From Westtown to Snetterton

June 28th, 1943

2010-05-18T18:47:00.001-07:00

Letter #36

June 28th 1943

Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

Mother,

Today, for some unheard of reason we got what is capped open hill!! Which means we don't have any required formations except mess. We can go to the P.X., Post Theater, or the exclusively upperclassmens service club. Something must be cooking. The rumors are running wild of course. They always do. I am going to catch up on my sleep most of the day. Then gorge myself with food (candy etc) at the P.X. and catch up on my letters. You are the only one I have been able to write to. I didn't expect to be able to do that but after that first week and a half they starting letting up on me. I believe they bothered me more then anyone at first but now I am bothered the least (in our barracks). I was the only one that didn't have an "gigs" until yesterday. The sun was shinning through the windows just so and the inspector saw smears on the glass. I shouldn't get more then 2 at the most. You don't have to walk them off until you get 5. Then you walk one hour for the everyone more then 5 per week. They are really suffering some of them, I thank my lucky stars that I got on the ball from the first. If I keep there now. I won't be bothered hardly any. I get more time to study etc.. They don't get a kick out of beating you when you don't let it faze you (poker face) and make them look poor in the way your shoes, brass etc are cleaned. I am beginning to see their side now. They are responsible for us and have to keep us perfect like their upperclassmen had to do with them. It seemed as if they were unreasonable at first but most of that stuff has been cut out except with a few guys that don't keep on the ball and a few upperclassmen whose power has gone to his head. You know the type that like to keep demonstrating his power as soon as he is given a little authority. I still will be plenty glad when its over. In a week and half we will be upperclassmen. I still say I will do things faster and better when I am not beaten into it.

I really enjoyed Dad's letter. Hearing form him helps me keep up my courage. You should get a cleaning woman more often there are too many rooms in that big house for you to clean. I know Jean helps but with a heavy schedule like she has cuts down her free time.

Has john actually left yet or what? Who is Mrs. Fletcher? What is the connection? Where, when etc did you get yo know her? I might look up that address.

We do not even see any planes (on the ground) here. There are plenty flying around though. Another screwy rules is that no underclassmen is ever supposed to look up into the sky at an airplane. Just another form of mental torture. Can you imagine hundreds of fellows that are planning their future in the air not allowed to even look up.

Tommy is really cute isn't he? I hope he stays good. That certainly is a shame Johnnie has to go overseas. I can just imagine how Mary feels. Of course, he has a chance of getting home before I do, even if he is overseas. They are just as likely to give him leave after several months. He is a Captain you know!

I finished my naval identification course yesterday. I think I got about 90% in it. I am glad thats over with. It really took me a long time to memorize their characteristics. Next comes airplane identification. I all ready know a lot of them. Math is getting harder. We have our 2nd test Monday. Over Navigation I hope I pass ok the third part is over actual problems in dead reckoning etc. I flunked my 5 word code test. I just blew up. This won't bother my records just so I get ten words per minute by the time I heave here. Code is the only course that lasts the whole 9 weeks. It is the only thing that we start from scratch on, is the reason I guess. The other courses we are supposed to know a lot about when we come here. If we didn't we would be sunk they way the fire it at you.

How is the situation at home. Do you get much meat and butter and how about shoes. We arn't affected by that stuff much know. What about the feeling the people have at home? Is it better or worse? From the looks of the papers it is getting worse. I wish the situation looked as good as home as it does in Europe and in the Pacific. I can't understand the peoples attitude. Am I getting this army propaganda and not the other side of the question.

I hope I keep hearing from you often. Mother that will give you a good excuse to sit down and take it easy. I have really enjoyed the extra letter this week.

Love

Dave

P.S. I got paid today - you never did tell me how much I owe you all.

June 7th 1943

2010-05-18T04:08:00.000-07:00

(I had this one slightly out of order)

Letter #35

June 7th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

San Antonio Texas

Dear Mother,

I feel a lot better today then I have felt for a long time. I haven't gotten any "gigs"; I passed my first code test, I got 100 in my first math test and 95 in my first Navel identification test. I really had to work to do it. I feel like a beaten up dishrag. If I last for another 2 1/2 weeks. I will need a vacation. When I am an upper classmen I won't be going all this time. I haven't gotten over 6 hours sleep in one night since I arrived, especially when we exercise like we fo. We get 1 hour drill one calisthenics and and then run the 3 mile cross country. I really do get winded. The exercising I did in classification (running) helped a lot though. I don't have any after affects. When it's all over I don't feel stiff or tired, especially, just sleepy as always. Another thing that didn't help I had the "G.I.'s" for 2 days (If I were in China they would call it dysentery.

You asked me about drinking: I have seen just as much since I got in the army as I did in York. There just isn't anything else for most people to to without a lot of trouble.-

No mother-I havn't started hitting the bottle - I still can't see anything to it. I take a drink once in a while but I haven't gotten at all drunk. The party when I left the Y..P.R. I drank more then I have since I got in the army. I don't smoke at all either. That is one thing that is very handy. In the army there are so many times and places where you can't smoke. Did you know that cadets arn't supposed to smoke in Public (outside). They that as future officers and gentlemen you should not do it. That's one rule that easy for me to follow.

You were really correct when you said the nice people don't associate with the soldiers ("Cadets" are just soldiers here). There are plenty of churches in town but we arn't allowed in on Sunday. We had post churches in classification but here the fellows are about 10 to 1 as dar as fitting into church is concerned. I am sorry too because I got a lot of enjoyment out of it.

I hope W.C. really loosen up to the soldiers. PLEASE PLEASE give them a chance Mother. With thousands of guys around there isnt a lonelier life then a soldier. I am really glad to hear the Quakers are helping out. Mary and Jean should have fun at the dances.

Steve doesn't need to worry about the draft I don't think. Tell him he can do ten times more good there at home working for the summer then going to school. Tell him not to give up school. A good man at home can do a lot more good then 5 men in the army. Even if I got killed in action I wouldn't do the country as much good as his working hard and well. In the Army, you get the glory and credit and the people at home, do all of the work. No one realizes it until he gets in the army. I know I didn't. I know now that I could do more good at home then I could here. I am satisfied though, someone has to do this. I wonder how John and Harvey really feel. I don't suppose we will ever know. The coal miners or the auto cowboys or fellows like that can make the country weaker then thousands of fellows like myself getting killed. I am not trying to sounds like one of the "Expendable" but it is true, isn't it?

I am surprised that you are having so much rain. The weather is really perfect here (for a vacation). The rainy season starts soon. I believe I will have some money to send home this month. I have bought nearly everything that is required. Just exactly how much do I owe you now? I haven't been about to keep track of it. We should be able to settle up soon if I keep on this crazy man's life. I can't even get a cake of soap at the P.X.

About the pictures. I bought and paid for one large photo for you on Mothers day. I don't care which one you pick or if anyone want ant more but thats the situation as far as I'am concerned.

Yes, I am known as Aviation Cadet David L. Thomas (at last) I am also known as the lowest form of humanity on the face of the earth.

Our classes are excellent. The teachers are very good to and efficient. I certainly am glad I took math and phyics in school. If this class system was done away with the setup would be perfect. Having someone heckle you all day you just can't study. I have to do it all in the early morning when they are still asleep. They don't bother me so much but I have to always be on the alert and can't do any studying. I would get caught some way if I did. Some guys are really getting it tough. You just have to keep on the ball or they will make it ten times worse. Some guys are actually going to the hospital. When they put them in the chair brace they throw their back bone out somehow. Three guys I know of re in the hospital. All of the upper classmen are at the movies tonight thank goodness. Please write to me,

Love

Dave

I gor tour letter with you holding Tommy. It really made me wish I was home. Tommy is big and cute isn't he.

