DIY History | Transcribe | World War II Diaries and Letters | John William Graham letters, May-July 1944 | 1944-07-08 M/Sgt. John W. Graham to Mr. & Mrs. W.J. Graham Page 1

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John William Graham letters, May-July 1944

1944-07-08 M/Sgt. John W. Graham to Mr. & Mrs. W.J. Graham Page 1

July 8, 1944
Italy
Dear Dad & Mom & Grandmother:
Just finished with my helmet bath and will write a bit before I roll into bed. By the way you should see my bed, we now have regular canvas cots issued us but they are not strong enough for me so I rustled up some boards and built myself one. Just a good rugged framework with steel bands from packaging boxes run across and lengthwise and woven together. Does very well, tho I expect the boys could play checkers on my back in the mornings. If a fellow is tired tho he can sleep anyplace.
Had to stop and give a couple of fresh mosquitos a shot of insect repellant, it sure knocks 'em for a loop. Found a good writing board today a piece of heavy sheet aluminum, if a guy is a good salvager he can find most everything he needs.
We had a very good meal tonight, fresh beef real potatoes (not dehydrated) sliced cucumbers, creamed peas, bread & regular butter (not that canned stuff which looks like Johnsons floor wax) & canned peaches with ice cream. There is a place near here where the mess sergeant can take the makings and they will freezed it quite cheaply, wish he'd do it more often.
Saw a picture the other day which I thought you might enjoy as I did, will put it in. That little [front leg?], surely reminded me of [Loire?] but this pooch doesnt have such a cute face. Its funny how a lot of these dogs like to fly, just like riding in the car, when ever our engine starts they want to be there. One of our crews had a monkey which was the same way.
You must have been doing a lot of grubbing around the yard, dont overdo that old Iowa sun can

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July 8, 1944 Italy Dear Dad & Mom & Grandmother: Just finished with my helmet bath and will write a bit before I roll into bed. By the way you should see my bed, we now have regular canvas cots issued us but they are not strong enough for me so I rustled up some boards and built myself one. Just a good rugged framework with steel bands from packaging boxes run across and lengthwise and woven together. Does very well, tho I expect the boys could play checkers on my back in the mornings. If a fellow is tired tho he can sleep anyplace. Had to stop and give a couple of fresh mosquitos a shot of insect repellant, it sure knocks 'em for a loop. Found a good writing board today a piece of heavy sheet aluminum, if a guy is a good salvager he can find most everything he needs. We had a very good meal tonight, fresh beef real potatoes (not dehydrated) sliced cucumbers, creamed peas, bread & regular butter (not that canned stuff which looks like Johnsons floor wax) & canned peaches with ice cream. There is a place near here where the mess sergeant can take the makings and they will freezed it quite cheaply, wish he'd do it more often. Saw a picture the other day which I thought you might enjoy as I did, will put it in. That little [front leg?], surely reminded me of [Loire?] but this pooch doesnt have such a cute face. Its funny how a lot of these dogs like to fly, just like riding in the car, when ever our engine starts they want to be there. One of our crews had a monkey which was the same way. You must have been doing a lot of grubbing around the yard, dont overdo that old Iowa sun can