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David R. Elder correspondence, October-November 1944

1944-10-05 Page 1

S/Sgt Wm. J. Gibson 37039184
Hq. Btry 301 F.A. Bn, APO #99
%PM N.Y. N.Y.
5 October 1944
France
Dear Dave
Just rec'd. the 26th drip & decided to half way wish it a happy birthday since it is 1/2 yr. old. Mabey I should only write half a letter, but I'll probably fill the page before I'm done.
Things are going along quite well over here, but doubt if you will get to hold v day before Christmas. These Krauts are stubborn people, and have had such a fear thrown into them by their officers that they won't give up. Some of the stories they tell after captured are absolutely fantastic. 
I managed to speak enough French the other day to get a loaf of this good french bread. some butter & a dozen eggs. So with the little pressure gasoline stove we are issued I had several egg sandwiches.  Since then I've been back to the same farm house several times & they know what I want without all the motions.  Ha!
Cider is the favorite drink over hear. they say the Boche got everything else. Some of it is good. But most of it is bad. 
Since we aren't supposed to keep any letters around  I  practically shed tears & hold a funeral service every time I burn the good old Scuttlebut.
Dave can you send me D. Fithers, L. [illegible] & Matt Redlingers address over here?
All for now.
Sincerely, Jack.

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S/Sgt Wm. J. Gibson 37039184 Hq. Btry 301 F.A. Bn, APO #99 %PM N.Y. N.Y. 5 October 1944 France Dear Dave Just rec'd. the 26th drip & decided to half way wish it a happy birthday since it is 1/2 yr. old. Mabey I should only write half a letter, but I'll probably fill the page before I'm done. Things are going along quite well over here, but doubt if you will get to hold v day before Christmas. These Krauts are stubborn people, and have had such a fear thrown into them by their officers that they won't give up. Some of the stories they tell after captured are absolutely fantastic. I managed to speak enough French the other day to get a loaf of this good french bread. some butter & a dozen eggs. So with the little pressure gasoline stove we are issued I had several egg sandwiches. Since then I've been back to the same farm house several times & they know what I want without all the motions. Ha! Cider is the favorite drink over hear. they say the Boche got everything else. Some of it is good. But most of it is bad. Since we aren't supposed to keep any letters around I practically shed tears & hold a funeral service every time I burn the good old Scuttlebut. Dave can you send me D. Fithers, L. [illegible] & Matt Redlingers address over here? All for now. Sincerely, Jack.