Encoded for for the Veterans History Project, October 22, 2020.
All letters in the Ellsworth Dewitt Hill collection were digitized.
The following letters were transcribed from the handwritten originals by Veterans History Project staff. No alterations to this transcription has been made, although spelling errors are indicated with [sic]. Any special emphasis (i.e. underlining) is presented *between asterisks*.
Thursday, August 24, 1944
Dear Florence
I have about an hour just now, and being aware of my lack of writing letters lately I’ll take the opportunity for making amends. Just now you realize that things are moving pretty fast. The news to-day which has already been published is the capitulation of Romania and the marching through Paris of the American Army.
Mostly for the passed two weeks I have been right along with the parade. In a lot of ways it is staggering, the speed and the mass of the move. All along the roads the French people pile you with fruit and flowers. If you dont stop to have a drink of “cidre”, the seem to break out in tears. Everybody, young and old seem to have come out to Liberation, and with these things are beginning to appear which every one though were gone- things like automobiles, bicycles, and mechandine in the shops.
Only yesterday I got a bottle of [Lumtreaux?] or is it Contreau. I could’nt send it home so I am weening it bit by bit.
Needless to say that the trip has been pretty
Rugged. It did’nt stop raining long enough to get dry. But with it all I am still feeling fine. Like every one else I am hoping this is the beginning of the end.
Despite you not expecting to be a Colonels wife, I am still a Major. I have had plenty of praise, and all the back slapping, but the possibility of promotion hinges on a guy whom I know dislikes me personally- as I do him. I have a reason, but he has’nt. It is a little of the some gripes, because I have accomplished some things he could’nt. But some of the higher-ups know the situation and maybe it will work out. Anyhow so long as I am doing something constructive, rank does’nt mean to much to me.
Here is the end of the page and the letter. I am off again to the war, and will be seeing you after it is over. My love to you all
Dewey
Major E. D. Hill
G4-Advance Section Com Zone
A.P.O. $113- Postmaster N.Y.
0506508
Mrs E. D. Hill
76 Fourth Street
Garden City L. I.
New York.
mention of promotion