October 7, 1943, Phoenix, Arizona

Tom has been assigned to the toughest instructor for his Primary Flight Training. On the first day, his instructor demonstrated acrobatics and stalls to the point that Tom was worried he would lose his stomach.
Wed. night.

John B. Harbin, Tom's first flight instructor, known as the roughest instructor at Thunderbird II Field
John B. Harbin, Tom’s first flight instructor, known as the roughest instructor at Thunderbird II Field

Dear Folks,

It doesn’t seem like I ever have time to write more than just a note. I think you could class this place right next to kill itself. I pulled about the roughest instructor on the field. His name is John B. Harbin but I call him “Long John”, of course not to his face. The flying is fun but according to Long John I am about the dumbest fellow that ever hit this place. Today I didn’t do a thing right and believe me he told me about it in no uncertain terms. He makes a fellow feel like hitting the silk.

October 7, 1943, Phoenix, Arizona, Page 1
October 7, 1943, Phoenix, Arizona, Page 1

The food is O.K. when you get to eat it. Yesterday I had 5 min to eat breakfast and had a cup of coffee for lunch. Dinner was OK with enough time but it sure knocks your stomach out of whay. The first day up he put that plane through everything I’ve ever heard of. Slow rolls, snap rolls, Chandelle’s spins, loops, stalls, etc. I thought sure I was going to lose my socks and my stomach hasn’t felt right since. I hope it snaps out of before we get into practicing the rough stuff.

Its is till hot here and not any place to go to get away from it. Hope to get a weekend pass next weekend. I have to fly at 7:00 in the morning so had better get some sleep.

Love,

Tom

October 7, 1943, Phoenix, Arizona
October 7, 1943, Phoenix, Arizona

A Young Man Went Off to War