The first two letters ..

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Army Air Forces
Shepherd Field, Texas
official address
Pvt. W. K. WHITCOMB
A. S. N. 37576695
304th training group
Squadron 15 Bks. 606

November 6, 1943

Dear Dorothy,

The other day Jean wrote and told me that I was to write to you and tell you about myself for a class letter or paper, but like a true woman she didn’t give me your address. I had to ask her for it before she would give it to me and so I got it this evening.

Last week John Loehlin wrote and asked for information about me. I see that you and he are going to the same college so therefore I see both of you are working towards the same goal in getting out a class letter.

I getting to enjoy Army life now all the time. I guess it is because I’m getting used to it. It amounts to a drill class all day long. I guess I haven’t learned yet what is all leading to.

As far as I know I am still a cadet, but anything might happen at any time and wash me out. If so I will be classified as a radio gunner, at least I am doomed to be in the air so I might as well take it with a smile.

I have somehow accumulated a little gang. There are other boys( men)that sleep near me in the barracks have sort of taken to hero worship. The only difference between this gang and the good all gang at Woodstock is that I don’t swear and everyone else does, whereas at Woodstock I had the reputation of swearing.   It isn’t only swearing here but also blasphemy.

November 7, 1943 I can’t get much written. I don’t know why maybe there isn’t much to tell you.

I have at least 20 days of basic left and if I wash out here I’ll get 36 more days, so let’s hope I don’t wash out.

If you want to know more you’ll have to ask questions because I don’t know what to tell you. Do write.

Your classmate, Bill



A. A. F. Basic training center number.
304th training group
Shepherd Field, Texas
Bks 395

December 17, 1943

Dear Dorothy,

I’m taking your invitation to write again to heart and I’m actually going to write a letter.

It is been a few weeks now since I received the marvelous addition of the class news. I sure enjoyed it to the utmost. I don’t suppose you like to always be reminded of the task but when and if another masterpiece comes through the press I have some news from some of the kids in India. Willis is planning to come across in the spring and attend Ann Arbor. This is from my brother John who is planning to go there too. Peter and Richard are or have applied to the RAF for training. Harley is not in the Army yet.

At last I have signed my folder which means that I am a potential pilot, bombardier or Navigator. I have the Lord to thank for that because I know I couldn’t have passed all those tests without his guidance. I took the tests that are usually given to cadets after they have had their college and many of them used to fill out then. You know as well as I do that I couldn’t make a good grade in anything unless the Lord takes over. I am ready now any day to be shipped out to college. I’ll get five months of that then eight or nine of preflight school. I won’t get my wings for at least 14 months.

I wonder if you have been as disappointed in the states as I have. I don’t know what I was expecting but I sure am getting to see enough sinning that I am convinced that our good old US is or has gone to the dumps. The man who doesn’t swear or blaspheme or gamble or smoke is so scarce you do find one who doesn’t participate in these it isn’t because it is against his religion but just he is broke or something of the like. At first it was pretty hard to say quote know” but now I have shown the man where I stand and why I stand there. So they know what to expect of me.

Is Wooster anywhere near Lima? My mother’s home is about 60 miles from Lima near St. Mary’s.
Tom has a furlough now for 15 days I believe. I wish he would have time to come over here to see me that I can’t expect him because his girl lives in Evanston Illinois and I imagine he will be there most of the time. I hope he goes over to see Jean while he is up Chicago way.

Give my “ salaams” to Thelma and John and tell them to write. I’d be glad to hear from them.

May you have a blessed Christmas and pray for me.
Sincerely Bill
 

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