"Put your arms around me darlin' - - hold me tight."
Oh, Gosh, I forgot – I was writing you a letter wasn't I -. You see the first two lines are No. 7 this week on "Your Hit Parade". "I Heard You Cried Last Night" is No. 3.
Say, you know me I like pretty music - - -. Would sure like to hear you sing the No. 1 song this week "Sunday, Monday, or Always".
Listen, songs like that take an old-married woman back to courtin' days -.
Mother has company so that is all I could hear. You have heard them anyway – I guess. I hope so.
Did you know I had been sick? Yes sir, for two weeks now. I weigh about 105 lbs now.
Don’t ever say “fatty” again -!! Seriously I've got to change climates or die in this one. Why didn't you invite me to change climates with you -? A fine brother-in-law you turned out to be -.
I could have been a stow-away.
Mrs. Anderson came by to see me today. Dopey's address is: Ens. Gerald D. Anderson U.S.N.R. Squadron V.F 39 c/o Fleet Postmaster San Francisco, California
You may already have it if so – good.
Howard has been on a bond tour this week and last week in northern and eastern Texas. He was with the cowboy movie star Bill Elliott. They really sold the bonds.
Guy, I'm not much of a letter writer but maybe you can call this a letter. I hope you receive it pretty soon because there is nothing deader than old news.
Horace leaves in 21 days for Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. Dorothy is going to stay home and close her house up. It looks like everyone will be in the army soon.
I am really getting homesick to see Howard. I hope he comes up here soon.
Take care of yourself, be careful and keep your chin up -. Love, Jean
V-mail letter from Mother, October 4, 1943
Dearest Guy,
Howard came back last night. Will have lots to tell you. Had a good trip and sold lots of bonds. He talked to Jean this morning. She is not any better. Everyone else is well. Last night your dad and I went to see Verla Joyce and Judia. Then went to see Aunt Hope. Took your pictures with me. They liked them. Hope got your address. Then we came home and played dominoes until check in time. I beat one game and your dad beat one. Jim Thorpe said tell you hello. He is working for your dad again. His boy came home for ten days. Left this morning. You know he is in the Marines. Jim says a Marine is worth three of anything else. At last we got the new meters on all the buses. We will be anxiously awaiting a letter from you. Three weeks today since you wrote. Seems like three months. I hope you are well. Remember I love you with all my heart. With hugs and kisses, Mother
Letter No. 7
Letter from Guy to Jean, October 7, 1943
Dear Jean - Guess what - I just received your letter of Aug 31 this morning. How'm I doin'? Of course - I should have gotten it a couple of weeks before I left El Centro. Don't know why I didn't. From El Centro it was sent to El Toro. Why it was sent there, I don't know. Anywho - from there it was sent to F.P.O - San Francisco - and finally I got it. I suppose I'd better get used to that, however. All my mail from here on will be about a month old.
I got a letter from Mother this morning that's only three weeks old. She said you had been sick again. I was terribly sorry to hear it. I wish you could get completely well again. You've certainly had your share of trouble lately. Take good care of yourself, Jean. The next letter I get - I want to hear that you're well again and permanently.
It sounds as though Howard has been pretty busy with the OPA, etc. I shouldn't be surprised. I know what a mad-house that can be around there. Give him my congratulations on his work. He's doing a fine job. Dorothy Jean and Judia Faye should be having quite a time. Judia Faye is old enough to run around the house a little and I'm sure D.J. is spell-bound at that fact. She probably thought J.F. was something like a doll - to be carried around the rest of her life. Tell both of them hello and give them a kiss for me. Well, Jean - I guess I'd better close now. Take good care of yourself and tell everyone hello. With love, Your brother Guy
Tell Howard I want to hear about those new meters as soon as they're installed and given a few runs.
V-mail Letter from Kae Olivadoti, October 7, 1943
Dear Guy,
Just a note to let you know that I am thinking of you and have been for quite some time. I've wanted to write so many times & it just seemed as 'tho I couldn't. I had a few minutes to myself tonight (first time in ages) so I decided to write while I could. Altho' this won't be a newsy letter, I promise the next one will not be a "V" letter if I can help it.
I suppose you've been kept plenty busy down there – but please don't ever stop writing. I love your letters.
Susie is still here - & Ray just came up last Monday – they are going to leave a week from today. I'm sure going to miss them ...
Ray saw your picture on my dresser & said – "That sure is a darn good picture of 'Good ol' Guy'! - He sure is a swell egg! I sure do like him! ...
