THE DRIZZLE'S DRIZZLING AGAIN-
So if you'll get all set, you soldiers, sailors, wacs, and waves, we'll turn on the news spigots. But before we do, let The Drizzler say he is sorry that circumstances prevented publication of a December issue. By the 12th of the month, only ten letters had come to our desk from members of the service and this was an insufficient number to justify going "to press." And immediately after that, the Christmas rush began with a vengeance, robbing us of any spare time we might have had to devote to a December issue.
NOTICE TO DELINQUENT SUBSCRIBERS-
The Monticello Drizzle is sent to nearly one hundred members of the armed services. The subscription "price", as you all know, is merely a letter-even only a few short lines-in return for each copy of The Drizzle. Many of the boys-and girls-have cooperated splendidly and have written us every month. Through their loyal teamwork, we have been able to make The Drizzle a miniature newspaper which has been enthusiastically received by Monticelloans stationed in various parts of the nation and throughout the world. Unfortunately, there are many boys who have not yet responded with a single letter despite the fact that this is our sixth issue. We need the cooperation of these "delinquents" as well as "the old faithfuls" to make The Drizzle as interesting and entertaining as possible. Unless we receive it, we shall have to restrict our subscription list to loyal subscribers only. Surely it is just as easy for all of you to spare twenty or twenty-five minutes writing a few lines that will be of interest to your buddies as it is for The Drizzler to spare twenty to twenty-five hours preparing and editing each issue of The Drizzle. So, com'on, you loiterin' lads, let's prance for those pens and pencils!
That comments appearing in parenthesis throughout The Drizzle are the personal observations of The Drizzler. We might also add that we have had numerous requests for copies from former Monticello residents in civilian life and we shall try to weave into each issue news which will interest them as well as all of you.
JANUARY 6TH A DAY OF HISTORIC HAPPENINGS-
World-shaking events occurred on Thursday, Jan. 6th. The Rampaging Russian Army launched its tremendous new drives which have sent the Nazi Rats reeling back on their heels for terrific losses; the American and Royal Air Forces hit a new tempo in their enormous aerial onslaughts against the German homeland, and last but by no means least, Albert Matthias Lauridsen, former Monticello telegraphy wizard and later monarch of the local oil industry, came back to the "old home town" on a visit after an absence of over twelve years. Now married and for several years a resident of Louisville, Kentucky, where he is successfully engaged in the roofing business, "Al" breezed into town in his sleek new Pontiac sedan with none other at the wheel as his chauffeur than that eminent and distinguished "resident" of nearby Fort Knox, PFC. "Rusty" Wittenwyler, the former Mt. Pleasant township tiller of the soil, who has now been stationed there for some time. Known as "The Kankakee Kid" in the years when he dwelled in that Illinois city before coming to Monticello over twenty-five years ago, "Al" took his scores of Monticello friends completely by surprise when he bobbed into the old burg Thursday afternoon. And to say that he was warmly welcomed by the local populace is putting it very, very mildly. "Them Were the Days" was the theme of the many discussions along Monticello's Main Stem as "Al" and his pals recounted the good times they had together before he left Monticello back in 1932. And while we're on the subject of reminiscence, "Al," do you remember that Saturday back in the fall of 1927 when you, Jack Zweifel, the local cheese and turf kind, W. Dunham Elmer, founder and owner of the Elm Grove Mink Ranch, and William Ernst Blum, the Monticello dry goods and grocery magnate, breezed over to Iowa City to watch Wisconsin's Badgers defeat Iowa by a score of 6 to 0 on a rainy, snowy day. Ah, how the hearts of those Hawkeye co-eds must have throbbed and fluttered when you four paragons of masculine pulchritude strode into the massive Iowa stadium with your characteristic snappy, militaristic step. And I'll wager a rusty fish hook that never has such melodious sweetness been injected into the singing of Wisconsin's sacred song, "Varsity," as it was when this gay Monticello quartet of splurging sportsmen filled the air with their delightful discordancies. I could reminisce a lot more, "Al", but I think I'd better stop for this time because if you stay up until four o'clock in the morning reading and re-reading this issue of The Drizzle, as you did the other copy I sent you, I'm afraid I might get into trouble. It was swell seeing you again, "Al", and now don't stay away from what you say is "The Best Little Town in the Whole United States" any longer than twelve months. Twelve years is too darned long!
