The Sole Surviving Son

Dear Mother & Dad: <My new A.P.O. is 758>

Hope you will pardon me for being somewhat late with my usual weekly letter to you. Since arriving here, I have been quite busy and have done no letter writing with the exception of one I wrote to “M….”

… We got a most wonderful break by being the outfit to set up here as A.A.A. Most of us were positive we would be retrained for another branch of the service. As it turned out, our record was the outstanding factor that decided our future for the present. We do have an excellent record, and no matter where we go, or what outfits we run into, they have all heard of the 167th. Don’t mind me if I brag a little. Ha!

This is the nicest setup we have ever had or will ever have again while we are overseas. We are living in huts which were built to accommodate one person, some two or three, others from four or more. The one I am in accommodates three, and we have loads of room, including a large clothes closet. They were built by an outfit who were here previous to our arrival. They are constructed from large plankings of board and are covered on the outside with tar paper. The roof is flat, and is tar-covered. We have a stove in which we burn wood as coal is scarce, and also rationed. Being that there are a lot of trees around, we shouldn’t have any fuel problems. The GI’s that used the hut before our arrival constructed shelves, a washstand, table, and chair so we feel that we have a cozy little home….

… The trip here was plenty tough, and only a few of us escaped seasickness. The only reason I wasn’t hanging to the rail was because I stayed in my hammock most of the time. Even some of the dogs we brought along were sick. I hope the next boat ride I take will be the one to take me home — and soon!

I’m O.K., etc., so please don’t worry one second. Love, Thomas