Dear Folks:

An odd time to be writing a letter—Saturday morning—but I’m dodging inspection because I’m on guard, so I chose a sunny spot by the side of the barracks and decided to bask and write at the same time.

Last nite at the post gym just across the street Lana Turner made an appearance at a fortieth division variety show.  Boy what she couldn’t do to my knees.  Our division presented her with an insignia on a little banner and while the flash cameras were clicking she shook hands with our general.  Then she gave a sentimental little thank-you talk that really sounded genuine and sincere.  She had on a purple dress that made her look like a blonde Cleopatra and this was aided and abetted by a cute red hat, set dangerously on her pretty hair.  You could have heard a pin drop when she started to talk.  During the program she sat in the front row flanked by sober faced, austere generals.  During the program at intervals a fellow would come in the back of the hall holding a couple of despairing rabbits and paging Pvt. Peter Potter.  The first trip he had two, the next time a half dozen, the next a whole hutch and finally he was dressed as a cook selling them as roast rabbit.  One trip he had some fun with Lana Turner but he got a slew of his pictures taken.  After the program I got a good view of her passing down the aisle and when she was right in front of me, not more than a yard away, the cameras flashed.

Tomorrow a cook and I are going out for a few rounds of golf if it doesn’t rain and perhaps swimming too if it is warm enough.

Mount Rainier sure looks big and beautiful today as I’m sitting here I’m looking right at it.

Got the letter and the dollar bill yesterday.  A dollar goes a long way for recreation if you spend it in camp.  Under the new pay schedule and when the cadre leaves I will be getting sixty-four a month.  This is for a corporal.  I want to save thirty of it.  If we don’t get our raise this month I’ll have pretty slim pickings next month because $12.50 besides cleaning, pressing and laundry will be taken out for bonds.  As the money accumulates the government converts them into $25.00 bonds.  They will be mailed to Dad and made to Mother as a co-owner.

Down the drive a few blocks is Gray Field.  Here are observation places that observe the fire of an artillery and communicate by radio with the ground forces.  I can see a lot of planes sitting around, wish I was in one of them.

That’s about all there is.  Want to see “Gone With the Wind” again. And get that book you mentioned.

See you in the next letter.

Love,