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By Root 491 0

I could take it. I’ve found I can get hit hard and like it. There will be plenty of time for fight and glory next year. I want to really accomplish something in the academic aspect. I like geometry and Latin American history, much to my surprise.… I’m kinda homesick and want my mother, but I guess I will get over that. I’ve received exactly one letter since I’ve been here. Fine support for the baby of the family. You guys have no idea how much a few words of cheer and goodwill are appreciated here.

Wistfully, Bud

October, 1941

Dear Folks:

I am not as good a football player as I thought, but I’m still trying. I’ve learned an awful lot about the game I didn’t know before. I’ve gotten to play a few times, but I was so scared I couldn’t do anything. Regardless of what anyone says, I am trying to better myself in every way. I don’t smoke or swear or do anything my sisters or mother wouldn’t approve of.… I had to read Wuthering Heights for English and I never enjoyed a book in all my life as much as that one.…

John is getting in a lot of trouble. He goes out at night in spite of the fact that it is a serious offense and he has been caught at it once before. He spits on the floor. He has an automatic that he fires at the drop of a hat out the window or any place he feels like it. He got a date at 2 A.M. this morning with some disreputable little number in Faribault. You can’t tell him a thing. He is always nice and pleasant though.… I’ve much to say to you when you come, so hurry up.

Love ya, Bud

P.S. Please hurry.

October, 1941

Dear Frannie:

This is just a prelude to a manuscript I shall write you in a little while. I was awfully glad to get your letter of goodwill. A letter is very appreciated nowadays. I’m sorry I haven’t written sooner, but I haven’t had time to go to the “John.” That, sister, is a fact! I was actually constipated for almost four days because I couldn’t get to the “John.”

School is unbelievably tough and I’m having a lot of trouble making myself study conscientiously, but I’ll manage somehow. I was playing first-string football but I have a back injury and now am able to have no athletics at all. I’m in the drum and bugle corps, the orchestra and dance band. Jesus, I can’t wait to see you and tell you some of the Godawful funny things that happen here.…

Love, Bud

November, 1941

Dear Folks:

This has been quite an eventful day.… I was asked by all the influential senior officers at a special meeting to pledge their fraternity (which is by far the best in school). It is quite an honor to be a member as only the very best-liked fellas get in, and me “a new boy”! My, my. There are few members but very influential as far as they go. I won’t have very much trouble getting on the Crack Squad next year … we are reading The Three Musketeers and not ever having read it before, I find it very interesting.

I love you both very much.

Bud

November, 1941

Dear Folks:

You are the most patient, swellest folks a guy could have. I will be glad to get home and talk and just be home. School is fine but bewildering. Life is so gad dammed bewildering. I am learning a whole lot and am really becoming a man, a young man, perhaps, but a man. Many things I used to think of as important aren’t at all now.…

Love to all, Bud

December, 1941

Dear Folks:

You’ve probably gotten my grades and they don’t look like much. I don’t care what the masters have written in the comments. I am trying. I am being more systematic and orderly about my work and everything concerned. PLEASE have faith in me. I will get through, I know it. Things should be breaking any minute. They are in so many small ways. I have improved since John left, and with Christmas vacation coming up and everything, I’ll have an excellent chance to review while every other fella will be out on a toot. I certainly look forward to coming home. I’ll leave about the twentieth.… These last days are grueling. They are piling on work so fast that it dazes you. I guess they have to because three weeks is