Monotonous Regularity

Friday, August 21, 1942

Things are moving along here with monotonous regularity. It’s the same old schedule. On post for 4 hours, eat and go to bed. And so it goes. In between times, I take time out to write a few letters. Fortunately I have a well-concealed post and can read (when it’s light) providing I keep an eye carefully peeled.

Yesterday I received a package From Jane containing candy and two flat 50’s of Phillip Morris. I also got a carton of Camels from Mother. They are the first packages I’ve received since I’ve been over here. I finally wrote that letter to Dad. In it I conveyed as well as  could exactly how I felt regarding my present position. I made one remark in my letter that I think is worth repeating here. I told thin that if I learned no other lesson from this war, I had learned this: that as long as I live I’ll never be on the bottom again, regardless of what price I have to pay.

I spoke to Lt. Holt the other day regarding my problem. He’s a peach of an egg and told me he knew exactly how I felt. He promised to do what he could but held out very little hope because for some reason the regiment hates to see its men transfer.

Today all my hopes went u the flue as Lt. Holt was transferred to the 168th which it is rumored pulled out for Scotland. Everything is bawled up and in a terrific turmoil. It appears that “J” Co. is permanently split. In another few days we should know.

The 2nd Front we’d heard about was nothing more than a Commando raid, but a huge one. Americans participated. There was supposed to be 85% casualties.