Dec. 31, 1943
10:45 P.M.
Dear Folks:
Here it is the last day of 1943 already. Boy I certainly hope we have this old war finished by this time next year. Then I can be home where I can relax a little. I am quite sure the Germans will be finished before then but it is very doubtful if the Japs will be licked that soon. Maybe by next New Years I will have my 50 combat missions finished already and then I will get a nice 20 or 30 day leave.
We got paid today. I sent my paycheck to you folks by a registered letter. It is for $231.35 I believe. Let me know as soon as you get it. Also let me know as soon as you get the $60 allotment and the bond, will you? Don’t worry about me running short either. I still have $90 in cash and that $40 check from National Brass Co.
As far as saving money and leaving it in the bank, I don’t think much of that idea. So I wish you would use all that you need and also get that place paid for as soon as possible. Then after awhile if you get a little together, it would be wise to invest it in something good and safe. The reason too much money in the bank isn’t good is in case we have inflation like they expect. Because then money wouldn’t buy anything. Money wouldn’t be worth what it is today. But if a person’s money is invested in property of some sort, the value of the property goes up or down as the value of money. So it is always comparatively speaking worth the same price. If you see what I mean?
I expect to send home at least $80 to $100 per month besides the $60.
I got a letter from you yesterday. I got in 1 1/2 hrs. of aerial gunnery today. You know I shot 400 rounds and never even touched the target. We also dropped a small bomb. We sort of was dive bombing. We haven’t been getting much time in this week because of the bad weather. Now I’m getting changed to Section II and they will fly mornings next week so I will lose out again. Nothing much has been happening so I will just close and write again soon.
Yours truly,
Alva
P.S. I had another kid send that for me so it is probably him writing on the envelope. A.B.
Ancestors Across the Ages 