Edgar L. Vincent WWII Letters Home – Part 1

Mom, thanks a million for the cookies. They were enjoyed by a lot of the fellows and said to tell you they were sure good. I ate about half of them. I would estimate the other fellows have gotten cookies and so I get in on some of theirs. They came through in good condition and were much appreciated. Don’t send any for a while because I think we fly in a week. I will have a new address. I hope I get to go to a good college. We are confined to the base today just in case something develops. We are supposed to have an inspection of clothing this morning but so far no one has come around. We are just sitting around. Some of us are writing letters. The rest of us are just sitting around and talking.

Last night three of us went to town together. Bought a good steak dinner and then messed around in the U.S.O. The trip would be much more enjoyable if we didn’t have to wait so long for a bus to get in.

I got another shot yesterday so arm is still a little sore. Still have a couple of shots to go. At first I sort of hated the shots and even got a little dizzy after the first ones. But now I don’t mind at all when they harpoon me (more truth than fiction). You step into a position while he harpoons you, jams the plunger and yanks it out. Great sport!

[pause while we have clothing inspection]

Had gas mask drill Friday and went through a gas chamber, then took masks off to get effect of gas. Tear gas was used and is it potent. Saturday we got a little rifle drill. Didn’t learn much, however.

Mom, you wanted to know what T.S.S stands for. Here it is: Technical School Squadron. Lincoln is primarily a training school for mechanics, henceforth the name.

I may not write another letter from Lincoln. Can’t tell, however, if I am not able to I’ll write one from the new address as soon as possible. Feeling swell and gaining back a little weight.

Love,

Leonard

Hope you got the letter yesterday. Didn’t do much today. After breakfast about 10 am, we went to a meeting at one of the auditoriums and found out a little bit about what the score is. One of the things we found out about was what we would need when school starts, probably next Monday. Here is the list of stuff we have to buy:

• 1 notebook
• 1 ruler
• 1 compass
• 1 protractor
• 1 filler of graph paper
• 1 filler of ruled paper
• 1 briefcase
• 2 name tag holders
• 1 pair of trunks
• 1 athletic supporter
• 1 pair of athletic shoes

Most of the stuff I can get here but I would like to have you pack the things I have already and send them immediately.

Please have brother Duck open my big box in the garage and get the things. The ruler, protractor and compass are in the same box as my drafting machine. You will have to remove some screws from the box to get it open. The protractor I want is the plastic “Dietzgen”. The ruler situation is a little dubious. I am sure there is one good 12” plastic ruler left. There is also a Duraluminum 8”. I would rather have the 12”. Send also my basketball shoes and all the good sweat socks. I had about 3 pair, some of them new, but I expect Roger has them worn out by now. Pack them altogether and send them. Maybe you had better put some wood strips on each side of the ruler. Send all the other drawing equipment you see you think I could use. Be careful of the drafting machine please, Roger.

We also learned that we are to be addressed as Mr. now. Maybe we can eliminate the Private prefix but are not sure yet, nor are we sure of the pay. They gave us $15.00 at Lincoln. Money is holding out OK.

Des Moines looks like a nice town but we have to stay pretty close to the house as yet. I broke my watch stem just before left Lincoln, so I am doing without a watch until I can get uptown to get it fixed.

Love,

Leonard

We have a little time between chow and P.T. Saturday afternoon so I decided it was a good time to write a little letter. We have open post until 1 pm tonight so I and two other fellows have dates to go to a dance down town, more from Eh What? We are taking girls from Chi Omega, a very nice sorority house off campus. My financial status was a little low. In fact, I have been broke for a week. I borrowed $10 so far and we will get paid next week, so don’t bother about sending the $10. The fellows are swell and will lend anyone they know all the dough they want. You would be surprised to know what a nice bunch of fellows there are here.

About “Element Corporal”, it doesn’t swell my head and so don’t let it swell yours. The front men in each element (or rank) are a student corporal. I have responsibility of 10 men. Just check roll out. Once in a while I drill the whole Flight, when the student Lieutenant or Sergeant are good. I usually march them back from the field house in the evening after P.T.

You wanted to know about Clarence. I haven’t seen him for a week. Maybe he has the measles. If he does he won’t be in the hospital alone. Quite a few have something or other. We use the hospital out at Fort Des Moines so he is in good hands and if is there will probably be back soon. There was quite a bit of measles, flu, pneumonia, etc. at Lincoln because of the cold weather. I have been OK except for a sore throat and cold but the last few days have put me in tip top shape again. It is warm now.

The barracks have 150 men, at least this one is. The beds are double deckers. I have a lower, no pillows, but I can sleep anywhere after a hard P.T. It really makes you realize that you have lots of muscles, because they start aching. Yesterday we ran the “cross country course” (1.8 miles through trees, across streams, etc.). The day before we ran and walked (half and half) the 2.5 miles on the track. Sure glad I have the gym shoes. You might send my green latex bathing suit.  I don’t remember whether it is in my drawers or in the box. The only chance to swim will be the YMCA but would like to go.

Glad to hear Duck got a new suit and shoes and that the prom was nice. God! What a mess of pigs Roger must have now. Doesn’t it take a lot of time to run back and forth from the orchard? How does it seem to be grad “soon to be”, brother Duck?

I called up Aunt Et and Uncle Art last night to see if they still wanted me out for dinner. It seems that they are soon to be grandfather and mother to another. So I won’t go out this Sunday, probably next Sunday. Art is going to show me around Des Moines, Grandad’s grave, etc. He is farming 14 acres. Gave up the job at the school because of health. Am looking forward to going out.

Love,

Leonard

Just got back from chow and on Saturday we don’t have to fall back out until 1:05 pm, so I have a little time.

It’s been raining all day and so the streets are rather wet, almost like California in fact. We, of course, have big raincoats so nothing can stop the Army Air Corps. We have P.T. today, probably in the field house and after P.T. a stand-by inspection. After that open post is in effect. I am going to town and buy a pair of shoes. I as well as about 100 in the barracks made applications for the #17 coupon. Only 20 of us got them and so although I really don’t need them I’ll buy them for later use since coupons are not laying around. I have a date tonight to go to a dance in town. She’s an Iowa small town gal going to Drake and very nice so expect a good time. Saturday night and Sunday are the extent of our free time so the barracks are really empty Saturday night and Sunday.

Looks like Roger did OK in the gift line for Graduation. Are you glad to be out, Roger? You will probably be plenty busy this summer since the manpower situation is so critical. Still I doubt if you work any harder than I will be. I don’t think there has been a night yet I haven’t been asleep five minutes after I get in bed. This old P.T. really takes it out of you. The other day I ran the cross country trail in 9 min 27 sec, best time by half a minute in Flight B. The 1.8 miles is up and down hills, over logs, etc. I guess I am in better shape than most fellows but I expect to bring my time below 9 min. I guess the long legs help. I told you didn’t I that I beat all of the Flight B in the pull ups (25). If a fellow can stick through this training we should all be super men. Moral: don’t get in a fight with an Air Corp pilot because he’s probably tough. We have even learned a little Judo. We have a 3 min cross country course and an obstacle course that is plenty tough.

I got the pictures back and sent some of the negatives back for enlargements which I will send to you, Dad. Some of them are very good.

Now to thank you Mom for the cookies. They are almost gone and I as well as some of the other boys think they are the best cookie made.

Yes, I am getting the records. Incidentally, did I tell you “Red” Gilmore, an old high school acquaintance who has been going to Linfield College, is only about 20 feet from my bunk? Clarence Showers is in Barracks #5, about 1 mile from Barracks #1. I see him on the average about two times a week. Too bad Harry Stoadley is across so young.

I got the first issue of the Reader’s Digest yesterday. Again thanks Mom. The grades are still very good except History I think. I got the highest grade in the final section of Math (99%). I think I have about the highest in Physics.

Love,

Leonard

I am very tired tonight so bear with me this short letter. First, I must thank my wonderful parents for so quickly finding me a razor and trying to help me find another. I surely appreciate it. I have written to M.W. concerning razors. The one of Leo’s is OK mechanically. However if I can get a new one I will do so. A lot of the fellows have razors so I have a chance to look them all over. The new Remington double or triple head is my choice. The Schick I had was the fastest shaving electric razor I have seen but wouldn’t shave so close. This Sunbeam of Leo’s really shaves the closest of any I have seen but it takes a long time and, of course, the stubble must be kept short for them to go through the little holes in the head. The fellows who have Sunbeams are really satisfied, however. If I can’t get a new one I’ll keep the Sunbeam. Believe me, anything is better than the safety razor. I have to shave every day anyway on account of my beard is growing faster. Thanks a million for thinking of me. The check, of course, was welcome. Without it I am afraid I couldn’t swing a new razor deal for a while.

About Dad’s letter. The last letter I have gotten was a long time ago when I told about his old home, etc. in Des Moines. I haven’t heard from him since.

I got the picture of the old place a few days ago. The print job isn’t good at all one the photographs majors here told me after looking at the negatives. Seems they ran them through a machine wholesale without any individual attention. I will send also the negatives so if you wish some reprints you may have them. Hope you like them.

Got a letter from June yesterday and I think she is coming here a week from next Saturday. I am going to try to reserve a hotel room for her if I can get up town. Didn’t get “open post” this weekend because of the severeness of the flu and colds among the cadets. I have been in good shape, however. As far as known we are really going to get to spend some time together.

Here is the lowdown on my extent of time in Des Moines. I will be flying within a week and ship out inside of a month to one of these three places: Santa Ana, CA, Nashville, TN, San Antonio, TX. It doesn’t make me mad because I am anxious to get going, even though I like the setup here.

