Dear Folks,

Greetings again from the guy who would really like to see you. Time has really slipped by fast since I last wrote you and I’ve been busy as a pack rat every bit of the time. After a four day famine on letters for Dorothy, I managed at last to write her a line this morning. Two of those days I had time to write at night - I was a Liaisons Officer but had no light or table to write on and the last two I’ve just been plain busy.

Surprise! I now have my first real command - I’m a Platoon Commander in Company "C." The second day of my liaison work I changed over - I had reported back to Hq at about five o’clock that morning when I learned of my command. The officer before me had been injured in an accident (auto) the night before and came out with a broken nose, so I am taking his place, at least until he returns, if not for always: I really enjoy it too. My platoon sergeant and squad sergeants are pretty O.K and know their stuff so we should be getting along good together. The evening I reported to the CO. of this company (at 6:30 o’clock) my platoon was preparing to leave on a night job - one that couldn’t wait till next day because of its importance, so I took off with them as soon as I had thrown my junk in the platoon headquarters room. Well, we worked all night on a job none of us had done before and had some old banged-up equipment to work with, so we arrived home just in time for breakfast. Needless to say, we spent the day sleeping, not even arising for dinner. Last night I talked to the whole platoon, letting them know what I expected of them and what they could expect of me. I hope to make a good leader, and believe me, I’ll really try.

Also last night I moved my platoon headquarters into a better building - second story rooms (two)! It was pretty filthy but we swept it out and put blankets up at the windows and door for last night to make it livable and had to men really work on it today. I should say we all worked voluntarily and now have "home" fit for a major, including glass window panes, a wooden door, scrubbed floor, stove, table, clothes racks and three more or less improvised carbide lamps for light. If we can ever "liberate" a small generator, we’ll have electric lights for the whole platoon - we already have the motor and other accessories necessary.

It’s time I closed for I have a little work to do before supper time. As yet I haven’t received any letters from you, though several of the officers who came over with me have heard from home. So, I’m expecting news any day now. Keep writing to my former address - Not Co."C." - till I tell you differently because I’m not sure yet how long I’ll stay here.