Thank you for your letter Jocie-I love to hear from my little sister. Your penmanship is very good darling, please don’t compare your penmanship with your brothers because we haven’t much time to write our loved ones.
Dad-we can buy French-Shriner-Uarner shoes for eight dollars here. They regularly cost $13.
Darlings,
Thank you for your lovely letter. I also received a letter from Bobby Collard and Thelma. It’s so much fun to receive letters. You speak of Tony getting his commission as navigator or bombardier. His chances are pretty slim, I’m afraid. They don’t need them for a while. Poor Tony is destined for the ranks I believe. If I wash-I am going to apply for aerial gunnery. If I can’t fly a plane at least, I can ride in one.
The normal time for soloing this ship is about five hours. I soloed in four but, many soloed in less than four hours. If I can just be average-I won’t mind. Instrument flying is my bugaboo. I hope I progress a little faster but, you know me-I never did catch on to anything very fast.
I think dad will get his B ration book because he has a good excuse. Gas rationing hasn’t gone into effect out here yet but will, December 1. The boys are enduring athletics now-because of my knee, I am excused. It gives me some extra time to write my letters. Leisure time is hard to find here.
I’m glad you are wearing my clothes, Dad-I couldn’t wear them when I come back anyway. Somebody might as well benefit. Many times I have longed to wear my clothes again but, then I figure Uncle Sam’s uniform is pretty good at that. Say, mom, will you frame that graduation diploma from Rankin for me. Someday I will enjoy looking at my old memories. It would look pretty good hanging up in my room.
Well, darlings, I must end my letter now-I have to shine my shoes before I go to the flightline. My instructor is very strict when it comes to personal cleanliness. He certainly has an immaculate uniform.
Your loving son,
Jim