June 9th 1943

2010-02-07T05:31:00.000-08:00

Letter #34

June 9th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

Dear Mother,

I got your letter written FRiday the 4th today. Everyone I get from you helps give my spirits a lift. I am getting more calloused as time goes by. I still hate this way of living but I don't have much more then 6 weeks to go. One thing is very encouraging. The strict rules at chow have been stopped completely. That is really wonderful. We can now see and appreciate the wonderful food we are getting. It is absolutely the best that I have had. I have been here two weeks and can still say it, so you know it must be good. The new rules say no upperclassmen can do anything to you while eating. You don't have to eat at attention, keeping you eyes on a point straight to the front and sitting on 4 inches of a chair with one hand hanging straight down or anything like that. You can look at your food sir on all of your chair. Of course you still have to sit up very straight and keep only one hand on the table but you can look around and ask for the butter etc. like a normal human being. You can even even go and get seconds I have 2 bricks of ice cream today. The reason this was changed, the hospital complained that there were to many underclassmen sick with indigestion from eating such good food at that. The latest rumor is that they are going to cut out the whole class system. Too many upperclassmen are taking advantage of there authority and people are crowding the hospitals. Just like John L. Lewis and his coat miners union. They can go too far. All of the other Air Corps pre-flight schools have stopped long ago. There just isnt time for that kind of stuff while we are trying to win a war.

There are 28 fellows here form the 19th Bombardment Group. It has been publicized a lot lately. They were gunners etc. they are trying for the same thing I am. Out underclassmen head (called Squadron Lt.) has 9 medals. He was a tail gunner on a flying fortress. He was in Guadel Canel, New Guinea, and also up in the Aleutians (Alaska). He is a swell fellow. Twelve of the 28 are asking to be sent back to their squadron. They cant see this kid stuff. I can just imagine how they feel having a damn kid in the army about 2 months telling him what and how to do things and giving a lot of wacky orders. I know I will be able to stand it now though. I guess you can get used to anything even if you don't get to liking it. The two things I really enjoy are the P.T. and the classes. The P.T. is nearly killing my physically and the classes mentally, but I really enjoy them both because I am learning things from good teachers that really teach a lot in a little time without any time wasted (very unheard of in the army). The P.T. is getting me in fine shape. I still haven't lost nor gained any weight but I believe it is placed better and I don't tire nearly so fast. When it is all over for a day I don't feel any worse for the wear. It's just at the time that it's going on that I think I am going to die. I really wish I could show you some of these Calisthenics. They are tougher and more complicated everywhere I go and as days go by. Yesterday was the first time that I completed the whole 7 miles. I just got there like a robot. I actually couldn't stop walking like I was running. You know, moving my hands back and forth etc. It is really a queer sensation. We have to do it in one Hr. I will be able to do it I am sure (before I leave) I run the 3 mile (it is a little less I think) cross country up and down hill cross creeks though wood etc in 24 minutes after Calisthenics.

This camp doesn't have any other then the "Sad Sack" <----S.A.A.C.C. and AAFPS (Pilots)

I am making $75 plus $1.00 a day that I get but give it right back for those delicious meals. We are eating a regular officers mess now, paying for it the same way. That's why it's so much better then we have ever had. I hope I never hit G.I. show again.

Say hello to Kap, Nancy, Steve, and Jean. Cheer Mary Eleanor for me. I can just imagine how she feels and how he feels too. If Marge is there say ill write her soon. Tell Dad I gope his women are straightened out. I wish I was could so it for him. Thats my speed.

Write Soon Love

Dave

P.S. "Then get back to normal as as quick as possible." Will we? I am supposed to be studing but hering from home helps me with my studies more then cramming, at this point.

May 31st 1943

2010-02-07T05:16:00.000-08:00

Letter #33

May 31st 1943

To Mrs. Carl B Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

Dearest Mother,

I am still alive but I have never taken such a moral and mental beating in my life. I just despise this method of learning to get along. Keep on the ball and learn to be exact. I always had pride in myself that I could fix something well and exactly and dress faster and better then the average fellow and I am always getting "chewed on" less then a lot of the fellows because of this but when they do get on me it seems to make me feel a lot worse then everyone else. The other underclassmen just ignore the guys and laugh it off (after they leave of course). I just can't laugh. I am either angry at myself or at them or disgusted or just plain down in the dumps. This is enough to ruin my sense of humor. The underclassmen don't dare even smile and get caught or they get racked back. I wish to God this mess was over. I would quit today if it was but I am going to see it through, as long as the war continue, even if it kills me.

They keep harping on the feet that we are going out to kill! kill! kill! The instructors ask you, "Would you machine gun women and children if they were along a road or someplace." They ask :would we machinegun a flier that had to jump out in parachute." I say "YES" because if I didn't I would be done. I wonder if I will ever be able to though. I don;t like to imagine myself in such a position. I certainly wish God would keep these things from starting.

PLease send me all the letters you can but no packages. They wouldn't let me keep it. They would eat it if it was food and store it someplace until I got out of here if it wasn't. Classes in code, phyisics, start Monday, I don't know when the others start

Love to all

Dave

May 27th 1943

2010-02-05T11:41:00.000-08:00

Letter #32

May 27th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

Dear Mother,

I was called out at 3:30 this morning. We fooled away the time (in formation of course) until 9 AM then we got our gas mask and marched over here. The barracks are the same as at classification except the upper class are on the 2nd floor and the lower class on the first. We have to snap into a "brace" everytime they come into the room. We have to do anything they say. Something tells me that the next 4 1/2 weeks, while we are underclassmen, we are going through the real hell. Tampa without its upperclassmen will be wonderful compared to this.

We don't have any time off, no open post, we cant even go to the PX. They tell that after today we won't even have any free time to write home except once a week. All of our free (Official) time is at the disposal of the upperclassmen. That is when we have to "Brace" and shine their shoes etc. Every meal is eaten in silence in a sitting "brace" with one 3 inches of your rear on the edge of the chair. Everywhere we go, we go on the run. We arn't allowed to ever walk (unless we are in drill formation). We arnt supposed to ever smile. If they catch you they put you in a brace. They also have the demerit system here. This will not go into affect for several day however. This seems like a lot of unnecessary stuff to go through to win a war. It reminds me of pre-war days when they had nothing else to do.

I wont get out of here for at least 5 weeks but do you know anyone that live in or near San Antonio? I believe it will be impossible to get acquainted with anyone without having some slight connection from somewhere. Anyone that wants to be considered decent and well bred or what ever it is, will not even look at a solider here. I certainly would like to meet someone.

I have once again left all of my friends. I know only one person in this barracks and he wasn't ever one of my special friends.

The show is excellent again. We are at last on "cadet" rations for good. (I hope).

They took it easy on us today. Tomorrow it really starts. We have to get up make bed, shave etc before 5:30 without lights, so wont be in way of the upperclassmen when they get up. We better not wake them either.

I really can't tell much more that It will be like but pray for me Mother. All I hope is I don't do something to get them really on my neck.

Lots of love

Dave

P.S. They said not to write anything home just send this card.

May 25th 1943

2010-02-05T11:27:00.000-08:00

Letter #31

May 25th 1943

To Miss Kathrine A. Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

Dear "Kap"

I haven't heard from you for a long time. I answer your letters or something? If so I am sorry. I will try and do better.

How soon is your school out? Are you passing everything? What sports did you take? During the winter, did you do any more skiing with Besty? Have you written her lately? How is dancing class? Do you still go? There were a few in the spring weren't there.

There are a lot of swell fellows here. I will be leaving all of them except two when I go to pre-flight. It seems that as soon as you make new friends in the army you are separated again. There aren't any nice girls in town that us "soldiers" can get aquatinted with. The only ones that are friendly are the "spicks" or "greasers" or mexicans as they call them. They don't appeal to me. The U.S.O. is the same as all of them. You can sit down in a comfortable chair and write letters on free stationary but other than that there isn't anything worth while there. No girls, that I would like, are at any U.S.O.'s in San Antonio. Everyone hate the soldiers here because it has been over run with them since the last war. I don't write to the girls in Tampa any more I got tired of them.

