To Bastonge
Patton's Third Army was racing for, and reached, Bastonge on Dec 26th, two days after Joe joined the unit.
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December 29, 1944
Anne Darling,
I forgot when I wrote the last letter, but here is one anyway. I've been doing so much and moving around so much, I haven't had time to blow my nose really. It is still very cold over here, but the sun is shining every day. I have now received my permanent assignment.

I am now in the 2nd squad of the 3rd platoon of Company G of the 2nd Battalion of the 10th Infantry Regiment of the Fifth Division of the 3rd Army. Boy what an address. You just address my letters the way it is on the envelope.

I'm in with a swell bunch of fellows and 2 of them are around the neighborhood. One lives on Stratford Road between Caton and Church Aves. The other lives on Kings Highway and E. 18th St. I haven't time to write a letter to Mom and Pop, so will you please explain to them. These letters are practically meant for all three, as I know you show them all the letters.

The stys on my eye are all gone and I really feel fine. The meals are still better than I got at Camp Croft and there is plenty of it. I haven't received mail yet and it will probably be a while before I get any. I hope it wasn't too long before you got any mail.

How is Helen doing in her rocking chair? I hope she hasn't yet fallen from it. Gosh I really don't know what to write about. That fellow Jolly that I wrote to you about is still with me. I guess we'll stick together for quite a while. He is a real nice fellow but he talks a lot, just like Jacqueline. They would certainly make a good pair.

I'll be glad when spring comes so it will get warm again. Although I have plenty of clothes to keep me warm, my feet still get cold. I know you will laugh now and you would laugh more if you saw me, but I have my long John underwear on to keep my legs warm. I guess that is all for now.

Darling you don't have to write every single day now, because I don't think it is fair to have you write everyday and have me write every few days, whenever I can. If you have too much to do a few nights, forget about writing. I won't be able to write every day now, but I know you will understand.

With loads of hugs and kisses, I remain as ever,
Your loving husband,
Joe

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