Pvt. W.D Johnson 34945847
Detachment of Patients
4314 US Army Hospital Plant
APO 887 c/o Postmaster
New York, N.Y.
Jan 10, 1945
France
Dearest Mother & Dad:
I just wanted to let you all know I was awarded a purple heart medal today and have already mailed it to Louise – so you all will see it in the near future, I hope. It could get lost in transit, but it would surely get lost if I tried to keep up with it.
I should be back in my outfit in a few days. I feel perfectly okay and am anxious now to get out of the hospital altho the rest was much needed and has done me a lot of good, But there is such a thing as too much loafing and after that it begins to pall. I’ve reached that point and am ready to get out and do something again.
I’ve read several books & magazines lately and I can especially recommend “Our Town”, a play by Thornton Wilder. It pretty well analyzes my thoughts in recent months so you can read it & see what I’ve been thinking. I also recommended it to Louise.
I really have enjoyed reading since I’ve seen here resting. It is a wonderful relaxation that we are not inclined to miss until the opportunity passes – like we do about so many of the good things of life! But not any more, I hope.
Not having heard from you all in a long time, I have no recent news of Macey. Did you pass my advice on to him? Now that you know I’ve been in combat, I can make it more emphatic. If he can make himself useful and essential on that side of the pond, tell him to do so by all means. This is no place for anybody who has any other excuse for not being here, and I still think that two out of three brothers is enough of a batting average for one family. I surely hope he doesn’t get mixed up in this.
We don’t pick up much news around here. We can’t get out and see anything so I’ve spent most of my time reading. It is a handicap, too, on letter writing, specially since I haven’t had any letters for so long & don’t know what’s happening at home.
You all save all your “Life” Magazines and after the war I may be able to see some things in the pictures that I actually saw. I’m not in any pictures but just thought I’d enjoy seeing them later.
I hope all is well with you all. I think of you all the time and wish I could be sitting in the living room next to Louise with my arm around her waist, and Julie buzzing around while we all talked about politics or the weather or something. I have such vivid and pleasant recollections of my Cramer Ave home! You all pray for peace and have faith and we’ll be doing that soon.
Love always
David Jr.