The following V-Mail letters:
To: Mrs. G. M. Foote, Roff, Kentucky
From: PFC James F. Scott 15306047 Co.E, 271st INF. APO 17807 % P. M., N.Y., N.Y.
 
 

Dec. 12
England

Dear Mary,
     Had a pass the other day - managed to locate Bill's where abouts and had a nice visit with him. As usual, he acts as though there were ants in his pants, but I guess he had a reason. A couple of days before he was forced down in Belgium on an emergency landing field; says there are huge mosquitoes over Germany since the Luftwoffe has been wiped out - the insects have cannon too. We had an all night bull session - he was on duty - watched orders come in to bomb Germany.  I visited London too - saw some of the sights - the Palace of George, House of Parliament - 'tis interesting to see some of the things you merely read about.
      Really appreciated the 2 vmail letters you wrote - Am eager to learn how J. Foote is progressing, and have you regained the girlish figure? Hope your Christmas is a merry one, and that the husband doesn't get disgustingly drunk.
 Love to all,
  Jimmie
 
 

Dec. 28
England

Dear Mary,
     Have just had the merry Christmas, but of course wish to heck I was home.  One friend and I had a real good dinner in an English home - 3 old women were our hostesses, fed us well and gabbed so that my ears are still ringing.
     Went to see Bill again a few days ago - he's in good health and fairly good spirits - only 3 more missions to go at the time - he's undoubtedly done more lately. For curiosity's sake I ask some Rut's what kind of guy he is, and they seem to like him O.K.  Not many asses return from combat - they change.  I sacked brother - took some clothes and cash and went to London where I dated a doll - Took her home only to find mom and Pop willing to set up as long as I, I am still a good boy.  The main square, Piccadilly is sin itself at night.  Street walkers abound - there must have been a hundred, but I am only a casual onlooker.
     Got your letter of Dec. 15 in which the husband was prematurely consuming the X'mas cheer, and the baby was bawling as you wrote.  How are Gerard's relations with his draft board?  Sure hope he doesn't get caught.  Sure am enjoying the letters from you - the Vmail gets here pretty quick only 2 weeks.  The loved one writes of affection, so I am happy.  Hope the kids had a good Christmas.
   Love to all,
  Jimmie

Newspaper clipping in envelope with V-Mail:  James F. Scott has been promoted from Private First Class to Sergeant.  He is in England and has been to see his brother Capt. Bill Scott on two occasions.
 

The following V-Mail letters:
To: Mrs. G. M. Foote, Roff, Kentucky
From: Sgt. James F. Scott 15306047 Co.E, 271st INF. APO#417 % P. M., N.Y., N.Y.

Jan. 13, 1945
England

Dear Mary,
    Don't remember whether I wrote you last week or last month - anyway I went to see Bill twice and he to see me once. He's only a little bit flak happy - combat has made him sober - guess you've heard his couplet:
I tho't I wanted wings 'Til I got the G. D. things,
Distinguished flying crosses don't compensate for losses -
Want my hand around a bottle - and not around a throttle - etc.
end of quote.
    Mom says we're kin to the king, but I'm afraid he doesn't know this so I haven't visited them yet.
    Am getting accustomed to England some what, but the damn fools drive on the left side of the road, and steering wheels are on the wrong side of cars and I beat my head against the nearest wall when I see what looks like a driverless car dashing down the street.  According to British newspapers, Britain alone is most of the show just as our papers hardly mention the limeys.  The girls are now appearing eligible to my critical eye - guess I'm getting hard up.
    Glad to hear news of the namesake - God forbid that he look like his Uncle.  Whenever he passes the stage wherein all babies look alike, please send a picture - was tickled to get the one of Ed, Phil & Maude.  Enjoy hearing from you regularly - don't see how you do it - am surprised that you aren't living in a shoe, prolific one.
     Your X'mas sounded good -guess I wasn't a good boy.  However, Bill unwillingly furnished L5 [ed. note: 5 pounds] which I blew in London.  Read in the weekly wiper that your old bean is wed - guess you're heartbroken.  How's Gerry?
 Lots of luff,
  Jimmie

Jan. 25, 1945
France

Dear Mary,
     Am looking for Lafayette to tell him I'm here - guess he's still around but can't find us in this hay loft - the present home.  Managed to sleep warmly last night by utilizing an inner spring mattress the Beche forgot to tear up and using 6 wool blankets for cover - wish it could last.  Your husband would probably like the French existence - they drink no water - not even the children drink it.  "Not good for the stomach" they say.
    The retreating Germans must have taken the young femmes with them - doesn't seem to be many left.  However there was one left behind who raised her skirt to a passing convoy causing extensive damage.  There are more signs of war here - the Germans looted a lot - took citizens back to use as labor.  The damage in places is almost unbelievable - it's pretty rough in the population.
     I called Bill a few days before leaving - he has only 2 or 3 more missions, but doesn't think that Doolittle will let him go home for some time.   Am getting lots of letters but no packages - will take the liberty to ask for one.  Please send a bag of food - anything.  Glad to hear of the kids.
 Love to all,
  Jimmie

Feb. 14, 1945
Germany

Dear Mary,
      Am allowed only to say that I'm in Germany.  Having a fine time - wish you were here, and all that. The food situation is indeed deplorable think I'll ask Bill to drop a few cans of beans the next time he comes this way.
      Got a letter from you while in Belgium - glad to get it. Don't see how the kids do the farm work at their age. Tell them uncle drinks the modern milk which is powdered - you take one drink - spit it out, and swear profusely.
     Did the same school teacher return - to Roff?  You never did tell me.  I ain't doin so well with the favorite so am looking for anything.
     I'll write more when the censorship relaxes. Can't even think of any bull to write.  Hope you're O.K.
  Love
   Jim