I hope Mother doesn't sell to many of those chickens. When they begin to ration meat for the army you know its getting scarce. Even the officers are complaining about the show since it changed to that garbage.

Mother tells me that Steve has registered for the draft. In case anyone is worried, I am willing to be $5 that he wont be drafted. I hope to ell he wont enlist. He could do his country a lot more good at home. Tell him I said it isn't worth it even if you do feel a little uncomfortable when people say "When are you going to into the army."

Those pictures of me: Mother and you all can pick out the best. They should send one big one. I paid for it when I was in Tampa. If anyone high pressures you all to buy any more, dont do it unless of course you want to.

Over at pre-flight they have riding horses I hear. I hope we are allowed to ride them. The fellows are building a swimming pool over there also. Whatta time we will have if we ever finish it. Have you done any swimming this year? I would give you a million dollars to go swimming in a great, huge, cool, green, deep, quarry someplace. Those out side of York would do.

I gotta go to Calesthenics now (<~~~HEY MOM! Note the spelling. OK?)

Love

Dave

P.S. Are you Guinea pigs still alive?

May 18th 1943

2010-02-04T18:43:00.000-08:00

Letter #30

May 18th 1943

Miss Nancy A. Thomas (Sister but addresses it to his mother)

San Antonio, Texas

Dear Mother,

I guess you are wondering what has happened to me. Well - my last letter was written when I was almost dead. I am in perfect health now. Here was the setup:

Before my physical I sprained (so I thought) my arm on the obstacle course. It was so sore I couldn't even sleep but I was bound to get through my Physical before I went to the hospital about it. I did it. And was classified so now they could not wash me or hold me back here in classification to rot. I went to the hospital and hot it reset. One of the bones in the elbow was cracked and had to be shoved around a little. It is coming along nicely now. I don even have it in a sling. They proceeded to give me one K.P. because I couldn't do calisthenics very well. On top of this I began to get awful headaches. I stood this for 2 days. My last note was written at beginning of the 2nd day. I finally went on sickcall again Sunday. ( I thought it was from the arm). WELL guess what I had - The German Measles. I was sent to the hospital for several days. Friday they let me out. Sat and Sunday I was allowed to take it easy. I feel okay now, ready for pre-flight in about a week. During my stay at the hospital I had to stay in bed all of the time. I couldn't read or write at all. I had to wear dark glasses until Sunday. It seems that measles are a big cause of poor eyes. Isn't that what supposedly happen to Steve? The doctors take it very seriously here. They don't want our supposedly perfect eyes to get hurt. I think mine are OK but they haven't been checked. They feel all right.

As you can see I don't have much else to say because I haven't done anything new or interesting for quite awhile.

I was certainly glad to get your long letter. Three pages on both side that is really unusual. I feel honored. I love to hear the news. Not just the important big events that little ones also. Like Jeans fun with the car and chickens makes me feel closer to home

Love to All

Dave

May 14th 1943

2010-02-04T18:39:00.000-08:00

Letter #29

May 14th 1943

To Mr. and Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

May 11th 1943

2010-02-04T18:28:00.000-08:00

Letter # 28

May 11th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

I have finished all of my tests - I think I made it. I haven't heard yet for sure but I know that I passed my physical and that was my biggest worry. I was one of 18 out of the 40 fellows that I came from Tampa with, that didn't fail something on my physical.

The Lord was sure good to me. I feel like a superman after struggling through that.

I got a picture taken of myself in Tamp but left before I even saw the proofs so I don't know whether it is any good. I told them to send it to you. If you don't get it by next Wed. tell me and I will write and tell them to hurry.

Love Dave

May 9th 1943

2010-02-04T18:20:00.000-08:00

Letter #28

May 9th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

Dear Mother

WELL-!! Mother I passed everything. I am a full fledged "Aviation Student" now. I am still not an Air Cadet. As I told you before we had a new law several days after arriving making it so you don't become "cadets" until you got to pre-flight. We are just getting the dirty deal as usual. This G.I. chow is lousey.

I sent Dad our average daily schedule but we don't follow it all of the time. I have been on K.P. 2 times last week. Next week I have 4 days K.P. Do I ever gripe but it doesn't do any good. Boy oh boy, will I ever be glad to get out of here. The 3 pilot pre-flights are here at San Antonio Texas, San Anna Calif - or Maxwell Field Alabama - I hope its Calif

Love Dave

May 3rd 1943

2010-02-04T18:05:00.000-08:00

Letter #27

May 3rd 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

Dear Mother,

I am glad that you like Anne. She is the first girl I have like anymore then to have a good time with once in awhile, for a long while. The only catch is I am just another soldier to her. She is just doing her good deed for the day when we go out. I have gotten a letter from her since I arrived which was a surprise. I also got a long letter from "Teddy." She was a swell kid I really had fun with her. I am going to try and keep in touch with them bit it seems so useless. There is more of a chance that I will be sent to Alaska then be sent back there (to Florida).

I was glad to get those birthdays. I can never remember them. Did "Babe" get my letter? I thought she would be around home when I wrote it. I am glad she and John are getting to see each other a lot before he leaves.

That women situation in an office is really tough. Up in York it was quite a problem. They are all "cats" and are jealous of the other and are all trying to make the boss or the other men in the offices. Dad sure hates to be bothered with them I know. I am glad its cheered up now. I think thats the best way to handle , to "put your foot down."

I did not solo my 10 hrs in Tampa, were all with an instructor there to take over if I did something dumb. Our instructors were civilians. They are civilians in primary flight training also. Only basic and Advanced are army instructors.

I sent N. a card that show our barracks. We are about 5 miles from San Antonio, 1 mile from Kelly Field. I haven't even seen it yet. We get open post Tuesday so we are going in to look over the town.

The weather is perfect unless you have to go to school like I will. This temp is about 85 degrees all day long, the evenings 60 degrees all night. There hasn't been a cloud in the sky or any rain since we arrived. You don't mind the temp because of this. Of course you sweat but it doesn't bother you like in a humid place like Florida. I imagine it will really get hot by summer though.

The country is as flat as South Jersey. There are a few oak trees around the buildings but nothing but brush and dust and weeds far as far as you can see. This is as poor soil as further west and south so they do farm here to a certain extent.

I still haven't heard about my classification since I sen your and Dad cards.

April 23rd 1943

2010-02-02T05:16:00.000-08:00

Letter #26

April 23rd 1943

Mrs. John W. Steele

San Antonio, Texas

Dear "Babe" and Tommy

This place is another example of poorly organized army camps. I have again changed my life to the opposite extreme. This place reminds me of Drew Field - Everyone does what he want if and when he want to. I haven't done anything since I arrived. We are called at 5:20 for breakfast (none of us get up yet) then we sleep or go out and play ball or horse shoes and walk around eat candy etc. until noon and then the same thing until supper then we go to Free movies or pay .15 for a first run movie. You are supposed to be in bed by 10 o'clock.

The meals are absolutely the best I have ever had. We have clean plates with 2 veg, pot, meat salid, bread, butter and milk every meal. They are really knocking themselves out to see that we are in good shape for the Physical thursday.

We went to a lecture this morning. They told us very pleasantly that 1/2 of us would wash out here. They Physical really doesn't sound any different except the eye test. That still has me worried. I have met several fellows that washed because their muscle control was not good enough. That is what the Doctor said about me, remember? The mental and physical test last 8 hrs without a break one of the reasons for this is to see if you will blow-up under continued nervous strain. Then to complete it they give you test with different machines to see if you have steady nerve, proper reflexes, dont blackout too quickly and muscle coordination of eyes and feet. All of this should hake approx 4 days then you wait for the results for another 4 days. Then you (if you arnt washed) sit down on your fanny again and wait. It may be 4 weeks or 4 months. The latest rumor says at least 4 weeks be not more then 8 weeks. You don't have to do anything while you are waiting but I am going to start getting in better shape. One of the things you have to be about to do after 8 weeks is pre-flight is run 7 SEVEN mile. BOY oh boy that nearly bowled me over when I heard that. I havent ever run over a mile. They also (here in classification) have night school I am going to go to that to. I want to learn my radio code. We have to be able to send and receive 15 words a minute sometime or other. I am no sure when. It make you kind of nervous when so many fail. They leave in a couple of days to a regular camp in air corps grand duty. One fellow was washed because he had an auto accident (serious) that was his fault and they found out about it.

