June 30, 1944. From Bill to his sweetheart, Gloria
June 1944: Just 24 days after D-Day, while the world watches Europe, Bill writes home from the mess hall with bleary eyes, a cold he can’t shake, and a heart that aches for Gloria. In this relatable letter, Bill (stationed stateside) writes about laundry, homesickness, and “the kids” in uniform capturing a moment of war not on the front lines, but in the quiet, grinding routines that tested patience and pulled hearts homeward.
Friday
30 June – 1944
Dear Gloria —
Didn’t receive a letter yesterday and was very surprised. Probably a tie up in the mail. How have you been receiving my mail? Been writing every day.
Got up at four o’clock this morning to go to work in the mess hall. I don’t have to report until 5:30 so I can sleep an extra hour. Not hard work, but I don’t like it. Too much detail from the big shots. Everything’s got to be just so.
Did you remember to send me a package of aspirin? I got a cold and can’t shake it. Might help me.
There’s some talk about breaking about July 22nd. I hope so for I’m getting damn sick of this place.
By the way, did you get that job up Tri-City? It ought to be a pretty good job, but there must be something screwy with the other girls talking about it too.
Did you get the bonus? Don’t get mad because I’ve asked you so many times. I’m just wondering how much it’ll be.
I’ll never forget this morning when the whole crew woke up at 4 o’clock. All the young kids sure looked bleary eyed. It sure was a rich looking crew. I thought for a minute then that some of the kids might burst out crying. They’ll soon find out that this is a man’s outfit and they’re not hanging to their mothers apron strings anymore.
We’ve got to wear whites in every activity except actual work. That means we’ve got to wash clothes by the bushel. Imagine running a obstacle course in whites. Got 4 pair white pants and three jumpers and they’ll be on the line most of the time. Wish I had a washing machine.
Well I wish I was home and any damn fool that thinks it’s the berries being in the service is crazy. There’s no place like home. Lots of fellows up here enlisted who could of stayed out and they’re kicking their ass. I still miss home and you more than ever and I love more and more the longer I stay away. Will write again tomorrow.
Love,
Bill