January 12, 1944
Here I am again trying to think of something to write. I've done nothing today but went on guard duty for two hours this morning. It has been raining all day, but it hasn't been cold. I'm glad I wasn't there at home when you were having that cold spell. It stays pretty warm here all the time. I've been here 14 or 15 days now, but it seems like it's been a month.
We will go on rifle range after we are here about 20 days. I'll be glad when we do. They told us about 50% of us will make P.F.C. rating before we leave boot camp. I wish I could make that.
I made out an insurance policy to you today for $10,000. I didn't know who to make it out to, you or Dad, but I guess it doesn't make any difference. It is just going to cost me $6.40 per month, but you will get something out of me if I get killed. I thought it would be best to take it out for as much as I could, but you couldn't take out no more than $10,000.
Don't forget to send me some candy if you can get any. Send me some home-made chocolate candy, or just about anything.
My cough is a lot better now.
Love,
Pedue
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January 9, 1944
Dear Dad,
Here I am sitting on my sack with Tom, so I thought I would write to you. I just got off guard duty again. I don't like it, but I have to do it. I think I've got the rest of the day off, or at least I hope so. I haven't cleaned my rifle yet this morning but will do it in a while. We have to clean it off at night, oil it, and then of the morning, we got to wipe the oil off again. We have to do this every day. They told us that we had better take good care of it, because that will be the same rifle that we will take to combat.
They are plenty tough on you here. I always heard that they aren't supposed to lay their hands on you, but that is bull shit because they do it anyway. One of them pushed me with his open hand and burst my lip. It sure made me mad, but there wasn't anything I could do about it. Yesterday morning we had to get up at 15 till 4, and we didn't go to bed until 10:00, so we got 5 hours and 45 minute sleep that night.. I guess that is as much sleep as I got at home, though.
I guess I like this place pretty well, even though it is tough. They feed us good. I hope they can put about 30 pounds on me, but I guess that is impossible.
I got my pants and overcoat, but haven't got my whole uniform yet. I got my work pants and work shirt, too. I haven't got my teeth fixed yet, but they said they would fix them before we get a leave. I had four shots, and my arm is pretty sore. I am going to see the doctor about my cough again tomorrow.
How are things in Dry Branch? I guess all the women are still there. I hope they are still there when I come home. I will quit for now. Take care of yourself and don't work too hard. Tell everyone hello.
Your son,
Pedue
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