I certainly miss Tampa in a way. Everything was run so exact you know what you were doing even if it did deem impossible to get done. I miss the other fellows and girls too. The fellows in this group I did not run around with as much as the ones that are still left back in Tampa. I miss that "Teddy" to she was really full of fun I had a lot more fun with her then with Anne Moore but she wasn't so hot looking. Thats they way it goes lots of times doesn't it?

By the way the pants presser arrived that Ma sent. I enjoyed the gum and read the magazine but the darn presser was broken (the handle). Oh Well! I dont have any pressing to do now anyway. We pay a flat $1.50 (automatic deduction) every week for all the laundry we put in.

We are back on part pay while we are here being classified will you send one of my Bonds or buy one from me or something. I am down to $8 and we dont get paid until the first. Then only $10 at time

Love

Dave

April 20th 1943

2010-02-01T05:29:00.001-08:00

Letter #25

April 20th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Flomaton, Alabama

Hi Mom!

Can you imagine this. For the second time I have hit the luck. The first was to get in section and get out of Tampa in 6 weeks instead of five months - then to hit a pullman and flip for the upper birth and win. So I slept by myself with sheets. The first time I have had sheets since I got in the Army. A porter fixes up beds etc. We eat in diner with good meals and waiter service. Any $1.00 limit on menus. Free I wont mind the long rids so much with this luxurious setup. We are supposed to arrive at boarder of Fla and Ala at 12 noon. We certainly are going a round about way. We went to Jacksonville now we are going west again. I certainly did hate to leave those swell tampa gals and guys. I have never met more more friendly girls and fellows.

Love Dave

April 20th 1943

2010-02-01T05:24:00.000-08:00

Letter #24

April 20th 1943

Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

San Antonio, Texas

Dear Mother,

Arrived 4:30 yesterday, huge camp of thousands of fellows - are here from 2 weeks to 2 monthes being classified as bombardier, pilot, or Navigator or gunner, or even Mechanic.

Pilots pre-flight is several mile from here Randolph and Kelley

More later

Love

Dave

April 16th 1943

2010-02-01T05:13:00.000-08:00

Letter #23

April 16th 1943

To Mr. Carl B. Thomas

Tampa, Florida

Dear Dad

I think tomorrow is the day, along around 6 o'clock.

To-day we finished 10 hrs. I has an hour "check" flight. The C.A.A. inspection said I was slightly above average but nothing to brag about.

I has some excitement to-day for a change. I didn't pull out of my spin (this was before the check flight) soon enough so the wind and twisting cracked my windshield - It cost the Govt $40 for a new one but they wont have to pay it because the fellow that went up right after I did had the head blow off the motor - all the people (?) came flying back and finished the window, they were only 200ft off the ground and the instructor tried to make a crash landing - He did but the plane caught in a ditch and turned over. It was pretty well cracked up. Insurance will take care of the plane. Neither the instructor nor student were hurt, wasn't that lucky. Another plane had motor die at 2000 feet. He was able to glide into airport and land. (Lucky Day) I am continually glad I wasnt in either one. Those guys were really scared.

April 11th 1943

2009-12-10T14:52:00.000-08:00

Letter #22

Aril 11^th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Tampa, Florida

Dear Mother,

I am working hard but expect to stop studies for several days next week to get in flying time. We will go out to the field all day tomorrow, Monday and Tuesday I think. We wont have any studies except our ground school out there. I’ am certainly glad. It was just impossible to spend much time on the other stuff anyway, with this schedule. I am getting along fine in my flying it is really fun. I was bringing the ship out of spins myself today. You can’t imagine the feeling. Have been concentrating on Physics math and ground school. The rest of the stuff I just get by because I never send any time on them. The teacher asked for a 5 minute prepared speech in English and I didn’t have time to do it but thought she wouldn’t call me that day. But she did – so I just made one on my job up in York . She said it was very interesting but slightly mixed up as if I hadn’t spent much time on it. I am not doing unsatisfactory work or anything.

Sunday Morning- we are about to go out to the field. A new order came through that we wear fatigues instead of Suntans. I am glad of that now we may get some calisteurs again. - Don’t send me any more mail.

Love Dave

P.S. Ill write when

2009-12-10T14:44:00.000-08:00

Letter #21

April 6th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Tampa, Florida

Dear Mother,

It can;t be much tougher!!! We are flying in the moving and studying all afternoon and evening until 8:30. We get 1/2 hr before & 1/2 hr after free to shine shoes, take shower, write letters, get haircuts, laundry, etc. From 8:30 until 10 we are supposed to spend 1 hour on each of our subjects. We have had finals in first aid and military discipline but have added the whole mornings flying make up for it. We don't even have time for Calisthenics we are so busy. I don't know whether I can stand it or not - haven't ever been more disgusted - is it worth it?

Love Dave

We got paid for month of April 43.50 trying to make last until May. I still have guard duty from 2 to 5 AM every week. This seems to be just enough to make me sleepy all day in classes we have to get in 10 hrs. Flying time by 16th.

Here to all I hope you are having a better time then I am. I would like to choke those Dames in Dad's office. I will write when I get a chance.

March 30th 1943

2009-12-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

Letter #20

March 30^th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B Thomas

Tampa, Florida

Dear Mother,

I didn’t die. I have just been going full tilt. That platoon Srgt was too much for me I couldn’t do it and keep up with my regular studies etc. The Lt. said I was too easy on the fellows anyway. I just couldn’t go telling them to do some things. I did too much myself the Lt. said. Another thing I didn’t turn enough in for demerits. I think they behaved as well without it but he didn’t think so. ANYWAY, I am now just a cadet private again. I have got no excuses. All I hope is they give me another chance sometime. It makes me kind of mad at myself to think I messed up my first chance to lead a bunch of men. I don’t like people to hate me is one reason. I try to get along with all the fellows but you cant do that here if you are a cadet officer.

Questions Answered:

The teachers are all fair except the math teacher who is excellent and the geography teacher doesn’t know anything. He cant even peak English properly (Spainish-Mexian). We have had two dances here at the school auditorium. They were the bright sports in my stay in Tampa, except for the swim. The girls sororities gave us one we gave the other for them. Your son was in charge of the one we gave. I haven’t herd from the gal from N.Y. after one letter, which I haven’t answered as yet. We live 4 in a room size of yours. I don’t even shine my own shoes now. We were put in hospital because 3 fellows (didn’t know about) had spiral meningitis and died. The college doesn’t mind us at all anymore. In fact the girls are glad we came I believe. We still have cold water and blankets. DO you have a Narrow extra sheet? They aren’t any in the stores here.

Questions Continued:

I got Mac’s letter. He got a swell place. A real college not a broken down one. I got Jeans letter it was really welcome. Don’t get raincoat cleaned. Don’t have any idea about Harlan Slack. Thanks for spelling etc corrections in letters, I really try to remember. We just had a ban put on radios entirely so it’s a good thing you didn’t send it. We got the rest of our $50 for the month of Feb. We are still in pre – pre –flight school (until we leave here). I certainly hope you can send me that pants presser soon I really need it. I sued the $2 to get clothes out of hock. I have borrowed $10 from a fellow across the hall (rich guys has his wife living in Tampa, etc, car, etc). I got the clothes and swell food. It really was good. It was gone in a very short time. Tell N I will write soon. Got magazines also. Used Digest as reference so I could give a talk in English. English all public speaking (scared to death). If any more food is lying around don’t let it spoil. We have to have 75% in everything to pass. I have average of 85% so far but I don’t know how long. I have only gotten 2 demerits which is pretty good considering 3 guys have washed out due to demerits (excess). About 10 though a physical test we had. Minimum 8 pull up 25 pushups 60 sit-ups (from back with hands behind head). And run a certain distance in 55 seconds. My G.I. tugboats have worn through soles and heels. 8 guys passed out in the drill field Saturday morning (that’s the record). It is a common occurrence now. Food is good but monotones. Much better then Miami Beach though. Co-eds still wait on us. We have no K.P. (thank goodness) Weather good but getting warm. I hope we aren’t here this summer. Bumor says our section (40 fellows) is leaving in 6 more weeks instead of five months. I hope so.

