LETTER #18 - 2 MAR 1944

He seems pretty concerned about his young brother being on "trial"...maybe for school or a job?  Also, his mom seems pretty upset about them treating him too rough in the Army!  But he says the Army lifestyle agrees with him.  And where is that fudge?!!!

Fart Sack = A military slang for a bunk or sleeping bag. 

LOL...Hee heee hee.  haha..... :P  Looking for more military humor?  Check out this link!   Military Humor

LETTER #17 - 11 FEB 1944

My little notes:  Well glad to see he is finally done with basic training and now anxiously awaits his next assignment/training.  The good news he was not grounded as he previously thought and is officially classified as "serial gunner and radio man".  I think that is quite impressive to have a dual role...and "mom" should be proud that he still does not drink or smoke! 

Also, I sure wonder what little "Butch" the puppy looked like?  Surprise they have him in the barracks, but maybe things are a bit more relaxed since they finished basic training. 

Off-duty German soldiers with puppy.

Russian Soldiers napping with a puppy-1945

Sketch of a WWII soldier with dog.

Allies or enemies, dogs always remain "Man's Best Friend"!

LETTER #16 - 2 FEB 1944

Sure hope they took a family picture soon with his camera! 

Apparently there are three levels or grades and he received "Sharpshooter" which is pretty good for basic training.  This is taken from the invaluable book I refer to often, "Finding Your Father's War" by Jonathan Gawne.

Continuation of the article.