April 21, 1945, Northern France

A ten year old French girl has been hanging out in their tent. Tom received a lock of Zoe’s hair and muses about her.

On the previous night of April 20th, Tom flew a 2-hour training mission at night in a P61B.
Sat. night. 21 April 45.
“Northern France.”

April 21, 1945, Northern France, Page 1
April 21, 1945, Northern France, Page 1

My Darling –

What a night – there is some little French girl that came in the tent and she won’t leave. She claims she is 10 yrs. old but I think 8 is more like it. Talk about alittle spitfire I think she is just as bad as you ever were. When we came back to the tent she was laying on Andy’s bunk and since then she has been in every thing we have. As it stands now I am the only friend she has as I am the only one that hasn’t thrown her out. I am beginning to contemplate the thought. She likes the pictures I have of you but I had a hard time explaining to her that you were my wife and not just a girl friend. Afraid she is going to be quite a flirt when she grows up.

April 21, 1945, Northern France, Page 2
April 21, 1945, Northern France, Page 2

I received three letters today, yours of April 10th, one from Dad and from Warren Cartmell (Uncle Sam’s son).

Honey, thanks for sending your lock of hair, I had almost forgotten how it had looked. However, all I can say is that it had better be grown out by the time I get back. Maybe it is your hair that makes you so beautiful, I hadn’t realized before just what it was but after examining the sample that you sent I’ve decided it must be your hair. But now that I think of it and look at your picture I can’t help but notice what a cute little nose you have, and your eyes, they are even nice when they are swollen. Yes, Hon there is something about you that I like an awful lot and I guess it is just you.

April 21, 1945, Northern France, Page 3
April 21, 1945, Northern France, Page 3

I imagine by this time Ruthie is getting all set for her Phoenix trip. You would probably like to be going with her, and here I have spoiled everything. Someday Darling I’ll try and make it all up to you. When and how I don’t just know but give me a chance.

In Dad’s letter he told me about your not going to Chicago till after Ruth left and he understood why you didn’t want to go till then so don’t worry about that Hon.

Hope Dad got the chicks straightened out so that they aren’t eating one another any more.

April 21, 1945, Northern France, Page 4
April 21, 1945, Northern France, Page 4

Be good Honey – tell the folks hello – Remember how very much I love you – Until then –

Forever,

Tom

April 21, 1945, Northern France
April 21, 1945, Northern France

A Young Man Went Off to War