STRAIGHT FROM THE STRATOSPHERE-
From Lt. Leon H. Babler, 407 Bomb Sq., 92 Bomb Gp. (M), APO 634, writing from "Somewhere in England: "Dear Roz: I received the November issue of The Drizzle and can only say that it's certainly an inspiring piece of literature. It's so nice to hear about all the fellows in such a humorous way. I've been over here for a few months now. Never had such experiences in such a short time before in my life. If a guy wants thrills, he certainly can get them here. I've been on a number of raids and as I look back upon them they seem to have passed in no time at all. The faster the better. We are sent to rest homes after so many raids or harrowing experiences, for seven days and also get 48 and 72-hour passes each month. London is usually our destination and we always have a good time there. Marty, if you're sent over here, give me a buzz at the 92nd Gp. Hdqts. So Paul Voegeli is in Scotland. I've been there for short periods, but didn't have any idea that he was stationed in that vicinity. Keep The Drizzle coming. Sincerely, Leon." "The Drizzler neglected to mention that Leon is a navigator on a Flying Fortress. We'll keep The Drizzle coming, Leon, and you be sure to do the same with those interesting letters of yours. You ask about Sgt. Wilbert Marty. Yes, he's in England, all right, and I understand he's been on a few raids, too, although he says nothing about them in his letter. Let's listen to what he has to say: "Dear Roz: It has been some time since I've written. I hope you don't think I've let you down. It has taken some time to get situated. I think you'll understand. We are living in barracks-three crews to each one-and we've been together since our last training in the states. What a madhouse! Arguments-everyone gets his two-bits worth in. We have a radio. It sure is good to hear American music. There is a special American forces program broadcast just for the armed forces overseas. Every day one of the fellows has to stay in the barracks and sweep, mop, and build a fire. Every man has his turn. You ought to see the crew members ride their bikes. We ride in a formation like we fly-so close that if one guy spilled, the whole bunch would. The food is good and plenty of it. We have dry cereal and all the fruit juice we want at breakfast. Carrots are served at least once a day, if not twice. That is understandable, as carrots are rich in nutrition for the eyes. I can't talk about my work as I did in the states because of military reasons. I've played in a lot of games, but this is the biggest and most important I've ever been in. I might add perhaps the roughest. No punches are pulled and you to in beating the other guy to the punch. There are very few stars, if any at all, just well functioning teams. And there are no set-ups or breathers on the schedule. To the fellows who have gone ahead of me and played the whole game, I'll give them all the credit in the world. They deserve it. It is not uncommon to wake at night and hear fellows talking in their sleep. The tension at times gets pretty high. Therefore the fellows are keyed up. I've learned a lot since I've been over here. Experience is the best teacher-it still holds true. Oh, yes, I might add that the combat crews have a separate mess hall. Fried eggs are on the menu quite frequently. Boy! They sure taste good. This is all for now. Sgt. Marty. (Wilbert is a tail gunner on a Flying Fort. His address is 305 Bomb. Grp., 366 Bomb. Sqd., with the same APO-634-as Leon's. Here's hoping you two boys can get together-soon! And keep "Them" letters coming!
After nearly two years in the Caribbean area, Major L. L. Weissmiller arrived in the states early in December on a month's leave before going to Baltimore on Jan. 4th to report to the Surgeon General for assignment elsewhere. During his absence from the states, "Les" was stationed on the little isle of Aruba just off the coast of Venezuela. Here he was force surgeon and commandant of the military hospital. On his return to Madison, where he spent his leave with Mrs. Weissmiller, Les flew over 4000 miles in a transport plane. He looks like "a million dollars" and hopes to be sent overseas again at an early date. . . Sgt. Perry Janes leaves today on his return to Asburn General hospital at McKinney, Texas, where he expects to remain for two months for treatment of a skin disease contracted in service on the Southwest Pacific. He has been here since Dec. 20th, visiting his wife, the former Clara Ubert. Lieut. "Bo" Woelffer is stationed at Asburn General and he and Perry met before the latter came here. . . Ensign Wally Barlow has just been promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) in the Navy Air Corps . . Corp. Melvin Marty-Wilbert's brother-was recently elevated to sergeant. From all indications, Melvin