maybe I’ll shoot him down next time

1280px-AT-6C_Texans_in_flight_1943

Darlings,

Your swell address book arrived-boy! Is it ever swell-thanks a million. Say, Dad, I was sitting in the cockpit warming up the engine before take off when a mechanic pokes his head in and said “Excuse me sir but, would you mind telling me where you bought that watch band?” I told him my dad sent it to me from Minneapolis. I have had more compliments on that band-it’s a beauty. I have mother’s money put away for my uniform. By the way, we were looking at some uniforms today-I didn’t care for them at all so I think I’ll wait until I see something better. Some of the guys buy everything on sight. I figure you might as well look them over first. If I can’t find them here I will wait until I get to Los Angeles when I buy-I want to get the best.

We flew formational morning-it really is fun. This plane is really tricky to keep right in place because of its speed. Once you get onto it, it isn’t so bad. We just had a touch of formation flying at Basic. We get about 20 hours of it here. What I like about formation flying is-you must be on your toes or something will happen.

When we are all flying at 200 mph-a slight touch of the router or stick may cause a smash. Don’t worry though-my eyes are glazed on that relationship every minute.

After formation we start a Lufberry Circle – around and around we go trying to get on another guy’s tail. Boy! Is it ever fun. My instructor shot me down three times he claims-I have some new maneuvers figured out though-maybe I’ll shoot him down next time.

Your loving son,

Jim