I received a beautiful letter from your mother. Guy, she is awfully sweet. I'm going to answer it as soon as possible.
I've decided to cut down on my activities. You are absolutely right – I shouldn't try to do too much. I am going to quit the choir and just sing with the octette. When I write that long letter I'm going to answer all your questions and tell you more about what I'm doing. Until then, please be careful, and remember I'm thinking of you.
As ever,
Kae
Letter from Howard, October 8, 1943
Dear Brother:
We received your letter the other day and were we tickled to hear from you? I should say it was like Christmas or the Fourth of July. You should have seen Mother and I "carry the mail". We made the old home town in nothin' flat. Everybody enjoyed it thoroughly. Please write whenever you find the time, because now it's a long time between letters.
Today was Mother's Birthday and I told her "Happy Birthday" for you. I knew you'd want me to. She's feeling fine these days and never fails to hear every newscast and scan every paper carefully. I think that she is under the impression that between you and Admirals Nimitz, Montgomery, and King, the business of handling Japs is in good hands. And I am inclined to think that if you add to that list the Marine Corps as a whole, you've got the greatest combination in the world.
Paramount News released the movies of the F-6-F the other day and it sure looks like a honey. They were photographed somewhere here in the U.S. There were three planes in formation. I was just wondering if they were the same pictures you mentioned were made in Melbourne, Fla. last Spring?
James Sanders (Army Air Corps) was home the other day from England and asked about you. He looked swell not at all the slouchy trumpet player he used to be. He reckoned that if we could take a Tri-State Band Festival two years in a row, we could sure sack up a World Series like today's headliner.
Well, Boy, when I started this letter I got out two sheets of my thinnest Air Mail paper so it looks like it's gonna be a little wordy before I'm through. If you think you can stand it grab yourself another breath and we'll take off again. This'll probably be the most unorthodox letter in history, because I'm just gonna write it just as it pops into my mind and try and hit the high spots. Buckle up tight because it's liable to be a H . .-.. .-.. of a ride.
PAGE TWO (chapter 13 of "How To Bore Relatives")
I had a letter from Jean the other day and it seems that your little Niece now that she is just past 4 has reached m.p.h. and is constantly falling down and skinning herself all up. The latest report has it that while making a strafing run the other day she "busted up" her landing gear and lit right smack on her little rudder. She also in the same day pulled what I suppose was an "overhead run" on a wasp in a bush and he let her have it with his tail gun. As yet, I haven't heard her description of the whole affair, but I'll bet it's priceless. She still talks about you all the time and about where you are going to take she and "Poppie" in your airplane when you come home.
I just got back to Abilene from a bond-selling tour with a group of movie stars. We met with the Hollywood Bond Cavalcade in Dallas and met the whole works, Kay Kyser, James Cagney, Dick Powell, Greer Garson, Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Harpo Marx, Lucille Ball, Fred Astaire, Kathryn Grayson, and a lot more. We had a party in Dallas and then that night packed-in better than 60,000 at the Cotton Bowl where every person bought some kind of a bond to get in. It was a great show and you can just imagine how many bonds were sold. Then the next day I left with Bill Elliott, Anne Jeffreys, and George "Gabby" Hayes to tour East Texas. We made as many as five towns a day and in the small towns of East Texas in 8 days we sold better than $4,000,000 worth of bonds. We, of course, all donated our services and it gave me a real feeling of pride to be able to work with such a group. Just remember one thing, Brother, "You fly them …. We'll by 'em."
I haven't mentioned anything about the bus business in this letter, but everything is Ok, so there's no use in talking about a dull thing like that.
I haven't the least idea where you are but there's no law against me using my imagination, and after six years work with radio and news I have a darn good one, and if you and the Navy are where I think you are, then those "Sons of Nippon" better start looking for the proverbial "hole to crawl into".
We received Dorothy Jean's present all OK, and I think it was awfully nice of that young lady to send it for you after you had left. I am going to write her and thank her for it. And Dorothy Jean sends her thanks for the gift and a couple of kisses for her "Uncle Guy".
Write when you have time, but be sure and write on pretty good paper or I'll wear it out carrying it around with me. I guess I'd better start trying to find a quitting place in this letter. The censor is probably bored to tears by now anyway.
As you know, I've never been very consistent about letter writing, but you can count on hearing from me real often from now on. If you run across anybody I know, give them my best regards and good wishes and let me know about them. Remember the nights you and I spent raiding the ice box just before you left and don't ever forget the day we said Goodbye in San Angelo. As I said then and ever since I again say "Thumbs Up".
