Friday Oct. 12, 1917

Dear Marie,

Well I am just getting out and exercising my pins abit. Still pretty
shaky and don’t feel much like doing “To the rear,” or “By the right
flank” yet awhile. When I was at my worst I was handled with rubber
gloves and fed tomato soup thru a glass tube. My face was swollen and my
eyes were nearly shut. My ears were like hams. On top of this I was
painted every four hours with a coal black salve. When the Hospital
Major first looked at me he said I would be out by Christmas. I am all
fine and rosey now though. This afternoon I came down to the city and
got a little birthday remembrance for you. You will be several days over
fourteen before it reaches you, and I am sorry I couldn’t do better. I
sure do hope your new year will be full of happiness and good luck.

I am also sending you a Signal Corps emblem to sew on the left hand
front of my sweater coat. The crossed wig-wag flags and torch represent
the highest branch of service in the U.S. Army, and you may be proud to
wear it. You should see me in my new army overcoat that was just issued
to me yesterday. Now when I get some shoes I will be fixed up in good
shape. The coat is a “beaut” though, if I do say so.

Say maybe you would rather not wear the Signal Corps insignia. If not
then wait and sew it on for me when I get home. Well I must catch the
car for the Fort.

Hope you are getting along well in your studies, and in your music and
elocution.

Yours,

Forrest.