July 18, 1943, Santa Ana, California

Tom’s squadron commander is determined that they win the drill contests, so they are spending much of the day and every spare evening practicing. He notes that the war seems to be going better. He asks that they be prepared to send him some personal items, including electric razor (and sharpening compound), nail clippers, watch and hair brush.
Fri. evening

July 18, 1943, Santa Ana, California, Page 1
July 18, 1943, Santa Ana, California, Page 1

Dear Folks,

Have to drill again tonight as we have been doing every night this week. Our C.O. dosn’t think we are “on the ball” so consequently we drill all day with rifles and two hours in the evening for practice. Today we had rifle drill, guard duty tomorrow and 18 hrs. of K.P. duty Sun. I am sort of looking forward to my dentist appointment tomorrow because I will at least get to sit down.

The war really sounds alot better but peace still sounds like it is a long way off. Maybe that is because you never hear anything about it around here and everyone just seems to take it in a matter of fact way that we will be in the army for ever. You can see that the army doesn’t give us much time to think of such things.

July 18, 1943, Santa Ana, California, Page 2
July 18, 1943, Santa Ana, California, Page 2

Elaine sent me several of Karen’t birthday pictures and I can hardly imagine her growing so much. She certainly is cute and it looks like Elaine got her wish for the curly hair.

I will be glad when we find out the outcome of our classification even if it does mean wash out. Everyone feels the same way and all are anxious to move on to something new. This isn’t much different than a glorified Fresno. (the two minute whistle just blew for drill.)

(8:30)

We got off early tonight because the captain in charge seemed to think we looked pretty good. We won the parade last night but the C.O. wants us to win the Sun. parade.

The first bunch of the “wash outs” from our squadron pulled out today. You didn’t know whether to feel sorry for them or for yourself. Several were with us at Tempe and it certainly seems like our original bunch is getting transf’ed out.

Enclosure to his letter

Before we go to pre-flight we have to learn the makes, name, number and wing span of about 50 British, American, and German planes. At the present I haven’t been able to find any time to learn much but maybe I will later.

When I write and tell you when to send that package here are the things I wish you would send: elec. razor, sharpening compound, nail clippers, watch, and hair brush. This sounds like alot but I can really use it all. This safety razor shaving every day takes too much time. In fact I have to shave and shower yet tonight. Will try to find time in between K.P. Sun. to drop you a line.

Love, Tom

July 18, 1943, Santa Ana, California
July 18, 1943, Santa Ana, California

A Young Man Went Off to War