Remember WENN and its characters are copyright Rupert Holmes, Howard Meltzer prods and AMC (for now). The Baby Singer original characters are copyrite Michele Savage as is the story and the BS series.

There will be historical footnotes at the end of the story to explain what Jeff cannot. (Where he is--etc) These are not ALL the letters in this particular times period.. hence the differences in the numbers.. they are just letters that would be snippets of life in these months from both Pittsburgh and the War Front

Thanks as always to my Beta readers. Dani, Diane and Dana. (Say that 3 times fast!!)

V-Mail#1 - Alexander: Baby Singer #8

By Michele Savage

May 16th, 1943 (Somewhere in the world--letter 23)

Mittens,

If you've seen the papers lately, you know where I am. Things have quieted considerably in the past 24 hours. Have been rather busy in the last week watching the fellas do their work and making sure I have a record of everything. Victor should be getting a disk soon of a few broadcasts I was able to record with the censors' approval.

The guys here are really cooperative when I want to talk to them or have them guest on a broadcast. I think more than anything it's to let their families know that they are all right. I sure can't blame em for that. Though one fella I talked to about three days ago was hit really bad with some shrapnel. They aren't sure he's going to make it. It's things like that happening that really make me hate this war.

Enough sad things, I laughed myself silly when I read your letter about Bethie getting stuck on top the of the green room counter after climbing to get some cookies. Sure wish I'd seen that. I hope, Hilary, that you take lots of pictures and send them to me. Especially of moments like that. I can't tell you how much I miss you both.

How is the new baby growing? October will be here before we know it. Was thinking the other day whether I want a boy or a girl. It's kind of hard when you're sitting in a foxhole staring at a bunch of kids who look barely out of school. I see that and think, gee, I hope it's a girl. As a parent, I don't know if I could send my son out to this, not after seeing it first hand.

That reminds me, would you call my mother every time you get a letter from me, just to let her know that I'm ok. I made the same request of her, so you should be hearing from her often. And for the record I am fine, I did cut my finger on a food can yesterday. No harm done, though it hurts like the devil. The med. techs joked that they were going to put in a recommendation for a purple heart. I told them that I'd rather have the medal of honor. That cracked up the whole infirmary. It was good to laugh like that. We hadn't had a chance to in the last week.

Darling, would you please send more paper-you know the kind- with your next letter. I'm running low and don't want to run out and worry you. I've heard rumors that we will me moving on soon, so I'm not sure how long it will take for the mail to catch up with us again. I marvel at the fact that we even get mail at all. I am glad we do though. Your letters and Bethie's are the highlight of the days they arrive.

Well, since I am low on paper I should close this now. Give my little pumpkin a hug for me and tell her that daddy loves her and misses her. And Hilary darling, I love you. Take care of yourself and don't work too hard. Keep me updated on what the doctor says about your health and the baby's please. I don't want to worry about that on top of things here.

With all my love

Jeffrey

June 13th, 1943 (Doctor's office waiting room--letter 25)

Jeffrey,

I figured since you can't tell me where you are, I can at least tell you where I am. I will stop as soon as I am called for my appointment. Do you want all the gory details or just a health update? Hmm? I'll let you know as soon as I get back to the station.

I will be sending more paper with this letter. I'm stopping by the USO headquarters here to pick up my volunteer schedule for the next two weeks. I'll get some paper while I am there. You will be very proud of me Pumpkin. I've been volunteering in the evenings at the Pittsburgh USO Canteen. All the ladies from the station are. We have rearranged the broadcast schedule so that the dramas and any show that we girls are in is aired before 7PM. That way the boys can take over the airwaves and we can take care of the airmen. It's really quite fun. Don't get jealous, the only person I take home is Bethie. (I know you)

Sometimes it's hard though. I feed and dance with a soldier every so often and I wish it were you. I look at them and I remember the day we said goodbye that last time. Darling I miss you so much sometimes.

(Back at the station)

Sorry, had to stop. I didn't mean to get sentimental earlier. But I do miss you.

Well, the baby is fine and I am fine. There is your health update.

Eugenia just stopped to tell me to tell you that she said hello. Oh, Pumpkin you'll never guess. I think Eugenia and Mr. Foley have fallen for each other. It's so cute the way he fawns over her, and she positively glows when speaking about him. I am thrilled for the both of them. I have a feeling there will be wedding bells quite soon.

