Oct. 17, 1943
Dear Folks:
Sun. 8:00 P.M.
Tomorrow morning at 8:30 A.M. I leave for the island. We will fly our own planes down. My address will be the same unless I tell you different. I had to fly the P-40 for 35 min. today to make me 10 hrs. Boy I really bounced it in this time. I hit the runway and bounced about 20 feet up. I caught it with throttle and brought it down and bounced again. I made about 4 landings before it finally stopped bouncing. Some fun! But the Lt. who runs the P-40 squadron didn’t care for my brand of fun. I figure any landing I walk away from is a good landing. I have a little packing to do tonight yet.
I went in town last night and tried on my uniforms. They still have some altering to do. I also bought 2 pair of khakis at the quartermaster store and I’m going to see if I can get Ma to shorten them for me.
You know I wrote Pug and Eddie a letter and the next day I got a letter from them saying they had moved.
Say how’s the gas situation? And tires? Will there be enough for me to do a little driving while I’m home? Well I think I better close and do some packing etc. You know I have 5 pairs of shoes and I’m going to get another new pair for graduation. If dad (or Jim) can wear any of them I’ll leave one pair home when I get there. One pair I haven’t worn yet and one other pair I wore about 2 hours today for the first time.
Well everybody take care of yourself. I’m taking good care of myself. I manage to eat enough. I have 3 or 4 oranges and about 6 apples and 3 candy bars in my locker now. Which reminds me we are now being fed like the men in the regular army. No ice cream or anything fancy.
Yours truly,
Alva
Ancestors Across the Ages 