August 29, 1943

Dear Marie, Shirley, Avis, Mom and Pop,

Well all my luggage has gone and I'm leaving myself in a few hours. It seems funny leaving most of the boys I started with, but then if they want to be a "Taxi" driver for a bombardier, I'll just have to protect them with my peashooter (Pursuit Ship).

I sent my picture home to you last night. I hope you people at home don't think I'm getting vain sending it home but they'll be good to scare the rats out of the cellar. "Okie" wrote something on the back of it be he wouldn't tell me what it was. He was just in and said goodbye. I hated to see he and Geezil leave but I still have Tony, I've got to protect my interests you know.

I can't say that I'm sorry to leave here. The town was fairly big but there isn't much to do. They use to have a dance for us every week but it was too gosh darn hot to move around. We use to look up air conditioned shows and spent most of out open post time in them.

If you write to me after you get this letter, I'll get it if you use this address:

2010190 Class 43 J Moore Field Mission, Texas