Maple seems to have an eye for Nick and Nick seems to have an eye for me. Now don't you worry, he knows that I am married and understands completely. I will admit, he's turning out to be a great friend. Bethie however is jealous enough for the both of you. She sees him as replacing you, I think. Last weekend, he took us to an ice cream shop. Merely because I was depressed and needed the diversion. She stood right up to him, toe to toe, stretching her little body as tall as she could manage and sharply reminded him, "that's my daddy's mama!" Sure quieted the parlor up, darling, you would have been proud of her.

I want you to understand, Jeffrey, that nothing will happen between Nicholas and myself. He's just a close friend. You have my heart, my love, and nothing or no one can change that.

Your mother called yesterday to tell me she'd received a letter. I do like this system you've devised. This way we both know you are okay with a little more frequence. Sometimes it can take a while between letters and if I haven't heard from you in two weeks, I start getting nervous.

Well, I need to go. Valiant Journey is on in a couple minutes. I love you my darling. Bethie sends you hugs and kisses.

All our love,

Hilary and Bethie

July 12th (Somewhere too far from home--letter 27)

Sweetheart,

I'm so sorry I haven't written earlier, but we've been so busy these days there is hardly enough time to sit and write. I know you are aware of where I am right now. Let me tell you it's been hectic. As it is, I might have to stop suddenly. I just felt a need to talk to you in the only way possible.

Even though I am not actively in combat with the rest of the guys, when all heck breaks loose, I am just as on the defensive. I go to battle with my pen and paper or my portable phonograph recorder. But let me tell you, I also have my own gun. I don't want to worry you darling, but sometimes we need to protect ourselves.

Do you remember that freckle faced red-head I was telling you about? Jeremy Marcus, the one that started calling me 'Shorty'? I've interviewed him several times. He was killed yesterday. It was stupid and senseless. Like this whole damned war. He was hit in the back by a sniper. Never saw it coming.

I don't want to worry you darling, but I needed to talk to someone. Jeremy was a close friend and Hilary he was only 23. He had his whole life ahead of him. Right now as I sit and listen to the planes overhead dropping bombs, I wish with all my heart I was home with you and our little girl. What I would give right now just to feel your arms around me.

I'm sorry about the tone of this letter. I know I sound bitter, but I'm still in shock about Jerm. We all are, he was a good morale booster in our unit.

I have to go right now--chow time and I'm hungry. I'll continue this later when I am in a better mood. I don't want to bring you down too.

I'm back. I'm now writing by the light of the moon. We have to be careful when the sky is this bright at night. I'm dug in deep in a foxhole, so don't worry. Tom and I are sharing this lovely earthen abode. (He says 'Hi' by the way) I'm also looking at pictures of you tonight. Especially the ones you had taken for me. (No, Tom hasn't seen them--though if he pays me enough money--I'm teasing darling.)

I think next to the one with you sitting on the bed wearing my shirt, I like the one with you laying with the shirt open the best. That's the one I am looking at now. I can close my eyes and imagine you here with me. The way your whole face lights up when you smile. The sound of your laughter; the smell of your hair. Mittens I miss you so much right now I ache.

I think maybe now would be a good time to turn in for the night. I don't want to depress you any further with this letter. I'll be okay, Hilary. Today has just been a bad day. I love you and will write again tomorrow if I get a chance. I should hopefully be in a better mood.

With love and always kisses

Jeffrey

July 17th (Letter 27)

Pumpkin,

I've been listening to the disks that you sent for Victor. After he aired them, I asked to take them home. Just the sound of your voice was so wonderful to hear. You sound good darling. I know that's silly to say, but you do.

Lately the news has been very scary for me. Where you are at, darling please be careful. I haven't received your letter 25 yet, but guess what finally arrived? Letter 20! Wonder what kind of trip it took before coming finally to me.

You poor thing, that boat ride must have been awful. I, too am finally glad to be rid of the nausea. This baby seemed to like making his or her mama sick. I bet it was a long crossing with half of you sea sick. I could just imagine.

Let's see what is happening here? Eugenia and Mr. Foley were married at the end of June. Was a lovely small wedding. She held it in the green room so we could all attend and run the station at the same time. We did play music during the ceremony itself. But right after, we were all back on the air with The Hands Of Time. (Brent still doesn't remember who he is married to)

We ate wedding cake and punch between broadcasts. Your darling daughter had cake icing everywhere! The green room looked like a cake factory had exploded. A cake factory named Elizabeth. She did finger paint a lovely picture on the table in icing. Yes, darling I took pictures of her handiwork and will be sending them with this letter. She knew that her mama and Aunt Betty were both very angry with her. It took us twenty minutes to clean the icing up. Betty nearly didn't get all the icing out of the couch.

