Keywords
WWII;Bertrand Pinsonnault;Charles Nofal
Rights Management
All rights retained by Bryant University
Transcription
[Transcription begins]
FROM:
Sgt. Bert Pinsonnault 11[?]5171
Staff Section 180th Infantry
APO 45, c/o Postmaster
New York, New York
May 5, 1944
TO:
Bryant Service Club
Bryant College
1 Young Orchard Ave.
Providence, Rhode Island
BRYANT SERVICE CLUB:
Received your letter of April 6, 1944 and very glad to get some late news of some of the fellows. Quite a shock to hear about Chuck (Charles Nofal) a great pal of mine while I was there. And Bus a POW; it's pretty rough but there isn't much one can do except hope that the whole thing gets over soon and the boys that are left get home soon.
As for that Easter package, I regret very much to say that it did not get here as yet. I appreciate it a lot though, but the way the mails go at times there are plenty of things that never get here.
As for myself, after a little siege in the hospital everything is going along in fine style, now and the future doesn't look too bad. Out here the latest innovation is a little club strictly for the Division. You can bet that when the boys get off the beachead [sic] that all paths lead to the "club 45." All the latest gadgets for losing a hard-earned pay as well as a little liquid refreshment. It really is the best thing that has happened to us since coming overseas.
The best thing about the place is that the guys get together and it sure beats any fireside chat that's ever been put out. there are some rather funny experiences as well as tragic ones. But to a lot of the fellows tragedies have become rather commonplace and they talk and laugh of them as such.
An occasional Red Cross girl with the perpetual doughnut to brighten (?) a GI's life. They certainly are appreciated in all ways; it gives us a chance to talk to some girl in English instead of continually stammering Niente and Si Si to every "guinea" that comes along.
Weather is getting along pretty warm and I'm soon looking forward to a swim in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. And those blue waters are every bit as beautiful as the tourist guides advertise them. Recently had an opportunity to visit Capri and I really can't see it as the papers put it. The first look is very disappointing; very rough and rocky looking and one would call all the people there just another form of parasite living on whatever they can mulch out of the tourist trade. And the latter is one thing that the local gentry is very adept and famous for.
It seems that I've about run out and so I'll close with the best for the Club and thanks for your letter.
Sincerely
Bert Pinsonnault
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