April 6, 1944
New Guinea
Dearest Mother & Dad,
Again I haven’t written you in about a week because I have been on a buying trip for our officers’ mess.I bought catsup, pickles, mustard, sausages, extract and all those things we don’t get through the Army. It will make our meals much better and that is the main thing over here.
I don’t understand why it was so long before you heard from me. I received your wire by mail from down South. We don’t have any services for telegrams here. Remember, Mom, we are in “no man’s land”, and things like that are luxuries. I wish I could wire you because I know you are very anxious to hear when you haven’t heard on such a long time. From her on, I will mix in a few V-mails because they are not held up like regular letters are.
We are getting along fine here and we have everything fixed up like we want it. It surely does get tiresome making new camps but we have to if we intend to win this war. Everything is very much in our vavor now and it shouldn’t be too long before we start knocking on Tojo’s front door.
The clippings you sent from the Abilene Reporter are very interesting as Iknow those places very well. And you were correct in your guess about where I am. I guess you must be pretty good. Nevertheless, keep a close watch on my APO. It might change some day. However, you can tell from the paper about that.
I get the orders today notifying me that I now have an oak leaf cluster to my air medal, & that they have notified you. All that doesn’t matter I want to knock down some Nips. Maybe I’ll get my chance soon. I hope so.
As to that clipping you cut out of the Star-Telegram, be sure and save it. Don’t count any on the change. Wish I could tell you all about it, but I can’t now. However keep it to yourself. I know all the details and it must not be talked about yet.
We are having pretty bad weather now but it should be getting better soon. I have never seen such rain storms in my life. I really know what a Tropical downpour is now. I will be getting a new airplane one of these days. A real late model. I can hardly wait as they are much faster and better all over. Did you get a picture of me & my ship? You have never said.
I hope by now you are getting mail from me because I know you worry. Got a nice letter from D. Cooke yesterday. She’s a swell gal. Tell Dad & Velma to write.
All my love, Son