Letter from William H. Gernert to Richard T. Gernert, February 11, 1943

[top right] 11 Fe [word blocked by hole punch] uary 1943 [end top right]

Dear Pal-

Mom said it was funny- everytime Bill came home Mary would get up to greet him, then rush away to throw up, after one look at him, Eh? Thats exactly what your mother did when you kids were coming and I wrote Bill and told him he was getting paid back for what anguish he caused me before he came into this world. Muskingum gave capital it's first defeat of the year last night at New Concord. That will be a battle when Muskingum and Wooster meet, wont it? Yesterday it rained hard- last night it turned cold and today it is a bitter cold blizzardy day outside. I am about fed up on winter. Saturday morning we are leaving for Bill's wedding. I am going because I promised Bill and to represent you + Bill at his wedding. We plan to stay over night at the Grays and come back Sunday- The Bowmans may go with us. Mother was just nuts about the Plaster job and all the other things Shirley + I did- however, I got supper as usual last night, her first night, but she was pretty well worn out. The Waughs, Bowmans + Youngs dropped in to see her last night and stayed a bit late too. Remember what I told you- I don't want a coward in our family, neither do I want a dead hero. All I want is for you to come back out of there by June 1st on your own power and with a captaincy, then a furlogh home. Hot damn! Also pick up a few curios a Jap eye brow or sword, but watch the dirty rats, dont ever let one get behind you. Step on them- under your heel- give 'em no chance. Ok Sonny Boy, do your stuff. Are you still keeping notes for your book? Best wishes to you buddy. Remember your prayers and Old Pop is pulling for you.

[right] Oceans of love from Your Pop [end right]

[bottom left] P.S. Keep clean- inside [underlined]. always [underlined]