Monday · Jan. 11, 1943
Figure that out.
A hint slipped past the censor.
Jan 11, 1943
My Darling Wife
I’m writing to you while in bed—in a pup tent. I’m back near where I was some time ago
I received your letter of Dec 22, last night—but it is not where I can get at it tonight It was the letter you answered a lot of questions for me I’m a little worried about that allotment not coming through, and I’ll repeat again that when that happens write or wire a night letter to the Finance Officer, U.S. Army. Washington, D.C. Allotment Division for Officers
Much to my regret I’ll probably see Gil soon. I had hoped I wouldn’t see him—but things have changed Figure that out.
I probably won’t be writing any more letters than Esther’s husband because we will be as busy as he is now. You know its swell to write and receive letters honey, but there are times in this little game called war, that you can’t even do that. My usual policy re: letter writing will continue unless events make me do otherwise.
I also received a letter from Dad last night and cards from Jr. Chamber members—about 6 or 7. Tell Dad that I’ll write him as soon as I can but letters are going to be hard to write. Now I’ll admit something else.—The last surprise …
… last night was another Xmas present from you consisting of nuts and butterscotch. Of all the sweets you could send, those are the ones I love the most. I’m going to be so fat from eating all my candy that I won’t be much of a soldier. As I think I previously told you, I also received a box of salt water taffy from Aunty Em—mailed from Atlantic City. There are about 15 bags of packages in the orderly room for the Bn. I still [want?] and would prefer to have just one package as against them all—namely the one with your picture in it. Maybe it will come tomorrow (X) my fingers crossed.—This week is going to be an orgy for the men—eating up all their Xmas candy.
My recent letters aren’t up to par I know—but I rack my brain for things to say. The first few letters I could [write?], but by now I have covered everything. I have told you how much I love you sweetheart so many times, that I wish there some other way in which to convey to you what you mean to me and how much there is in my heart for you. I guess I’m sort of crazy, but I can’t help but showing everyone I meet the picture of my little girl—and then get all swelled up with pride when they rave about her—and as many do—call her a “Shirley Temple” I need your picture to make my perfect family available for the public to see.
It is now late so must close and dream of you
All my love
Your
John
About this letter
Two large pages, written in a pup tent after the move. He couldn’t say the battalion was heading for the front, so he hinted.
THE HINT“Much to my regret I’ll probably see Gil soon. I had hoped I wouldn’t see him—but things have changed. Figure that out.” Gil was Esther’s husband, already “in there fighting” (Jan. 13 letter). Seeing Gil meant going to the front.
WHAT CAME NEXTWithin weeks the 16th Infantry was in Tunisia.
READING CLOSELY
“There are times in this little game called war, that you can’t even do that.” He meant writing letters.
“Esther’s husband” is Gil. His Jan. 13 and 15 letters ask Ginny for news of him.
A “night letter” was a cheaper telegram sent overnight.
“Jr. Chamber” is the Junior Chamber of Commerce.
The (X) is his: “my fingers crossed.”
The Big Picture
Waiting out the winter
The new year found the war in Tunisia stuck in the mud. Winter rain had stopped the fighting in the north, and both sides were bringing in more men. For now the Allies no longer outnumbered the Axis (Germany, Italy and their partners).
In Russia, the German army trapped at Stalingrad was cold and starving. On Jan. 8 the Soviets offered surrender terms. The German commander, Gen. Friedrich Paulus, refused. On Jan. 10 the Soviets began their final attack.
Where he was
Near Oran, Algeria, now on the 3rd Battalion staff as intelligence officer (S-2). The 1st Division was still training around Oran while British, American and French troops held a line in the hills west of Tunis, more than 500 miles to the east.
In this letter. His coded hint about seeing Gil, who was already fighting in Tunisia, was his way of saying the battalion was headed for the front.