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Letters from Theodore Katz

November 13, 1944

PictureWritten on back: "Celebration - somewhere in [redacted] 1944"
Nov. 13, ‘44
 
Dearest Helen,
 
Right now, the elements are having a hey-dey with a real-honest-to-goodness blizzard – and I sit here humming “Jingle Bells” happily, because I am inside looking out and not vice versa. But – the main reason for my joy is you. Not that this is unusual, as you are a constant source of happiness to me. But, tonight my cup floweth over. In front of me I have 4 letters, and a wonderful package from you. It arrived in fine condition, a tribute to your wrapping ability and the laws of chance.
 
Upon delving into the contents, I find all sorts of wonderful things – tasty foods and practical items such as the mirror, soap dish and toothbrush. I couldn’t have asked for anything better – and if you were here at this moment I would “reward” you until you hollered “Uncle” – and then I would start all over again. The little notes attached to each item were the finishing touch – I got such a kick out of them.
 
The “boys of the back room” and I have just sampled the cheese, which in combination with some of the local variety of pumpernickel, is delicious. Even Jack, who has a phobia against cheese, is asking for another piece.
 
As I look at the toothbrush, I recall the first one you bought me – that not-to-be-forgotten evening I pursued you to N.Y. and after much confusion, address hunting and telegrams – everything came out as smooth as silk.
 
Excuse me, but this cheese intrigues me, especially after a supper (?), a description of which I will forego, so – out comes my knife and another slice of cheese shall disappear very rapidly –
 
I’ll save the other delicacies for another evening. Wish Sam were here to enjoy the spaghetti – we being such gourmets and connoisseurs. No further word from him, though I know it’s just the usual delay in the mails.
 
The latest of your letters is Nov 3rd, dealing with Helen Hayes and the National Theater and including a note from Mrs. Henry. She is the one who creates newspaper headlines. Am I correct? I want you to tender my thanks for her kind words and her efforts to lift your morale on those mailess days. From the praises she lavishes upon you, I can easily deduce that she has impeccable taste in people. Also, convey my hopes that the postman visits her regularly and all is well within the Henry tribe.
 
Good Lord – what a hog. Here I go for more cheese.
 
Inclosed you have no doubt already found two snapshots taken one day as we stopped in a town for a few moments. The group picture shows what took place within a few moments of alighting from the trucks. The man, together with his wife and Amazonic daughter came out of the building in the background waving a bottle of cognac and would not rest until we had all drunk a toast to their liberation. I know the prints are small, but I’m fortunate to even get these, and if you get out the magnifying glass I think you’ll be able to discern the features of Jack, Dave and the one who loves you –
 
Ted

  • Home
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  • The Unit
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    • Soldiers >
      • Rosters
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      • Bio of the Month
      • Photographs
      • Honoring the Dead
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      • Operation Brest
      • Operation Bettembourg
      • Mapping The Ghost ARmy
    • Sonic Deception
    • Secrecy and Leaks
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  • Archive
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    • Curtis Collection
    • Nussenbaum Scrapbooks >
      • Nussenbaum Book 1
      • Nussenbaum Book 2
    • Dahl Letters >
      • Training in the USA
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      • Back in the USA
      • Postscript: Love and Loss
    • Katz Letters >
      • Training in the USA
      • England
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      • Luxembourg
      • Germany
      • Back in the USA
    • Tompkins Diary
    • National History Day
    • Selected Documents
  • About Us
    • Board
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  • Donate
  • Multimedia
    • The Ghost Army in Color
    • WWII Museum Exhibit
    • Tintype Photos