Love Dave

P.S. “Red” Cross form York wrote and told me news, see clipping. I went around with “Bud” off and on with Mary Lanasa (Italian Soda –Girl). Barbara just missed dying from a miscarriage last week. She was operated on and is getting along as wel as can be expectec so “Raub” (married fellow that I like a lot) tell me. This would happen to her. She was always different from everyone else in this. She was scared to death that something like this would happen that why she never got along with her husband.

No I am not talking bad memories out of the grace. I just thought you would be interested.

P.S.S. Steve should read the enclosed folder, I think. We are always getting this stuff over and over. I have learned more then I ever knew before. I wish schools would give subjects like this. They really help keep things straight. Perhaps you shoud’nt let this page get around slightly out of place in this group because they are supposed to be the smartest section. (therefore they leave first) by exam we took in Miami. I must have made some lucky guesses. Everyone in our section went to college but 2 other guys and myself. The Lt. says we have a very good chance of being sent to San Antonio Texas. Will you send my pictures that I have in my desk and send a couple that you have of me some dame wants me. I could really use some money if you have any you want to invest. This army is really costing. Just think I haven’t even seen one movie since I have been in this mans army. I haven’t gambled since that loosing streak in Miami either and I haven’t had a drink since that first sat they let us out. I haven’t smoked a cigarette since last summer that I remember. I had my first chewing gum when you sent me some I just gotta stop. This history is too hard to miss too much writing a letter

Love to all, Dave

March 18th 1943

2009-11-28T08:50:00.000-08:00

Letter #19

March 18^th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Tampa, Florida

P.S. Don't send the Radio it will only distract me when I should be doing a million and one things.

Dear Mother

This is an emergency. I gotta have some knida of an iron. The one I gave Steve will do. The iron that Marge got for wedding present (portable) would be wonderful. She told me it didn’t work well for her, that the one that you have her is much better. If she doesn’t want it, it would be a lifesaver to me. Also send my sox, (tan) and undershorts as soon as possible. Please send me my pajamas, 2 good pair (if I have them).

This situation is really getting desperate. This army is really costing me money. I have to buy 2 pr of Suntan tomorrow at $8 per. I was figuring out today what I had spent for toilet articles, clothes, drugs, etc it amounted to $17 as neat as I could remember. I was talking to the LT and he said that this is only the beginning. When I actually get going here and then on into preflight school I will have to buy enough Suntans so I can change 1 every 2 days. The laundry takes 4 days to clean and press.

A few more articles that are piling up are laundry (I don’t have time to write let alone wash my clothes now). That averages $1 per week. I have to get a haircut ever 7 days whether I need it or not.

We change form O.D.’s that is why I am suddenly in trouble. You cant keep the wrinkles out of this darn material with out continually starching and pressing.

This demerit system is really tough. I haven’t gotten any in “military manners” ( this covers everything except studies) but I have gotten two in studies (they are really getting hard). I am really enjoying this though. We got another $15 pay today which was a lifesaver.

I was selected as platoon Sergeant for the new class when it comes in. I am practicing by drilling the fellows in my own platoon during drill period. I am a little rough but give me a little time and ill be as good as anyone. Whatta you think of that me, David Thomas, The Quaker, a cadet drill Sargent, Whatta Laugh!!! This give me about two as much to do as everyone else (except the other cadet officers of course. So I am really going to be rushed. I hope I can keep up my studies and everything. The biggest trouble is there aren’t enough hours in the day and they watch you like a hawk so you wont study after lights (10 dermerits)

Love Dave

Note the humor with the demerit listed on the envelope!

March 11th 1943

2009-11-17T14:37:00.000-08:00

Letter #18

March 11^th 1943

Miss Jean H. Thomas

Tampa, Forida

Dear Jean

I came back from the hospital this morning. This afternoon I will start school here at the University. The rest of the kids started Monday. We march from class to class. My schedule run as follow: 8 o’clock drilling, 9 military rules etc, 10 first aid etc, 11 study (not in rooms though) 12 lunch, 1 geography, 2 math, 3 history, 4 English, 5 I forget (calisthenics I believe), 6 chow again 7 to 8 free, 8-10 study in rooms, 10 to 5:45 sleep. I don’t know what this will be like but I will soon know. We are furnished new books. We supply own paper etc. I am certainly glad to get out of that “Goldbrickers” paradise it was beginning to get on my nerves.

I got a package of cookies and candy from Hazel, box of Whitmens from Marge and Havey and 5 letters today. Whatta time, I had. That’s the best I have yet. The letters were from Betty Taton, Nancy, Hazel, and two from mother dated March 2^nd and 6^th. I was really glad to get them. They were the first I had gotten since befr I left Miami.

Nancy says she doesn’t like the looks of the Dame I picked in Miami Beach. What do you think of her? Nancy didn’t go into details.

Tell M. I would love to have all Newsweeks, Reader Digests or anything you got from peanuts to Daily Local News.

What is Betty T. address?

How do you spell her last name?

The eng,, hist, and geography were very dry with poor conditions and teachers. This is a first day impression I sincerely hope it improves.

I was very glad to get my income total from mother. I was getting worried how I would gill out my income tax. I am not going to pay it but I still have to send in a report. By the way Jean, mother said you sent me a letter with “ 5 skins” in it – I never received it. Are you sure you mailed it? I can’t imagine what happened to it. It would really home in handy. We got another $10 last week which was a big help but with notebooks etc, to buy it is disappearing fast.

How is your love life coming along? Are you giving those soldiers a break up at college? I hope so because they sure need it, if they are like this soldier. Even a smile will help. I am sure it wont be anything like it was before. You will never find a stickup soldier, if he is a real one. Most of them are shy (including me). You don’t believe me I know but its true. You get a terrific mental knockdown in a very shot time. The face we are all dressed alike has a lot to do with it to. Tonight I asked a girl to dace (not bad at al) and I felt really scared at first. Remember how you felt before some of those Malvern dances

Love to all

How are the Measles coming along?

March 10th, 1943

2009-11-16T05:23:00.000-08:00

Letter #17

March 10^th, 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Tampa, Florida

Dear Mother

You could never guess where I am. Whatta crazy world this is!! I am in the Drew Field Hospital. It is located about 5 miles from Tampa. Its in the middle of a swamp with barracks (called wards) for 1700 patients. I am one of them. I am here with 40 other fellows from the university. Isn’t that crazy! We Aren’t Sick! We all had slight stuffiness or slight sore throats left over from Miami and Sunday afternoon with no reason at all we are sent here. We stayed in bed all day today eating like pigs and kidding with the Doctors and nurses, (a commission doesn’t make a darn bit of difference in this “wackie” place). The doctor examine us and say “there isn’t anything wrong with you is there” we say “ not a thing Doc” and then he leave us for the day. I don’t know how long this is going to go on. The novelty will wear off in another day. So far I don’t mind it al all just so the rest of the fellows back at the Univ. don’t start classes. We see and hear plenty of planes for a change.

I told you about the Miami set up didn’t I, as far as going on sick call was concerned? How we had to go on sick call for half a day just to get an aspirin. Everyday had to be made up by drilling on Sunday. I luckily didn’t have to go until Sunday. You had to be unconscious before they would take you to the hospital. You must be nearly dead then they might look at you.

