MASH is the sole property of its' creators. Any issues with grammar or spelling are not typographical errors. I am writing trying to capture the character' voice and how he or she might write.

December 15, 1951

Dearest Mildred,

It seems like every holiday is another spent writing to you rather than happily being by your side. Unfortunately, this Christmas is no different. I know for certain that when I'm not needed here anymore, I'll retire and enjoy every moment we have together.

In your letter, you said that you had gotten a second fish. You thought they'd appreciate the company. Tell me what's happening, and send me a picture of the fish. I have plenty of horse pictures so a fish picture on the wall would be a nice change of pace.

You also mentioned that Bob McCoy is out of the hospital. I was surprised that Bob would have let them take him there in the first place. He's more stubborn than any Missouri mule I've seen. But it was fun playing chess with him when we were all at Fort Dix. Please send my love to Molly – she's almost family.

There's not much I can tell about the war that you haven't read about or heard about on the radio or television. I will say that so many of these soldiers look so young that they should still be in high school. Felt that way in World War 2, also. Truth is that I probably looked that way to my officers during World War I.

It would certainly be nice to get back to a time when we don't have to send our young men off to war. They could worry about where to take their girlfriends on a date rather than worrying about enemy fire.

Most days are the same. That's true when we are busy as well as when things are slow. But, something interesting just happened to me.

Two officers from ICOR, Captain Silver and Lieutenant Frost, wanted to see if I had anything in my files for a Colonel Steven Porter. Apparently, there have been some mixups at HQ because the names are so similar. Colonel Porter, who I have never met, is stationed in Japan. I just hope he didn't get any of your letters by mistake. Any delay in hearing from you can make a man feel quite lonely.

Christmas is almost upon us even at the 4077th. BJ Hunnicut and Hawkeye Pierce, our star surgeons, ordered an artificial Christmas tree and decorations from the Sears Catalog. Hope it gets here before December 25th. We'd put the tree in the mess tent – that might make some people feel just a little closer to home. Plus, if they are distracted by the tree, they won't be paying as much attention to what they are eating. That would also lift their spirits.

Sophie is doing well. I try to get in at least one ride per day. I can almost forget where I am and why.

I miss you very much and love you with all my heart. I can't say that enough.

Love,

Sherm