December 7, 1944, Fresno, California

Tom is looking forward to finally flying the P-61 Black Widow sometime in the next two days.  This letter includes a letter from Zoe.
Wed. night.

December 7, 1944, Fresno, California, Page 1
December 7, 1944, Fresno, California, Page 1

Dear Folks,

I was all set to write you last Sun. evening when they called us and sent us off down to Palmdale to get away from some of this fog. We flew all night Sun. and Mon., landed back here about 5:00 A.M. Tues. Got in 14 hrs. which finished us up in that phase and now we are ready to start on the last lap. We start fling the Black Widows either tomorrow or the day after. Andy and I were both plenty tired Mon. morning as all of our flying down there were navigational trips, and they tend to tire out the rear end. Poor Andy in the back end doing all the navigation and trying to keep me awake really had a rough time. He is learning his navigation pretty well and in another month should be petty sharp. His address will be changing pretty soon as will mine but until then you can send it to the same address as mine, Lt. Harold A. Anderson 0872250.

2LT Harold A. Anderson, USAAF
2LT Harold A. Anderson, USAAF

About Zoe’s makeup kit, either brown, tan and if nothing else red. All she needs in it is divisions and maybe a mirror. Oh yes she wants a regular suit case type (shape of a suitcase). As for anything else I am at a complete loss, in fact if you can think of anything that I could get her just let me know. I’ve got her a compact out at the P.X. for her birthday, but I am stumped.

Dad, it’s too bad that you have to work on Xmas + New Year’s, here’s hoping that too many turkey bones don’t get stuck.

December 7, 1944, Fresno, California, Page 2
December 7, 1944, Fresno, California, Page 2

About the radio, Bob got one from home so there isn’t any need to send yours. I should have told you sooner but thought it might have been on the way. The Tribune clipping was really swell, as for the name being spelled wrong, that isn’t the first time its happened and it probably won’t be the last.

Cleda, I received your letter and I certainly hope you are feeling better. Can’t Dad prescribe some vitamins for you? Get him on the ball.

Hope everyone at 828 is O.K. give them my love and I’ll write them soon.

Goodnight –

With love,

Tom


Zoe is working on her cooking skills and spending time with Jean, Bob Clyde’s wife, with whom they share an apartment.
6 December 1944

Dear Folks,

December 7, 1944, Fresno, California, Page 3
December 7, 1944, Fresno, California, Page 3

We’ve just finished dinner – chicken fried steak, french fried potatoes, green beans, salad, and peaches with cream for dessert. Tom helped with the french fries – he really is quite handy in the kitchen for which I am very glad. I’m not much of a cook but think my technique is improving under Jean’s and Tom’s supervision. I do have a very good cook book – doesn’t seem too difficult to follow especially after all my experience following chemistry experiments.

I’m really getting into the “swing” of things now. Jean and I have our household schedule worked out so that we can sleep most of the morning unless the fellows are home. I’ve been trying to do a little Xmas shopping in my spare time.

December 7, 1944, Fresno, California, Page 4
December 7, 1944, Fresno, California, Page 4

Tom is really a wonderful husband. The more we are together the more I realize how thoughtful he is – feel I’m indebted much to you for many things.

Thanks for sending the clipping.

Wedding Announcement, Chicago Tribune
Enclosure 2: Wedding Announcement, Chicago Tribune

Love,

Zoe

December 7, 1944, Fresno, California
December 7, 1944, Fresno, California

A Young Man Went Off to War