History 1944 – February

Dear Mother,

     I know of no better way to wish you a happy Valentine’s Day than to write to you. Seeing that you’re my best gal – a card is too formal. Anyway – as each year goes by – we all grow much closer together. Last year it was Shelby – this year Gordon – next year – what better place than home and happiness again.

     I read about your cold weather two days ago – now it’s here. We almost froze this morning. The grates were burned out of the furnace, so we had no heat at all. When we finally got courage enough and got out of bead and outside – all the week’s rainwater had frozen solid. I was worried about the car but after warning it up – it was as good as ever.

     If you look in this last week’s “Life” (page 21) you will see pictures of our 155 mm gun M1. It’s quite a monster. As yet we don’t know what kind of a “prime mover” we will have – some say a 7½ ton diamond-T or a “full track” tank type vehicle. Thurs night we went out in a night problem – (only 5 of us) we were given maps and told to go to the other end – is was darn rough cause most of the roads were widened, changed and many roads changed + added. No lights – there were mines, enemy snipers, booby traps, machine guns – etc. It was a lot of fun and we learned that when moving into doubtful territory at night you might as well pay all debts and give away your extra equipment cause if your luck doesn’t hold out you’re a goner. I set off a land mine with the car – was shot at quite often. We were ripping along a dark trail when the road stopped – it had been washed out. None of us were hurt, but it sure was a thrill – a good thing the windshield was down or I’d made a heck of a good job of removing it. We got it out in about ten minutes.

     In the afternoon we went thru an area with booby traps in houses – etc. Capt Coyne pulled all the boners of Joe Dope in our training films & he found a trap – a trap wire 6” off the ground – to detonate it he grabbed a shovel leaning up against the building and it had been “fixed” too – it went off – and would have given him a fine ride if properly fixed with 10lbs of T.N.T. The only thing to do – is stay away from all buildings, trucks and abandoned material cause it’s probably “hot” much was learned by all.

     Saw Jane again last night – quite a gal – I know you will like her. The catch – she’s catholic. Why do I manage to do things like that?  Also, she’s younger than Betsy is – (or was). We may make this into the real thing – after I come back. At least she’s dead set on it. I’ve been through this once before – and I’m wiser for it – so there is no use in being at all hasty – is there.

     Now don’t go flying off the handle – and get all upset – I’ll be sure to give you all plenty of warning – whenever it gets to that point.
               Much love to one and all –
                    Your loving sun,
                           Tom.

Is there a small 8 X 12 picture of me at home?
                                            T.