March 13, 1944
New Guinea
Dear Dorothy and All;
I have found a typewriter not in use so I will use it until they run me off. Most of the time they are so busy there is no possible chance to use one.
Since the last time I wrote you we have had some very exciting experiences. Day before yesterday we had the biggest fight we have had to date. We came out very good with plenty of close calls but with a wonderful victory. I wish we had a movie of it. It was just like a bunch of cats after mice. (we were the cats). We got thirteen in less time than it takes to read this. The Nips have their first team up there called the “Cherry Blossom” squadron and they are experienced and eager when they have the slightest advantage. For once we were at our best altitude and it was soon over. Again I didn’t get any but I ran interference for the fellow I was with and he is now an Ace. It was lots of fun and I wish we had fights more often because it gives us something to talk about and helps our morale. My squadron now has fifty victories and no losses. What do you think about that?
How is everyone at home? What’s going on of interest and how is business these days? I will be glad when I get my tour of duty over and I am on the way home. It shouldn’t be too long but one never knows over here. Sometimes I think they forget all about us.
By the way, the rumor has it that we are getting a write-up in Life Magazine as we have the highest percentage of victories in the world including the “Flying Tigers”. Excuse me if I seem to be bragging.
Our mail situation is terrible over here as part of it is going to our new station. I haven’t had but one letter in about ten days and that makes it pretty rough. However, we will be in our new place long before you receive this. I wish I could tell you where it was but I will have to let you guess, it should be pretty easy.
We have worked with the Navy so much I think I will ask them to pay my salary for the last two months. Surely does get boring, too. I often wonder if Holly is in this neck of the woods or any other of our fellows. If they are I would like to get in touch with them.
Well, Dot, I guess this all at the present. I hope you can read this because I haven’t written on a mechanical gadget like this in months. Give my regards to everyone there and be sure to get the Round Robin on time because sometimes I go weeks without hearing from you. Oh yes, Weldon Reynolds will be with us at our new station. I have seen him only once so far but up there I will be sure to see him just about every day. David Crockett will be there also so we will have a homecoming. Ole I.H.C. will be in there pitching.
Be sure to tell Mr. Walker, Kiker, Brown, Roberts, Taylor and all the other WHEELS hello. You might even tell Mr.Rietman HELL_____O!
‘Bye for now and write soon.
Sincerely,
Otto
P.S. Notice new APO – 321. TELL ALL CONCERNED!