Richard Lee Holt Sr. letter to his wife Minneford Francis Holt, written in Italy on August 8, 1944

Well it looks as if our rain was over for a few days, but it was good while it lasted, at least it settled the dust for a few days. There is a nice breeze blowing this morning but I guess by afternoon it will be hot as the devil again. It is too bad about Mrs Terhune but I guess she is much bet- ter off. We had a very interesting lecture, or rather an orentation by the S-2 officer of our Bn this morning. He covered the war bothe here and in the other theaters of operation, it all sounds to good to be true. The boys in France are sure doing a swell job, and from what I read and hear about the Russians they arent do so bad either. We get our PX ration to day. They say we have quite a bit of candy this time, I sure hope so as we havent had anything but the hard candy we get in our regular dailey ration. We also got some more beer last night, it was good while it la- sted but didnt last long enough for some of the boys; I st- ill have two bottles of mine, but of course will get rid of it before the day is over Honey girl it is almost noon, so guess I will wind this up and get ready for dinner. Dont know what I will do with myself the rest of the day. There isnt a thing going on we are still sitting back in rest, with very little to do. Sure hope I dont miss getting a letter again to-morrow. Honey I almost for got to tell you. Sgt Dent a boy from "A" Btry left this morning on an emergency furlough, his mother is seriously XXX ill and cant live over two months at the most He is planning on comming up to Fayetteville to see some of his wifes people and promised me he would come to see you. The furlough was granted through the Red Cross. Sweetheart give all the youngsters a big hug and kiss for me and keep heaps for your self. I LOVE YOU WITH ALL MY HEART SWEETHEART. Your always loving hubby Le