may be on his way overseas. With Emil Weigert, he will have been in the service three years in March. . . Louie (The Lonely Lover) Wyss, whose coming to Australia some months ago was marked by much feminine heart fluttering-especially after the girls glimpsed his handsome profile-is located in one of that country's seaport cities. He's a full-fledged corporal now. Thanks for the newspaper, Louie. Mighty interesting. . . Pvt. P. F. Blumer, stationed at Camp Lee (Va.) for the past several months, is now back at Chanute Field, Rantoul, Ill., where he spent a number of years in the quartermaster's corps both as a soldier and civilian. . . "Boob" Kissling is now back at Yale university, hitting the books and entertaining the co-eds after a week's furlough at home. He's looking "in the pink" and had nothing but praise for the swell set-up he and the rest of the boys have at New Haven. "Boob" left for the east last Saturday, was scheduled to arrive at his destination the next night. . . S/Sgt. Bill Bontly, nephew of Ed Bontly and son of W. A. Bontly, Madison, writes his Dad a few lines to let you know that I am feeling fine and still kicking around. I am still crewing an airplane and I sure do get a kick out of it even if I do sweat it out on take-offs some times, but that's where the work comes in." Bill was located in North Africa for many months, but I don't know for sure if he's there yet or has moved on. . . Pfc. Raymond Zumkehr, stationed at Camp Grant, says to "tell the boys across the pond I may get to see them in 1944." Before he winds up his letter with "Keep The Drizzle dripping because we enjoy it a lot," Raymond relates this hilarious little story about Pat and Mike, now in the army and in action overseas. One day their unit was advancing in the face of heavy machine gun fire. Pat and Mike took to cover, ducking behind a big rock. "Say, Mike," asked Pat, trembling, "What color is blood?" Replied Mike: "I don't know-I'm too scared to think." Trembling worse than ever, Pat declared: "Well, if blood is yellow, I'm all shot to hell." . . Pvt. Joe Gmur, the former local tonsorial artist now in the Marines at an "air regulating squadron base" near San Diego, Calif., writes that he is waiting patiently for a move to another camp and "then a furlough-I hope." He adds, "Played basketball an hour and a half one night and made six points. Had to guard a fellow 6 foot 2. Had the opportunity of going into Mexico one week-end." Eddie Loeffel, who went into the Marines with Joe at the same time and was in the same tent with him for some weeks, has been transferred to another camp.
FROM THE PEN-'N'-PENCIL FRONT-
From Wally Barlow, who throws some nifty curves around the necks of such self-proclaimed feminine idols as Whitey (The Great) Hill and Kissling, the Kiss King: "I believe your Drizzle really has succeeded in getting all the lowdown and dirt on some of our local roustabout Romeos. It's getting so The Drizzle is a much better source of local high lights than all the local bridge clubs could get together. Say, when did the beautiful hunk of Finn (Wall is referring to The Great One here) start advertising for a girl, as one gathers he is doing from his closing line in his last letter to you. I really always was under the impression that he only had to gesture, then they came crowding around. He always was criticizing the board of education for their selection of female teachers, was always so hard to please. There was just one I can remember ever having him in a whirl. That was his first year at Monticello before he got into the clutches of the confirmed bachelor club of Haddinger, Dick, and Freitag. She was the ravishing beauty, blond at that, from Freeport. Now when he gets away from these gentlemen, he seems to fall back into his old habits-always on the lookout for a dazzling dame. I hope that the Kiss King is pleasantly surviving the trials and tribulations of the "open house" season that the New Haven younger set is throwing at him, especially the one little girl that comes and gets him and also takes him back later in the wee small hours. Leave it to King to get one like that. I certainly did enjoy the last Drizzle more than any copy since the first. It really was very newsy and sure was a treat. That's all for now, Roz. Regards for Everyone." . . From Jim Knoblauch, Camp Callan, San Diego, Calif.: "I am stationed here as an instructor in physical hardening-teaching all types of physical conditioning. Helen and I went to San Diego last Saturday and met Edwin Klassy. Sure seemed good to meet and talk with somebody at home. Helen is now working at a rationing board office-in charge of shoes, boots, and stoves-at Mission Beach. Thanks again for sending me The Drizzle and hope that you can continue sending it." . . From Lt. Howie