Your loving Brother,
Howard
Letter from Guy to Mother, October 10, 1943
Dear Mother
My, but I've received a stack of mail from you the past couple of days - six letters in fact. What did I do to deserve all of that?
As for when I received the various letters - your first, I received about a week ago. The second about a day later. Numbers 3, 4, 5, & 6, I received yesterday - #7 & 8 today. As to whether the V-Mail is faster - I doubt it. Your letters have come just as fast in some cases - even faster. And as you say - you can't write much in a V-Mail letter. There's not much room.
I was certainly surprised to see Jerry and all the boys getting married. Especially Paul Clark. He's never given a girl a second look in his life. Surprises never cease, do they?
I'll bet Howard had grand time on the Bond Selling tour. He and those "movie stars" must have had a time. He always seems to know and meet plenty of 'em.
I was sorry to hear Jean isn't any better. Poor kid - she's been having plenty of trouble the past few months, hasn't she? I rather expected D.J. would be in fine shape except, of course, for skins and bruises she's constantly getting while playing. And I hope if Jean ever goes to Hobbs she will leave D.J. with Howard and you. I'm sure she will be perfectly contented.
Say - I like your stationery very much. It's better than mine by far. But I don't need any. I stocked up pretty well before I left the States and I can get plenty where I am. I think I have about a year's supply now - as little as I write.
There are about a dozen questions I want to answer and about twice that many to ask, but I don't have your letters boiled down enough yet to remember all of them. Those I forget this time - I catch next, however, so don't worry.
My '"bank account" laid away by the time I get back - huh? Well, it'll probably come in plenty handy. All us ducks are going to need something to start on when this mess is over and if we don't save a little now - we won't have it then!!
No, Mother - I can't think of anything I need that you could send. The whole time I was at El Centro I continually outlined and laid aside what I thought I would want and need. So far I seem to have been lucky and thought of everything. As for reeds - I believe I have plenty - about a dozen I think - and that many will last a couple of years if necessary.
Even though Roy and Frank aren't in the same squadron at San Antonio - I'm sure they get together every chance they have - and really have a time. They always have had fun together - even when just little kids.
Well Mother - I guess I'd better close. I've written nearly a book. The censor is probably completely fagged by now. Give everyone my love and take good care of yourself & Dad. All my love, Guy
Letter from Guy to Jean, October 13, 1943, Wednesday
Dear Jean –
Hi, there!! May I bother you a while? You know – brother-in-laws are supposed to be nothing but bothers, anywho, and I can't let the institution of brother-in-laws down.
Thanks for the very nice letters I've received from you since I was last home. For some reason or other – you seem to mention all the news Mother forgets, so keep 'em comin'. You're still about the best sister-in-law a guy could have.
Say – has D.J. gotten her birthday present by now? According to Mother she was at Big Spring when it arrived at Abilene. I hope she likes it.
After all the weight you've been losing – I can't rightfully call you "Fatty" any more. Say – isn't 105 lbs. too little for you to weigh? You'd better throw a few lbs. back on!! I'll be calling you "Skinny" the first thing you know.
I certainly hope by now you're feeling better. Of course – I could have invited you to come along with me if it's a change of climate you need, but I don't think you'd like it here – for some unknown reason.
Thanks for Dopey's address. I'll write the ole boy in a couple of days.
Well, Jean – I guess I'd better draw this to a close and give you a rest. Tell everyone hello and give D.J. a kiss for me.
With love, Guy
Letter from Guy to Aunt Marie (Tego), October 16, 1943, Saturday night
Dear "Kiddo" -
Greetings!! Salutations!! Hi!! and stuff!! How are you doin'?
Say - where did you get that bea-U-tiful stationery, you wrote to me on while while you were in Abilene. Yes, sir - that letter turned out to be verytouching (if you know what I mean) Ha!
But I did enjoy it. Really I did. There's only one thing I want to know - how do you dream up all that stuff you write. It certainly takes the cake. Your letters are a riot from beginning to end. Say - what brand are you using now, anywho?
Seriously though - thanks very much for your letters. As long as I get letters I'll know you haven't forgotten your old "nephooo".
Mother said they certainly had a grand time while you were there. Between you, Mother, Jean, and anyone else who chanced to drop in - I'll bet there was a lot of tongue-wagging. I can hear it now - a mixture between a saw mill and a boiler factory. It's amazing how so many people can talk at once, isn't it? Of course - no one even hears anyone else, but all of you seem to enjoy it. I wouldn't mind listening to all of you chatter myself. As a matter of fact - I miss it.