I sure am tired tonight. Ran three mile cross country in 19 min 42 secs (3rd place for Flight B). Also a real workout in the calisthenics as well as an hour and a half of shot gun drills this afternoon. Great life.

Loads of Love,

Leonard

It’s a rainy Sunday as has been every weekend since we have been here. This last week, however, I got my first taste of Iowa heat. It really has got hot here and the humidity makes you feel it.

Thanks Mom for the lovely cake. I think you are a super packer. The cake came through in unbelievably good shape, not mashed at all. The waxed paper stuck to the frosting on the top so a lot of the frosting came up when I took the waxed paper off. I could see the decoration before taking off the paper but not after. The cake is not half gone and before the day is over it will all be gone. Very good and thanks a lot. The card was very nice too. Grandmother sent me a box of peanut clusters and the Kistlers a box of milk chocolates. June sent me a little book “Service to God and Country.” It has a page to read every day. I don’t do that, of course, but have read some of it. It’s nice.

I got to town yesterday afternoon, first time in two weeks. While there I looked for an electric razor (none of course). I bought a nice pair of pants with the five bucks you sent. So I will be wearing your birthday gift this summer. They are a very lightweight cotton khaki and will be cool this summer. Thanks for the pants. Also bought myself a khaki shirt. I suppose you wonder why I am buying more clothes. We are issued two suits, in other words two shirts and two pants (khaki).  The cleaning service is very poor; in fact, it takes a week or more to get anything back so that means I have to wear a shirt a week or more. I looked for shoes to no avail and bought Roger’s gift. I guess it’ll have to do for graduation as well as birthday. It isn’t as much as I would like to spend but service pay limits me somewhat. It will probably arrive in a few days.

I wrote M.S. about razors. They wrote back saying they have them so seeing that there is none in town I guess I’ll order the triple head Remington. The Sunbeam is OK but a little slow.

They have eliminated English from Flight B’s schedule and we are through with First Aid so I have more Study Halls and consequently less night studying. I will be flying about Thursday or Friday of this week. I can hardly wait. Some of the men love it others aren’t so hot for it. I think I’ll like it.

June will come this weekend according to plans. Haven’t heard from her lately, however.

Your son had a nice birthday and still likes this Army. If it cools off this afternoon I’ll take my gal friend swimming. Here’s hoping.

Loads of Love,

Leonard

Yes, we finally made it and are here in Des Moines having a swell time.

[Sister] June is taking a bath so I will write a little. Hope you get the record I made last night and also that you can find a record player to put it on. I didn’t have much to say in some places so there are a few “uh, uhs” in it. June and I went in the U.S.O. last night. I made the record and then we went to dinner, finally in the Younker’s Tea Room. It was very nice and after filling the cavity we went to the Riviera to dance. Had a swell time last night and hope to today. Time is going to be short, however, since I’m afraid I’m going to have to fly this afternoon. Very unexpectedly yesterday we found out we were to fly. I don’t know whether June can go out to the airport or not but I am hoping so since it would be rather boring just sitting around here this afternoon. Incidentally, I got an overnight pass last night so slept in a soft bed and had a bath in a bathtub for the first time in over two months, very swell.

Roger, I used your $5 birthday gift to buy clothes. I have a very nice shirt and pair of pants on with the aid of your gift. Thanks a lot. It was well spent and much appreciated. The Air Corp has furnished us two each of pants and shirt, but when it takes a week to get cleaning back they aren’t enough. Again, thanks.

(Later) I guess I’ll sign off now. June and I went to see Drake and are now back at the Hotel. Don’t have to fly today. June ate dinner with me in the mess hall. She really liked it too.

Love,

Leonard

Here we are chugging along over the plains of Kansas like a caterpillar across a table. It’s hot but a nice breeze and we are taking it more or less easy sprawled all over the chairs. We left last night about 10 o’clock (I guess that would be this morning wouldn’t it?), ate breakfast in Kansas City, MO. will probably wake up in Oklahoma or Texas. (Pause for dinner in the diner)

This paper is a little messed up and writing very poor but you must remember that this is war and I’m on a train.

I got Dad’s letter Friday and, of course, very welcome and interesting. Did you get the electric razor I sent back for you to give to Leo? I sent it insured. Also did you get the picture of your son in uniform?

We got off at the last town and did some calisthenics just in order to get blistered up. Kansas is very beautiful and so was Missouri but you should see the damage done by the high (even yet) Missouri River. There were a lot of houses with just the roof sticking out and areas of corn that won’t produce this year.

Well, I’m headed for the most deciding part of my career in the Air Corp: classification. It’s there that decides whether I make pilot, bombardier, navigator or grease monkey. I’m going to be very disappointed if I don’t make pilot. I think my blood pressure is O.K. now but they can find a lot wrong with a guy. Eyes wash out 20% of the men but I’m not worried about mine.

I guess I better call it quits for now and hope I can mail this before I get to California. When I get to Santa Ana, I’ll give you my new address. Until then,

Love,

Leonard

Dear folks,

I’m sending this from the Classification Center here at the Sana Ana Army Air Base, where I arrived today. I was met at the train and am now here with the rest of the future Army Air Crews.

I’ve been registered and assigned to Squadron 8, where I shall remain for about two weeks. During that time I will have my physical examinations and tests which will determine whether I become a Pilot, Bombardier, or Navigator. After being classified, I will be assigned to another squadron here on this post, and then my actual preflight training begins. That preflight training will last for about nine weeks and then I will be sent to one of the flying schools to start my flying training.

You will, no doubt, think it strange receiving this type of letter from me instead of a personal note, but here is why: Our Commanding Officer knows that during the excitement and process of getting settled during the next few days, some of us will be apt to forget to write to the folks at home. This is his way of letting you know where I am and that I am well. It’s just one of the many indications that I shall be well taken care of in the Army Air Forces. Another is my protection by National Service Life Insurance which is granted me free of charge all through my training period.

I know I’ll have more nice things to tell you when I write a real letter. In the meantime, please let me hear from you. My address is: Squadron 8, Army Air Base, Santa Ana, Calif.“

[Ed Vincent written comments on form letter]

We were supposed to get here yesterday but were delayed so pulled in about 7 o’clock this morning. We spent four nights and three days on the train with no ill effects with the exception of some pretty dirty clothes. We had Pullman car all the way. I think I will call Grandma in the next few days if can get to a telephone. I guess we are going to be confined to Squadron area for two weeks and to the base for 42 days.

It looks pretty good here but, of course, is a far away from the Drake campus. California looks pretty good to me after being away for four months. After we get open post I will probably head for Pasadena. I am assuming that I am going to make pilot. If I do I’ll be here for preflight (9 weeks).

Hope everything goes O.K. at home. Did you get the electric razor of Leo’s.

Love,

Leonard

I hope you got my letter yesterday. I know I won’t have time to finish letter because we are supposed to fall out again in ten minutes for retreat or something I guess. We came in just a little while ago from a Squadron mass drill which, of course, didn’t’ go off so good. We have drilled most the afternoon and, of course, catch heck every time and step we make. I think we “get it” if everything was perfect. Things in general are going to be a lot more strict than at Drake. For instance, everything in and about the barracks has to be spotless and we have to make it that way. At Drake we had a janitor who came in every morning and cleaned up the place, except for your personal and bunk area. Last night we had a G.I. party. I bet you used to have plenty of those, Eh Dad? This morning we had a stand-by inspection. Everything was pretty good except the latrine, to which I happened to be detailed along with five others. The captain said everything was dirty and stank after we had worked like dogs for an hour and a half with soap and brushes, etc. We are having another one tomorrow.

We are confined to this squadron area for the next 17 days and after that we may have the run of the post on our free time. We won’t get off post for 42 days.

I think we will start on the tests soon and then is when you can keep your fingers crossed. The mental tests don’t seem to be so tough but the physical washes out quite a few. I think I will make it OK. If I don’t I will be one sad sack.

The cadets are still getting Cadet uniforms but I guess they have quit making them and there aren’t many left. Here’s hoping I make it and get the issue. The blouses are much like officers, we will wear officer’s collar brass and hats with a big propeller and wings on the front. Very classy.

This California sunshine is fine but I am getting a little burned already.

Love,

Leonard

Dear Mom,

The other day our C.O. (an old captain and plenty rough) gave us a long speech. One of the things he said was that he wanted a letter from every member of this squadron to his mother tomorrow morning on his desk. If there isn’t one then we will be gigged (awarded demerits). Everyone in this barracks got a blanket gig of two gigs for having a dirty doorway yesterday in inspections. So an additional gig or so on top of those would be too much since 100 gigs in preflight and classification or any one of the other phases will wash one out. I am going to try to keep a clean sheet but I tried in C.T.D. and got gigs so I guess it’s no use.

I just got back from a very good meal and watermelon for dessert. The food here is just as good as we got at C.T.D. Everything in the mess hall is very formal and as follows: We march in the door at attention and in columns of twos. Prior to marching in, table commandants (one for each table) are sent in and posted at the end of each table to direct the men. After all are in position, still at attention, the command “take seats” is given by the student squadron commander, at which time everyone sits down but still at attention. The command “rest” is then given at which time you may move a muscle without command. This command “rest” (seldom given) and our free time in the evening (not much) are the only time we can move a muscle without command. Things are served family style but you still have to maintain yourself to a great degree. Today we got too noisy so had to finish the meal “at easy” (no talking). After everyone is finished we segregate the refuse (edible and non-edible) onto two trays and pass them to one end of the table. The command “exit march” we file out as we came in and reform outside, ready for the next scheduled formation.