Steinmann, U.S. Marines, Quantico, Va.,: "Our officers training was very broad and general. We received instructions and training-both in classroom and field-in such subjects as tactical employment of weapons and units, defensive and offensive combat, communications, intelligence, administration, naval law, terrain appreciation, map reading, aerial photography, chemical warfare, and numerous other subjects. In but ten short weeks, that sort of a program keeps you on the move. Our life as an officer is much more pleasant than it was during "boot" or "O.C." training, but even this life has much to be desired. It will be great to get back to normal civilian life after this is all over-which I hope is soon. Well, Roz, give my best regards to all. I wish I could do that myself. Maybe, if I'm lucky. I will be able to in January." . . From Lieut. Betty Jane Woelffer, who since the receipt of her letter has moved from the 98th Evacuation Hospital near Yuma, Ariz., across the border to another hospital in California: "It was a happy day when I received The Drizzle again. I certainly do enjoy it. Yes, we are situated out on the desert just a few miles from Yuma and are becoming quite accustomed to the frequent dust storms. They sure are miserable things to endure-you can't see; you eat sand as well as walk on it, and there is just no getting away from it. We are just completing our basic training which has consisted of lectures, gas mask drills, drilling, calisthenics, etc. They put us in a gas chamber one day to test our masks and we all came out sobbing. That tear gas sure was powerful. Then our next experience was going over the infiltration course which Cpl. Paulus Roth wrote about. Yes, we, too, were quite dirty and tired when it was completed. You see, we nurses have to be rugged, too, so we take in stride almost everything the fellows do. Roz, we are getting an experience of our lives we will never forget, and truthfully, we all think it is swell. The whole gang here at the 98th Evac. is tops and we are all one happy family. Wish everyone could enjoy it as much as we all do. Will be waiting for the next Drizzle." . . From Mrs. Ted (Shirley Curtis) Butler, who is temporarily a resident of Marianna, Fla., where her husband is stationed at the army camp: "We-or should I say Ted-received The Drizzle today. Sure think it is a great little paper. Frankly, it's the only way I have of keeping in touch with Frances Hoskins. Talking about weather-well, I sure will take all the cold, snow, ice, and sleet I can get compared to this part of Florida we are in. I have never been so cold in all my life. None of the houses are built warm. We have cracks in our floors so wide we can see the ground underneath it. The wind and cold sure do a good job. Milk is rationed down here, and unless you are sick, an invalid, or under twelve years old, you can't get milk from a dairy. Our landlady is grand. She is a young widow with a little boy two years of age whose name is Ted. So we have big Ted and little Ted in the house. She has never seen snow so we are trying to persuade her to come home with us in January. Thanks a lot for The Drizzle and keep it coming so I, too, can keep up on all the boys from home."
THE DRIZZLE DISCUSSION DEPARTMENT-
Wherein The Drizzler devotes special comment to certain sections of certain subscriber's letters. Says Lt. Leon Babler in his letter from "Somewhere in England": "These English girls! Oh Boy! They're becoming "Yankeeized" in a hurry." (It wouldn't surprise me a bit if Whitey Hill, Richard (The Lion-Hearted) Schoonover, and Warren J. (Murph) Murphy, those well-known royalists of romance, will try to hook the first boat leaving for England right after they read this). . . Leon speaks again: "I'd like to see Whitey sweat over those books (in officer's training school) after the way he used to throw those chemistry formulas at us." (I think you're wrong there, Leon. Nobody has ever seen Whitey sweat over school books and I don't think they ever will. The only books that guy's ever sweat over are telephone directories because he's consulting them almost constantly for the numbers of new girl friends. Can't you just see him pawing frantically through the pages?) . . And, well look at this! Here we have Leon, the Looey, at the microphone again: "So Kissling is at Yale? Remember, boy, you're there as a student, not as a diligent follower of high-heeled slippers." (Mighty sound advice, Leon, but I doubt if "The King" will listen to it, especially not after reading what he's confided to Wallie) . . From "The -two words indecipherable- self: "I see where my father has left on his deer hunting trip -some indecipherable text- he'll probably buy one again." (Easy there, Boob -indecipherable text- might cut off your allowance if he reads that.)
