Dear Folks,

Just time for a short note to extend my birthday greeting to Elaine, even though they are late.

I received Dad’s letter this evening and he said that Karen was sick. I certainly hope she is better by now. Let me know? I am certainly glad that Dad was there and able to get things under control.

Flying is coming along pretty well but believe it or not we got rained out today. I got an hour of dual in but they would clear us for solo. We have really been catching hmmmmm down on the line. Yesterday two boys out of our squadron ground looped. That is on their landing they didn’t keep the plane going straight and the tail wheel was thrown out and the plane whirle around. One of them crumpled the landing gear and tore up to prop. The other knocked off the landing gear, crumpled a wing and tore up a prop. It goes pretty rough on the boys, they have to go before the accident board, take several check rides and if they are plenty good (and lucky), might keep from getting washed out.^[1]February 1944 USAAF Stateside Accident Reports show that on February 12, 1944, Warren E. Skeels, piloting an AT-6C, SN 41-32900, had an accident while landing, leading to a ground loop. It was … Continue reading

They have been keeping us plenty busy, we get up at 5:00 A.M. and get back from the line at 6:30 PM. Last night we had a lecture on malaria so that is why I didn’t get to write last night. I don’t know if I am going to be assigned to this instructors squadron for good or not, however, you can’t ever tell what you will be for sure until you get your orders after graduation.

They tell us our schedule will get lighter after a few weeks so I’ll probably be able to do alittle better at writing more then.

Happy Birthday – and take good care of Karen (I don’t see any reason to say this) anyway give her a kiss from me.

With love

Tom

P.S Tell Dad that if he ever does want to call me he can probably reach me through the field here. Will you send me your phone no.?