BUT HERE

All it took was – the Doctor says “All people who have sore throat or colds fall-out.” So we fell out. We thought that we were going to get a break and get our throats painted or nose drops but they didn’t stop there. Within an house we are in this huge heated hospital. (The war has been hellish). We don’t even have to scrub the floor or anything. I wonder how long this will go on??? The nurses and Docs say we will be here a couple of weeks. I hope they are kidding. You cant imagine what its like to sleep between two sheets (Crisp, and white and clean) with regular hospital beds. Eat good meals with butter and milk. The rooms are all dry and heated.

I haven’t received any mail since Marges birthday card mailed 27^th. You have my new address, don’t you?

Pvt. David L. Thomas

18^th College Training Detachment (Aircrew)

University of Tampa

Tampa, Florida

Love to all

Dave

March 3rd 1943

2009-11-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

Letter #16

March 3^rd, 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Tampa, Florida

Dear Mother

I don’t know what’s up but the set up looks good so far. I am going to college for nothing, Military school really. We will get 1 weeks exams (physical and mental) then start classes. We were told that we will take phyics, math (through trig), English and history. This I will know more about later. We are not allowed to even talk to the civilian girls and boys here except on official business. I know we will get around this, though. We are 200 strong. We are invading this university of 200 girls and 100 boys and they resent it very much. I can’t blame them though, because we pushed them right out of the dorms. They are all living down town, in private homes. I hope they get over it. This is a creaking old college that was on the rocks so they army is helping it out. I don’t care how bad it is, it is really wonderful to be going to school. This is really my chance. I hope to God it keeps on looking as good. Its going to be awful tough for me but that’s what I want after that picnic in Miami Beach. I wish I was in as good mental shape as I was physical. I am really excited I cant event sit still. I am ready to start out today, but I know by now the army wont hurry. It is always slower than an individual, or at least me. Maybe it will be waiting for me sometimes.

I think the inspection is going to be very strict. From what they told us in our pep talk it will be just as tough as West Point as far as discipline and inspections etc are concerned. 200 more are coming as soon as the dorms are straight. We still do now have any hot water. The temp is a lot cooler in winter and a lot hotter in summer here then in Miami.

Our trip down was terrific. We got called at 12 noon yesterday. We got out stuff inspected in the hot sun with out winter woolens on. It took until 6:15 last night. Truck took us to Miami. We carried our own equipment. (You have seen them in the railroad station) We got on Wooden Coaches that were used as “Jim Crow Cars” and rode until 6:15 this morning. That was nearly as bad as the two nights we spent coming down. We were under strict discipline, no widow up (woolens still on) aprox 80 degrees, in shade, couldn’t even take off coat, didn’t know when, where, how long, we were going had’nt eaten since 11:15 in morning. No Sleep.

I will write as soon as something new starts poppin. Tell some people my new address- will ya!

Love, Dave

P.S. I am not completely classified yet. I am not in pre-flight yet. I have had all my “shots”.

March 3rd 1943

2009-11-13T05:05:00.000-08:00

Letter #15

March 3^rd, 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Tampa, Florida

Dear Mother

I will write as soon as something new starts poppin. Tell some people my new address- will ya!

Love, Dave

P.S. I am not completely classified yet. I am not in pre-flight yet. I have had all my “shots”.

March 1st 1943

2009-11-12T03:24:00.000-08:00

Letter # 15

March 1^st 1943

Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Miami, Florida

Dear Mother,

Tomorrow will be my birthday! I want be about to celebrate it I guess. About ¾ of my friends have left. Mac Bain is still with me. We are going together. Please do not write any more. I will let you know when to write again.

I haven’t done anything except sit around for the last few days. I couldn’t get a pass to go to the beach yesterday. I did get a chance to go down to the tailors and get my O.D. uniform fixed up so it fits. Mac Bain is going though what I went through. It seems that everyone has the same thing some time. Most aren’t as bad as ours though. I wonder just what it is. It certainly isn’t a common cold. Some smart doctor should investigate. We went to a play a couple of weeks ago and you couldn’t even hear the actors talk because of the coughing, sneezing and blow of noses.

Johnnie Wayner got the least notice of anyone. He was drilling (not on shipment even). He was told he had to be ready to leave in 10 min . Didn’t even have time to wash the layer of dst off from “Open order drill”/ (where you run and fall on your face). He didn’t have any uniforms except for summer that we got when we first came. He made it but what a wild scramble. Ill bet he is cold now. Everyone with him took overcoats etc.

Love Dave

February 28th 1943

2009-11-10T05:06:00.000-08:00

Letter #14

February 28^th 1943

To Mr. Carl B. Thomas

Miami, Florida

Dear Dad,

I am still on “shipment”. Over half of the flight has been shipped to goodness knows where. All we know is that some of them left with just there “suntans” but most of them had there O.D.s. I have mine. This does not necessarily mean I am coming north. We did not get issued long flannel underwear which is G.I. for up north (Penna etc.) This waiting around is certainly nerve racking. You cant unpack your stuff and send your dirty stuff to the laundry or anything we sit or get lectures that kill time, nothing else, all day. This morning a lot of guys left at 3:30AM and 4:30AM. They got everyone up there yelling. We still have to get up at5:15 even if we don’t do anything. We aren’t supposed to read or write letters or anything during the day – just sit. In the evenings, when we are usually allowed out, we are free to do what we want, but we are restricted to our own room. This is sure getting tiresome. The latest rumor is that we are leaving tomorrow morning at 4AM. I hope we do either one thing or the other. If we were taken off “Shipment” maybe we could go to the beach tomorrow. Maybe I will be able to think up a good one to get out again like last Sunday.

How is Mother? (Really) She said she had a slight cold in her last letter. Every time she gets something wrong it worries me. I certainly hope that blood pressure is getting under control. Ever since Aunt Alice’s funeral I have been thinking how awful I would feel if I was in Christine or Howard or Mary’s place. That would be the worst thing that could happen to me I believe

Tell M. thanks for getting my clothes fixed and keeping them together. I am enclosing $4 which should cover all the bills. If not tell her to let me know. My winning streak has stopped in gambling. So I have quit entirely. The ten we got for the month of Feb. is about gone so my fiancés are getting low. I don’t know when I will be paid again. I have taken up washing sox for 5cents pr and shinning shoes for 25 cent pr. I am making 50 ro 75 cents a day on the average.

I certainly hope Jean isn’t getting serious over that Jewish boy. He seems quite nice for a Jew but still he does not appeal to me as much some Jews I have run around with.

John Steele sure has this army organized. Boy oh Boy I hope the day comes when I have things like he does One thing- before I left I wondered where all of the privates were. We said everyone (even Howard Okie) was a corporal or better. I guess the answer to that is that only these can get furloughs or leave. Down here just in out hotel there are 2 Captains, 8 Lt. aprox 50 non com’s and 2500 buck privates. I think this is a fairly good percentage all over the beach. So now we know where the privates are. Tell Kathy that there are some privates down here.

I hope Marge gets her furniture in time. She sure had had to wait long enough. It looks like Babe isn’t going back to housekeeping, doesn’t it? Are you all having “Peggy Trouble” again? I hope not. I don’t think she or her $6 per month, (or what ever it is ) is worth it.

Boy of boy! Steve sure has had the tough breaks. I hope it doesn’t continue. Is he going to have to have glasses? Do you think measles really cause other things? How are you and your business? Everything is running smoothly, I hope. Do you have the secretary problem straightened out?

Probably by the time you get this I will be far away from here

You Son, Dave

February 26th 1943

2009-11-09T05:04:00.000-08:00

Letter #13

February 26^th 1943

Miss Kathrine E. Thomas

Miami, Florida

Dear Kath

I got you swell letter Wednesday. I certainly do enjoy hearing from you. I think what you did with Toby was a good idea. I imagine it was kind of heard though after teaching him all of those tricks and everything. You should teach suzy some tricks now. You seem to be the best dog trainer in the family.

Did Nancy get that thing form me yet? You will be surprised when you see it and hear it.