LET'S HAVE ANOTHER RAMBLE AT RANDOM-
Pvt. Florence Pluss will leave on her return to Camp Gordon at Augusta (Ga.) today after a fifteen-day furlough at home. She likes the "army" a lot, has now been in the service in the WAC for six months. Florence has been on Special Service as cashier in the camp's service club. Expects to be transferred to California soon and hopes to see foreign duty. She promises the Drizzler a letter in the near future. We'll be looking for it. . . Pvt. June Murphy, at the WAC Det. Army Air Base at Clovis, N.M., writes: "The base here is about nine miles from Clovis, which is about the size of Monroe. Was there twice today. That's my job-driving. Have driven ambulances, staff cars, and trucks so far. I can't see why more women don't join the army. I surely like it. Warren was here to see me a couple of weeks ago. That's when we had a snow storm. I think that's why he said that Clovis seemed more like home than where he is at Camp Barkeley, Texas." . . Calling McKinney, Texas-calling "Bo" Woelffer at McKinney Texas! Say, "Bo", what's the big attraction over on the west coast? Is she a blond or brunette? . . "The Drizzle is sure a dandy little paper," writes Pvt. Morgan Phillips from Camp Hood, Texas. "Hope they keep coming. We have nice weather here, but it's a little chilly nights. Watched bombing demonstration Sunday. Sure would have been a hot place in that airplane. One of the planes opened fire too soon and riddled an ambulance." . . When Seaman lst Class Forrest Babler penned his letter, he was at sea aboard the U.S.S. Vance. At the time, he could not reveal his location, of course, but said the weather was "just grand." Continuing he says, "When making liberty we can wear whites-which should be quite a change from back home now. I like my work much better than a shore job. Also am seeing things that are very interesting." . . Paul Marki sends best wishes to The Drizzler and "everyone who gets to read your funny paper." After his induction at Fort Sheridan, Paul spent 14 weeks at Camp Wolters, Texas, then two months in "damp" Camp Inglewood, Calif., followed by eight weeks at San Luis Bispo and two months at Camp Rucker, Ala., which ended his active duty. He is now married, lives in Los Angeles where he is assigned as a guard at a defense plant. Paul concludes by saying "So now I am enjoying a serene married life and learning to understand why people call a place home." . . "Have we ever been busy," writes Emil Weigert, the erstwhile Mt. Pleasant agricultural ace then still at Ft. Jackson, S.C. "All signs point to a boat ride on our next move, but the devil only knows when and where? I only hope this merry-go-around is not just another brainstorm. We've been all ready to go abroad before, but never have gone. I hope it's the McCoy this time." Indications are that Emil and Sgt. Melvin Marty, both in the same division, have now left for overseas. Incidentally, Tommy Brusveen, until the beginning of his army career a member of the local tonsorial triumvirate, is believed to have left about two weeks ago for a foreign destination. . . Sgt. Joe Legler, ol' Two-Gun himself, arrived in England some time ago.
MORE NEWS FROM THE PEN-'N'-PENCIL FRONT-
From Lt. "Ott" Blum, M.C. USNR, writing from the Southwest Pacific. "Dear Roz: I hope the Drizzle is still going strong. I want to be sure you have my correct address which is exactly as it appears on this letter. Before I left the U.S. I thought the Drizzle was a wonderful periodical. Now it means every so much more. While I censor this letter myself, still I am not at liberty to reveal where we are. I left the States about a month ago on a transport and landed a few days ago without being attacked by any planes or subs. It was plenty hot most of the way and is very hot here. The scenery is beautiful and utterly tropical. There are cocoanut and banana groves and dense, exceedingly green jungles over every foot of ground right to the tops of the mountains, but there are few conveniences as we have them at home. There is lots of activity here and we see large numbers of all kinds of ships. My outfit is expected to move up soon, but I don't know just when or where. Best wishes to Yolanda and Rosanda, the same to you, with congratulations for the highly appreciated thing you are doing. I wonder if Les has had any leave and has been back. I hope so because he surely deserves it. Sincerely Ott. (You've undoubtedly read about Les earlier in the Drizzle, Ott. And thinking of you two medicos makes me think of our "collich days" at Wisconsin. How long ago was it-fifteen or twenty years? So long ago, anyway, that I don't like to think about it. Well, what I was going to say was this. Do you remember those uproarious jass games you and Les and Ken Kennedy and Laurance Marty used to have? And how I used to "sit in" once in a while, too, when you boys needed someone to teach you the finer points of the game. Ahem! I can just see the Major snort when you read that. I was just thinking-how long is it now that Ken has been with the TVA down at Knoxville? Six or seven years? . . From Lt. Harris F. (Hoppe) Babler, Air Transport Officer in the Aleutians area: "Dear Roz and Staff: Looking out the window and viewing the usual Aleutian weather who and what do I think of? "The Drizzle", of course. Your latest copy arrived a couple of days ago and I see you are definitely "hard pressed" for filler because you had to devote much space to Capt. H. J. Youngreen, the ex-dispenser of assorted refreshments, and U. G. Hill, the one-time king of the hardwood alleys. (This hardwood alleys' business is all news to The Drizzler, Hoppe. How'd he get this new title? I imagine he must have bribed the pin boys into kicking over the other nine maples as each of his throws accidentally tickled the front pin and then flobbled off into the gutter) That guy Youngreen must be spending all his time acquiring that Hawaiian tan and presenting various local beauties with leis. A couple of my friends here were in the Pearl Harbor affair, and from what they tell me, that entire Hawaiian area is now one large "gravy train." Alright, Cap, so I do envy you. We are still "sweating it out" here in the Aleutians fighting a rugged battle with the weather and things in general. Glad to see Erv Spring and Fritz Haldiman have done some penning to the Drizzle staff. They were so occupied with their duties the last time I went to see them that they were unable to keep up social graces and visit with me. My plans were changed and I cannot return for flight training. Will have to last out about another year in this area. Thanks much for your splendid publication. Until next time, Hoppe."
