May 7, 1944
Sunday

Ray's First Communion

Dear Grace,

Good morning, Grace.  I just got back from church and so I just got down and started this letter to you.  I would have written sooner only today is the first chance I have had off.

Say, you sure have some nice stationery.  How do you rate having your initials engraved at the top?

I sure would like to be present at your house for the hayride and I am sorry that I will not be able to be there Mother's Day.

I also received that invitation to your graduation.  I sure was glad that you remembered me. 

Yesterday it rained awful hard but we still had to go out on the field for our training.  Friday I received two shots, one inthe right arm and one in the left.  The one inthe left sure does hurt.  The one in the right just a tinging sensation.

Thursday I pulled K.P. from 3 o'clock in the morning until 7 o'clock in the evening.  Confidentially, I don't like it.

I received a letter from my brother.  He is still well and still in the fight.

The weather out here is sure nice today.  Sun is shinning and everything is drying up.

I'll be waiting for those pictures so don't forget to send them as soon as you can.

All around me the guys are gambling.  In one corner we have a Poker game, in another a black jack game and in the 3rd corner a dice game.  I can't afford gambling so I stay away from it.

I had a chance to go to town tonight but I don't think I will.  I'm not in the mood. 

I guess I will be closing now cause I am running out of news, so until I hear from you I remain,
always yours,
Ray

P.S. Write soon, please.