September 6, 1943

Dear Mother, Dad and Brother,

A few lines to let you know I'm o.k. and please don't worry.

I sent my bed roll home last Saturday. I addressed it South Windham. In a few days, I'm going to send some extra clothing home in a box. Don't try to save them that's why I'm sending them home. All I care about is a few new handkerchiefs and a new tie. The rest is old so use them. If you find a package marked (personal) put it upstairs. You know I have two packages upstairs now and have written on them. I know you'll do what I ask as there is nothing inside except a few letters. I keep them for personal reasons of my own. I trust no one will ever open them.

Oh yes, I'm sorry, Mom, that I don't write to Helen (sister) but I felt sure I had heard you say you see her sometimes. I get mixed up. Tell her for me and I'll try to write her soon.

Ha Ha I heard all about the bear story as I got a letter from Edith Mains to-night. What is the answer?

I also got the pictures you sent. That one of me on the car was good I think.

Helen Ladd wrote me a letter. Seems to me she's working too hard. Also said she got hurt on her bike trying to carry two boxes of ice-cream.

Mom, I sent home the Battery picture I told you about. (It was the Battery B, 15th Field Artillery Battalion I wrote about in the Special Post.) I sent it to-night. Hope you get it o.k. Please let me know. Ha Ha, Can you find me in the picture? I only missed getting the names of a few boys. About 25 boys from Texas were home on furlough at that time.

Please don't worry or let things bother you too much. Try to do something so you won't be so lonesome.

Well, Mom, it's late at 12:40 at night. We made 20 miles today and I've been working hard getting ready for a big T.B.A. inspection to-morrow. I guess I'll say good night to you all.

Love Charles

The picture with him on the car July 1943

I feel my uncle is sensing there is going to be a change at Camp McCoy. First, he sent his bed-roll home, then his old clothes, and then a box of letters not to be opened. He is beginning to tell his mother more not to worry, that he's o.k. etc.

When my Uncle Charlie died in the 198o's, his sisters found several letters and decided to throw them away. Darn it. History thrown away!! Can't blame them, I guess.

*September 3-17, 1943 – Invasion of Italy (European Theater) Allied invasion force lands at three locations on mainland Italy at Solerno, Calabria, and Taranto after Mussolini had been deposed and an armistice with the new Italian leaders signed on September 3. Resistance by German troops was stronger than anticipated, eventually leading to their withdrawal from southern Italy, south of Rome, and a defense of their Winter Line favored by General Rommel of Germany in the north.

Troops: USA/United Kingdom/Canada 189,000; Germany/Italy 100,000.

Casualties (Killed/Wounded/Missing): Allies 12,560; Axis 3,500.

More information: https://www.thoughtco.com/invasion-of-italy-2360451

^^Sep 3 British 8th Army lands in Reggio, Southern Italy