January 22, 1944 Parris Island, SC

Hello Mom,

Thought I would drop you a line while I had time. There isn't much new around here. My left foot is swollen a little, and they got it all taped up. They put me to bed for about 4 hours. They even brought my dinner to my bed, and I got to eat lying in bed. I have to go get some more teeth fixed tonight, and I hate that. It sure hurt when they fixed them.

I have to go on Guard Duty from 1:00 to 3:00 in the morning. I have to get up about 15 to 1.

I got the candy that Betty and Jewell sent me and sure was glad to get it. Tom and me, and a couple of other boys ate it all the same day we got it. It tasted so good. There has been a bunch of boys pass out while we were drilling. There was one who passed out yesterday, and the sarge made some of the boys step all over him. I wouldn't step on him. Most of the boys who pass out are from Mass.

My cough is just about gone, but my tooth has been hurting me for the last few days. I hope they can fix it.

I will close for now because news is scarce around here. Hoping to hear from you soon.

Your son,

Pedue


Dear Betty and Jewell,

Received the candy you sent and was sure glad to get it. Tom and I and a couple other boys have already eaten all of it.

We were out drilling the other day, and a boy passed out. They just drug him to the side and left him there until he came to. We had to keep on marching while he was passed out. When he woke up, they made him get back in line and march again. We have to get up about 4 or 5 every morning and drill until 4:00 in the afternoon.

I went to the PX today and got weighed and I've gone to 156 lbs. When I first joined, I was 142. No, I haven't got my whole uniform yet. I just got my pants and overcoat and shirt and ties. I am supposed to dress up today and go to church but I'm not going to.