We just got back from an hour drill on our free time. If we don’t win the parade tomorrow we will drill three hours every night next week.

Love,

Leonard

I got your nice letter yesterday Mom and Dad’s before I left Des Moines, also Roger’s. I didn’t write yesterday because I wanted to see how I came out of my flight physical. I got through everything yesterday but blood pressure. This morning I went back for a check and it was quite normal – but here’s the catch. On one of the forms we had to fill out there was a question “Have you ever been disqualified from Army, Navy or Marine flight training?” Of course, I put that I had been disqualified from Navy Air Corp and so they are going to check me four times to make sure. It is down to stay. I have to go back at 3:00 this afternoon for another check and probably the next couple of days. I was very normal this morning and so am not worried. I have been a little constipated since the train trip so last night one of the other fellows and I bought a bottle of Milk of Magnesia. The dose was supposed to be 1 tablespoon. The two of us drank the whole bottle last night. It worked. I don’t know whether or not that helped the blood pressure but I do know it worked and how! I’ll let you know the results of the other checks. Other than my checks I am all done with tests. We won’t be classified for about a week and a half.

Yes, Mom, I did get both of the boxes of cookies and, of course, they have long since been gone. Sorry I didn’t mention them. I’m glad Leo’s razor got back OK. I got the new Remington and really like it better that the Schick. Thanks a lot for taking care of the income tax, Dad. I believe I have two more instalments of $80 each, don’t I? My financial status isn’t so hot right now and if we don’t get paid soon I may have to write home for dough. It’s past pay day but every time you make a change in the Army you put them way behind on their paper work. About my insurance, I applied for it when I first got in Lincoln and it was taken out of my pay. Just before we left Des Moines, I signed up for another deal whereas the government paid for it, since we were to be cadets. It will be several paychecks before they quit taking it out of my pay. You should get the policy but it may be some time.

I am sending an extra pair of pants home. One of the fellows found them on the train and gave them to me. We are only allowed two pair. I may write for them later.

About the pay. It is still $50 until we are classified as cadets. I’ll write soon.

Love,

Leonard

I got your nice letter yesterday Mom and Dad’s before I left Des Moines, also Roger’s. I didn’t write yesterday because I wanted to see how I came out of my flight physical. I got through everything yesterday but blood pressure. This morning I went back for a check and it was quite normal – but here’s the catch. On one of the forms we had to fill out there was a question “Have you ever been disqualified from Army, Navy or Marine flight training?” Of course, I put that I had been disqualified from Navy Air Corp and so they are going to check me four times to make sure. It is down to stay. I have to go back at 3:00 this afternoon for another check and probably the next couple of days. I was very normal this morning and so am not worried. I have been a little constipated since the train trip so last night one of the other fellows and I bought a bottle of Milk of Magnesia. The dose was supposed to be 1 tablespoon. The two of us drank the whole bottle last night. It worked. I don’t know whether or not that helped the blood pressure but I do know it worked and how! I’ll let you know the results of the other checks. Other than my checks I am all done with tests. We won’t be classified for about a week and a half.

Yes, Mom, I did get both of the boxes of cookies and, of course, they have long since been gone. Sorry I didn’t mention them. I’m glad Leo’s razor got back OK. I got the new Remington and really like it better that the Schick. Thanks a lot for taking care of the income tax, Dad. I believe I have two more instalments of $80 each, don’t I? My financial status isn’t so hot right now and if we don’t get paid soon I may have to write home for dough. It’s past pay day but every time you make a change in the Army you put them way behind on their paper work. About my insurance, I applied for it when I first got in Lincoln and it was taken out of my pay. Just before we left Des Moines, I signed up for another deal whereas the government paid for it, since we were to be cadets. It will be several paychecks before they quit taking it out of my pay. You should get the policy but it may be some time.

I am sending an extra pair of pants home. One of the fellows found them on the train and gave them to me. We are only allowed two pair. I may write for them later.

About the pay. It is still $50 until we are classified as cadets. I’ll write soon.

Love,

Leonard

Tomorrow will be the 4th of July and probably a very funny one compared to the past ones. For some of the fellows it will be a day of M.M. (Mess Management), another nice way of saying K.P. I happened to be lucky and didn’t draw any duty. I will probably go to church as I did last Sunday and lay around most of the day.

I am a little worried as to what is going to become of me here. I passed all the physicals except the blood pressure and I have passed that twice. Here’s the setup: on one of the blanks I had to fill I put that I was disqualified from Naval Flight training. Due to that they wanted a further check so made me come back for six more checks. The sad part of it is that I worried about it and haven’t been doing so good on the rechecks, the last one comes next Monday morning and then I pass my papers to the Captain in the Medical Dept. and I will be at his mercy. He can disqualify me for further flight training or let me go on. I am very afraid I won’t make it so have been trying to make myself believe that I don’t care but am only fooling myself. I’ll know for sure by next week and will let you know.

I am glad June is going to be home by the time this letter gets there. You, June and Grandma should have a good time together.

No, I haven’t seen any of the Pasadena folks or called them. I heard from the Porters, a very short letter after having not heard since about four months ago.

I haven’t gotten the cookies so probably won’t get them till Monday. They will be good I know and much appreciated. The food here is very good, in fact, about as good as at Drake, but the cookies will go good anyway believe me.

Have you gotten the G.I. pants yet? I may be writing for them so don’t let Duck wear them out. They were given to me but decided I better get rid of them.

Love,

Leonard

I have just about time to write a little line before bed time and I have some good news I must get rid of. This morning I went over for my last blood pressure check. I made it OK and so then I had to take my physical exam papers to the medical officer for what I thought was going to be the awful truth. He looked over the results of my eight checks and decided I was OK. No doubt my blood pressure is a little higher than it should be but most of it is in my head.

The next thing is classification. It probably won’t be for several days yet. In the meantime, we are getting a lot of training, such as movies, lectures, manual of arms, etc.

Sunday (the 4th) we had a big parade as we do every Sunday. Squadron 8 retained their red flag signifying the best marching flight in Classification, which we won last Sunday. Our C.O. is plenty tough but a good egg. He always bets money on his squadron in the parade and since we are making him money he takes it easy on us.

Love,

Leonard

Ps. I am back to eating and am going to try to gain back some of the weight I lost while dieting for the blood pressure.

Just call me PILOT. We were classified this morning and, of course, I was happy to find out I made pilot. Most of the men who asked for pilot got their choice by being classified to pilot. We had to sign a classification paper saying we should accept our classification and took the classification oath. Right after the classification we had a lecture on “Flight Officers and 2nd Lieutenants.” If and when we get our wings we will be appointed as a Flight Officer or commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant. The pay and uniforms are about the same. We will be graded all through training and upon our merits we will be judged and classed upon graduation, That’s a long way off but it’s something to think about.

Tomorrow I think we get our cadet issue and Saturday we will move to our new squadron in Pre-flight. We are really being moved through and I don’t mean perhaps. Most squadrons spent three or four weeks in Classification but we have only been here two weeks. I also hear Pre-flight is cut from nine weeks to three weeks. I can’t say that I can relish taking the stuff that fast though it would shorten the time to flying. I guess our taking some of the previous pre-flight courses in the C.T.D. will eliminate taking them here. I hope I don’t have to finish in three weeks for another reason also, that is that if we are gone from here before the 42 days is up I won’t get to Pasadena. Guess I am figuring too far ahead of time since the shortening of pre-flight isn’t official yet.

From now on I won’t have a pay for insurance and will be getting $75 a month. That, plus last month’s pay plus flying time should make next pay day a whopper. I guess we won’t get paid until about the 1st of August and I only have $5 left. The last two weeks I have done OK. Only spent about $2, that on a towel, soap and candy. Tonight will be our first night out of concentration and then we can go anywhere on the base. The base, what I have seen, is very nice, a service club, two or three movies, etc. So far we have really been cooped up.

We have to move off to P.T. now so I’ll sign off. Just had to break the good news.

I think our new squadron will be 59 so I’ll address as such hoping the return mail service will be speeded.

Love,

Leonard

I’m in the study room of the barracks and just got back from chow. What a meal! We eat still better here than in Classification and we ate good enough there for anyone. Here is what we had:

• Potato salad
• Another salad (pineapple, peaches, pears in it)
• Olives
• Roast beef & squash (I didn’t eat any of that)
• Bread and butter (all you want) and jam (always on the table)
• Banana custard and cake
• Iced cocoa and milk

It is all served family style so you see I do all right for myself. I am even gaining back some weight. I lost some with the diet and laxatives and hot showers before going to bed when I was trying to keep my blood pressure down.

This afternoon is the regular Sunday afternoon parade and, of course, our new C.O. wants us to win it. It will really make it easy for us if we do win as we found out in Classification when we won the “Classification E” flag for being the best in Classification. Squadron 59 is a very good drilling outfit so I think we will make a good showing even if we don’t win.

Yesterday we spent most of the day moving and getting set up here. After that we drilled 1.5 hours and then went to evening chow. Tomorrow I expect we will start some classes. We will be taking code, aircraft identification, maps and charts, some gunnery. I hear camouflage.

