Germany
Dolph's Letter #61

Dear Sweetheart —

Well dear I went to Friday night services last night — but there were none. Of all the men who are here there were only 6 of us who showed up — so we couldn't + told it.

But one of the officers who was at Benning with me was there + afterwards — waited a half hour + then went over to his tent. He saw you at Benning (thinks you are beautiful — what else could he think) + we talked about our wives, how we met them + how we married. He has been married one day more than we. You know, it's talking about you — everything about you + our marriage is so wonderful — I was transported out of Germany to you. I felt so close it was past regions with me — where we are + what we are doing is not life. You are the only thing real. I never thought + until I said we shall get married — that I could love anyone more than myself — but it was not until I said that that I was ever truly happy. You have given me that which is the greatest gift anyone can give another — happiness. Just seeing you, being near you, delights me more than anything else.

So our talking — he about his + I about my wife — was a happy conclusion of an otherwise undistinguished birthday.

You know there is a policy of non-fraternization in effect here in Germany. A wise move in view of the circumstances. Of course it doesn't bother me for there is no one or anything in Germany that I would like to talk to or have as a souvenir. All I want, from a personal point of view, out of this war is me. At the same time I can see that that policy — good + right, I agree — is going to trouble the GIs + the soldiers back. Not being able to talk to civilians + play with the kids is rather tough for an American. It'll work out all right, I believe, if we don't have to be here long.

Well dear — enough for now — except I hope you are well. I love you so. Take good care of yourself.

Your devoted husband,
Dolph