War (1944-1945)
Barney Rosset and Lt. Com. Meredith "Muddy" Rhule on Pillbox, Barney Rosset; May 1945.
Barney Standing with Chinese Man in Front of Tree,Barney Rosset; January 1945.
Although Barney's letters reflect occasional frustrations – struggles with authority figures, frustration at not receiving a promotion he felt he deserved, and an initial desire to be transferred to another unit – he is very candid about the many comforts he experienced. Given his particular position and the receipt of many packages from home, this for him was “a nice safe cozy little war... people die from boredom, not bullets" (21 February 1945 Letter to Parents). He makes no effort to sensationalize his own experiences on the frontlines, and is adamant that his parents understand that he experiences little danger. Perhaps for their benefit as worried family, he even claims "I am as free from danger here as I would be in Chicago" (8 March 1945), and later, "so, all in all, the life here has been very pleasant, except for the bitter cold sometimes" (12 June 1945).