September 23, 1943, Santa Ana, California

Tom’s course of instruction is shortened by two weeks, but he still believes he will pass the final exams. He doesn’t know yet where he will be assigned for primary flight training.
Wed. Morning.

September 23, 1943, Santa Ana, California, Page 1
September 23, 1943, Santa Ana, California, Page 1

Dear Folks,

I am writing this in code class on some borrowed stationary. As far as I am concerned school is over. We have had all our exams but a lot of the fellows have to take rechecks on some courses. I don’t know what my grades are yet but done is my lowest, however, I can take 10 words/min. Pretty solid while 8 is all that is required. I think my grades are all pretty good but I did bring my aircraft identification grade down some on the final. Beings our course was knocked about 2 weeks short we really had to breeze through the British planes.

Morse Code Class
Morse Code Class
September 23, 1943, Santa Ana, California, Page 2
September 23, 1943, Santa Ana, California, Page 2

I have really picked up a dandy cold so I might need some more of your cold pills before many more weeks. Just about everyone has a cold. They took our flight jackets in because we will be issued leather flying jackets at primary but until then I guess we are just suppose to freeze. The mornings are still foggy, damp and cold so it isn’t very easy to get rid of a cold when we have to run around in short sleeves. From all indications we will be leaving here around the end of next week. Our classes are over tomorrow but we have several lectures and a track meet before pulling out. Our graduation is next Thurs. and we will supposedly find out where we will go for primary. There are some that won’t get to go because there won’t be enough room in the primary’s and those who don’t get to go will have to remain here another 4 weeks. What a horrible thought, everyone is keeping his fingers crossed. I think everyone will have to admit that we have covered a lot here when you consider we have covered a pretty thorough course in math and physics. Also learned all the main ships in the British & U.S. fleet let alone all their air planes. Besides this have covered subjects in gunnery, maps & charts, Chemical Warfare and several other tactical courses. They aren’t exactly courses you would consider helpful in civilian life but that isn’t the main interest today.

I think I told you that Zoe was graduating about the 4th of Oct. so you might send her something.

Well this period is almost up so had better close.

Boy the way did you receive the squadron pictures?

With love,

Tom

September 23, 1943, Santa Ana, California
September 23, 1943, Santa Ana, California

A Young Man Went Off to War