April 1, 1945

Dear Joe,

Thanks a lot for the letter. It looks as if you got off to rather bad start in the Army -- German measles, reporting late, black eyes, etc. -- what next?

I finished my finals on the 19th of March. I looked for job and found that the only jobs available pay $.60 a hour and 48 hours a week. I didn't think it was worth it, so I went to Chicago for two weeks where I cleared more than I could here in Minneapolis and had a swell time on top of that. Between you and me, I found that G.D.S. wasn't running as smoothly as it could have with apparent friction between Mas, Aki and Wivalow, John. They don't get mad at each other or anything but you can tell that the friendship is put on -- not genuine. Pretty sad case! Of course, I hope you've got the sense to keep quiet about this --

I went to the Baptist church a couple of times and met a few of your friends -- all on their initiative. Evidently you got around quite a bit there because everyone seems to know you. Today I went to the Easter service and they mentioned the addition of another star on the service flag in honor of you.

I saw Tom Ichien who is going into the

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Army on the 3rd. He told me George was probably on furlough. George tried for O.C.S. and passed every test but something went haywire and he didn't get in. During my stay at G.D.I. Bob dropped in unexpectedly and the whole gang had quite a reunion. G.D.I. has another member here in John Hayward. He had some experience in wallpapering so the whole gang decided to decorate the whole house. When I left, they had just finished the front room and were starting on living room. The front room really looks snazzy with a flowery pink design and all the wood work painted white.

With the $150.00 you sent me, I'm pretty well set. I'm not worried about my financial situation and as a result, I haven't given it too much thought. Perhaps you think I'm loafing or living on easy money, but I've got it all planned out. Everything is going according to schedule. I'm going to work at pioneer hall where I can work off my room and board and tuition. Can always accumulate during the summer. I managed to talk my way into residential house but that holds only as long as the folks stay in camp. I got a refund of $30.00 last quarter and will have to pay only $32.00 for tuition this quarter.

I writing this letter aboard a train. Aren't anything else on my mind so I guess I'll be closing. How'd the Snelling deal turn out? Drop a line when you can. So long.

As Ever,

Towru