March 12, 1943
Saturday
Dear Alice,
I was very glad to get your letter. I wish you girls would write more often. You don’t always answer all the letters I write. I guess you are pretty busy. I wish I could help pay the board and be doing something more than I am doing. I sure can’t figure out all this army stuff. They have more men than they can train properly. Of course I should. I have been classified and put in a different place.
I do get to go to town and I have a good time. That helps keep me from going crazy. The last time I went to town I went to a dance. I sure met some pretty girls.
There seems to be plenty to dance and I dance most every time. The hall was beautiful with a blue ceiling with stars. When I ask a girl I dance with some blue mood or romantic waltz with pretty waltzes and a pretty girl it does help. The girl’s name was Helen. She was a slight real haired girl. I had a good time with her. I sure had a chance to meet a lot of girls. It helps to build my morale.
There was nothing set between Laura and I, but only partly understood that we couldn’t start where we left off otherwise I might follow up some of these girls.
Some of this experience would feel fine if I hadn’t met Gerda and feel in love with her. We write to each other once a week. She sent me a beautiful picture of herself with a nice gold fold. I am glad you all went to visit her. She might be your sister-in-law if I ever get out of the army so I hope you like her. I suppose she figures the same.
I have learned a lot about girls but it took a long time to wake up. I wish I would have had more of them around when I was younger but then I was afraid of them. I can get along fine with them now. Did I tell you of the time I went to a Catholic supper and dance and had a fine time with a girl named Irma and her sister Kathleen. I have went to a few good shows in town.
Last Sunday I went into church and met the Mormon missionaries and they took me out to dinner at a cafe. There was only a small crowd. It consisted of me and a little baby. I received a letter from home saying papa was sick. About the very night he was sick I had a very disturbing dream about him being sick so the letter verified my dream but I hope he is all right. I am glad mama had a chance to go up to Salt Lake. How is Frank and family from what mother said little Frank is learning to talk.
It all seems like ages since I was in Fort Douglas. I miss horses. I want to work with them. I haven’t been near a horse since I left home. We have a few clamp dogs that follow us around sometimes.
I have had my picture taken in my uniform. I will send you girls one when I get it. Since I started this letter I decided it would not reach you before you went home for Xmas so I will mail it home then you can read it there.
I will write and answer mother’s letter too. The next time you write please send me a map so I can tell where I am. The trip out here was like a man going to some place he was supposed to go and know how to get back. It was a mystery until we were unloaded at this camp.
I will write more after a while.
Love,
William
Tell little Frank his uncle will be glad to see him again. I hope you can write soon all of you.
With love,
William
Be sure and put all the address:
104th Cavalry
Troop F
Salem, Oregon