We got our new cadet issue and does it look super. We wear officer’s collar brass on our shirts and on the blouses. The blouses are just like officers, darker that OD and very nicely tailored. I will have to have my sleeves let out a little and taken in the waist but I think I’ll wait till after pay day since I won’t be wearing it. Also we got an officer’s service cap with the green braid covered with blue and a big pair of wings and a propeller on the front. Also two more shirts and a pair of pants. I think I’ll have my shirts cut down in the waist because they look a lot neater that way. Also five pairs of socks, more shorts and undershirts. Being a cadet involves being a gentleman at all times. There are student officers everywhere and they inform us of such things as misconduct but giving out a few gigs. 100 will wash you out in any phase of training. I got seven in Classification so I have 93 to go. We have an inspection Tuesday so probably will pick up some more. The brass and shoes have to be glistening. All buttons on person and on hangers must be buttoned, etc. I hear the first two weeks of Pre-flight are really tough to weed out anyone who can’t “take it”.

As of yesterday, I am getting $75 a month. Yes, the barracks are nice, two-story with latrine and showers in the back of the downstairs and the study room is in back of the upstairs. Electricity, yes, and I use my electric razor every day. I wouldn’t use anything else. Dad, I bet you could use one if you would stick to it long enough to get your face softened and the whiskers growing out straight.

A G.I. party is a gathering of the inhabitants of a barracks and they proceed with great eagerness (except a very few) to mop, scrub everything in sight. They are held in the evening when everyone would like to be doing something else or be in bed and so are, in general, frowned upon by all the guests but are held at quite frequent intervals due to some people who like to see the wood work and floors shine.

You should get an insurance policy of $10,000 before long but I couldn’t say when. I made the beneficiaries dual (Mom and Pop),
$5000 each and contingent beneficiary as Roger who would get it in case of my death and Mom and Pop would be dead. Gruesome thought. Eh What?

Thanks for taking care of my income tax. I hear that they are going to just charge 25 cents of the 1942 income. Is that true?

Thanks, Mom, millions for the cookies. The first box I got while in Classification and I got the other box yesterday. The Toll House are very good and whatever kind that was on the top of the Toll House cookies in the last box were terrific. If you ever want to send me more and have sugar, please make me some of these. They were finished by myself this morning and every one of them was thoroughly enjoyed.

Did you have a good time in Boise, Roger? How are the porkers coming? Are you going to make dough on them? I’m glad you got a 2-C. How is the Chevy running? After the war I want to buy an airplane ‘cause that’s going to be the coming thing.

Love,

Leonard

Ps Take care of Leila Mae. Yes, I should have A/C on my letters. Will you find out from Mrs. Ebersole what Keith’s address is and send it to me, please.

Dear folks, June, Grandma,

Sorry I have to write you all in one letter instead of writing separate ones to each of you, but being as busy as I am and as poor a letter writer as I am I hope you can understand. This morning I finished off my tours with one hour of marching at attention around and around some basketball courts. I did two hours last night so was a little tired. After the tour was finished I played basketball for about an hour and then came back to the barracks, took a shower, ate a very good dinner (corn on the cob). After dinner I went to the PX but found they were closed for inventory. So here I am with my shirt off in the study room.

The Porters, Aunty and Grandma spent such a short time I hardly realized that I had seen them but, of course, forgot everything when they were here. I was so glad they were able to come before Grandma had to leave. I may still be here when she gets back, however.

Hope June is still there when this letter gets to Idaho. I want to thank her for the nice box of Toll House cookies. They were awfully good and came in good shape. Mom, I think when you send cookies that it would be better if you didn’t insure them because when they come insured I have to take a slip and go down to the Post Office. Sometimes it is two or three days. Thanks again Grandma for the nice crispy cookies, or did you give me the candy? Anyway, both are gone and were thoroughly enjoyed. I hope you are having a great time in Idaho. Take it easy and don’t do any sewing.

I got a letter from the Porters and I guess Stan is here but I don’t know as I will be able to see him on account of he is in qualification. I should be my first pass a week from next Saturday. Am really looking forward to seeing Pasadena.

I have to fall out for the Parade in a little while and want to write another letter so so-long.

Love,

Leonard

Ps. It’s really hot here and do I wish I had a place to go swimming. I think I’ll send my beat up E.M. service hat and my brief case soon so don’t be alarmed.

The barracks are sort of evacuated tonight except for a few of us who are writing and studying. The reason is that everyone has gone to a show or to the service club. I have spent a very unexciting day of it. I didn’t get up until about 0800. That may not sound very late but it’s really pretty late for the army. I played basketball for a couple of hours and then wrote a little before dinner. As usual, Sunday noon meal was plenty swell. After dinner I polished shoes and brass and got ready for the big parade. After the parade we had another swell meal. After supper, in the evening I took it easy for a little while and went over to the mess hall to see if I could find a carton to send some stuff home.

I will probably mail this carton tomorrow so you will get it soon. I will probably insure it. Here’s what I am sending: my leather briefcase, which I bought in Des Moines. Inside it are my slide rule (which I hope doesn’t get damaged), some drawing equipment, my hat, my birth certificate and letters of recommendation which I submitted when joining and which were returned to me when I was in Classification. Also some books which I took in with me. Also two bibles, one Dad gave me when I went in and one that they game me here at Santa Ana. I still have one that Aunty and Grandmother sent me. I didn’t need them all. I may want some of the stuff back when I get to Primary. If I do I’ll write for them. In the meantime put them in my box in the garage, please.

One more favor Mom, will you please send the G.I. pants I sent home back to me. I sent a pair to the laundry which I have thus far been unable to account for, so they can replace them. Don’t insure them because I’ll have to go down to the Post Office after them, very impossible some times.

Now for some news about myself. I have been going to classes (5 hrs) every morning 6 days a week, one hour of drill and one hour P.T. in the afternoon, as well as a lot of other activities usually such as lectures, training films, etc. The classes are Code, Math, Physics, Maps and Charts, Aircraft Identification, Naval Forces Identification and Gunnery. I am taking about 5 words a minute in code. It doesn’t sound like that’s many but the dahs and dits really sound jumbled up to me. Before we leave I should be taking around 10 or 12 words. It’s not too hard but some fellows just don’t seem to have the knack. Aircraft identification is a little tough. They flash pictures of planes on a screen for 1/10 second. You have to know the designation no., name and wing spread. Most of them look pretty much alike at that speed, especially some of the navy planes. The Naval Forces is also a little rough. When we get done I will be able to identify every ship in the U.S. Navy and British Navy. I finished Gunnery last week and we will be going down to the beach on the rifle range to shoot Thompson Sub Machine guns and Colt 45 automatics. We have studied all of them including 50 caliber Aerial Machine guns.

Next weekend will be my first one off so, of course, as fate would have it we are changing to afternoon classes so I won’t get off till after 5 next Saturday. The transportation setup isn’t too hot but I’m trying to get a ride with one of the fellows whose wife will come pick him up. Mary Spencer has invited me down for dinner and I’ll probably stay at the Porter’s since they asked me. Aunty said I could stay with her but as much time as I am going to spend in bed it won’t make much difference where I stay. We have to be signed back in the squadron area by 1500 (3 o’clock) Sunday afternoon so I really won’t have much time off.

How does Idaho look to you Grandma? Thanks for the letter. I was so glad that I got to see you last Sunday. Sorry you didn’t stay for the parade but we didn’t do so good so maybe it’s just as well you didn’t. I hope you are just taking it easy but I can see you now running around sewing, canning, etc. If I were you I would find a nice fat chair and plop till I got tired of sitting.

I only have about three more weeks here before Primary. I’m really looking forward to buzzing around in a primary trainer. The time has really flown, I guess, because I have been so busy.

How is the pork market, Roger? I bet you are really dragging it in with the mail route and pouches, milk check and work to boot. Hope you are saving some and not working too hard. Keep the Army in food with those spuds and beans ‘cause we sure eat a lot of them.

Love, Leonard

Tonight should be a big night for me but Squadron 59 is quarantined as of yesterday because of a few cases of Scarlet Fever. We can’t even leave the squadron area for five days and even longer if any more cases break out. We have a physical inspection every day by a doc. I called Mary last night and broke our date for this weekend. Everybody is pretty sad but if we have waited six weeks, I guess we can wait one more. Mary invited me down for dinner and then we planned to go out. Porters had asked me to sleep in Stan’s bed so that‘s where I was going to sleep (darn little). I also had a super ride to Pasadena with a cadet whose folks live in Temple City. Everything was set, but maybe I can make it next week. The bad part of it is that I will only have two weekends off at the most since we will be leaving for Primary in a few weeks.

Did you get my box of stuff yet? I insured them so you probably got it. Please put the stuff in the place where it won’t be too hard to get at since I may want some of it before too long. Yes, I did get the boxes of cookies, the last one yesterday, which incidentally the bunk mates say are very good cookies. Thanks a lot. We aren’t supposed to keep anything in the way of eats, except candy, overnight but they can’t inspect our footlockers since we can lock them.

The school is coming OK. I have finished Gunnery and Math is almost finished. In place of Gunnery I am taking Chemical Warfare. Everything is very interesting except Math and Physics, which is more or less boring. Our Physics teacher doesn’t exactly know what the score is so some of the engineering majors have to keep him straightened out. I am taking eight words a minute now in Code. In code you can progress as fast as you want to, most of the class is taking six, but it comes pretty [fast] to me. Yesterday we had a test in Naval Identification, which isn’t so easy. All the ships look too much alike.

