10/24/44 Italy
Hi Toots:
This is a little better. We have an American mill now, and I should make a few less mistakes.
I took inventory a couple of days ago and found I had essentially no winter uniforms, so I went out and bought some. I sure did knock a hole in the pocket book, but it is always a worthwhile venture. I have three new pair of greens and 2 old pair. I also have bought four shirts, unfortunately with the new g.i. low neck, but the tailor is retailoring them to use with a tie. I have two old ones also. I bought a couple of very large pants, and the tailor is making them into a flying messboy jacket for me. Sketch is at right. They are nice for evening, and more comfortable than a blouse.
Snooks, the new boss is nuts. It sure is an improvement. There must be something wrong with the set-up, but I can’t see what it is. I shall at least enjoy myself for a while. I think he is leaving in a month, and that should leave the om in a very nice position.
What a riot. We have a WAC sgt about Nena’s age in the office. She used to be a steno in the steel works, and is taking a most motherly outlook on the colonel and I. (Incidentally, damn good worker and looks like a horse).
You have been duly looked and marveled at by the local staff. Sometimes I wonder how the hell I hooked a gal what can make the boys whistle.
I sure am getting used to the luxuries of city life in a hurry. Don’t worry about me—there’s nothing I lack but you. Last night, I couldn’t sleep because our band was still playing. We have shows four nights per week, dancing the other three, and a big dance every once in a while. The woman’s shortage makes dances a tag affair, but the music is good. We have a bar at which it is possible to buy almost any drink one wants other than whiskey, and we get a bottle of whiskey rationed per month. In addition we get beer at the rate of five cans per week, and it is nice and cold and served in big, long, tall glasses. Food is generally good and beautifully served. Frankly, I wish to hell you were here for we could have a hell of good time with all the free dances etc.
If Gen’l Mac and his lads keep up the good work, maybe they will finish over there before we do here! War is a peculiar business.
I’m glad you liked the little scarf. It was bout the only nice thing I could find. It is real Italian silk, so consider it part of your Xmas present. There are a couple of other things which will stagger in. I’m having Pop buy you something which isn’t very expensive or esthetic, but I think you’ve wanted it for sometime.
I have a whole pot full of stuff I’ve packed up which I shall try to get the censor to approve soon. It includes labels, money, etc. Although it is worthless junk, it will be nice to see the candy wrapper of the first candy I had in four months, etc. I just hope I get home soon enough to remember the stuff and write it down.
That’s about it for now. I shall probably think of a million things to say as soon as I get home from the office and don’t have the mill handy. Keep up the letters. They help a hell of a lot. Actually, I’m in such fortunate circumstances I should never bitch about anything anymore. The enclosure represents a purchase I made on a trip. It is interesting as the stamps represent a tax paid by the vendor to sell the stuff, and a take paid by me to buy same! The really have a system of extracting the dough over here.
All my love, Cy.
Later—Got a new room—good view of mountains, Bath (tub), bowl, wash bowl, & 2 desks plus normal furniture! What a war.