Aug. 19, 1945

Aug. 19, 1945

       Dearest Shirl,

       Once again miracles have happened.  We were called back from a mission.  Once a plane is air borne, to call it back is unheard of.  We were called back at 1400.  We landed, checked in, and were told that the training program had been discontinued.  There are a lot of reacting to this.  It might mean we’re all through flying, or maybe they’ll revise the program and start over again.  We may get discharged early or we may go over in some other capacity.  A million things might happen.  Ole Debble time is the answer.  If we’re all through flying - no more flight pay - my pay is cut in half.  It’s going to shoot my financial plans to hell and back.  I’ll be damned if I’ll worry about it though.  I’ll do the best I can and that’s got to be it.  We may get some more detailed dope next week. 

     The photographs were ready today so I picked them up and mailed them.  They aren’t so hot. Oh well, you can’t make a silk purse from a little acorn’s grow or something.  Next to barbers, photographers are my worst enemies. 

     Your fourteen days of solitary are up today.  How yah doin?  Any more trouble with Ramshaw?  The cad!  Bill should be vibrant with energy when he gets back.  Or else worn out. 

       Still trying to trace down the author of King Arthur, no luck. 

      Last night we had another Arizona dew.  Damn near blew the barracks away and flooded the whole place.  Probably won’t rain again for months. 

     Dragged myself into Tuscon last night.  Made another raid on the S. A. For coffee and doughnuts and then spent a couple of hours looking at and trying on civilian. Suits.  For me it was quite an exciting thing to do.  I had a bang up time.  My coat size is one size larger than three years ago.  Probably;y due to wearing a chute.  It strengthens your shoulders but nearly breaks your back. 

     I hope we get some definite information.  Anything that can happen isn’t as bad as being in the dark. 

      In nine days I’ll have been in the army for three years.  Hash mark and all.  Anawful lot has happened.  Some things are better, some things are worse and so many changes.  I’d give two bottle caps to know what would have happened if there had been no war.  It’s fun to think about it. 

      Hey there slick, whats your ideas about our post war plans?  It’s getting around time to start comparing notes.  Sound off and let’s get some stuff cooking.  Decide what things are important to you and then we can throw everything else out.  For my part I just want us to be insanely happy or happily insane.  We can do about anything we want so as we know about it in time to pack a lunch.  Our methods may be unorthodox but it’ll be fun.  I absolutely refuse to live a sensible life for at least five years.  Figure out some objectives, Darling.  We’ll attack in formation.  Ya know V. J. Day was mild compared to the day B 29 training was discontinued.   Yesterday for breakfast we were greeted with the headline,  “ 18 killed in B29’s”.  Everybody breathes a lot easier now.  Everyone here knows more men were lost here in B29 s that there over Japan.  The ship is only good for combat.  Outside of that it’s senseless to fly one.  Their fuel consumption is too great, they cost too much and their chances of staying aloft are bad.  The big bird just isn’t beloved.  Sort of like the jet job.  Too much for man to handle.  Someday I’ll give you a six hour lecture on B 29s.  You’ll be bored stiff. 

     I do believe I’ll knock my head against the pillow for awhile.  I’ll be dreaming of you.

Love and Kisses

Ray