Yesterday I had a big experience of being in the pressure chamber for about 1.5 hours. We studied oxygen equipment and then went into the chamber (a big cylindrical tank with a big sealed door and a lot of equipment and stuff inside). Twelve men are on the inside and there are a lot of glass portholes where they look in at you. First they take the pressure down to that of an altitude of 5000 ft., hold you for a minute and then let you right back down. Then they take you up to 18,000 ft. where we stayed for 10 minutes without oxygen. Everyone in the tank came through OK but some of the fellows had passed out at that altitude. The maximum altitude without oxygen according to Army rules is 10,000 feet. They take us to 18,000 to prove to us how dangerous it is. Your brain is affected first thereby you think you are OK, but by the time other symptoms show up it is usually too late. The feeling is that of light headedness and carefreeness. You think you are OK until you try to count or add a column of figures. I was counting my pulse but couldn’t even keep the numbers straight. After being there 10 min. we put on oxygen equipment and started breathing pure oxygen for 10 minutes before ascending more. After about two breaths of oxygen the blueness goes out of your fingernails. The Lights seem to get brighter and you can hear better. After breathing pure oxygen for 10 more minutes we started going up. We kept breathing oxygen from there on. We went up to 38,000 where we stayed for one hour. At 38,000 the pressure is only 3 lbs per square inch as compared to 14.7 on the earth. Some of the fellows got the bends but not me. Coming down is the sensation. They really bring you down fast, 38,000 ft in about 15 min. You have to clear your ears or you are sunk. I really loved it.

We got paid the other day. I only got $80 (no flight pay yet). I am sending this $50 since I don’t want to carry that much around. I’ll probably have to write for some before I get paid again.

How does the combine work? I sure wish I could be there to see what makes it tick. I hope you aren’t having a lot of trouble with it.

I tried to get my picture taken in a studio on post but it would take 4 weeks to get the pictures so I’ll have to wait. In the meantime I am going to try to get a snapshot of myself within Pasadena if I ever get there.

Love,

Leonard

I guess we are just taking it easy this afternoon except for personal inspection they just finished. I got through it without gigs. I think I have enough here so far to last quite a while. Our whole flight got 6 demerits for the way we fell out and I got it for falling in formation late yesterday. They haven’t posted them yet but I’m sure I got them. Any more, that is very many more, before next Thursday will put me on the ramp (walking tours). Oh well, what better way is there to spend a Sunday since we are in quarantine for two weeks anyway. It’s bad since the upper classmen are getting off now and won’t have to be back until Monday night since Monday is Labor Day. Probably the only reason for letting us off is because all the civilian instructors want the day off. I can’t imagine it being any doings of the army. If I wasn’t quarantined I would have time to go down to Pasadena (about 185 miles) in the time. The limit of the passes is 50 miles but everyone goes a lot farther than that. One place I want to go while I’m here is Sequoia Park. They say it’s near enough to make it in a weekend and there are cabins we can stay in. Sounds good to me and the town of Visalia doesn’t look too good to me to have a good time in. Fresno is near enough to go to on a weekend so I’ll probably see it too.

Saturday used to be an easy day around here because there are no classes, drills or PT and they didn’t fly but being the new schedule we fly 6 days a week. Next week I will be on the afternoon schedule, which won’t be so good because of the heat. Flying when it’s hot is very unpleasant. The best time to fly is early in the morning because the air is very still and it’s cool.

I don’t know what I’ll do this weekend because there isn’t much to do to amuse one except the pool tables in the recreation room and the tennis courts. I and another fellow in the bungalow were going to play this afternoon but the athletic office is closed and so we can’t check out rackets. The “sarg” said that in the morning it would be open so I’ll probably play some tennis tomorrow. I’m not going to send for my racket since we can check them out if we want to play and except for weekends I won’t have much time to play at all.

I sent for my camera from Grandma since we are allowed to have them on the field and can take pictures anywhere except on the flight lines.

I just finished a set and part of another of tennis with a 6’ 2 ½” fellow named Taylor in my flight but not in this room. There are a lot of tall fellows, about 6’ to 6’ 2 ½”, so I am not so alone as I am in most groups of fellows. Tall as he may be I beat him 6:2 and also the last two games in the second set. I haven’t played since I left Drake and only a few games there but find I haven’t lost my super touch. I imagine picked up quite a bit of tan because this old sun really beats down – no fooling about that. I really feel fine now that I have taken a good hot and cold shower and this air conditioning keeps a good temperature. Nothing like this regularity to keep feeling fit.

Too bad you all weren’t home last Wednesday night but the Duck and I had a good chat anyway. He said Mom was at the Star meeting and Dad still out irrigating. Next time I call I’ll try and give you a warning so you can stay home, that is, if you were just going somewhere without previous plans.

I’m surely glad that all the crops turned out so well, Dad. 75 ½ bushels per acre, boy that sounds good. Also wondering if the clover is going to turn out as well as you expect. Was the combine way out of line in price due to war conditions? I expect it was but again can probably pay for a good share of it by doing outside work that is if you can spare enough labor to keep it going. You finally got it just in time didn’t you? Are you still milking six cows?

Too bad about Mr. Arme’s condition. It seems that as far as being normal again all hope is gone. Doesn’t that seem to your opinion? I feel awfully sorry for Mrs. Armes. I’ll bet she is doing a lot of worrying and work. Please remember me, to her. I will try to write her soon because I think I should.

They really lay on the assignments in ground school here. They don’t ask you to read a few pages but rather a whole manual of the type of stuff that is hard reading: Theory of Flight, Engines, Propellers, Hydraulic Systems, etc. I am able to do a lot of studying on the flight line, however, or I could never get it done.

All my love to you all,

Leonard

The end of another week and for me I went to Sequoia Park again last night and got back about 4:00 this afternoon. Had fairly good luck going and practically flew back. The trip wasn’t as thrilling as last week but just the same I enjoyed it very much. I just enjoy being in the wilds and looking at Mother Nature. It reminds me some of the summer trips we used to take to Alturas Lake. I’ll never forget them. They were so beautiful. Incidentally, I mailed a small box from there to Dad. It sort of appealed to me so hope you like it.

Mom, thanks for the box of cookies which are really good, as attested by several of the fellows here. No, there really isn’t anything I need at all. There isn’t much you can send a fellow in the army since there are so few things we can use. Clothes are about the only thing but, of course, you can’t get them so perhaps you will just have to remain “at ease” on the subject. Don’t worry about sending me anything except your love and nice letters. Sorry I can’t give you any ideas for Xmas, but maybe by that time I’ll have thought up something.

Gee, I surely would have liked [to] have had you come down with the Shauers. It’s been such a long time since I have seen you all but it appears as though I’ll just have to wait. There is a fellow from Gooding here in my class, his name is Adam
Schubert. Here is the deal we have cooked up, even though it is rather fantastic but not beyond the realm of possibility. He said if we get 5 days between Primary and Basic we will take his car and come home, that is, if I can get some gas coupons. Sounds like a good deal but the 5 days furlough is, course, just a big hope.

I have had a little tough luck in my flying, since my instructor has been sick for several days. As a result I am way behind in my time. He came back yesterday and said I gave him a good ride. I think I am going to solo in the morning. It’s about time since all the other fellows have soloed really building up a lot of time. After I solo and check out a plane for myself I will be flying at least 3 hours per day in order to catch up.

Several of the fellows have washed already, in fact, two from my room. We made an agreement some time ago that anyone who washed would get a buck a piece from the rest of us. So it has been pretty expensive, not that anyone hates to kick through but just that we hate to lose some of the gang. The reason: lack of coordination, not thinking, didn’t have the feel of the plane. It’s tough, of course, but just one of those things. The percent so far isn’t bad and I think that the old stuff about 30-50% washing is a lot of baloney.

I will soon be an upperclassman, so will be able to call the new men Dodos (who can’t fly), get them to fold their arms in mess hall and hold the door for me. At that time, I will be able to get my collar brass back on. Underclassmen can’t wear it. I have about 5 more weeks here and will be busy as heck, believe me.

It’s soon bedtime and I’m tired.

Love,

Leonard

I only have time for a short one because I have to get to Study Hall tonight as the result of a 70 score in a “Weather” test last week. It’s not bad and I will have a lot company but I don’t like it very well. It’s the first time I have ever gotten that low.

I was really glad to be able to talk to you last night but thought for a while I would never make it because they were having a tough time getting the call through to S.L. and the time until call to quarters was drawing short. Anyway, I got it and am happy I could hear your voice.

I have a lot of pictures I would like to send tonight but they are enlarged above the size of an envelope so I’ll have to fix up a package one of these days and send them home. By the by, you should see the way we are keeping busy around here. From 5:00 in the morning until 9:00 at night I don’t have over half a dozen spare moments. I am a lot more on the flight line than most of the fellows because I am trying to make up the lost time I lost while my instructor was sick. At about 3 hours per day in the air. I am slowly building it up. Most the fellows have about 30-35 hours and I only have 23 hours. We have 65 when we leave this place (about the 5th of November as near as I can figure). Incidentally, I couldn’t tell you on the phone but there are about 700 cadets here now. Before the new Dodoes (birds that can’t fly) came in the other day there were only about 300 of us, so we are a little crowded.

Tomorrow night we upperclassmen can get off the post to go to a U.S.O show in town so, of course, I will go.

The studies aren’t hard if I just had some time to spend on them but with the time rationed as it is they become a little rough. In this man’s army, as I have found it, “time” is about the most valuable thing going. Incidentally, speaking of values, I am going to send some money home since I got paid the other day.

Time and space prevent more “bull” but I haven’t got it so,

Adios and Love,
Leonard

The schedule seems to be even more crowded than ever, so this can only be a short note. They are going to let us study on the flight line again, which will help a lot. Tonight there was an Honor Committee meeting, so I had less time than normally (if any night or day here can be called normal) for writing and study.

