New Guinea
Sept. 7, 1944
Dearest Mother, Dad, & Velma;
How is everything at home? I haven’t had a letter in such a long time that I have lost out on the news. They are supposed to be sending our mail on down here but I am sure it must be mixed-up as ever. I got a letter yesterday from Lillian Harkins. It was very nice. She practically proposed, but I guess that is O.K. if she feels that way.
I had some pictures made in Sydney and I heard they had been sent down here to me but as yet I don’t have them. When I get them I’ll send them on to you.
We are flying pretty heavy now with our new pilots. They are certainly new and green but I am sure I can get them in shape for combat.
We had a squadron party the other nite and invited the local nurses. I went with a nurse whose name was Ann Paliporsitch. Some name, eh? She is a fine girl and lots of fun. I will go with her again. Seems funny to have dates in New Guinea.
I had a brand new ship with only 30 hours on it and a new pilot wrecks it yesterday. So now I have another. I hope I can keep the new fellows out of it. The fellow that wrecked it wasn’t in my flight so I was mighty glad about that.
I have nothing of interest to write at the present so I will try to sleep a little. Keep writing and tell me all the news.
All my love,
Son