Camp Forrest, Tenn
March 21, 1941
Dear Mary Rose:
First of all thanks for the very speedy reply lets keep up the good work. Secondly you may send the picture that was taken one month ago if you please. Honestly, I do and will appreciate it very much.
As yet we have done practically no riding to speak of and plan to start in regularily Monday. In a few words this has been clean up week about the camp for us new arrivals. Today I washed 224 window panes (small ones) while some of the other fellows were pulling tree stumps and making wooden walks.
Even though we're in the same barracks Hummy sleeps upstairs while yours truly bunks on the first floor. Walt and Ash are in another barracks but sleep side by side. All four of us seem to be getting used to the routine and only occasionally "squak" about the darned army but that makes us good soldiers. (so they tell me).
About fifteen of the boys, including myself, are going to attempt to charter a plane so as to come home Easter. We'll have to get the Captain's permission to leave and in all probability the whole plan will fall through. I don't know whether it's a good idea to take a leave so early- that is so close to the time that we reached here. Oh! well it's food for thought and gives me something to dream about.
By the way- I just learned that I've been officially made a first class private which means $6.00 more per month in addition to being made a 6th class specialist. The 6th class specialist means $3.00 additional and I'm to be a mounted messenger. Walt and Hummy have also been made first class privates. So you see- recognition at last. That General's job certainly looks well at this point and I've been thinking very seriously of taking over.
The lights have just gone out and I'm now writing by the light of my trusty flashlight. As you may know, the lights go out at 9:00 P.M. but we are free to stay out until assembly the following morning. I'm gaining weight and certainly feeling tip-top. Saved by the army! No night life- no mornings without breakfast- no rushing off to the office to be ontime.- It'll work wonders (but just for a year).
I met a very fine fellow by the name of George Sullivan. He lives in Price Hill and thinks he knows you and your family. He, however, insists your name is Rosemary. Why doesn't somebody tell me these things? How long have you been operating under the alias- Mary Rose-.
Well- I had better get to bed and start counting window panes instead of sheep. Tomorrow is a comparitively easy day and I should have no trouble living through it. Then comes Sunday- a day of rest.
So long and I'll be waiting for your reply and picture.
As Ever
Stan
March 24, 1941
Dear Stan,
Curiosity once killed the cat I'm told but what does 6th class specialist mean. I'm curious. Congratulations on being recognized as a first class private- I mean- the afore mentioned 6th class specialist and a mounted messenger. All in one too. You really surprise me. As for the General's job why don't you let that pass for another six weeks.
Unique, I am sure, is the only description I have for the time and place you write your letters- first at an unheard of hour of the morning then by flashlight- Oh well.
Now for that spicy little slice of office news. Lindsey is back fit as a fiddle and enquiring hourly about you and the rest. Fred Lange was in the other day for a nonp-stop flight. Bud is leaving Sunday to join the Navy due to a call for his division. We don't know how long he will be gone. It is now the morning after the word gone and Dick Ashbury is renduring a rendition on Eddie's horn and giving Eddie fits. He isn't bad either. Somebody received a letter from Jack Taurrman who assures us he is perfectly happy but would appreciate a few extra blankets to add to his already enormous collection- just for comforts sake- for no other reason- in other words its cold up there.
Please put poor George Sullivan at rest and tell him to go right on insisting he knows a Rosemary Bertke- he probably does and I'll put you to rest by assuring you I'm not flying under false colors- My name is Mary Rose- Can I help it if there are two of us.
You will just have to be patient about my picture because the cobwebs and dust are positively glued to it.
Do you think you might possibly make that trip Easter? I'm afraid it is too much to ask for but I'm hoping with all my heart that you can come home. Please let me know as soon as you can what the outcome will be.
Was it fun counting window panes in your sleep or was it all a frightful nightmare! This is my third start on this letter as you can readily see by my changes in pen and ink.
The office is having a party Friday night at Mt. Airy Lodge and the boys are having fits because only a few of the girls are planning on going. As soon as I receive your reply- pardon the blackout- I'll be back in a flash with a flash. I probably should have started this series of flashes with a flash as that is what it consists of.
Sincerely,
Mary Rose
"Pardon the blackout"
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