In Germany - March 2, 1945

Germany
March 2, 1945

Dear Mother,
I heard a program from Springfield the other day. Sort of a message to servicemen from there. It kind of brought back memories when they spoke of Lanphier, The Sangams, and other well known spots.
I received another of your little boxes yesterday. The coffee candy didn't last long among these chow hounds. Thanks a lot for the little note book. My old one was getting pretty full.
Those people in Belgium I wrote of gave me their card. The censor restriction has been lifted, so I'm sending it on to you.
There are also a couple of other enclosures. Two American invasion notes of German money. One for five marks and one for one mark. At the present exchange rate a mark is worth about ten cents. Also a note for ten Belgium Franks.
I picked up a couple stamps I'm putting on this letter.
You keep asking me to request something - so I think I'll impose on you and ask for a nice big box of chocolate candy. The things that most of us would want if it was possible would be odds and ends of tidbits that could be eaten between meals or before bed time. That is one big thing - the ability to change the monotony of army chow.
Look! No more room - So good night - Love
Kenneth

All Is Well - Feb 4, 1945

Feb 4, 1945

Dear Mother,

How-de-do and how are you? A couple of short lines to let you know that all's well.
I sent some more money home yesterday. Don't know how long it will be before you get it. At least you know it's coming. It'll be for about forty-five bucks more or less.
So far no more of your packages have caught up with me. I'll let you know when they do.
I have a hundred franc note from Belgium. You can add it to your collection of souvenirs. In case I haven't told you the exchange rate on Belgium francs - it's about two and a quarter cents per franc. A little more than the French franc is worth.
You gotta go you gotta go. So loads and loads of Love
Kenneth

A Note From France - Nov. 1, 1944

Nov. 1, 1944

Dear Mother,

Mail from the past three months is finally catching up. - A little at a time. Now then I have an idea what goes on back yonder. It helps a lot when writing.
I also received a package of writing paper - with razor blades included. It was very timely thank you.
I am sending, under separate cover, a little something from France. I couldn't find anything for Dad, so I hope he doesn't feel slighted. I keep on the look out and maybe I can pick up a pair of Jerry binoculars for him.
There is also en route to St. Louis by way of the government three thousand eight hundred francs. Or in plain English seventy-six bucks. It should get there someday---.
That's all the dirt I can dig up for now - bye-
Love
Kenneth