April 11th 1943

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

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

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

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

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

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

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”.