Mon., Sept. 20, 1943—Rode to Messina, crossed Straits on landing barges (trucks and all), landed in Italy at about 1:10. Swam in Mediterranean & spent night NW of Reggio.
Tues., Sept. 21, 1943—Dental appt. at 9:30 couldn’t be kept because of being on the road. Spent a nice night in an olive grove.
Wed., Sept. 22, 1943—Up before light and ready to leave at 6:30 . . . Camped near beach in the night and were able to swim in Mediterranean after the dustiest ride we’ve ever had.
Thurs., Sept. 23, 1943—Swam again this morning. Started out again on road about 1330 hrs. Thick, blinding dust all the way. Heavy fog soaked us tonight.
Fri., Sept. 24, 1943—Arrived at new base about 15 mi. from Taranto. We have nice set-up—boards for flooring the tents, building benches, etc. Don’t know name of new field yet.
Sat., Sept. 25, 1943—Italians guard our area with machine gun nests. It seems funny to see them going around with guns so soon after fighting us. . . . We won’t be at this base long.
Note relating to Monday, Sept. 20—Junior had to sleep with me Monday night (Sept.20) because his stuff didn’t catch up to him.
Sun., Sept. 26, 1943—Worked around tent today making benches, etc. . . . Meredith (“P.H.”) Hale died day before yesterday as result of his and Abie’s accident in the jeep on Sept. 14.
Mon., Sept. 27, 1943—Packages came from home today at last. It was really a help.
Tues., Sept. 28, 1943—Junior dropped by this evening and got his half of the packages.
Wed., Sept. 29, 1943—Went to Taranto today & looked around. Bought some olives, mustard, and stuff to enhance the chow we get. Got some good ice cream.
Thurs., Sept. 30, 1943—Fred Bevis flew up in B-25 & we got together for a few minutes. Jr. was in Taranto and didn’t get to see him. Chaplain gave talk tonight.
Fri., Oct. 1, 1943—Wrote home today for first time in a couple of weeks.
Sat., Oct. 2, 1943—Photo Freddie over us today; a few bursts of flak were thrown at him. We can expect a raid soon, I imagine. Jr. spent part of day over here.
Note relating to Thurs., Sept. 30: Chaplain’s talk on Thursday night was in reference to our conduct when we go back home. I hope that means we’re going soon.
Sun., Oct. 3, 1943—Dave came back from hospital in Africa this evening. We’re going to Taranto tomorrow. Rain today.
Mon., Oct. 4, 1943—Dave & I went to Taranto today. Ate lots of ice cream and candy & bought some trinkets. Got wet in rain on ride back in open truck.
Tues., 0ct. 5, 1943—Made me a bed (of sorts) today. Put clothes out to dry that had gotten wet in rain, so naturally it started to rain again.
Wed., Oct. 6, 1943—Got sudden orders tonight for advance echelon of 50 men to leave early in the morning for Foggia Main.
Thurs., Oct. 7, 1943—Loaded trucks with Ops. & Intelligence equipment in a driving rain. All of us got soaked. I’m to stay here till main bunch moves up . . . Pay day.
Fri., Oct. 8, 1943—Rain has stopped & we’re having nice weather again.
Sat., Oct. 9, 1943—Frieze & I went to Grottaglie & Francavilla today in a jeep and bought some bedspreads & stuff . . . Photo Freddie was over today & a few bursts were thrown up at him.
Sun., Oct. 10, 1943—Went to church at Gp. Hq. tonight . . . Mail from home.
Mon., Oct. 11, 1943—Went to dentist today & got filling replaced. Jr. brought me back in the Photo jeep & we talked awhile.
Tues., Oct. 12, 1943—Italian pilot in a Macchi buzzed the field too low & killed an Italian soldier out on the airdrome. No sense in that kind of flying.
Wed., Oct. 13, 1943—Went over to see Jr. a little while this morning . . . Got some mail this evening.
Thurs., Oct. 14, 1943—Went to Grottaglie this morning with Frieze & Altman & bought a few things such as scissors, stationery, etc. Ate dinner in town.
Fri., Oct. 15, 1943—Moving to Foggia tomorrow . . . Move called off for two or three days. Jr. moved up though.