Luxembourg

January 9, 1945

Dear Mom,

It would be difficult to find a prettier country than this in winter time anywhere. The hills, the evergreens, even the bare trees all heavy with snow. The jewel-like wires, bowed under the weight of ice, and the white-topped houses are a stunning sight to the onrushing spectator.

But that which makes it pretty makes it more difficult to fight over. For our men up front it's a cold, grim business, moving without shelter through the white wilderness. Only the confidence in their own great fighting power and the knowledge of certain victory sustain them. We were dealt a swift and unexpected blow which was quickly fended by courageous men, and now we are ramming the enemy's teeth back into his own throat to stifle him for all time.

Two much praise cannot be written for the men of this Division for the tremendous drive they have developed since the first dark days in Normandy.

I have been going through some of the letters which have been piling up and have picked up a few items not already taken care of by the passage of time.

One goes far back to the stuff sent from the coast. Did you ever find the enlarger in it? It doesn't matter particularly for I have the other and this of which I speak is not too good. It is taller in size and called a "mini-larger" or words to that effect. Mason was using it and that may be why it wasn't included with the rest. Its main advantage was that it could take larger negatives than the one I have. If it didn't come, don't bother any more about it.

Your note of Nov. 24 which you expected to reach me so soon, being the first at my new address, was actually the last letter I have received. Apparently it came by boat.

I don't quite understand why so much difficulty with the tax check. I thought I left a bank signature card to supplement the power of attorney. The Army insists the latter is sufficient for the purpose, which is why I sent them to Marn.

Just recently I opened the cashews which I got in one of the Christmas boxes. They were quite a surprise and amazingly fresh. Needless to say, they disappeared rapidly.

If someone there has opportunity I should like them to call the circulation dept. of Time-Life magazine and find out what happened to my subscription renewal.

In Sept. I sent a money order for a one-year's renewal to both Time & Life (military rate). They've sent me copies long past through the expiration date but all bear the old subscription number. Just recently I continue to get letters requesting renewal which indicates they have not received my request.

If they didn't get it, you might see if you can get a renewal for me. Marn can send them a check or M.O. If so, then please add $4.50 more so Time will be sent Air Mail. They usually arrive six weeks to three months late by 1st class mail.

My old address and subscription number the way they have it was:

Capt. Robert F. Burns
Hq 3-Bn-Morgan Annex
APO 90-Cr PM
New York, New York

2-35-ZR-974-407 Sept 44 for Time and for Life.

I had a lot of fun recently (and a lot of work) when I took over for my boss when he got a few day's vacation. I had a chance to see the big shots operate and found it quite entertaining.

Love,

Bob

January 12, 1945

I must be psychic. The space above was for my LIFE address which I had in a notebook packed away somewhere. I held the letter while I looked for it. Lo and behold! Tonight's mail brought my first copy of TIME under the new subscription so you can forget all the foregoing instructions.

However I would like someone to correct my address to my present one. Also, if possible, pay them $4.50 more and have copies of TIME sent AIR MAIL. Otherwise it takes quite a while for them to arrive.

Also in this night's mail came your letter of Nov. 24. Apparently it too came by boat.

You ask about the extra ribbon with the Silver Star. It's simply a replacement for the present one as it gets too dirty or worn. The other object is a lapel button for wear on civilian clothes.

Nothing else new. We're going great guns.

Love,

Bob