June 7, 1944 Wednesday

Dear Mrs. Russell,

Five days ago I came to Barkeley. Tonite is the first one I could not have been in to spend the evening and night with Mrs. Russell, if she had been in Abilene. I am duty officer tonite, which means I must stay on post. Just for the sake of being here, that’s about all. Not a great deal to do.

Today I saw a prairie flower, which, natcherly, was growing wilder every hour. I knew that flowers would make you happy so I picked it (it was quite a fight—it had become so wild) and after domesticating it for a mile in the sun, managed to get it in this envelope and on the way to my best wife. “Best” may sound as tho there were others, but you specifically called me your dearest husband the other day, and I’m jealous.

Next Monday, or maybe even Sunday, we go out on a 5-day problem with the whole division. That won’t be long, and when I get back you should be almost here! I’ll give you the situation from my end of the line starting tomorrow. Then if I can I’ll call sometime this weekend to get things up to date.

Tomorrow I go out on the range with 2 groups of me, and give instruction before they fire. Got to read up on that now. So goodbye. I love you so very muc—wish I could write lots more.

All my love, always,
Wallace