WW2 Chapter 88 - An Ice Cream Machine (and Frustrated Troops)

11/27/45

Dear Mother,

     We now have an ice cream machine in the company. A couple of the mechanics designed and made it. The ice container is an old 50 gallon oil drum, so you can get some idea as to its size. It's run by a small Briggs & Stratton engine the size of our small power mower. There's no substitute for fresh milk, so naturally the ice cream tastes very poor-- but it looks like ice cream, and feels like ice cream, and it's cold -- and that's something.

     I've heard about many strange things in the army, but recently an incident occurred which about surpassed them all. At 3:00 AM we were to rush 30 trucks to a Philippine Army battalion stationed below Dulag. In addition, there were four more to haul ammunition. I thought that the Japs were raising hell around Ormoc again, and they were to set up a perimeter; -- but it turned out that the air force (they're in a separate depot) were about to start a riot because they weren't getting home. The Philippine army was to have gone in with weapons to stop it. However, a couple ships were "suddenly" located.

     The enclosed article is rather interesting [about the abundance of ships but lack of troops being sent home]. At the time it was written, the information was all true -- however, its author was court-martialed and given six months hard labor, with 2/3 of his pay taken. Many copies were sent to "high" authorities in the states, so there ought to be an investigation of some sort.

     Am driving a bus, now -- my same truck with bows and tarp over the back. It's better organized now, with a "bus terminal" at Base K, a checker, different routes and time schedules, destination signs, and bus stops -- the same idea as in the states.

     Thank you for sending a birthday gift to Nan [a friend of Nancy] -- and the pictures of it to me. You certainly wrapped it most elaborately.

Much love,

Franklin