August 1, 1943: Speak to Madge

Hello my Darlings:

Well toots this is the last letter I'll be writing as a student, tonight is my last day of school, boy am I glad.  It's been a long and tiresome course, but after its all over, it had sure been worth it.  And I've really learned a lot, and met a bunch of swell guys.

I don't know when I'll be able to write from the field, but I will jsut as soon as possible.  It will be some experience out there, from what they tell us.  We don't do very much work on planes, but we study combat tactics, camoflaugh protection from attack, and defence of the air field.  We also are on duty 24 hours a day, ready for call anytime.

Princess, i'm sure proud of you for not starting in (damage to paper - can't ready) how long has it been since you (damage again).

Hey Joe, Dick, and Skinny have got by lucky haven't they?  I still think they stink.

Hey toots that rash on your arm, is just heat rash isn't it?  I get it too where metal touches me when it's extra hot.  I think your is cause from your wrist watch, try not to wear it and see if it won't go away.

Honey what do you mean about taking douches, I guess I'm dumb, but this is all new to me, so let me know about it.

Hey and when are you going to have the baby blessed, who's going to do it?  It don't make much difference does it?  Gee Hon I'll sure be glad when those pictures get here, I can hardly wait.  I guess Mom hasn't had much experience with a camera, but we don't care do we?

I never have expected a letter from Geo Bills cause I knew he couldn't write.

Gosh I'll be happy when I can build a swing, and sand box for our kid.  I'll even pay in it with her, can I?

Toots you always did (paper damage) perfect, and I'll never say a word about them again, this being away from you has really made me stop and think of how swell you are.

And you couldn't be a better wife, cause they don't make em' any better.  I love you truly.

Well toots I got my stuff all packed in my barracks bags and were ready to leave this squadron for good.  When we get thru the field, we will go out to a different squadron and wait our shipping orders.

Boy, I'll look like a read comando for the next week or ten days.  We took a shower and I guess it will last us for the duration of the field test, unless we sneak in some night.

Well my angels, I better get ready for school, so I'll close for now.  I love you both millions and will be glad to get home and see you.  Hope it isn't much longer.

bye for now, I'll write as much as I can while I'm out there.

All my Love,

Your Speak

July 25, 1943: Speak to Madge

Darling Madge:

Honey I'm sure sorry I haven't been able to write the last two days.  Yesterday on my day off, we had to go out to the firing range, then come in and do detail.  We went to school last night, it is sure nice in school at night, but it's sure hot as hell trying to sleep in the daytime.

I guess I won't be able to write very much from now on unless I do it at night in school.  we only have 7 more days of school before we go out to the field test.  and boy are they trying to break us, and make it tough for us.  They told us we didn't no what the army was like, but we would find out the next two weeks.

Honey, I believe we will be able to write, while we are out there, so I'll try to let you know what it's like.  I do know that we go on maneuvers and a 20 mile hike on our day off.  And that we work on planes, under actual battle conditions.

Princess, I tried to call you the last two days but I couldn't get a line thru, I'll try again when I get thru this letter.  I'm sure glad you are nearly as well as ever, but don't try to do too much for a long long time yet.

Gee darling, I'd give anything to be able to see Joyce Ann.  She sure must be an angel and I know I'll hate to leave you both, when I come home on furlough.  She must be the most perfect baby in the world, I'll sure be glad to get that snapshot of you two angels.

Honey, I fixed up that papers for the exta allotment but I gotta get a copy of Joyce Ann's birth certificate. so as soon as you can, why send it to me, will ya?

They sent the papers in, so you shoudl get it in your next check, but if you don't they will probably make it up in the next one.  I sure hope youare able to get along alright on it.  Gee toots, I'll work all the time when I get out of theis army, and try to make a lot of dough, so you can make up for the fun you've missed.

I got that card Mom sent, it was sure swell, tell her thanks a lot.  I guess I won't be able to write them, cause it's all I can do to find time to write to you.

I'm sure glad we got such a lovely daughter, she must be just like you.  It's sure good news to hear she is growing, and that you are able to feed her, I think that's a lot better than on a bottle.  You will soon be able to take her down town and show her off won't you?  That is sure swell of Murray and Bernice to let us use all their stuff.  I would have cost us a fortune to have  bought it.

So Geo Bills didn't know we had our family, I guess I'll write him if I ever get time.

Hey I'm glad Uncle Lee was able to get home, I'll bet they really had a swell time.  It's swell that Jessie is able to go back with him, although I don't think they are doing the smart thing.  She would get lots better care at home.

I'll bet the folks are really thrilled to get started on their home, I know we will when we build our dream home, won't we?  Honey I know you hate to leave our place, but it will be better for you and the baby, and also for Mom.  and Murray and Bernice will take good care of our place.  Princess this war can't last forever, I'll soon be home again, then we will have more happiness than ever before.  So keep your chin up, and try to always think of the bright side.  You have sure been swell thru this, you are a better soldier than any in this army.  I'll never forget it either.

See I love you so darn much, that if I soon don't get to see you I'll bust.  Just think toots, it will be nearly a year since I left (well it seems like it).  I guess I better sign off for now, and go see if I can get a call thru.

Remember darling how much I love you both, and how much I miss you.

Good night my angels, God Bless you both.

All my love,

Your devoted husband and Dad.

Pfc. Speak