December 16, 1943
Dearest Mother and Dad,
Here I am again with not too much to write about but enough to let you know that I am still alive and kicking. We have been busy as usual with not too much excitement. From the sound of your letters you seem to know where I am, or at least the general area. I guess you will have to read the papers to find out what we have been doing. Everyone is fine as can be and hoping for the time when we can go home, won’t be too long in the future.
I forgot to tell Thelma and Walt that Lt. Chase, my tent mate, is from Syracuse. I thought she might like to know it. He is a mighty swell fellow, too. Lytle is still doing o.k. and between the two of us we have lots of fun.
Evidently, from the sound of your letters, you definitely do not care anything about Barbara. Especially Velma. I wish I knew the particulars so I would have something to think about. As it is, I don’t know any more than just you don’t care anything for her. The last three letters just emphasized the fact that she was a D___ yankee. I wish you would tell me more.
Say, Mom, why don’t you send me some more snap shots. Of the family, the home, car, etc. I sure would like to have some. Also, I would like to have a new pair of house shoes. I would like to have some like my old leather ones. They are just about worn out now. I use them quite a lot, especially when I am off duty.
I received my Xmas package the other day and I really appreciated it. I wish Xmas came more often. The package from the Elks Club was very nice. I still can’t understand why Thelma sent popcorn and sardines. I have heard some funny ones but that takes the cake. We have all kinds of canned goods and we can get any kind of necessities that we may need. From fountain pens to chocolate candy, we can get anything. Nevertheless, I appreciate it very much. The things I would like are extra little things. Cigars, Victrola records, good stationery, pictures, etc. you see what I mean. If you see something you think I might like why don’t you mention it in a letter and I will tell you if I can get it over here.
When we move to our strip we will have quite a few nurses so they should make life much more pleasant. By the way, I saw Jack Mullins yesterday. He was at his Base. His wife knows where he is. I just stopped in to refuel and called him up and he came over to see me. I told him he might have to let me spend the night with him if I couldn’t get back to my place but I made it back o.k. later on. He has quite a job over there. He is the Commanding Officer of the Military Police and I understand he is doing a very good job.
If everything goes o.k. I should be getting to go home about May or June. At least, that is what the General said not long ago. I think the rest would do me good.
Well, Mom I see that you are in Wichita Falls. I hope you are having a good time and I hope that Grandma is still in good shape. Give them all my regards.
I must stop now and shower and shave before supper so I will look like a white man. Please write soon and don’t worry too much about Barbara.
All my love,
Son