April 7, 1952, Monday

Pfc. Robt. Gimbel
U.S. ########
85 Engr. Boat Co.
APO 928 % Postmaster
San Francisco, California

Dear Mom and Dad,

      Received your letter yesterday and was very glad to hear from you.
      I hope your colds are all well by now and that you are getting a little taste of spring weather.
      It's getting about that time tho.
      The business ought to pick up more too, you know the spring rush.
      I haven't heard from Dottie in a month, but that's okay!  If that's the way she feels.
      You asked about Jose', he's 29 years old, has 2 children (2 girls). He's a real nice person.
      Well, as time goes on I seem to be getting in better with the company as, every one's friendly.  I go to the Sergeant's Club once in a while, in the day time with one of the bosses of mine.
      The other day believe it or not I got some spraying equipment.  It has, 2 Binks Model 19 spray guns, 2 five gallon pressure tanks and 90 foot of fluid hose and 320 foot of air hose.  It's all brand new and Binks.
I haven't tried it yet but am going to spray LCM's after while.  It has a gasoline engine compressor, it's a Mercury engine made in Wisc., I think, I am not sure, can't quite remember now.  It most be worth $700 or $800, the whole outfit anyway.
     Maybe I can get a little practice, huh!  It has grease all over it to keep it from rusting and i am going to clean it up tomorrow.
     Personnel has made a mistake in my pay records and I didn't get paid yet for March, so could you send me $20.00 money order that is, as I have borrowed a few bucks for stamps and soap and shoving articles and I need some Tshirts.  I use 2 a day, as you sweat so much. I only got 6 and I need at least 6 more.
     As soon as I get the pictures developed, I'll send them, we spent all last Sunday taking pictures of the camp.
     I had my tooth pulled as it hurt so bad, I could hardily sleep.  I am going to have a bridge put in, in the near future.  But I thought I might as well let the army pay for it.
     Well, this is all for now, so take care of yourselves and I am always thinking of you all.
     Loads of Love
     Your Son,
     Bob.
P.S.
I am down to 200 now. Ha!Ha!  But when I was home I weighed 210 most of the time.  There's a yellow present in here for you.