Have to go now, time to get ready for the USO. Will probably continue this later...

Well, it is later. Right now I am at the Crimson Follies which has been converted to the USO Canteen. Let me tell you that went over well with some in the community. There is still a group of women who refuses to step foot in here because they are worried about a reputation.

As I am beginning to hit the awkward stage of my pregnancy, I've been avoiding the dance floor. I did have a soldier who came through here last night I think it was, on his way to report to be shipped out. He was about your age darling, or maybe a bit younger. He latched onto me and never left my side the whole night. He explained that I reminded him of his wife (poor man!) and that his wife was also pregnant. I danced a couple dances with him, but mostly we spent the evening talking about our spouses. When he left, he made me promise to write to him when I have the baby. I asked that he do the same, to let me know when his wife gave birth. It's amazing how something like this brings people together.

July 18th

Sorry I stopped so suddenly last night. A train had just come into the station and we got very busy.

I just received your letter 25. Darling, I wish I could have been there for you on that day. I'm so sorry to hear about Jeremy. You know it's odd. I must somehow have known you were hurting that day. After I put Bethie to bed, I sat on the front porch with an old photo album looking at the pictures inside and missing you. The moon was full that night. I was able to see by its light, just as you did.

I know from the news reports where you are and I wish you boys the best of luck and health.

Oh, Betty is calling for me. Be back soon...

Soon turned into a couple hours... had to feed the little Pumpkin.

Let me try to remember more news from the homefront. Bethie is talking more and more. Seems like once she opened up, the dam burst! Now she babbles constantly and is really eager to learn how to say anything. She'll point to something and ask, "What that?" and that turns into a game of explaining 'what that'.

She and Miki are at odds right now. Miki chewed on a toy of Bethie's and she let the dog have it. I think had she known curse words, she'd have been swearing up a blue streak.

She's still uneasy about me not being in the same room. As long as she sees me go into the studio, and Lester lets her sit on his lap and watch me from the control room, she is all right.

Did I tell you that CJ was drafted? He said in his last letter to us that he will probably be in an Engineering Division. He's still at boot camp, so his assignment is up in the air. I'll keep you posted.

Well, I seem to be talking your ear off here! I should close this now so I can get it mailed today. Bethie is sitting on my lap and she wants to write something...

I LOVE DADDY BYE!!

That was to the point. She just ran off towards the writer's room. I love you too, my Pumpkin. Enjoy the pictures and stay safe, my love. I must go now and save the scripts from our daughter.

All our love,

Hilary and Bethie.

Aug 5th (Somewhere--letter 30)

Darling,

We seem to have hit a lull. I'm not complaining one bit--we've certainly needed it.

I just got your letter 25 with the pictures. That kid of ours is a mess. I'd still love to know how she got icing that high on the curtains! You are right, Eugenia and Foley do make a good couple. And you looked beautiful. (Tom agrees!)<== that was Tom's handwriting if you hadn't guessed.

Tom and I have become close friends. (Sorry!) He and I have been leaning posts for each other. Especially when Jerm died. It was Tom and I together that wrote his family. That was a hard letter to write, but Tom and I were his closest compadre's here, so we felt it our duty.

So how is everyone? (That also means you, my dear, and the baby)

Around here when we have time to sit, like we do now, we all tell each other about our families, girlfriends or wives. Tom and I just swap 'Hilary' stories.

Right now we are staying in a house that the army took over. The family that lives here is quite nice to us. They have children, one little girl about 5. She's a doll. I can't speak their language, but somehow through gestures we figure things out.

We aren't supposed to 'fraternize' as they say with the family, but with the language barrier it's difficult to spill secrets if we had a mind to!

The little girl, Karina is her name, just walked up to me. She's giggling over the pictures of Bethie.

Sorry.. stopped to have a little play 'round with Karina.

While we are in this town, I bought myself a wedding ring, Hilary. I'd been saving a bit from the last few pay packets to get one. When we are really busy it's hard to take out a picture or some little bit of remembrance. I wanted to wear the wedding ring, so all I have to do is see the ring and think of you.

