English Translation

bS copy ii-uscha. Erwin J e s i o n e'k Fieldmail number: 21 8£7 A East, 20.10.1943 Dear comrades Since I arrived at my heap again from vacation, I have the first day of rest today. I am immediately in the lazàrett for overhaul. Of dirt and louses I have a scab on my whole body, a dipped knee, splinter injury on my little finger and a dislocated thumb. As you can see from the enclosed birthday signs, the EK II has now struck to my armored storm badge. If I only miss the wounded badge and the EC I, which I will then start to do, I am now, without Iòh being able to do anything for it, a real landser, like millions of others. I am proud to have participated in the most difficult fights at the very front and now wait for the call to the Führerschule after a complete front assignment. The hardships and troubles of the last time were almost over-human, for weeks in bunkers and ditches, in rain, frost and storm, mostly in shear artillery fire. Day and night trips in the fanzer robbed the necessary schleg. The thoughts of beautiful girls and full glasses are adjourned. Likewise, political and ideological problems of margel's radio and magazines move far away. We have our duty to do in our section, everything else does not inte- srate us. From the irony struggle has become bloody serious. With plenty of chocolate, alcohol and winter clothing you can still see that the homeland is taking care of us. Since 4 birds we have not received any mail as a result of the constant change of assignment to WH-corps. Now 7 bags are supposed to be on the way. I'm degeitR I, the Iat of the advanced observer, who directs the shooting. - 2 -