8-16-1943

W.R. Smith, A.S. USN
Graveler, Hall, Co.12
Pocatello, Idaho

Dear Mother and Dad;
Well I guess the best news for today is that I heard from Don as you no doubt did. I was going to call you and tell you but he mentioned in his letter that he had written to you "before" he wrote me. He is really in a nice set up there at the U of Houston because he will get good ship quarters and he will be treated swell because he has a rate. He is in Texas in a hot time of the year but it will get cooler there soon according to some of the boys who "hail" from there. I'll bet you were sure relieved as I was to hear but no matter where he goes he will be all right and you shouldn't worry too much because that makes it hard on you.
Boy Dad at last the Old Forest Dale People have awakened & relaized who the best man for some of their jobs is. I was really happy when I heard over the phone the Dayton had asked you and I was going to tell you How much I thgouth about the offer when "Mirt" cut us off. It is really swell and if it won't be too much work for you on top of what you are already doing why take it and really make a good mutual in Forest Dale.
Well it is now 2245 (10:45 P.M.) and I am tired as heck because I ran a 3 mile mountain trail through the hills today during Physical Education class. I made it O.K. but boy does it wear you out running that far in the hills. Well good night Mother and Dad.
Guter Nact,
Schlafen Sie voll,
Deiner Knabe
Willhem
xxxoooxxx

tell Aunt Lou and Uncle Fred Hello & give 'em my Love