9-20-44
New Guinea
8:25 A.M.
Dearest Mother, Dad, & Velma,
Received your letter of Sept. 10, last nite that had so many clippings that I enjoyed so much. I see where Bob Long is home visiting again and that he is still lieutenant. I would think he would get his captaincy because over here bomber pilots get their promotion very early. I’ll bet Bob goes to B-29’s. Have you heard? Or is he going to ATC? I also see that Lt. Ray Terry went home from here with 70 missions and had been here for eleven months. I wonder how my 146 missions I have now plus what more I get soon will stack up against some of these other fellows.
Well, it looks like my old squadron has broken down and going to give the old fellow a break. Hnatio and Allen came thru yesterday going on leave and said nearly all had been put in to go home. So I think by three months all the old fellows will be home. I think I will be home by three or four months. You see, lots of the boys are not getting promotions and they surely won’t get them back home. I am lucky because I am getting mine over here.
Looks like our war is just about finished as far as any big fights are concerned. I am sure I will have Xmas dinner in Manila if I am not on my way home. (I hope I am at home.)
This is about all for now. Will write again tomorrow if I am still here. Has Chase called you yet? He should tell you lots. Hnatio had a letter from him.
‘Bye for now and be sweet!
All my love,
Son