Say - come out and see me sometime, Babe!!!! We can throw coconuts at each other to pass the time. If there's anything else out here to do - I wish you'd tell me what it is. I'd be very grateful.
Well, Kiddo - I guess I'd better give you a breather. After all this red ink you'll probably see glarey spots before your eyes for hours.
Be good and write when you have time. Tell the Kirwans hello. The last couple of letters I wrote Jodye - I didn't get an answer. I suppose she's too busy with her work to fool with writing. Anywho - give them my very best regards.
G'bye for now.
With love,
Guy
P.S. Did you hear the one about the girl who married the moron? Well, they got married. Went home that night and went to bed early. The moron just lay there - didn't move or say a word. About 11:30 he got up and started dressing. His wife said, "Where do you think you're going?" He said - "Well, the fellas said I'd be 'goin' to town' about midnight!!".
Letter from Tego, October 26, 1943
Aunt Marie "Tego"
My dearest "Toots"
Just a short note along with a little junk I picked up around the house - Thought maybe you'd get at least 5 minutes relaxation from the regular trend of thought - (That is if you've thought recently).
Did you get my last effort at letter writing just a day or so ago? - I went by and read your letter to Madge Kirwan - She was thrilled over hearing it - She said she was going to write you - So did "Aunt Mae".
Well, Honey, bunchey - It's time for "chow" so I'll quit and forget my strength when I grab that sandwich I have tucked in a paper sack, plus Fritos, plus a sliver of cheese - an apple - etc. - wish you could join me - I'd half up.
Drop me a line and tell me about your grass skirts, etc - .
Lots of love,
Kiddo
Letter from Mother to Guy Oct. 26, 1943
Letter No. 14 Abilene, Texas Oct. 26, 1943
Dearest Guy,
I received your No. 4 letter (written Sat Oct 16). Yesterday Howard brought it over to me and when he came in I said, "Give me my letter." He said, "How do you know you have a letter?" I said, "Well I just feel like I have and if it was from anybody but Brother you wouldn't have brought it over here. You are just as anxious to see it as I am." So then he gave it to me and we were not long getting it open. Honey we are so thrilled and excited when a letter comes from you. You said mail was the most welcome thing around there. Your letters are certainly welcome here. We just look forward to them from one to the next. Honey I don't write very good letters but if they mean so much to you I'll try to write more of them. You said when you wrote that you hadn't had a letter in a week or ten days. My! I guess they were stacking up again. Was sorry you went so long without one and then got six in two days. You must have been worn out by the time you finished them all. When they stack up that way. Guess you will have to read them one a day so they will last longer and you won't get so worn out. Of course I know you can't keep from opening them though. We will just be thrilled to have you tell us about anything you want. I was so glad to look the book up for you that you ask for, "Theory of Equations". I think you left it here when you went to Florida or after you came back. I had it put away with your other books. Your dad was out of town so Howard got a knife at Clarks. Mr. Clark said it was just like one he sent one of his boys. Guess it will take quite a while to get the package. Wish it could get there quick like these airmail letters. We wonder all the time what we could get you. We will be so glad to have you tell us when you want anything. It will make us downright happy. We all love you dearly and would just break our necks to get something you need or want. Please remember now.
Don't think that because I don't talk about this old war in my letters that I'm not concerned. I just feel that you would rather I'd talk about other things. Sometimes I write about frivolous things but it's in hopes it will take your mind for a few minutes off the circumstances that are all too serious. This old war is all that is keeping me from being happy. Guess there's nothing to do but to be brave about it and trust God. Darling you have always trusted God and you have always been brave. I've told several that I had the first time to ever hear you say you were afraid of anything, even when you were a little fellow. Your Mommie just thinks you are perfect anyway.
Don't know how this letter will sound. Dorothy Jean is down here and has been talking or singing constantly ever since I started writing. I'll try to do better next time. I must run mail this as I have just a few minutes.
Darling I love you. Mother
Letter from Howard, October 26, 1943
Dear Brother:
Well, what's the good word from the hot pilots of the Corsairs? The brilliant thought has struck me that you must be stationed in New Caldonia. If I'm right please enclose a palm tree in your next letter for verification. No kidding. If I'm within 500 miles of right in your next letter ask me how my corns are getting along after all that walking.
