July 1, 1944

Dear Margaret,

I received two of your swell packages today, and there is a fine assortment. The pretzels will be consumed this evening with beer. It's a rare treat -- the first pretzels we have seen since leaving the States. We all thank you. As you know, ants are quite a problem here and you would view with interest your gift package suspended by a string from the side tent pole, the string coated with heavy lubricating oil. Last night we saw "See Here Private Hargrove." The first half of the picture was excruciatingly funny, particularly to the Army audience, dealing as it does with the typical rookie misadventures. But the second half dropped off abruptly and proved to be just another picture. They also showed an orientation film on the Chinese-Japanese War. The shots were all authentic, including captured Japanese film. As anticipated, they were stark and gruesome, building up a terrific case against the Nipponese and increasing, if that is possible, our admiration for the Chinese.

Much love,

Herb