It's just a gold band, nothing fancy. I did ask the store clerk if he would inscribe both our wedding dates on it. He did for no extra charge. ("For American Soldier, I do"--he told me) Around here everyone is glad to see us! Quite a change from two weeks ago.

This scenery is beautiful, Mittens. I wish you could see it. If we weren't in the middle of a war, this would be a great place for a honeymoon. (Of course our honeymoon's usually turn out to BE wars!!)

I'm sending more disks, including one I recorded especially for my girls. That one is labeled with your name on it. It's in the same package as the other's are--didn't want to risk it getting broken. The one blessing is that they are not opened by the mail censors as they are censored as I record them by a camp censor who sits with me during my broadcasts. Wish you could hear them live, but the only people that hear me live are the fellas here.

I'm glad you enjoy listening to them. If it's possible Hilary, could you please ask Victor to record a broadcast of one of your shows? I'd sure love to hear your voice. And I need more blank disks. (Remember when I was only asking for paper!--Oh, I need that too)

Gotta go darling--we are getting a real meal tonight! The lady of the house has insisted upon cooking a good supper for us before we move out tomorrow. You tell my little Pumpkin to stay out of that cake icing! Give my well wishes to the newlyweds and don't dance too much with those soldiers. You know how jealous I can get! I might have to take you dancing every night when I get home to make up for it. (Gee, that sounds really good right now.) Love you.

Give Bethie a hug for daddy, and give yourself one too.

All my heart,

Pumpkin

Aug 20th (Letter 31)

Jeffrey,

I don't want you to worry, but I've been grounded to bed for the rest of my pregnancy. I feel very good, and the baby is fine. I think my doctor is being more precautious than anything. He says that I am working too hard and wants me to slow down to nothing for the next month and a half.

How did this start? Well, I passed out during a broadcast a couple days ago. Nick took me to the hospital and they checked me out. I was perfectly healthy outside of being a bit exhausted. I was ordered to bed until after the baby is born.

I don't know if I can do this for the next 6 weeks without going stir crazy. But don't you begin to worry, I'll manage. Susan is being wonderful and is staying with me so that she can care for Bethie.

I CAN get up and do things for myself, I'm not completely bedridden, but I'm not supposed to push it.

Have you gotten the blank disks yet? I recorded an episode of Supper with Hilary Booth for you. I didn't think you'd want to hear me profess all my love to Nick as Elizabeth Marlowe. I was thinking about A Woman's View of the News, but I wasn't sure if our friends the censors would have liked that. I figured my cooking was safe. Well, as safe as my cooking could be. We did the episode especially for you--it's one only you will hear, so I'm sure you will get a good nostalgic laugh out of it.

Well, I will close this now as it's late and time for me (us) to get some sleep. I love you darling, and please don't worry. We are fine, just a bit exhausted. Stay safe and tell Tom I wish for him the same.

All our love,

Hilary and Bethie

Sept 15th (Somewhere still--letter 33)

Mittens,

Spaghetti and catsup??? Thank you Hilary, I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I hope you don't mind but after I listened to it, the other fellas wanted to hear it. I had to explain to them the joke behind the main course though--once they'd gotten the joke, they too had a good laugh.

The guys wanted to see what you looked like (Tom is the only person here that I was in boot camp with. The fellas I went to boot camp with were all split between different assignments. Tom, Jeremy and I all were stuck together--that's why Jeremy's death hurt so bad) Anyway-- I showed them the picture of you from Eugenia's wedding. Tom of course had to show them the other picture. The one of you in the teddy that I keep tacked to my little bed nook. (or foxhole wall) They were impressed Hilary, I might find that picture missing someday. They've all asked for copies! I have threatened Tom enough for the both of us.

Just got your letter 28.

You take care of yourself, Hilary. Do what the doctor tells you, if he wants you to stay in bed, please do that. Let Susan take Bethie. It sounds like she's too much for you to handle right now. I can see you rolling your eyes now, but remember darling, I'm halfway around the world right now. I can't be there to know whether or not I am over-reacting. I hope I am.

I have to go now--my day of rest is over. Back to the grindstone as they say. Darling please, please take it easy. Give my baby a hug and a kiss from daddy. I love you Hilary.

All my heart,

Jeffrey

Sept 30th (Letter--34)

My darling Jeffrey,

I knew you would worry. Please don't. As of right now, I'm cleared (yes, by the Dr.) to move freely about the house. I can't work, well, I can't GO to work. I've been working, but from home. Usually during the lunchtime news, Nick comes here to bring my scripts for the afternoon's shows and we call it in. It isn't easy to act while passing the phone receiver between us, but we manage.

