November 19, 1944

Dear Emily and Bill,

This being assistant operations officer isn't any snap, but it sure give me a great feeling to be able to fall Captains and Majors what to do and how to do it. The Commanding Officer tells them all that my word is law and that I have the final say on all matters. A few of the higher ranking officers don't like it too much because they're so much older than I. As a rule I get along fine with everybody.

Did I tell you I got myself a brand new airplane? Yep! It's too bad I didn't have it when Charlie was here but then the two of us couldn't fit in this one. I call her "Lady Luck". Sgt. Abbot painted a naked lady sitting on a horseshoe sailing along through the clouds with just one four leaf clover covering her exposed parts or I should say part. The section where we put the name he has "Pilot Lady Luck: and on the bottom he has "Co-Pilot Lt. A.E. McKinley".

That's the way I wanted it and that's the way it is. She's been talking good care of me although I did get another battle scar on my new ship yesterday. It's just a good thing those damn Germans didn't mar my insignia or I really would be mad at them.

Good Luck As Ever,

Al