March 11, 1944
New Guinea
Dearest Mother & Dad,
Today has been a red-letter day for me. Believe me, we had a fight today that will be hard to beat. Boy, the Japs really caught hell and lots of it. It looked like it was raining zeros during the Fourth of July. Lt. Hnatio did himself proud and is now a qualified ace. As usual, I didn’t get any but I ran interference for Hnatio and as long as we get them that’s all that counts. Surely do wish I could tell you all about it but it’ll have to wait. Lytle was also in on it and repeated his score again which gives him quite a few. So you see we had quite a day. The best part was everyone was present for supper.
Mom, be sure and deep a close watch on my new APO for it will be different probably before this letter gets half way home. Looks like we are spear-heading everything up here but that gives us a better chance for victories. The bad part of that is the living conditions. By the time a place gets civilized we move on. Oh well, maybe it won’t last too long.
I haven’t had a letter from you now in about 5 days. Our mail is really terrible now since we have everything in such an uproar. I received one today from Barbara which helped a lot.
Well, Mom, I haven’t much more news but today has really been exciting. I am glad every day isn’t like this. By the way, did you know that a big combat lasts less than two or three minutes? It is amazing how so much can happen in such a few seconds. Believe me, you really have to act quickly.
Give my love to Dad and Velma and have them to write again – soon. It looks like God is still on my side and I don’t mean maybe.
‘Bye for now and don’t forget to write – I know you write often but please keep it up. Please don’t worry about me for I am in good shape.
God Bless you all,
Son