Dear mother,
Well, mother, we are off for primary training tomorrow-gosh! Isn’t that wonderful?
That radio is a little beauty mother-you’re wonderful to me darling. Sometimes I wonder if I deserve it. The radio is just perfect for my use, it’s nice and small-all I have to do when we leave is put it in my pocket. It’s just what I wanted mother-I really appreciate your kindness.
Tomorrow’s going to be a tough day-we have to pack all of our equipment early in the morning, then turn in our G. I. (Government issue) equipment. I’m lucky I didn’t send my grip back. I don’t know what I do with all the stuff I have.
I have all my school books to turn in too-gosh! I hate to think of tomorrow.
Tell dad I fired a Thompson sub machine gun today. Boy, they really are a fine weapon. They fire so fast but the barrel will shoot up in the air. I got a pretty good score-at least better than my roommates. Don Parmelee only hit the target seven times-and with a machine gun too!! After firing we went for a swim in the ocean-I love the ocean-I guess I take after dad that way. It’s so much fun to dive through those big breakers. One man nearly drowned, due to the terrific undertow-I know now what you meant when you said-be careful when you swim in the ocean. Well, mother-thanks so much for the lovely radio-
Your grateful son,
Jim.
PS I tried to take some pictures today at the firing range but, they wouldn’t let me.