16/1/53

Dear Ila,

This may or may not be a surprise to get another letter but I’m in a combat now that requires every address I know and even some I don’t know. Bet one of the lads here in the exec. Post that I can write 40 letters; 10 days time. If I should fail to do so I’ll have to give him the magnanimous sum of 20 dollars. Seems like a lot of work, what? But just to even it up, though, he must write 20 letters in the same 10 days and if he fails I’ll be the proud recipient of 40 dollars. Considering how lazy he is I have just as good a chance of collecting as he does. Unfortunately the pressure is on because of this contest, so I won’t be able to be my usual sparkling self. I promise to make it up, though. Can’t remember mentioning it or not, but I dropped the officer deal in a hurry when the jokers told me I’d have to sign for another year. I can just see me signing over to this miserable outfit. Yes indeed! Looked like real soldiers the other evening when we shot out everything but trucks and jeeps at an attack up front. We got out 1052 rounds of high explosive in just under 2 ½ hours, a very fast rate of fire for a 6 gun 105 MM battery. Been hearing too many rumors lately to make me feel cheerful. The latest came down from high up and says that the latest drafters may go in for 30-36 months. If that happens the poor suckers in now, like me are going to be hit with something. Probably another year in this sinkhole. Cheerful though. Was Santa good to you?

Love Frank