The flying is coming along swell. Mom, it doesn’t seem possible that we are almost through here – only a few weeks more. Then Basic and Advanced and I’ll be home collecting a big hug as Lt. Vincent.

I’m enclosing a money order for sixty dollars. This is the best way to send it I think.

I got some snap shots we took at Sequoia National Park and others in front of the barracks. When a suitable container can be found they will be sent – probably a day or two.

Folks, one of my pals wrote this in lieu of the fact that I am like the proverbial cranberry merchant. I think I will start out for Pasadena tomorrow afternoon. I called Mary who wasn’t home and I hope to be able to [call] Grandmother tomorrow. If not, I’ll just surprise them.

Please take care of the money order for me. Man, am I a busy lad. I have been elected a member of the Honor Committee which will take a little more time. They will try all cases concerning breach of cadet honor, a very serious thing.

Love,
Leonard

Ps Hope you don’t mind the little letter. The cookies are good and came through in good shape.

Here I sit in the study room all by myself. I guess it’s a little early on Sunday morning for the other three boys who have left here. The rest of them are out of town or somewhere. I was the only representative of J-4 at breakfast this morning. The reason I am so spry this morning is that I spent a very calm Saturday night. I got off flight line at 6:30, took a shower, changed clothes and ate supper here. Saturday nights we have an extra good meal but most of the cadets have already gone on open post by that time. After dinner myself and one of my roommates went to town with another of our roommates who has his car here. We went to the show and then got a ride home with one of the fellows. The show was nothing extra but was the first one I had seen a long while. It surely seems strange not be on the go for once, but I’m not kicking.

Today I expect to write several letters to catch up on my way behind correspondence. I owe more letters than you can shake a stick at. Also I have a lot of Weather, Engines and Navigation to study. I probably won’t get it all done but should do a lot.

I was awfully happy to hear from you the other day, Dad. Your letters are very interesting and newsy. Glad you like the ash tray. It isn’t much but the best I could do.

Glad to hear that the harvest is going well, but know you aren’t going to like the Japs. I would like to help you build that buckrake for the tractor. Expect that should make a darn good rig.

Yes, I am enjoying the flying very much. I now have 53 hours, only 12 more to finish. I haven’t taken my “40 hour check” yet because the flight commander and assistant flight commander are busy with checks. I am sure I will get mine in the morning, however. I don’t think I have much to worry about but some of the boys are getting bumped on it. At 40 hours, they expect quite a bit of precision on chandelles (a steep and fast 180o turn in which you lay in a little bank and then pull her up fast and roll out with a gain of altitude of about 200 feet), lazy eight (a maneuver where you pull up into a climb until the speed dissipates to about 70 mph all the time you are laying in a little bank. At 70 the plane will just lazily fall around and start down. You then pull it up and do the same thing only turn the other way) and oscillation stalls (you just pull the plane into a climbing attitude and let it completely stall out. In stalling out, the plane loses all stability and the job is to keep the nose coming down straight with rudder action. You have to be pretty quick in sensing what it is going to do). This maneuver gave me more trouble than any other. I think I have it pretty well whipped now. We are also expected [to do] pylon eights in which you pick out two pylons on which to turn such as intersections, trees, etc. You fly the correct altitude (1100 feet) and distance away and then turn around the points in an eight. The idea is to point one wing tip at the pylon then keeping the radius of the turn equal all the way around at the same bank. It isn’t too hard. I am also working on snap rolls and slow rolls (very difficult). The snap roll is just quick rolling around in level flight and coming out in the exact altitude, direction and speed. The biggest job is timing the recovery so that the wings will come out level. In the next 12 hours I will try and learn Immelmann turns, loops and slow rolls. We are going to finish flying about a week ahead of schedule so are hoping for some time off. Boy oh Boy! If they would give us 5 days off you would be seeing me in Idaho and soon, even if I have to hitch hike. The last class had about four days off but they made them report back every other day or so. Anyway I’ll keep on hoping.

Did you get my money order for $60? You know what to do with it. That makes $110 I have saved plus about $50 in bonds which are being kept for me in Washington (I hope). That’s not bad for a soldier is it? The only trouble is I don’t have time to spend my money. I guess that’s a good thing.

Too bad Armes had their letter returned. I wrote Charles a letter but I bet it will never get to him.

How is everything going, Roger? Are you still maintaining Filer? Buhl relations in good shape? Tomorrow I am going cross country with my instructor and then a little later will fly solo to Fresno.  Good deal Eh What? Wish I could take you for a little ride and show you how to fly one of these Maytag (160 hp) jobs.

Love,
Leonard

This is sort of a rare occasion my writing you. I am terribly sorry that I haven’t written sooner, that last letter was a bit of a joke. I was exclaiming about how long it had been since I had written my folks and jokingly said to a fellow in my room who washed out consequently doesn’t have much to do with his time “I guess you’ll have to write to them for me.” When I came back later he had finished so I added a note. [full letter in Vincent handwriting]

The reason that I haven’t written more as you may guess is because I have been so darn busy. The past two weeks I have been going like a mad man from 5:15 [am] till 9:00 at night with not a spare moment for anything except a little studying, usually not enough at that. I have been flying 3 hours a day but am caught up now. Everything is coming along OK. I am now up to 42 hours, ready for the “40 hour check” but haven’t taken it yet. I am now getting a little confidence in the maneuvers and getting a little smoother throughout. In addition I have a couple of hours in the Link Trainer [simulator]. They are quite the machines and really teach instrument flying. It’s funny as heck sitting in there watching a lot of dials and trying to keep the thing where you want it while a guy at the control is hollering through the headset “watch that speed”, “you’re climbing”, “look out, you’re turning”, “center the turn needle”, “keep the bank indicator ball in the center” and all kinds of other teaching stuff. It’s really good stuff to know, at least it better be, because it’s costing you taxpayers $40 for every hour. I set in a Link also $18 per hour for every hour in the Ryan.

Last Saturday, I and my bunk mate went to L.A. We got off at 2:30 and were in L.A. by 9:30. In fact, I was at Grandma’s by 9:30. The luck coming back was even better: San Fernando to Visalia in 3 hours with a fellow in a Lincoln. Hitch hiking is the only way for a service man to travel. People are really good to us. The people we rode down with have a Lt. son flying B17’s. They took us to dinner, gave us Cokes and we had a very interesting conversation. Mary and I went to the Civic for a while and took the street car home. On my way home from San Marino I got a ride to Grandmother’s house. Good luck, Eh What? Sunday morning, Grandma and I had breakfast and Richard and Stanley came up so I got to talk to them for a while. Richard will be leaving for Ft. McArthur in a few days. It’s sort of a bad deal for him but he isn’t satisfied at all being a civilian. I don’t suppose I would be either but sometimes I wouldn’t mind it for a while. After seeing some of them sloppy soldiers in Pasadena I realize how lucky I am to be getting the training I am. Flying cadets are really respected by everyone. I guess that helps explain my luck in hitch hiking. As I was saying, Stan is still in Santa Ana and is very proud of himself for setting a new range record with a 45. I guess he is a plenty good shot. I made marksman rating in pistol but don’t wear the tinsel, leave that to the Marines.

I am sending one of my solo clearances for the first day I was allowed to go out of the traffic pattern for myself. You might keep it but it’s not too valuable. Also I am going to try and send these pictures tonight.

I better get a little studying done tonight so so long and

Love,
Leonard

Ps The Toll House cookies were awfully good Mom, thanks.

Well, it looks as though I may get through Primary at last. I finished flying Monday with the Army check ride and finished the last of the ground school finals this morning. No result on the tests as yet but I’m quite sure I did OK. These ground school courses wouldn’t be bad, in fact, terribly interesting, if we had lots of time to take them in but the way they throw the stuff at us and say “know it”, makes them a little rough. If I hadn’t had a pretty good fundamental knowledge of all this stuff before I ever got here it would be really bad and I don’t mean maybe. These fellows who don’t pass the finals get held back a class and have to take the whole ground school schedule over. If they don’t make it that time they get washed. We have a fellow in our room, a hold over, but who is going to make it OK this time. We are all very happy about it but would feel a little better if we didn’t have the curiosity as to where we will [go] for Basic. There are, of course, a lot of so called “hot tips” but as yet no official statements. I would like to go to Lancaster because I would be close to L.A. and it is a civilian school. I won’t gripe though wherever they send me.

We found out last night how much time we get off before leaving and have the sad results of only from 12 noon Friday to 8:30 pm Sunday. The reason we have to come back, I surmise, is that Monday is pay day. In the army, pay formation comes first, last and always. Don’t know for sure what day we will be leaving. My hope for 5 days off have all been blown up, but it was only a feeble hope anyway. I would have loved so much to get to see you all. I guess I will have a good time with what time I have though. I did have a ride right to Pasadena with a roommate but he changed his mind and is going to San Francisco instead. Bad deal, but I can probably make it OK hitch hiking.

Last week Ford and I went to Fresno Saturday afternoon. It’s really a nice town and we went to church Sunday morning. Hotel rooms are a scarcity but we found one Saturday night, went to a dance and, of course, had a good time. Cadets are a rarity in that town compared to these little towns around here, but it is full of G.I.s. You should have seen the grins on our face when some dumb G.I. would pop us a salute seeing the blouse and collar brass. Also we didn’t have any trouble getting all the dances we wanted. Guess cadets really stand out.