I'm sure it sounds interesting. Half of the show being produced from the studio and the other half from our living room. It's amazing that we keep it coordinated, but we do. Lester has been wonderful in getting this logistical nightmare coordinated.

Speaking of engineers, our CJ has been assigned to a ship in the Pacific! According to his last letter he is engineering the radio operations. He's sure got the experience! We do miss him. Hopefully our three WENN soldiers will be home in no time.

Scott seems to be doing just fine. His last letter to Betty was filled with longings for a good Pittsburgh hot dog! He was also going over his exploits with poker. How he finds time, I'll never know.

I went to see Dr. Armstrong this morning and he is glad to report that we should have a baby within a week. Can you believe it? I am really ready for this little one to be born. Bethie is excited. She likes to sit with me and feel the baby move. You should have seen her little face the first time she felt him/her kick! She's been helping her Aunt Susie re-arrange her bedroom to make room for the new one. The baby will sleep in our room until he/she sleeps through the night. After that Bethie has to share her room. I'm not quite sure yet she understands the full implications of this.

I thought you would enjoy the spaghetti and catsup. We had a lot of fun doing that mock broadcast. Poor Victor, he was so lost as to why that was so funny. Betty explained it all to him and soon he too was enjoying himself.

So my picture is getting around there huh? I'm not surprised, after all I am Hilary Booth, of course. Granted right now, I look and feel like a beached whale. I should send you all a picture of me now. Actually, I'll just send you one. You'd appreciate it more than they would, I'm sure.

Susan just arrived with her little monsters to keep Bethie occupied while Nick and I do a show. Take care darling, and I love you.

All our love,

Hilary and Bethie

Oct 3 (still too far from home-- letter 37)

Mittens,

I miss you. I haven't gotten a letter from you in two weeks. Little wonder though, things have really been hopping here. I'm still in one piece. I do have a cold though. I can't seem to get rid of it. The nights are awfully chilly and sleeping in hard packed dust, dirt and grime doesn't help at all. I'd take the steel mills over that any day.

Well, Hilary you have no idea how many times the fellas have asked to hear your broadcast! These days a laugh is precious. More than the laugh, to me, hearing your voice is just what the doctor ordered. I'm actually listening to it right now. Quietly, because Tom is asleep.

I have heard we may be here a while, so the mail just might catch up to us! I bet I'll have a ton of letters! I can't wait. You know, sometimes I can catch a whiff of your perfume on the paper when I open it. I don't know if it's really there or just a solid memory that happens whenever I see your name.

We are in another house. This time we are allowed to communicate with the owners and I'm slowly picking up phrases. I feel like Bethie asking how to pronounce things. The lady of the house is always feeding us! If she's not careful, you will have a very spoiled husband when I get home! She's always telling us she's grateful and feels as if she owes us.

I'm sure grateful for the warm roof over my head. I might finally get rid of this blasted cold.

Well, it's time to turn in. Give my little pumpkin a kiss for me. Should be any day for the new one. I sure hope you are doing all right. The lack of letters is really frustrating when I'm worried about you. I think I will go to sleep to the sound of your voice cooking spaghetti and catsup. I love you, darling. Be well. Tell everyone I said hello.

All my love,

Pumpkin

Oct 8th, (hospital--letter 36)

Darling,

We have a son. He was born yesterday evening. After all the names we discussed and settled on, yesterday, when Dr. Armstrong put him in my arms, he named himself. He opened those little eyes (blue right now, but they'll probably be brown) and gazed at me for the longest time, like he was memorizing my face.

In that moment, I saw you in his eyes. His name is Alexander Jeffrey. He's beautiful Pumpkin, just beautiful. He weighed a little over 7 pounds, a bit bigger than Bethie when she was born. He and I are both quite healthy. I told you there was nothing to worry about.

I had Susan take some pictures of him to send to you. You can ignore the pictures with me in them, I look dreadful. Show those to the men in your camp and I'm sure they'll get over their infatuation with me quickly!

Susan told me that Bethie is very excited and can't wait to meet her new baby brother. She said that when she told Bethie that Alexander had been born, Bethie rushed to the cradle in the dining room and peeked inside. She was very confused when he wasn't there.

The nurse just brought Alexander in for me to feed. I will ask her to mail this. I'm including the pictures that Susan took. You'll see that he is quite handsome, just like his father. I love you, my darling.

