Stationed in Europe

Dec. '42 England

I had seen fire go through the young pines in drought season. But it

was no more swift than passion's blaze through us. Our hearts were

rejoined and we were in each other's arms. We were pitiful in the

bliss and pain of it -- so lavish were our loves so strong our need and

right of each other and so vigorous and sentient our years.

You will remember, won't you?

6 April '44 England

The sun has just come up. It's a beautiful morning. The grassy downs

are sparkling like myriads of diamonds. Sheep are placidly grazing

around my tent, satisfied with the prospect of getting both food and

drink in the same mouthful and displaying their wooly youngsters with

great pride.

From the top of our hill the great sea is as quiet as a lake. The

anchored hulls of all the cargo ships are quietly swaying to and fro

keeping rhythm with gentle swells that do not end in surf.

This morning my heart goes out to you.

Mar. 18, '45 Germany [Along the Rhine, 6 days before his death;

taken from a letter to Evelyn's mother]

I am still the busiest guy in the seven armies and the days and nights

run together and melt away with alarming speed. Still, each one that

passes brings closer that time when my purgatory on earth shall be

ended and I can enter into my heaven through the portals of your two

lovely arms.

Mar. 21st, '45 three days before his death

...the build up for the big push rapidly being completed.