Luxembourg

January 20, 1945

Dear Mom,

It's been a little time since I had a letter from you, but we've had much snow and I suspect road and weather conditions have considerably slowed the mail. It is beginning to trickle through now.

The white blanket seems only to emphasize the bleakness and desolation of the area. The buildings stand sightless and uncovered like a blind man without an overcoat. A few gaunt cows stir about and an occasional pig runs pink and chilled down the road. Where the few civilians still live, heavy-furred dogs like Alaskan sled dogs wander aimlessly.

War has passed here with great violence and not even the heavy snow can completely blot out the frozen wreckage strewn on every side. Yet, withal, the country is magnificent and when the sun is out it makes a brilliant picture. But underneath it is harsh and cruel on the men who must burrow into it to live and to fight.

February 4, 1945

Finally found the letter I started two weeks ago. I was interrupted at the time and had to put it away. Meanwhile we moved. Every time we do that my stuff gets buried for days.

I still don't have much idle time as I now am writing some After Action Reports (a summary of operations) covering several months. It's quite a job and rather futile in a way since the Colonel usually rewrites most of it.

I had another session of pinch hitting for him recently when he was gone for a couple of days to speak over the Army Hour program. Possibly you heard him. It was the same program the AGF commander spoke on.

The other day at lunch I had an interesting encounter. A war correspondent turned out to be Aaron Bohrod, a Chicago artist of some repute. He works for LIFE magazine and you may have seen his work. He was for a time in the South Pacific. We had an interesting discussion. Nothing of great moment, but good "shop talk".

Did I tell you I had a Christmas card from Roy Becker? Apparently he's in the Pacific somewhere.

Gracie's popcorn balls came two days ago. They surely were good and more of the same would be welcome. They came in perfect condition and were fine and fresh. Many thanks.

Had one letter from Pop, one from Grace and one from you. Many thanks for these also.

Love,

Bob