Ramona My Darling –

Two years ago this day, I pulled away from American shores with feelings hardly within description. Anticipation and fears were among them. The sea, the destination, the dangers ahead were not too hard for me to imagine. I think, if my imagination was measured at that time against what actually happened – I believe the happenings were a bit short of the imaginings. I’ve seen ships blow up at sea, I’ve seen ships blow up in the air, I’ve seen and heard many bombs, and I’ve seen the devastating effects of ten thousand bombs, yet I feel I expected all that and more in June 1943 as I sailed through the dark nights and long lonely days zig zagging across unknown waters.

When the mind is active and experienced there is little that surprises it or takes it unawares. The old soldier experienced in battle is seldom surprised, he knows the whine of every type of shell, he knows the craft of the enemy, he knows nature, and he knows there is little he has not known before. A little variation may confuse him for a moment, but just for moment. Some people call it callousness, but I don’t think so, there is a difference. One cannot be callous to death dealing implements – they are to be studied and highly respected. Well, I am two years older, and my knowledge gained has not added much – it rather confirmed and outlined what I considered theory before. Whether my life is shortened or lengthened by these two years, I’ll never know, but I do feel the rest of my life will be much better directed because of my two years here. I could be wrong. Women have turned the direction of many a strong man. I claim no special strength.

You think I am in Rome, I had long been telling you I am going there and to the Po Valley. Really I’m packed and planning on leaving tomorrow morning early. I”ve planned many starts, but did not succeed to date. I doubt now that I’ll go to the Po a few days in Rome and I’ll return here. Darling the letter you wrote on the 10th came today, yet is was my birthday through I little realized it. I’ll try to be with you for my next one. I love you sweet and send my love by that old moon which now looks in at the window as I write. I’ll try to be on to prove it personally when transportation permits.

Your Bill