We just got your letter asking for a pocket knife. I got you one at Clark's. It's the best knife that's available. I'll mail it tomorrow at the same time I mail this letter. You'll probably get two packages before you get your Christmas packages so if you get any packages not marked Christmas Package open it just as soon as you receive them.
As I told you in my last letter, which I hope you have received by now, I'm not going to count letters on you now. You've got too much important work to do for me to expect you to write very often, so I'm just going ahead and write you. It's 02:45 of October 27, 1943 (Wednesday) so at this hour of the morning don't be surprised at anything I write. My typing is also bad, which is mostly caused by the cold weather outside and as yet we haven't hooked up the stove here in the office at the bus station. I don't know what the temperature is, but it's the coldest night we've had so far.
Fulton Lewis, Jr. was in Abilene Monday night and I met him and talked with him a few minutes. He's sure a mighty smart man. It won't surprise me if he runs for president in the next fifteen years. He's a real news commentator and a real fellow besides.
I just finished writing Roy a letter. I suppose you have his address. Just in case you don't, it's ...
Aviation Cadet Kemper, Roy F. - 3851710 Class 44 F – Group H – Squadron 74 A.A.F.P.S. – S.A.A.C.C. San Antonio, Texas --- U.S.A.
Some address, huh? No wonder it takes so long to get anywhere in the Army Air Corps. It must take a couple of weeks to learn your mailing address there. Also, in case you don't have Richard's address I'll put it in ...
A/C R. L. Shipman Class 43 K – M.A.A.F. Squadron 1 – Flight B Merced, California
That ought to bring you up to date on addresses. Incidentally, when I was in Dallas on the War Bond Tour, we stopped at the Adophlus Hotel and I saw your friend there and she asked for your address and I gave it to her. I suppose that was OK.
Jean and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary Sunday. Just imagine being married five years! Gad, I'm getting old and don't know it.
By the way, you ought to be enrolled at McMurry this year, you could sure have a harem. I understand that there are only 25 boys enrolled there altogether this year. Quite a change from the old days, Eh?
By the way, the other day Dorothy Jean got a bee in her bonnet and asked her Mommie what those other buildings at McMurry were and her Mommie told her they were dormitories. Then Jean had to explain what domotor ies (oh hell, I can't spell worth a damn) were and then Dorothy Jean decided that you must have given her the double cross when you took her to McMurry because you didn't show her the beds where the "kids sleep." She asked me the other day if I wouldn't take her over there while the girls were downstairs eating dinner and show her their rooms. What a gal !!!!
I've got my Packard all fixed up now and it's running like a million. See if you can't pick up one of those 2,000 HP Corsair motors to go in it and when you come home we could really get around. I can dern near take off with the one I have.
Mr. and Mrs. John over at the Paramount Confectionery are always asking about you. They think so much of you. If you have time why don't you drop them a post card. I'd tickle them to death.
Say, if there's anything I can do for you please let me know, I'll be mighty glad to do it. If there's any Christmas shopping for that special someone or anything I can do, please let me know. You know it seems so funny to be writing to someone a couple of thousand miles away. I can't get used to the idea yet, but Brother when I catch on you'd better look out, I'll keep you knee deep in letters from me. This one's getting a little long, but I don't care. Hell, it's liable to run on another page or two before I finish.
Your cruise box came in about a week ago. Gad man from what you sent home you must not have taken anything with you but your flight suit a couple of work uniforms and a change of underwear and sox. I noticed a couple of rolls of 16 millimeter film in the box I presume they're some of the machine gun film. Am I right?
About 0330 Jean phoned up and its now 0405 and she just finished talking. She said that you'd never know how much of a delay she caused in your letter. I told her that I thought I'd enclose a blank sheet of paper and tell you that was what I could have written while I was talking to her. She said she just called up to tell me that she was lonesome and wanted me to come home. I told her that I couldn't though because my drivers were fixing to leave out and I wanted to check them awhile this morning. She made me promise that I'd come by home and turn the fire on for her though. She reminded me of a cartoon I clipped from a magazine to send to you so as the air mail doesn't leave here for some time I'll get it and finish this letter after while and send the cartoon with it.
The typewriter is tied up just now and it's almost time to get this in the mail so I'll just say "Thumbs up" and the best of everything.
Your brother,
Howard
Letter from Guy, October 28, 1943
Dear Howard -
Greetings!! Salutations!!
And "Hi, there, Bub !!!"
