December 13, 1942

                                    Dec 13
Dear Folks:
            Finally got our first “open post” so we looked over some of San Antonio. We ha 6 hrs. to spend in town. The town was so full that Christmas shopping was out of the question. This is the first and last open post we will have before going to pre-flight school and we won’t get open post in pre-flight until we’ve been there 4 1/2 weeks. The streets are both narrow and crooked in S.A. There is a creek fed by springs that runs right through the middle of the business district. The water is dark blue in color and the banks are paved and sodded. There is a walk on each side and benches, also palm trees and other tropical vegetation which makes a nice little park. There [are] also tall white limestone buildings and palm trees. The old “Alamo” building is fixed up as a museum and the surrounding grounds are fixed up as a park. There are quite a few Mexicans and mixed breeds but everybody is friendly to men in uniform.
            This morning we all lined up and listened to Lt. General Arnold, chief of U.S. Air Force. Had to stand about 3 hrs. The order has just gone out that no pictures of this area are to be taken so don’t know as I’ll get a snapshot as I expected. Got a Christmas present from Marvel Lee. Wa[s] a sewing kit of needles, scissors, buttons and about 12 assorted threads.
            Had pants altered for 20¢ a pair. The clothes were free except for the gym outfit which cost $8.95. Will have to buy my own replacements. Randolph Field is close to here but I don’t know exactly where. When I said no punishment I put it in quotation marks, I think. In reallity, walking for 2 hrs. straight (“lesson in conduct”) is punishment enough. However, K.P. and Guard Duty are not given here as punishment as in regular army. Have most clothes hanging up, some things on open shelfs, and under wear, towels, etc. in a denim “barracks bag” placed under the bed. Shoes have to be all brown.