March 3, ‘44
New Guinea
Dearest Mother and Dad,
Your long lost Son has at last returned to base where he can write. I have been on a detail to Australia and have been hone a little over three weeks. I got back today and I had 54 letters waiting for me. I am sure you have felt rather hurt at me for not writing but, Mom, if you only knew the circumstances you would understand. I have been to only one place I could mail letters and I wired you Birthday Greetings instead.
I was back from leave only a few days when they sent me back. I wish I could tell you what I went after but I can’t tell you. I stopped over with Jack Mullins on the way back and had dinner with him. He said he would tell his wife all about my trip and she will tell you. I had two other pilots with me and it was all my responsibility to get them back. The trip was terrible because we had so much trouble with our ships, but after flying in all kinds of weather we finally made it.
I am sure you have been keeping an eye on the activity over here as it really has been popping. As usual, we have been keeping up our good record. By the way the place that Dad said there were fellows from home, I know as well as Elm St. I have spent many, many, hours over that place and all the other in this vicinity. Surely wish I could see some of those fellows. We have more or less taken care of those fellows.
Mom, please keep watch on my APO as it will be different very shortly. We must get closer to the Nips so we can soon get to Tokio. I’ll bet you can’t guess this time.
Chase has been made Captain since I have been away. He has been in the service much longer than any of the rest so he deserves it. He is a very fine fellow. We have a lot of fun.
You asked me if I had received all your packages. Yes, Mom, I have received everything.
Mom, I will write again tomorrow. Tell Thelma & Kat I have received all their letters and I really appreciate them.
‘Bye for now and I’ll write tomorrow.
Love,
Son