Germany

February 21, 1945

Dear Mom,

This has been quite a red-letter week. I received two letters from you: one from Jan. and one from Feb. and yesterday my promotion to Major came through.

It took only about two weeks from the time it was put in, which is mighty fast. If Col. Stilwell had been able to get it for me sooner he would have, but as you may know on a staff job you must put in three months before the recommendation can go forward. So I am well pleased.

For a few days past I have been working at night in order to catch up on some reports long overdue. It's the only time I can get enough peace and quiet.

Anyway, I was still sleeping late yesterday afternoon when Capt. Everett woke me up and told me to get up and be a major. Guess I wasn't much convinced for I went back to sleep for about 20 minutes.

After supper the general called me in to personally congratulate me.

I am having even more trouble getting used to the change than when I went to Captain and people have been heckling me about it in a good-natured way.

Insignia is a problem. At present I have only one major's leaf, but I have been promised some. They are practically impossible to buy here.

I would like someone there to try to buy me some. You will probably have to show this letter. Have the store send them Air Mail. I think that way you might be able to buy them because of the red tape surrounding purchase of insignia. Be sure to take along my serial number. They will need it for their records. I'd like you to get two sets of major's leaves (metal) and three sets of the same in cloth.

The only disappointment in connection with my promotion is that Col. Stilwell is not here to pin on my new rank. He has himself been promoted to a higher job in another Corps, for which I am glad, but we miss him very much. His successor Lt. Col. Booth, is very able, however, and pleasant to work with. He has been in combat with the Division since we landed and held a comparable job in his regiment while we were back in the States, so he is competent for this job and is doing a nice piece of work.

There is not a great deal else that is new. We are making good progress.

Tell Pudge that as soon as I finish writing all these reports, I will send her a letter about Paris. Just now I am about "burned out" writing. Thanks for her letter too.

Love,

Bob

P.S. You probably wonder about those crucifixes I had the Chaplain get me to send to you. They're still here - buried out in all the junk we cart around. Hope to get them out soon if they're still around and send them to you.