I think we are going to be put back on “shipment” (definition: pack and be on call any time day or night, 15 minutes notice. We cant leave out rooms and we don’t drill or anything).

At least that’s what you are supposed to do. Last Sunday when we were on “shipment” another fellow and I sneaked out and went to the beach – boy was it ever nice. The sun was hot as blazes and the water was just right. I also had fun with some other fellow playing games etc.

In case you ever wondered or anyone else ever wonders why I write to poorly its because we don’t ever have any chairs to sit on or tables to write on. Its all done in the palm of the hand.

Hows the weather? Do you still ride Besty? Remember a long time ago you said you couldn’t saddle her and you couldn’t gallop her? You sure can now cant you?

One thing good about this basic training, you done have any homework. Of course I will have a lot later on if and when I get to pre-flight school, but its really very easy so far. The only things that have bothered me so far have been those injections. We are all of the time getting them, it seems. My vaccination took so I have one on each arm now. My cold is gone completely and so has the bad weather.

Did M. get my civilian clothes? She should have. Remind her to send them to the cleaners for a moth proof bag. When they are all done if she tell me how much everything is I will send it to her.

Well “Cap” take care of everything and write again when you have the chance

Love, Dave

P.S. Would you want a polo shirt with :

Army Air Forces

Miami Beach

Fla

Printed on the front? I am going to send Steve one!

February 26th 1943

2009-11-08T04:45:00.000-08:00

Letter #12

February 26^th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Miami, Florida

Dear Mother

That was sure a funny one last week; we get put on “shipment” and sit around for 3 days not allowed to do anything at all. (not even write letters) except when you sneaked out or something. Suddenly they, for no reason that we can see, take us off and we go back to exercising, drilling and listening to lectures harder then ever. We made up the 3 days we lost in the next 3 days so we are officially on the 13^th day of basic training. Tomorrow we are back on shipment but don’t stop writing this time cause we might not leave.

You don’t know a darn thing in this mans army until it happens you don’t even know when you eat until you get there. Or when you are getting your “Shots” until you are shot. That needle sur e does give me the duce. The last one (last Sunday) was the first one that didn’t knock me for a loop (chills and sweating alternately).

Yesterday I had more fun then I have had since I have been here. We went out to the rifle range and finally actually shot out rifles. They are called “infields” . 1917 Eddystone quite like the Springfield (Standard Army Rifle). They kick like a mule. I was pretty lucky, I made 12 Bulls eyes out of the fifteen we had at 150 yards in a prone position. My shoulder is still sore but it sure was fun.

I have been having some fun on time of since I got rid of that gripps or flu or whatever it was. I went to the “5 o’clock club” where it is quite a drive. I have book-matches of that at home. I went to several others but they weren’t as nice. They soldiers sure can get around cheaper that everyone else. I still am not broke. We stay in about 4 nites a week to do wash, shine shoes, write, clean rooms, and do “extra duty.”

We have been issued our O.D.’s (winter olive drab) they look better than our “suntans” (Summer uniforms) but mine need altering by the tailor. I am afraid to do that here we are too likely to be shipped out without them.

I am sending a couple of snaps Johnnie and I took out at the breach Sunday. They aren’t to good but they show the palms and the 3 of us some what plainly. The girl is Nancy Schwartz of New York. The picture does not flatter her. She was the first good-looking girl I had seen here so I went to town. Johnnie is like Dick, he makes me do all the work and get everything under control then he joins me. She is NOT Jewish. She was very nice and everything was perfect except I was on shipment Sunday and she was going home Tuesday anyway so all I have is her N.Y. Address.

It was such a beautiful day Sunday we whipped up an excuse and talked the “sarg” into a pass. A married could I met (at church) said we should use them. At first the “sarg” said, “ no, none at all to anyone” I gave him the old story about being invited by this family to dinner etc. Finally he agreed to let us go if we called back every hour to see if our shipping order had come in. So we did. Only 3 other guys in our flight got passes.

By the way! If any serious thing happens in our family or near relations (Serious sickness or death, not births) I can get a furlough, if you send me a telegram telling what has happened and get in touch with the Local Red Cross so they can notify the one neat my post to verify the telegram so they will belive me.

Thanks a lot mom and pop for the swell card and cabbages they were both enjoyed very much.

It is 9 o’clock and the CQ just gave me “it” for not being in bed.

Good Night, Son Dave

P.S.

Give Nancy one of these snaps if she wants it. Do you think Steve would want a polo shirt with the AAF etc on it I can buy them down here quite cheap. I have a stirring rod with the name of 5 o’clock Club on it if Nancy wants it. The club got its name because at 5am and pm (if you anrnt in the army) the drinks are on the house. Uncle Sams boys it lights out at 9 sharp, asleep by 10 – isn’t that something!

Love to all Dave

February 19th 1943

2009-11-07T04:34:00.000-08:00

Letter # 11

February 19^th, 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Miami, Florida

Dear Mother,

Sorry I haven’t written sooner, have been sicker than I have ever been in life and still out of bed shots and flu. Temp 103 Tuesday. Doc isn’t any good, just paint your throat and say go on back on the job. I didn’t do anything except Tues I had to go on sick call. But I had to keep right on. They wouldn’t let me stay in bed. Wednesday we had K.P. work like dogs from 3:30 am until 10 o’clock the flowing nite. It was hell.

We might be shipped out of here some time in the next few months

Good by now,

Dave

February 12th 1943

2009-11-06T08:50:00.000-08:00

Letter #10

February 12th 1943

To Miss Kathrine E. Thomas % C. B. Thomas

Miami, Florida

Hi Cap!

I sent you a card on the train on the way down but guess the colored boy didn't mail it. We were not allowed to get off the train - I handed them all out the window to passing people. If you enjoy the movies you would enjoy what I have been doing all this week we have had about 3 1/2 hrs of movies every day of the week. The ocean is really swell but we can only go on Sundays except for 10 minutes 3 times a week after Calisthenics (they are swell fun) Have you been doing any skating or anything lately? How about dropping me a note and tell me the news.

Dave

February 10th 1943

2009-11-06T04:56:00.000-08:00

Letter #9

February 10^th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Miami, Florida

Dear Mother

I received that letter addressed to “Cadet Training Center Miami Beach” boy oh boy that was sure unusual that ever got here I was really glad to get it though.

My arms got better my vaccination took and now all I have to do is wait for the next ones and hope that they aren’t as bad. I had a swell swim Sunday. Monday we went to movies all day long 4 hrs in morning and 4 in afternoon. They were very interesting but it was sure tiresome. This morning we did the same. This afternoon we marched which was sure welcomed to me after sitting in the movies all that time. The movies were about everything Venereal Diseases, personal cleanliness, first aid, close order drill (all the movements in detail, keeping your trap shut about shipments etc. We also had a couple of lectures on War Bonds. Gov’t life insurance and dependant allotments. I found out that all that they are going to give me down here is $10 a month to spend no more and no traveling expenses for trip down as I had expected. This will make it impossible to pay you back unless you want me to cash a Bond. I will be bale to hold out I think, myself. I have been winning at dice and cards slightly eversince I left. I am getting low because of so many things you have to buy: soap, shoe polish, equip towels, socks, laundry bills etc. WE don’t get everything furnished like a regular buck private, although we are definitely buck privates.

I did one think stupid with my limited fiancés since I was down here. I lost $3.00 at the dog races last night. I knew darn well you can win with them I played them so often before but you know how you go along with the other fellows. They are still running every night bit the horse races have been closed because of gas rationing.

All the fellows are “women crazy” all ready but I am deinately not one of them. I don’t give a darn whether I see one or not cause none of them are the type I care for in the first place and second I still haven’t gotten over my overdose in York – To many and to damn serious.

Guess what Mother!!- - I went to Presbyterian (I cant spell it) Church Sunday night and met the nicest bunch of people (civilians that wernt Jews). They were all swell to me they have a service center in a private home. They said to come up anytime day or night to read, talk , or eat or write home or anything. Can you imagine that!!! Only about 20 people were there Sunday so its like a family. They play games on Tuesday and Thursday nights. This religion is sure a great thing. I am going regularly from now on if I can. (there were several nice girls there too) or rather I shall call them ladies.

