12/13/43: The Private Snafu cartoon, “Rumors” is released: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajBrcoEQauU
12/13/43, Italy [Hospital ward]
Hi Nuts:
Wish you were here so I could throw you around. I feel playful. Guess I’ll have to be content to razz the nurses instead.
I’ve graduated from minor auxiliary pneumonia of the left thingamabob into the last stages of bronchitis. Cylinder head temperature is almost back to normal, and I feel like a human being.
Don’t be surprised if I end up an office boy on an Air Force staff one of these days. It won’t keep me over here any longer and I may be able to find some work to do for a change. I’ve always said a Sq CO had less to do than a whore in kindergarten. Who knows—could be. I think I’ve found a live wire similar to Norm.
Been here four days and of course no one has or will bother to come see me. Frankly, it makes no difference, for we have a most interesting crowd here. I do wish they’d send some mail.
The more I see of this Air Corps good Joe business the less I like of it. I rather verge on the opinion that the old man I heard about when I was aboard the U.S.S. Wilmette meant much more to me than if I’d known him as “Everett” and called him Joe behind his back. I’m getting tired so will stop.
Dec. 14
Hey—There’s a new Benchley book out—get hot on it. Doc says I should be out in a couple of days. Your letters of Nov 24, 28 arrived yesterday. The Miami trip sounds ok, but don’t get hooked too badly.
I also got a letter from Ed Main. He’s kind droopy, but a darn nice kid. He’s at Tullahoma, Tenn. with the 48th.
I can see you quitting your job. That is the way I would liked for it to have been at Moody’s.
I guess Duffy was in a hurry. It is rather disappointing as at least 15 people have promised to call you. To hell with ‘em.
I’m glad to hear Dad is getting his teeth taken care of.
George Stafford also wrote. They are in Jackson, Miss. Marjorie and Evelyn are about to give us a new cousin each. Mother’s letter also came, so I shall have plenty to do.
I am trying to stay awake all day so I can sleep tonight.
December 16.
Imagine that. I was all discharged & everything this morning and then I had to show up with jaundice! That’s from two weeks to two months more in the hospital. Run down condition is all it is, so don’t worry. All you have to do is concentrate on rest and keeping food down. It’s worse than being pregnant.
It’s awfully hard to keep up the fighting spirit and a desire to go back to living in a tent now that I am in the lap of luxury. I want you, a breakfast table, silver, china, clean linen, and a rug on the floor. Maybe by the time I finish my minimum required missions I will be in such lousy physical shape they’ll send me back. Wishful thinking as I get healthier daily.
We all look forward to Christmas as that day which a lot of well-wishing people will try to make us homesick.
Honey, I love you so very much. Cy.