I received your letter of Oct. 8th this morning. I don't know why I didn't get it sooner. I should have gotten it about ten days ago. Oh, well - I couldn't have enjoyed it more if I'd gotten it the day after it was written. Those "unorthodox" letters (as you call them) that you write are always masterpieces to me. I grin from ear to ear the whole time I'm reading them. Partly due to news, partly to your very clever descriptions, but mostly due to my pride I hold for you. "Some have it and some don't. You've got it."
Yes, the F6F shot was the same one. How did you like them? They're beauties, aren't they? But then - so's the U. It's plenty hard to beat.
I'm glad D.J. got her locket okey. And particularly glad to hear she likes it. She's an awfully sweet kid and as you know - I've always been nuts about her. I certainly wish she were mine. I really envy you. And I'm glad for you at the same time. I'm sure you realize that you are, after all, very fortunate in having such a grand wife and daughter. I think they're both wonderful, don't you?
Yes, I feel very fortnuate being out here where I can get a first hand shot at the "Sons of Nippon". It's my job, true, but it's a privilege at the same time. I only hope I'm permitted to be here when the final day for them comes. That will be worth any hardship I may endure between now and then. They sure S -.-. .-. . .-- . -.. the world up, didn't they? But just as long as you help keep'em buying 'em we'll keep 'em flying. And we'll give it all we've got !!!
Boy, Oh, boy - do I remember the nights we raided the ice box while I was home? I'll say. I'd give my front row seat in H . .-.. .-.. to do it again. And I'll really be looking forward to it. I'll have plenty to tell you, so we'll need plenty of cheese, crackers, etc. Must close now.
As always,
Brother
Letter from Mother to Guy Oct. 31, 1943
Letter No. 16 Abilene, Texas Oct. 31, 1943
Dearest Brother,
Guess you have received the knife by now that Howard sent you or will have it before you received this. I hope you do. The day your letter came requesting a knife I wrote to Roy and happened to tell him about your writing for one. Yesterday Verla Joyce had a letter from him and left the letter here for us to read so I'll just copy part of it for you. He wrote, "I got a letter from Mother this morning. Thank her for me. In the letter she said Brother wanted a good knife. Well I have the very thing. You know the fly open knife I have at home. You send one to him if they didn’t send one. Remember? I had two of them. I have one with me. You might also get him a small stone to sharpen it with. You can get a good one at Clarks. Get a "Carborundum" if you can. They are really good. It may not be too very sharp now so put a note in it to tell him the way the "Diamond Edge" company advises. Hold the blade at a 20° angle to the stone. Sharpen with a straight, forward and backward motion from the point to heel (no circular motion). That’s the proper way. I'll guarantee that he can't get any better metal than is in that knife. That would be the very thing if he had trouble grounded in enemy territory. That blade could be flipped open and have a Japs GUTS on the ground before a cat could blink his eye. (That is if a Jap has any guts). I just hope he can use it to a 'Helluva lot of good'." That little brother of yours is still a sight. Would you like to have that knife also? Or do you want to be bothered with two? If not would you want a stone sent? Be sure to let us know. Roy also said, "Hurray for Marie. How did she do it? All I can say is she and her husband have my sympathy. Poor ole hen that lost her 'only chick'. Oh well."
I saw Mrs. Culwell last night over in town. I told her you got her letter and told her you said they had been so nice to you for so many years. It pleased her and she said "We just love Guy". She said Jerry wrote that he was going on a month's trip but he said that was all he could tell her. His wife will stay in California while he is away. I saw Mrs. Clark in town yesterday and she asked about you also and said nice things about you, too. She said Paul is expecting to be sent across any time. Billy Tom was in the Air Corps but washed out as he couldn't be in the air more than 30 min. without getting deathly sick. They gave him more time thinking he could overcome it but he couldn't. He is now in the Corps of Engineers. A course that will require twenty one months to complete she said. Well the babies have started getting married now. That little Harmon Carter married Bettye Horn daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Gene Horn. But I guess he is as old as Roy was or Howard were. Seems no time though since we lived by them and he was only a little boy. He is in the Air Corps stationed at Sheppard Field. Darling the other day I ran across the lovely Valentine greeting card you sent me last February from Kingsville. I wouldn't take anything for it. Looking at it gave me a thrill just like it did when I received it and I love to get our old letters out and read them. Of course nothing can come up to my getting a new one. Even if you can't tell us anything about what you are doing and where you are. Do try to write every chance you have.
All my love – kisses too Mother
Did you ever get the long letter Howard wrote right after he got back from the bond tour?
