Letter Written by Gordon A. Van Eck to the Bryant College Service Club Dated July 17, 1943

[Transcription begins] HEADQUARTERS HARBOR DEFENSES OF NARRAGANSETT BAY Fort Adams, R.I. 17 July 1943 The Bryant Service Club Bryant College, Providence, R.I. Dear Gang: Received your recent letter and with it a deep red face. Would have been willing to “swear” that I’d written thanking you for the cigarettes. Am ashamed of my thoughtlessness. Trust, however, you will forgive me. Have just recently returned from a 10 day furlough deep in the heart of Maine with my “better half”. Had a wonderful time and it certainly was a very desirable change in my usual routine. I will realize how much you all would like to have taken my place, especially now with exams coming up. A little more news. “Yours truly” is to be a “Pop” about the first of November. Oh, happy Day, at last I am a man! Again I thank you for all you are doing and also wish each of you the best of luck in your coming exams. Sincerely, Gordon A. Van Eck Gordon A. Van Eck Corporal, C.S.C. [Transcription ends