I certainly will be glad to here from some of you? Do you still have skating or skiing? Whats the dope on Marge and Hamey? What about Babe where is she? Tell me all the news, will you?

Love

Dave

Here are some examples of War Department Films that were watched during training

February 9th 1943

2009-11-05T04:10:00.000-08:00

Must have been in a hurry, letter was written on the back of an envelope.

Letter #8

February 9th 1943

Mrs. C. B. Thomas

Miami, Florida

I am waiting for lunch, haven't done a thing all morning except eat breakfast. This army is too easy so far.- If a person was satisfied to be a private he could have the time of his life in the army. Any one that says he has a hard time is either lying or the height of lazyness. I haven't seen anyone over working yet - a little drilling and exercising but nothing I didn't do just as hard working on the farm - wait until I get into pre flight school then my story will be different.

Love Dave

February 8th 1943

2009-11-04T04:34:00.000-08:00

Letter #7

To Mr. Carl B. Thomas

Miami Beach, Florida

February 7th 1943

2009-11-03T04:23:00.000-08:00

Letter #6

February 7th 1943

To Mr. & Mrs. Carl B Thomas

Miami, Florida

Happy Valentines Day!

February 7th 1943

2009-11-02T04:45:00.000-08:00

This is the start of the letters from basic training. Several of these letter have some very neat stationary, im going to scan and post them as well. Enjoy!

Letter #5

February 7^th 1943

To Mrs. Carl B. Thomas

Miami, Florida

Dear Mother,

I am having the time of my life. I haven’t had any trouble with anyone yet. The only trouble I have had was with a smart Jew with a 10cent cigar who was a buck private but had several months in the army and was in charge of checking out equipment when it was issued to us. He said the easiest way to carry our helmet was on our head and I thought it would be easier to put it in our duffle bag and carry the whole works on my shoulder. We really had it out but of course I lost. He called the sergeant.

We cannot turn on any lights in out rooms so everything at night is done in the dark. The weather is perfect as usual. We have Sunday afternoon until 4 o’clock to go swimming or church or what ever you want to do. This writing paper looks cheap doesn’t it – the answer to that is “it is.” The only civilians I have seen since I arrived have been Jewish, the same fat greasy kind that was down here before. A civilian looks as strange down here as a soldier walking down the street 2 years ago looked.

We marched about 15 miles a day but it’s a snap – I have even surprised myself. About 75% of the guys are lame from blisters and corns etc etc. I haven’t one of anything. Sunburn is taking it toll also; it hasn’t bothered me yet. The food is great – got meat, 2 veg, potatoes, salad, drink, desert, jam and bread every meal (except breakfast of course). We have everything we cant get in civilian life except butter. Also at the Post Exchange you can get lots of items that you cant get. We had 2 banana pies with everything else for breakfast, plenty of sugar, coffee, coca cola.

The one thing that has really bothered me has been the shots. We got them yesterday afternoon. I didn’t sleep at all last night and I have felt terrible all day. Today – we have taken several exams (mental) but nothing to do with the air cadets yet. We are in pre-pre-flight school – it will last for 24 days then if your turn in school comes, you go. Otherwise you hang around here until your turn does come. This is semi-official. You never know what is going to happen here until the minute it does. You can image how the rumors fly!

Its hard to get a regular letter written because keeping room clean, shoes shined etc etc. in your spare time. I certainly do wish I would hear from you and the rest. This is a lot different then when your life is your own and you can go and come and do what you please. There are a swell bunch of fellows here. We got out pictures taken together last night (the first night out) we had to be in by 10 o’clock. I will send them up Monday if I have a chance. How about sending me down the pictures we took there for a couple of days before I left. I will return the ones that I don’t want. I wish I didn’t feel so terrible. I want to go to the beach as soon as I am done this letter. We are not allowed to go to Miami a all and some places have military restrictions. All the stores are setting soldier (air corps) supplying only. We were the first squadron of Air Cadets to come down here, all the rest are just plain air corps fellows (draftees). They are on the average much older and tougher naturally. The average age of the cadets is 19 ½. So I am about right. I am glad I didn’t get a lot crap like military sets etc. cause you aren’t allowed to have hardly anything except G.I. My clothes that I wore are being sent home.

If I don’t do say so myself we have the best bunch of guys in our flight, the best 4 in our room, and I am the best soldier here. This drilling is a snap. Thank goodness I am not with a bunch of dopes so we have to go over things again and again. I think that’s why our sergeant and corporals are so nice. I was telling to one and he said he would rather drill us then those draftees any day. We all try I guess that’s the difference. Sam Barber, Harland Slack and 6 guys form York are here in some hotel but I haven’t located them yet.

I guess I have told you all the news, write soon and often as possible you get a slight touch of homesickness when you are lined up for mail and everyone around get a dozen letters and you don’t get any.

Love to all, Dave (Yardbird) Thomas

Penny Postcards

2009-11-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

The first of the four letters written home from Dave were done on Penny Postcards. These are prepaid postcards purchased by travelers. Once Dave is officially brought into the Air Corps he will no longer have to work about postage as it is free to all military persons.

February 2nd 1943

2009-11-01T05:28:00.000-08:00

Letter #4

February 2^nd 1943

Miss Nancy A Thomas

Columbia, South Carolina

Hi Nancy!

I am writing on the moving train. We are in South Carolina 2:30pm – dirt has been sifting through the windows the whole time so I am just black now with no place to wash in this old train – we are having some meals considering we had no dinner – just stop and pick up box lunches and go on. I’ve had two hard boiled eggs, 2 bread pork chops, 2 oranges, French fried potatoes, all the cold and hot coffee. Lunch, cake, 2 apples, 3 sandwiches, cheese and meat and peanut butter, a lot of swell guys nearly all 19-20 years old.

Dave

February 2nd 1943

2009-10-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

Letter # 3

February 2^nd? 1943

To: Mr. C B Thomas

Raleigh, North Carolina

Dear Dad,

Whatta trip! Finally got train from Baltimore 10:45. It has the oldest coach in existence on it and I get it. Just like the West Chester to Phila local went back and forth on siding in Washington until 2:00am – coming into Raleigh N.C. now, 9:00am expect to get to Miami this time tomorrow (I sincerely hope). Took back off of two seats and tried to make a bed car, awfully cold – one of 200 fellows, tuck foot through window, 6 cars on the special train.

Dave

February 2nd 1943

2009-10-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Letter #2

February 2^nd 1943

Mrs. John W. Steele

Raleigh, North Carolina

Dear Sis,

I am all ready getting a taste of being pushed around in the army and I haven’t even left yet. After killing the whole afternoon I came back to the station at 8 and they just say come back at 10. Now it is ten and they say come back at 10:30. I still don’t know where or with whom I am going. Between 8 and 10 decided to get in a better mood with a porterhouse steak, so I did.

February 1st 1943

2009-10-29T17:16:00.000-07:00

Letter #1

Date: February 1^st 1943

To: Mrs. C. B. Thomas

Post Marked: Baltimore, Maryland

Dear Mother,

Arrived in Baltimore 1:15PM – I should have stayed home longer cause my orders here were- come back at 8 o’clock. The train leaves for “?” at 10 something o’clock. Eleven of us are going. Haven’t seen the rest yet.

Love, Dave

A Stolen Idea

2009-10-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

After seeing a blog that a friend sent to me that posted the letters of a great grandfather who served in the 2nd World War, I thought it would be a great idea to share letters of a relative of mine. In the subsequent weeks I will be posted about my Great Uncle, Lt. Dave Thomas who served in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to his death in 1945.

My family has saved probably 3-400 of his letters from his frequent writing during his time in the AAC. Some are very short while others are much longer. I'm going to start from the beginning and continue with the letters chronologically, adding photos in the appropriate places. Enjoy!