May 27, 1944 — A brief rest allows Phil to write home

Published by Walt Larimore at May 27, 2024

Phil’s 30th Infantry moved but little during the 27th. The r3d Battalion moved its defensive position 1000 yards further west to close a gap between the 3rd Division and elements on the left, and a new defensive position was organized.[1]

Wire was laid by Phil and his A&P platoon, and a patrol sent along a road toward Velletri for about a mile, then swung south toward the lower end of the small lake.

The patrol returned and reported contact with a patrol form the 36th Division. The battalion commander, Major R. H. Neddersen, and S-3, Capt. James L. Osgard, then went to contact units of the 36th personally to determine the exact location of the latter’s forward elements.[1]

During this brief break, Phil wrote home:

27 May 44

Lt. P.B. Larimore[2]

Hq Co 3^rd BN. 30^th Inf A.P.O. #3

c/o Postmaster New York N.Y.

Dearest Mother and Dad

I guess by now you know what is going on around here. We are doing the things now that should have been done some time ago. But we are sure doing a good job of it now.

Please don’t worry about it now because I am in good shape and feeling swell. I wish you would send me some of the newspaper reports of what is going on, on the beach head (or what was the beach head).

At last I am a 1st Lt. I am wearing silver bars now. I have a little more rank now, and the main thing, I am making a little more money. That is what I want.

Oh yes, did you get the money order that I sent home? It was $50.00.

Now I guess I will be able to send a little more money home per month. Just put it all in the Bank for me. Then when I come home I will have some.

Will you tell the Bank they can stop sending me statements now because I am not doing any writing of checks, and I don’t think any money is going out. I should have some where near $500 in there now shouldn’t I?

I don’t know how often my letters will be coming through or how often I will be able to write you. But I will try to write at least one (1) per week. Some times, in fact most of the time, I don’t know when one week starts and the other ends.

Write when you can and remember I love you all.

Love, Phil

~~~~~

[1] Taggart, 175.

[2] Typed letter. Post marked “U.S. Army Postal Service, A.P.O., 2 Jun 1944.”