September 20, 1944

Another day has dawned and we are all packed up and on one-hour’s notice. The rest has been grand and I feel in the pink again. We all feel very optimistic as we prepare for the final battle of Italy. I am of the opinion that it will be our last in Italy, perhaps of the war.

With regards to your advice regarding prayer. I might say that when you are in battle and you know darn well that each minute can easily be your last, you get a much finer understanding of it all. I am not in the least bit afraid of dying anymore and it is such a comfort to be able to put yourself in more capable hands. All I have asked for is the safety of my loved ones, and for myself, the courage to do my duty. I have a fine feeling that my prayers have been answered. If anything does happen to me though, I should like you to meet Kay and Val if such a thing is possible. It’s been a grand adventure and one I wouldn’t have missed for anything, though I would be well pleased if it were ended soon.