31 May 1944
Dear Miss Thompson (Nancy)
Ive received your card and knowing that I havent sprained my wrist and that I still love you please except my letter!
Ive enjoyed the booklet youve sent me about those in the school and those about their jobs through out the world. It thrilled me, it really did. Guys you knew in and about school doing big things wherever is the American Flag.
And myself, doing some littte part in it.
Im at Camp Chaffee in the Combat Engineers and I like it, darn it with all its ruggedness, danger and hard work. Ill show them that an Art Teacher can swing a pick, build a wooden bridge and blow-up a tank. Ive gained many pounds and I look better for it. But I am ashamed of one thing very much ashamed of it and sorry, too. I was in Newark some three weeks ago on a furlough and I but rushed in to school and rushed out. Just as Ive said it. In and out!!
But Ive had a friend at my side and she wanted to get to her job in center Newark. And I couldnt very well leave her, Could I? Now you couldnt leave the young lady to her own resources. So I went with her and didnt see Miss Thompson and many other people I would have liked to see. But next time!!! Ill be there.
As you know Im a T/S and am the draftsman of the Company with maps charts and overlays to think about.
Ive found a good friend in a certain Lieutenant we both know. Stan Buckner. Both he and I see each other occasionally at his house (my house is full of Privates but, I assure you, is far from being private.) Stan and Myra are sweet folk.
Best regards to every-one, Miss Thompson and drop me a post card, if you will though I cant insist upon it knowing my own short comings.

Sincerely Joe