October 30, 1940

Francis wrote a letter to the family describing a beautiful sunrise at Paris Island while he was in Boot Camp. The second page of the letter is in Polish but not translated.

Transcription (page 1 only)

Pvt. F.P.
Platoon 111
Paris Island, SC
Oct. 30, 1940

Dear Family:

   Had an interesting day to-day. It started off with the most beautiful, unique rather(?) sunrise. The sun was not visible but long red beams streaked across the sky, lighting up fluffy clouds like so much radio city scenery. But more beautiful. Many of the men stood and stared and admired. After we shot our rifles (I shot 183 out of 258 - know I could do 299). We spent the afternoon learning about the trench mortar, a delightful death-dealing weapon which would not interest you. Also we learned the three ways wherein one man could stop a tank. So we’re no so far behind if we do learn infantry warfare.

[Page 2 is in Polish]