March 20, ‘44
New Guinea
Dearest Mother, Dad, & Velma,
I just received your letter of Feb. 17 and I enjoyed it very much. You sent me a clipping about Billy W. being classed I-A. Looks like quite a few from home are going to see what the Army really looks like from the inside. I am sure it will do lots of them good. I believe most of them will see some combat, too. I imagine some of them think it will all be over before they really get in. Well, in my mind, it’s not near over. You probably think I am a pessimist but I think I can see what has to be done better than most people at home. We have the Nips going our way, but it’s a long way to Tokio and that is our objective. The rumor has it now that we will only get 30 days in the States. Gosh, isn’t that terrible! However, I am going to take anything they will give me because if I turn it down I may not get anything.
I received a V-mail from Mrs. Hagar today. I appreciated it very much. They are very nice and plain, honest, & real people. I can’t believe B.B. is dead, either. I am sure it was a terrible shock to them. She tells me they have my kind of ships at Tye Air Base. Has Dad seen any very close? I hope so, so he can actually see what I fly. I hope he likes them, too. I think they are perfect.
Well, Mom, so long for now. Write soon and oodles of love,
Son
March 20, 1944
Dearest Thelma & Walt,
How are you folks today? How is Sarah Lee getting along? Surely will be glad when I get to see her again. I guess she is getting to be quite a young lady by now. I don’t know when I’ll get to see you people but it should be between now and Xmas. Rumor has it that we will only get thirty days before they yank us back into service. However, if I have a chance I am going home the first opportunity.
Thelma. I wish you would send me Kat’s address. I have misplaced it and I can’t write her until I get the address. Surely do hope Jim can stay in the States and stay out of this mess. If he doesn’t he might get in something that will prove pretty tough. Our tent just fell down and we just finished putting it back up. I am glad it didn’t happen during the night.
Write often.
Love, Son
