O_Neil_September_1944

14 Sept. 1944

Dear Miss McGlynn,

Looking at the date I can imagine that old S.T.C. is undergoing the usual strain girding itself for another year of producing "chalk pushers".

Just about this time the poor, little, innocent first yearers are gazing up at the Salem standbys and saying to themselves "Does she expect us to do all that? While the wise old Sophomores are eyeing them with the thought of putting them through their paces on "Initiation Day" Say before I go on may I ask a little question "Are there any Freshmen this year?"

Looking at the date I'm surprised and I'm wondering where the Summer has gone to. Really I never saw time fly so fast.

Looking at the date I imagine Priscilla is also teaching and is back in the old routine of going and coming from school. Give her

my regards and congratulations on her recent engagement.

I had a few nice days in Ireland and had a chance to see a little of the country. Also Wales and England. As you can probably guess we also had a look at France. I got ashore and looked around a few times. It's very interesting. One thing that always impresses me is the German prisoner of war. Contrary to all newspaper pictures I've seen he is not a half starved, pinched up speciman after almost six years of constant warfare. He is a good sized, well built, healthy wholesome looking individual. The quality of cloth in his uniform is good. The quality and workmanship in his shoes and boots are the finest--these things have not suffered any ill effects after long years of war. It's amazing when one thinks of the

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size and resources of Germany -- and then thinks of the army and equipment it has put in the field for the last five or six years. The German soldier appears to have been well taken care of by Herr Shiklegrubber (is that the way you spell it) What thoughts run through his brain as he stares at the tremendous might of the United States rolling bye him. What thoughts run through his head as he sees his well built and well planned fortifications a shambles. You'd never guess these blue eyed fair skinned supermen were thinking anything--maybe I just can't imagine what other people would really think about things like these. These are the men or the type of men who can think up more complicated and clever ways of destroying than any other type of men in the world--and I may add

they have some very clever ways of destruction for which a constant vigil has to be kept.

About 99 44/100 % of the men over here are just about dying to get this war over and get home. I recently ran across a verse which expresses the desire of all the boys over here.

England has its countryside France its gay Paree But anywhere in the U.S.A. Is good enough for me.

How is Wally? I suppose now he is commissioned. Congratulate him for me.

Looking at the date I imagine that the McGlynn store rooms are overflowing with divers and sundry vegetables. How was your garden--a usual success?

Well I guess I've rambled on and on saying nothing. It's seldom, as you probably

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know from old, that I sit down and write. When we do get into a port I like to leave the ship and look around but now I can't so I'll catch up on my letter writing. (I don't know why we can't leave either but I have a good idea.)

Give my regards to your Mother and sis etc. Also regards to Miss OKeefe and Ruthie Sullivan and all my friends at Salem.

Good luck and a very easy and pleasent school year. (I wish now I was there starting out again as even a lowly freshman)

Yours truly,

Bob Oneil

P.S. Have you heard from Harry, Fitzie, or Roy lately. I'd appreciate the three addressess--any time you get around to it no hurry. Thanks!

REO