"Bob" Blumer, the former sage of Main Street, writes from northern Ireland that if The Drizzler wants to try something that's really tough, he should hike 25 or 30 miles in a blackout as he has done several times recently. He inquires about Doc Block (Jack Zweifel) and Chevrolet Leon (Voegeli). Both of 'em are fine and up-'n'-at-'em as usual, Bob. . . Writing under date of Jan. 2, Don Trickel sends us his new address from the Southwest Pacific. He's been transferred from the infantry to the medical corps. His present location is the sixth island he's been on in the Southwest Pacific. "They are all alike-jungles, mountains, mosquitoes, and heat. Have received two Drizzles and am looking for the November issue. Hope I receive it tomorrow." . . It's always swell to see that "old reliable," Slim Freitag, and he bobbed in on us the other day for an all-too-brief visit. Slim's still vice president in charge of sales for Howard Aircraft in Chicago. . . "Herb" Burgy is very happy in his new job with the Department of the Interior in Washington. Says not to believe all we hear about that war-minded city which he thinks is a swell place. . . Attention, Dr. Fred Hammerly, the Hollywood (Calif.) obstetrical specialist. When (?) do I get an answer to the letter, that I wrote you weeks 'n' weeks ago? . . Cpl. Carl Dick is located near Cardiff, Wales. His hospital unit is all set up and in operation. He's in charge of the office and also of his hut which houses 12 men. The country around Cardiff is beautiful, green the year 'round. C.J., who is somewhat of a genius when it comes to letter writing-owing The Drizzler a letter ever since he entered service many months ago-now has a bicycle and he expects to take frequent "tours" through the countryside. Was in Cardiff the other day and had "fish, chips, and tea." There's an old castle in the city and C.J. hopes to go through it at his first opportunity. . . Did you know that Jimmy Doolittle, leader of the sensational air raid over Tokyo and now heading the American Air Force in England for the invasion of Europe, is a distant relative of Mrs. Jim Dooley, east of Monticello, whose mother before her marriage was a Doolittle? Mrs. Dooley's uncle, Dr. S. W. Doolittle, Madison, corresponds with the ace aviator regularly. . . Thanks to F. G. Blum, lolling in the sunshine down at Miami while we're shivering up here, for those Miami newspapers. Enjoyed browsing through them very much. . . Mrs. Robert Taylor, the former Marion Voegeli, and her husband, Lieut. Taylor, are on their way to Los Angeles where he expects to soon board a battleship for duty in the Pacific. Recently saw service on the U.S.S. Iowa in the Atlantic. . . Nathan Burgy leaves Norfolk shortly for Boston, then expects to be assigned to destroyer duty in the Pacific.
Major Les Weissmiller's been assigned to the army hospital at Butler, Pa., a 1000-bed layout. Already on duty and very happy about the set-up. Butler's 40 miles from Pittsburgh. His wife left yesterday to join him. . . Lt. Leon Babler's completed 12 air raids over Europe. . . Lt. Howie Steinmann due home today on 19-day leave. Reports later at Ft. Meade, Md., to study mess management in army baking and cooking school, then to Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, Calif.
To these Drizzle donors: H. L. Karlen & Sons, Irene Marty,
Edna Haldiman, L. C. Marty, Elmer Freitag, W. A. Bontly, Adolph Arn, Fred
Steinmann, "Slim" Freitag, "Doc" Horne, and Henry C. Elmer,
I see I've "over-shot" my space. Sorry to close so abruptly, but here's
bushels 'n' bushels of the very best of luck to every single one of you.