Sunday, December 12, 2010

10/21/1944 Jim Erwin to Gladys Dahlstrom

Jim in India
Gladys at 9007 S. Elizabeth, Chicago

Dear Gladys,

A nice letter came from you today. A V-mail came some time ago so will answer them both now.

After supper this evening we played football until dark. Usually play every night. Just got out of the shower when the water went off. Made it just in time.

We’re living in a new area now and it’s really sharp. Believe it’s the best on the field. The tents are in good shape, electricity, a day room and the grounds are clean.

We get a full day off a week now so make good use of it. Tomorrow afternoon three of us are going out hitchhiking and look for a good place to eat. We did the same thing last week. Ate three meals inside of an hour.

By now Cully should have gotten the contract he wants. This year you won’t get the trip out of it tho. Hope he has a good year and doesn’t get banged up much. Hockey is a rough game and plenty of the boys get hurt all the time. Cully is more capable of taking care of himself now than he was before. If everybody thinks rightly, he can come out unhurt.

You both must have enjoyed your little vacation in Minneapolis. Wally was probably very happy to see Cully too.

Where does Vi & John live. They seem to get to Chicago three or more times a year. I haven’t seen Vi for about nine years but bet I would recognize her anytime, anywhere.

Don’t worry about me liking what you sent. It’s a big bother for all of you in the states to even have to send a package. I mean that Glad. People feel as tho they must send something and do. We really have everything we need. The few things that I do need, mother can always get and send.

Furloughs are just a short way off and hope to go to New Delhi. Hope I can find something nice for you. These small town merchants just raised their prices again because Christmas is coming and the soldiers will be sending things home. They really are terrible. Even when we pay them half of what they ask, it’s more than what we would be paying at home. I tried to buy some toothpaste in town the other day but it cost $1.20 in American money. The merchants will all be able to retire after the Yanks get out.

We can vote if desire to. I feel the same as most do. All the politicians boast what they’re going to do for the veterans. They’re just using us for the goat. Either party, doesn’t make any difference. We just want to get home.

Mother should know very close to where we are now and she’ll let you know. If one of my recent letters went through, she will know within fifteen miles. Can’t hardly get much closer than that.

The rains have let up, malaria season is practically over. The food is much better now and getting along okay. Haven’t gambled for months and have quite a bit of money saved. Hope the war ends within the next year and will be seeing you all soon.

Love, Jim

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