All our love,

Hilary, Bethie and Alexander

Oct 28 (Somewhere still--letter 42)

Sweetheart,

Thank you so much for the pictures of Alexander. He is really something, Mittens. I sure wish I'd been there. I don't think I ever felt the distance so completely as when I looked at those pictures. I hope I'm able to get there soon, but from the way the grapevine is buzzing here it still might be a while.

How is the little pumpkin taking all this? I'm sure our spoiled little girl is beside herself with jealousy. I remember mom telling me that Anthony refused to acknowledge that I even existed for the first few months. But when I got to be fun to play with he suddenly thought I was kinda neat. Of course the differences in Bethie and Alexander's ages is much closer than mine and Tony's.

I sure hope they are close. Tony and I never really were and now I regret that a lot. Of course when you have seen what I've seen in the last few months you start to appreciate life and all the little twists it gives you. I'm sure Bethie will get used to the new arrival.

Tom wanted to know if Ellen (his wife) has written to you yet? He said that she asked for our address because she wanted to get in touch with you.

How are all the doings at the station? I sure miss that place. I've almost worn out that broadcast you sent. The fellas still love to hear it.

Oh before I forget, your ex-husband has cheerfully (sarcastic tone on my part) found a place here that duplicated that picture I have. Congratulations Hilary, you are a pin-up girl. And Tom is ... still in one piece, though I was tempted. Yes darling, I am guarding the other pictures with my life. I do think Tom knows about them though, because we do bunk together and he sees me looking at them on occasion. I don't think he'd ever 'borrow' those. He knows what they mean to me.

I made a special recording that I am sending for Bethie's birthday. I know it's a little early but the way mail has been lately, I want to make sure she gets it on time. It hardly seems possible that she is two already. Where did that time go? The disk will be in with the next batch of broadcasts for Victor. They were mailed yesterday.

We are still in that same house that I mentioned. There are rumors that we will be here until after Christmas. Seems like we are waiting for something, but I'm not sure what. I'm just enjoying the quiet. Every so often it gets a bit noisy, but well, what can you do in the middle of a war.

I thought I'd surprise you and have a camp photographer take some pictures of me and the other fellas for you, so you know what kind of company I've been keeping of late. You'll recognize Tom in most of those. I have the pictures numbered. Picture number 1 is obviously just me. Picture number 2 is Tom and myself. Picture 3 is Tom, Me, Pvt. Paul Canton and Corp. Frank Wilson. Paul and Frank are both from Tennessee. The four of us have tended to become inseparable. They are calling us the 4 Musketeers. Paul and Frank just joined our group and we all hit it off right away.

Well, darling it is time to turn in for the night. Give the two babies hugs from daddy. I love you, Hilary. Many hugs and kisses go to you as well.

I love you all,

Jeffrey

Footnotes:

I am going to explain some of the dates and events that are occurring as Jeff is writing his letters. Obviously due to censors HE cannot say where he is at, so I will explain here. I am tracing to the best of my knowledge and research the general path that the 47th Infantry Regiment of the 9th Infantry Division took. I am take a *few* liberties as this IS fictional, but for the most part it will be their general tour of duty. The 9th Infantry Division's first official entry into combat was landing in Normandy on D-day +4. However the 47th Infantry Regiment was sent into combat during the last days of the North Africa theatre. They were then sent in to participate in Operation Husky. Better known as the Invasion of Sicily. I cannot find a direct trail that they took once they landed on Sicily, so I am taking them through Sicily, on into Italy and they will stop in Naples until they begin tactical and combat retraining for the joining of the rest of the 9th Infantry Division in Normandy.

Here are the dates as referred to in Jeff's letters:

Oct 3rd,1943- 2 days after the Allies entered Naples, Italy. Will likely camp there until winter is over and will help keep the city fortified and do some retraining until their orders are received to rejoin with the rest of the 9th Infantry Division on June 10th 1944 (D-day+4) on the Utah Beachhead.

I want to thank the following web sites for their very helpful information:

The History Place: WW2 Timeline

http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/timeline/ww2time.htm

The 47th Infantry

http://www.wood.army.mil/3bde/47th.htm

There are many other web pages out there that are a wealth of information I couldn't possibly list them all.

Last but not least... God Bless the men who really did fight in the 9th Infantry Division (in WW2 and in Vietnam)... they had a tough Tour of Duty.