Here’s your boy again + Gee! I received three letters from you dated Jan 20th, 25th and Feb 9th. You certainly can put out news Mother darling. Your letters are always most interesting. You mentioned sending me a birthday card well! I of course knew that you would. I haven’t received it just yet but I’m looking forward to getting it. Your swell that way Mother.

Ruthie writes me everyday. I just received six letters from her today and yesterday five.

Oh yes – Berneise sent me a swell birthday card from New York also. I certainly can’t complain about receiving mail now can I? Ha. Well, about Ireland – it’s the same though we’re not having so much rain of late. Now that’s newsy isn’t it. Pretty much the same thing is going on. Haven’t been on any passes lately although I’m sweating out one this coming Saturday – to Belfast of course.

I don’t know if I told you or not but my precious sent me a birthday card with a twenty five dollar money order included. Gee! She really shouldn’t have. It’s probably natural for me to be modest though. Mother. Twenty five bucks ain’t no hay. Ha.

I answered “Glad + Henry’s” letter so should hear from them sometime. I know how she is – it’s like you say, she’ll get around to it so if I have to wait for awhile I’ll forgive her. She’s ok Mother.

Coming to Daddy, Gee! He should be in Ireland but for Opera only – I know how climatic he is. I’m certain that the weather wouldn’t agree with him over here. Speaking of weather the radio announcer just said that Cleveland had 8 inches of snow – poor Dad. Ha. We hear the news from the States over the American Forces Network. Certainly appreciate that mother, I’m telling you.

Well any way, Irelands a good country for Operas. They had a lot of them here but tell Daddy, Mother, that I’ll stick with him on Argentina – way – yes sir – Has he heard that song Goodnight, Good neighbor, well that’s about that great country, South America. Dad knows his countrys. The land of Chiwawas, Teikilas [sic] + Hot Tomales or is that Mexico. Anyway, it doesn’t rain so much there.

They do have beautiful places over here Mother dear. Mostly South Ireland though. Your (my) ancestors must have come from there. Don’t think North Ireland. Ha. Haven’t heard from Jack yet, but he’ll come through with a letter. He must be doing okey doke in that “paradise of the Pacific.” Gee! Bananas +coconuts. Imagine! Ah me! I could go for some of that now instead of fish + chips or Tea. The Yankees certainly kid the British – Tommies about their tea. Its coffee or nothing with us.

I can’t imagine Jimmy Ditirceh [sic] wanting to go back to the Solomons. I know how he must feel about being out of the service with every body else in though. He must have taken quite a beating in combat. Well, I hope he will do alright on adjusting himself to civilian-life again. This army is really different. I’m wondering about myself Ha. Should have it so hard though, Mother. I “land loving” and How-

Well Mother, there’s not much left to say – I’m eating ok (what an appetite) + feeling great. Just hoping + praying like us all I’m home soon. So, I’ll say until soon again – Your ever + always loving Son + Soldier Boy

Len

P.S. My love to Tecie [sic] – Judy + Snook. I’ll bet that Snook is a Holy Terror!

Some Guy This Sinatra

February 11th, 1944 – Friday, D-116

Darling Mother –

Received your letter dated Feb 2nd. I’m always so happy + glad, Mother, hearing from home + you.

Glady’s letter was real nice. I was certainly glad hearing from her. I wrote her but I’ll have to reuse this letter now.

Boy Mother! Ruthie sent me a beautiful birthday card + a twenty five dollar money order – Gee! She shouldn’t have. She is certainly a darling. Mother, Bless her heart.

I’m so happy that you + all are fine at home. My home comes first with me always. But then too I suppose that every soldier boy dreams + thinks of Home. Boy! I know I do “And How.”

I’m fine Mother + things here are just about the same as usual.

We have another radio + the music is wonderful.

We get a lot of programs from the States on it. Bing Crosby, Camel Caravan, Fred Waring, + oh yes! Frank Sanatra. Some guy this Sinatra. I don’t think he’s so hot, do you Mother? Ha.

They tell me the women actually “swoon away” over him. Now, how about that.

Ireland is still Ireland. We haven’t been getting so much rain lately though. Pretty cold though Mother. How about Cleveland? How’s that cute little Judy + Snooky. Still tearing up the home. I’ll bet. Say “Hi” to them for me –

Well Mother darling, this is more of a note than letter but I’ll just have to wait until next time for more –

Give my best to Daddy + take good care of him for us –

So I’ll say until next time – Your Ever + Always Loving Son + Soldier Boy

Leonard