I’m glad you like the pictures I sent. Those are some of the better shots that I had enlarged in large numbers for the fellows in the room. Also by now you should have the large picture that I had made from the “Prop Wash” negatives. I sent one to June, Grandma and the Porters, only theirs aren’t as big as the one I sent you.

Man Oh Man!! That cellar full of food really sounds good Mom. I could go for some of it now but the way I get fed shouldn’t make me desirous of any more except a few things that no one will ever be able to make as well as you can.

I’m glad everything on the farm turned out well this year. I guess the shortage of labor didn’t hurt the crops so must just made everyone do a lot of planning and a lot of extra work.

How is the beet hauling coming, Roger? Are the Japs as poor help as last year? I hear the farm single help may be drafted soon. If so, I think they are making a big mistake because this food situation could be serious and you fellows are doing as much and sometimes more toward winning this thing as a lot of fellows in the Army. Here would be my feeble advice to you on the draft situation. Stick to the farm. If they do draft you, apply for cadet training at the induction center, that is, if you have any idea you would like to fly. They work the tail off you but it’s a lot better than the old G.I. stuff. I don’t think it would be hard to get in because they are crying for young fellows who can qualify. I’m sure you could OK. Maybe that isn’t in jive with any of your plans but it’s what I would do if I were in your shoes.

Today, we had our Physical Training Rating tests. We get them when leaving every base to see if we are making any progress. I did 114 sit-ups, which will give the best possible grade in that event. I think I could do 150 if I wanted to kill myself. As it is, I have a very sore stomach. Sometime try it, Roger. Have someone hold your feet down and with your hands laced behind your head touch the elbow to the opposite knee keeping the legs straight. After touching, lower your trunk to the ground and repeat. If you haven’t worked on it quite a bit or your stomach isn’t in too good a shape you will tie up after 30. It’s all in practice and building up a big stomach muscle. Also another event is the 300 yard shuttle run around two poles 60 years apart, making four turns in the five lengths required to make the distance. I did it in 48 seconds (one better than in Santa Ana). I did nine chins. Don’t be confused with an ordinary chin. These ones are done over hand and absolutely no swing or hitch, just a dead weight pull-up.

I just got the mail and a letter written by Mom on the 25th. Tell me, do my letters make better time Air Mail or not. If not I just as well be sending them free.

Yes, the “Duck” and I could probably pick up quite a few beets with old “Ben” and the trailer especially if the Japs are in a hurry. I remember the years we did it and figured we made ourselves over $3 per hour which was stupendous money in those days. Some of that $3 per hour I did make a few days wouldn’t go bad now, but I don’t have time or place to spend it so what the heck. About the only thing I spend money on during the week is for maybe a couple of malts a week and a sack of peanuts and shoestrings, socks, etc.

I hate to leave these little PT’s because I was just now getting so I felt as though I was the master, but I suppose I’ll be darn glad to crawl into a B.T. [Basic Trainer].

Love,

Leonard

Just got back from taking some stuff to the cleaners. Also this morning we had a modified (not so thorough) 63 physical examination. My blood pressure was just a little high and I have a couple of small cavities in my teeth so will have to have a dental appointment. This afternoon I think we will start ground school classes.

The living quarters aren’t nearly so nice as the “Sequoia Country Club of the Air” rooms, even though there are only four of us to a room. The mattresses aren’t thick inner spring either and we don’t have six foot lockers with doors, just hang our clothes on racks and keep the remaining stuff in footlockers and in the luggage room across the hall. I think everything will be OK. The food is good but isn’t served like it was at the Sequoia where we just sat down and had at it and for seconds just raised a hand. Here we have to use trays and go back for seconds. As long as the food is good and it appears to be I won’t kick over how it is served.

Last night we went to an orientation lecture and then saw “Corvette K-225” (similar to “Action in North Pacific”). The tactical officers around here really seem to be swell guys but they say the instructors are really rough, any way I’ll know before long. I think we go on the flight line Sunday.

You said you wanted to know what I wanted for Christmas. Well here may be a suggestion or two. I could use a good piece of luggage but I know that that is next to impossible. Also a laundry bag. I was going to tell you fleece lined slippers but I bought some while in Pasadena. It’s sort of a problem but don’t worry about my Christmas. I doubt if I’ll be able to do much for any of you. Any leather goods would be appreciated.

These BT’s [Basic Trainers] look mighty good to me and am hot to get going.

Love all,

Leonard

We are supposed to be at drill right now but our flight Lieutenant (cadet) thinks we can get away with not going out because it’s foggy and pretty early in the morning for any officers to be cruising around.

A big day yesterday, I got a letter from Roger, a box of apples from Mom and a notice I had another box in the P.O. I’ll probably pick it up today. I have an idea who it is from and what is in it. Am I wrong? Also yesterday I flew the BT by myself. The apples are about perfect and I must say the best I have tasted in a long time. I gave my three roommates one but I’m going to be selfish and eat most of them myself. Thanks a million. They came through in perfect shape the way you had them packed. Not a one bruised.

Thanks, Roger, for the letter. You don’t write much so this one was a real treat. Sounds like the old farm is doing plenty OK. The spud and beet and clover crops all sound like a better yield than I ever saw there. I guess things can still grow even if I’m not there. I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that the old Uncle won’t get any gay ideas about wanting his farm labor, that is, of course, if you still want to stay on the farm. If they do draft you, I would make application for cadet training and take the exams, that is, if you think you would like to fly at all. It’s a great life, but plenty rough. I think you could pass the exams OK. In the meantime I guess there’s nothing to do but sit tight. Keep me posted, will you please?

About the luggage situation, I would, of course, like something in brown leather but I imagine that civilian leather and prices would be it rather impractical. I haven’t noticed much what is in the PX in the way of luggage but I will look. I could use a laundry bag, preferably forest green or olive drab about a foot in diameter and two feet long with a draw string in the top. Likewise on that count I will look in the PX.

Too bad about Tip. I guess we all thought a lot of him even though he was pretty worthless except as a pet. Perhaps the new pup will prove to be good pet too.

If you are still trying to figure out my finances, here it is or rather was the situation in Primary. Since it was a civilian operated school we had to pay our room and board. The old Uncle gave us $144 (or thereabouts) and then took out any deductions such as bond. In my case I got $138 approx. Out that I paid the school $60 plus pictures, haircuts, “Prop Washes” I sent. I usually ended up with around $60+ all to myself. Here I am on an army base so we will be getting only the $75 minus deductions. We have to pay 50 cents for haircuts (one a week). Other than that the rest we can spend of incidentals. So you see, I have enough.

The flying is great, that is, so far but this is no plan for a guy who “can’t take it”. These instructors expect miracles. The first day I didn’t do much but ride around with him and take over a little in straight and level flight and a few turns. The second day he crawls in and says “it’s all yours”. They will let you get in pretty bad shape before they take over, for instance if you misjudge a landing. They want to see how you will react. The BT isn’t so hard to fly I don’t’ think but the cockpit procedure is pretty complicated. It’s really a lot of airplane. They have a very nice system for making us remember when and what to do. Whenever we make a mistake in procedure they give us a star, which we keep track of and then when pay day rolls around each accumulated star costs us 25 cents.

Well another day is done, super is in my stomach as well as an apple from Idaho and the package in the mail believe it or not was a nice box of Toll Houses from Aunt Edith, so I also have downed a few of them.

I had my second supervised solo today so tomorrow morning I can check a ship out by myself and have the pattern. I also had a bad experience of forgetting to lower 20 degrees flaps before takeoff. It cost me 2 stars. My instructor sits in another ship doing supervised soloes and tunes in that radio to the tower frequency so he can cuss us out. My instructor isn’t so bad that way as some of them; in fact, I think he is going to be swell. His name is Lt. Scott, to me just “sir”, saying mostly “yes sir”, “no sir” and “no excuse sir”. When you were in the Army is that what you had to say Dad? Sometimes it sort of gets you because you really do have a feasible excuse but still the answer is “no excuse, sir”.
I still have my camera but am supposed to get rid of it or rather was supposed to get rid of it sometime ago. I have about 10 rolls of film and the roll in the camera is partly gone so when you get it please finish off the roll and send me the prints of the ones I have taken. You all may use the film if you want because I know that it is hard for civilians to get it.
I am enclosing the stub of the check sent to me for my vacation pay. I have always kept the stubs from all my previous paychecks. So if it is possible to find them please put it with them. Don’t go too much bother though because I don’t remember where I put them and I don’t think it will make much difference if it gets with them or not.

I haven’t had but one day off since I have been here and that was the first Sunday before started flying. We are going to fly tomorrow and also classes. It’s just another day as far as we are concerned except during church hour when it is unlawful to make us make a formation. We may get off Wednesday. The reason is that they want us to finish if at all possible before the fog sets in and by so doing maybe we won’t have to move to the desert, as was originally planned. They are going to fly our pants off from here on. I got 2 hours of Link Trainer in today also. This life is really fast and I don’t mean perhaps, but I like it, only hope I can make the grade and get those silver beauties to fire on.

As soon as my other two roomies besides the one who is sitting across the desk, come home, we are going to G.I. [latrine cleaning duty] this noon. Don’t tell me you don’t know what that is. Anyway, it ain’t good.

Heard from Stanley the other day. He’s at the Rankin School of Aeronautics at Tulare and seems to be liking the Stearmans OK. For me I think the Ryans are really great. I guess I have run out of news for the present so best on all to my wonderful folks and brother.

Vince (my nickname)

I may have time for a short letter before chow but I don’t if I have time to finish before tonight and maybe not then because I think we are going to fly again tonight.

