Germany

February 23, 1945

Dear Pudge,

I have scads of letters from you which I intend to answer and of course your request about Paris but I may not get to it just yet, late though it be.

What I do want is to wish you a Happy Birthday since that day is not far off. I haven't anything to send you but perhaps the enclosed samples of Luxembourg and Belgium money will be of interest. By the way, don't we have some relatives from Luxembourg - or did I ask Mom that?

I am also sending you separately a little guide book I bought in Paris. It looks most battered and used but actually I didn't open it until I returned and its aged look comes from my having carried it around in my pocket for weeks, forgetting to send it to you. I also had a map of the city, but I loaned it out and I am afraid it is gone for good.

Enclosed with the booklet is a color photo of Notre Dame on which it looks better than when I was there. Chaplain Esser, who sent me the card, used to be our Bn Chaplain before he lost the thumb and finger of his right hand in an accident. Hence the remark about saying Mass with one hand.

If no one has gone to see about buying my insignia, perhaps you had better hold off a bit. I was just informed yesterday that there will be a Sales Store around and I may be able to get some. I'll let you know in a few days.

Guess Mom told you how much we liked the popcorn balls. They really kept fresh. Yum! Yum!

From Mom's description I think I got all the Xmas packages but one. I got the one with the cashew nuts and the soap and olives and the writing paper and shaving stuff. I seem to recall another but can't think of what was in it.

Love,

Bob