Mom, I got your letter that you wrote before going to the show. Hope it was better entertainment than most of them prove to you. I wish you could have seen some of the restricted shows we saw in Santa Ana because I know Dad would really have liked them.

We went to classes this afternoon and will eat in about half an hour and then to the flight line. The sky has cleared off so it should be a beautiful night for flying.

Yes, Mom the apple cake came yesterday and in very good shape. I haven’t eaten but only about 1/5 of it now but when I pass it around to my three roommates it will really go fast. No, I wouldn’t use a money belt. Have plenty of handkerchiefs.

What I would like for Christmas but wonder if you can get would be a nice officer’s OD shirt 15 ½ – 35 in my size. We can wear them. Also about the question of an officer’s short coat, they used to issue them at Santa Ana but were out when we went through so I still have my G.I. overcoat. You had probably better forget about the luggage because it must be hard to get. They have a little in the PX here. Don’t worry if you don’t get me much because I know there is so little to get that I can use. Don’t expect too much from me either.

About Thanksgiving, I wouldn’t doubt but what we fly, however, I don’t know. We should have this day off by all right. No doubt we will have tremendous turkey dinner at the mess hall, but we have been lucky enough to have turkey several times already as well as some nice steaks once in a while.

All is going well and even though I am working pretty hard I am loving it and gaining weight, getting close to 200 stripped.

Love,

Leonard

I just got back from a dental appointment and have about 45 minutes before chow so maybe I’ll have time for a little note. About my teeth, when we had our exam when we first got here they found I needed some work done so I got an appointment this morning at 10:30. The dentist, a captain, found three cavities that needed filling, one of which was a broken former filling. They were very small and he had them all finished by 11:00. Said my teeth were in pretty good shape. The medical and dental care is surely good here. They have more equipment and all of it brand new.

The reason I haven’t written for a while is because I am so busy. We have been doing an awful lot of flying lately (3-4 hours per day), yesterday 4:10 [hours]. Have been doing a lot of night flying but have it all finished now except for a cross country tomorrow night to Lemoore, Visalia, Modesto and home. I don’t think it will be very hard. Day before yesterday, Squad 15 flew all day and the two days previous we took two day cross countries, one north and one south. The one to the north was to Williams and Lincoln (north of Sacramento) landing at Lincoln. The one to the south was to Coalinga and Porterville, landing at Porterville. They aren’t hard to navigate if you keep your compass heading and watched for the check points on the map. A few of the fellows got lost and landed at an ancillary or some other field they spotted. They are sort of in the dog house and have been assigned permanent jobs such as latrine orderly, window washer and dusting every day – countless numbers of model airplanes in the ready room. I’m glad I didn’t get lost.

I fly this afternoon and not tonight so will have a free evening, except for studying and making up a test I missed while at the dentist in Aircraft Instruments. This afternoon I have a dual ride with my instructor in a formation. I have never flown formation before but I hear its great sport. Here is how close we are supposed to fly [hand drawn image of three planes in delta formation with 3 foot spacing]. The lead ship is responsible for the entire formation. They watch nothing but him and keep the proper spacing.

Now for a little good news. It is unlawful to give us furlough over 3 days, which is the usual time given at the end of a class but our Tac officers told us if we finished flying by the 15th they may be able to arrange a deal where we can have some extra time off, which sounds plenty good to all of us. Squadron 15 is ahead of most of the other squadrons in flying time. I have 39:35 hours now, so it may be a reality. If the weather holds up at all we can finish easily in 15 days. Don’t have to have great hopes because it can fall through as we’ll as not. That would be about the most wonderful thing that could happen if I could get home for Christmas and have until I have to go to Advanced off. The days of yore, when they weren’t rushing things cadets got time off between phases of training but for us it’s surely a different story. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.

Mom, I got the cookies several days ago and believe it or not still have a few left. They are surely good and are fresh as when you made them. We get fed like kings and have but a little of the home cooking, tastes mighty good. The other fellows in my room get candy and cookies from home too but I think I get more than them and I think my mom is a better cook. Maybe I’m a bit prejudiced. The cake is gone and enjoyed.

Yes, I’m getting the Reader’s Digest and once in a while I find time to read parts of it. Yes, I would still like a laundry bag, round bottom, and as a suggestion if the stencil of my name is still around I would like that put on it and we do have to buy our stationary. M.A.A. must have 500 or so cadets and more than that number of enlisted men, Wacs and what have you. Yes, Mary writes. This is sort of a hurry up letter but conveys a little of the news.

Sounds like the Muddy Mates [pigs] are quite the thing in S. Idaho. Keep it up Roger.

Love,

Leonard

I will probably go to the show tonight at 7:00 but have time for a short note. I got your letter this morning Mom and, of course, it sounds good.

Things are in sort of a hub bub around here due to the furlough situation. We have flown almost four weeks without a break now and have really been knocking ourselves out in hopes of a nice long furlough. Today we got blanks to fill out saying we may get seven days off at the completion of our flying and ground school. Also the other day we filled out furlough application blanks. It looks like we may get some time off at least. If I get only 6 days I’m heading for Idaho. The transportation situation, of course, will be a rather complicated one. If and when we find out when we are going to get off I’ll try to get train reservations. If I can’t, I’ll probably revert to a faster way but not always so certain, that of hitch hiking. As to the time we plan to finish, about the 20th, so if I do get off I should make it home about Christmas. How does that sound? You, of course, realize the whole thing can fall through a lot quicker than it was created, so don’t get your hopes too high.

Here’s what I’ll do, I’ll call you as soon as I know anything definite at all, probably the middle of next week. Don’t stay home from anything important waiting for a call. When I do call it will be before 10 so don’t stay up waiting.

We are really busy. I have put four hours in the Link Trainer the past two nights in addition to the regular flying. We get off tomorrow night and Saturday but I haven’t any plans. Here’s hoping,

Love,

Leonard

I got the candy Friday and your long letter yesterday, Mom. The candy is really good and I think about how hard it is for you to get nuts and then wonder if you shouldn’t eat it yourself. Thanks millions also. I got the money order. I surmise I am to buy what I want for Christmas. They have some heavy silver identification bracelets in the PX which cost $19+, but I don’t think I’ll get one even though they are worth over $25 in the jewelry store. I was looking at a suitcase in the PX for $8+. It is really a good buy so will probably get that for one thing with the $15. That sounds like a cheap piece of luggage but it is made of heavy filler board and plenty OK. When I was looking at them, I thought twice before I decided no, but now that I have $15 to buy a present for myself that’s probably where part of it will go. The rest maybe for a shirt.

I’m sure hoping to get home but am sure now if won’t be till after Christmas. Our date for finishing flying is the 23rd and whether or not we will be done with ground school by then is another thing. Anyway, I don’t care much when if I do get home. If I have a minimum of five days off I’ll be home. Any less than that would hardly be worthwhile. I’ll try to get a train reservation as soon as I find out when for sure but I can’t do much about it now. If I can’t get a train reservation I’ll probably try hitching, which would even be faster if much usual luck would prevail.

I am out at the old Merced City Airport which is now used as one of our auxiliaries. We fly from an auxiliary about half of the time. When we fly from an auxiliary we either fly the planes over or come in a bus if the planes are already on the field. Some of the auxiliaries are about 30 miles but this one is only 5 or 6. I have 60+ hours now so only need 9+ more which will be very easy if the weather holds up at all. I have passed all my checks so far except the final which I’ll be taking soon.

I got a lovely card from Reverend White, for which I’ll probably have to thank him. In case I don’t, tell him I got it OK.

I saw the show “Thousands Cheer” the other night, which is a darn good show. Tonight I have to go to Link at 10-11 so may go see “Riding High” before I go sit in the Link. Believe it or not, Link time before the war cost civilians $30 an hour. Our BT [Basic Trainer] time is worth $52 an hour as actual to the government so it looks like the old uncle is spending plenty of dough on me.

Darn it, I don’t know what to send Grandma for Christmas. I have bought all my few gifts except hers and I’m stumped. I got June a nice Kangaroo bill fold, probably worth $10 in any civilian store for $7. Don’t know if she needs one or not, but it’s very nice. For Mary and Virginia, the girl I met at Drake, a bottle of perfume. Other than that my Christmas shopping was rather slim. The PX doesn’t offer too much in the way of gifts. If I don’t have enough time to get home for Christmas, I’ll probably go down to Pasadena. Boy oh Boy, here’s one guy who is doing a lot of praying. I am lucky compared to a lot of the fellows who live back east because some them would consume 10 days in travel alone.

We finally got a day off Saturday but I didn’t even get to town. I just went to a show Friday night, slept till about 8:00 Saturday morning (awfully lot for me) and then took it easy all day. Went to the PX and bought some things, addressed some Christmas cards and bowled. I think we get this next Sunday off, in which it would be the first Sunday I have had off in about 7 weeks. Boy, I have heard of having a rough schedule, but never was as busy as I was for 4 weeks straight. Because we have been so busy and have a minimum of days off, the officers in the cadet detachment really have been easy on us when it comes to military behaving. They haven’t given us a personal inspection since we have been here and the barracks inspections aren’t very rigid. Seems as though it gets easier as the training progresses. Another thing, we are respected a lot more than we were in Santa Ana and treated a lot more like men than super Boy Scouts like we were in Pilot School.

That’s about all the news for now and I have a ride scheduled with Lt. Scott in a few minutes. So I’ll be seeing you – I hope.

Love,

Leonard

Ps thanks for the Christmas present