December 25, 1943

                                                            Dec. 25
Dear Folks:
            8 P.M. and what a day! Its warm down here and doesn’t seem much like Christmas weather. We left Godman yesterday about 4 P.M. to bring a major and some equipment down here. The weather was supposed to be good all the way down but the ceiling got lower as we went along and of course it was getting dark. Our radio wasn’t very good and by the time we were supposed to be over Tampa we were flying at 1500 ft. and couldn’t see a thing. We finally picked up a beam and rode it to Cross City, Fla. and landed with 40 min. gas left. We were lost and really sweating so that field looked pretty good. We spent the rest of the nite there and didn’t get up until 1 P.M. to-day. Had Christmas dinner at the officers club at Cross City. Good turkey! The major came down here by bus last nite from Cross City. We took off from there about 4 and got here at 5 P.M.
            Since I was here last this field has been changed over to B-17s. We will pick up the major and a lieutenant and return to Godman to-morrow. Four of us got a hotel room here in Tampa, Lt. Hollis, the pilot, Lt. Hawkins, navigator, Sgt. Kromm, engineer, & myself.
            Lt. Hollis didn’t have a co-pilot so I volunteered for this trip. Like most 1st pilots in our outfit he has about 400 hrs. in the B-26. The other nite I was up with him and one engine went bad so he made a single engine landing.
            Sunday. Hollis, Hawkins & I went to Presbyterian church here in Tampa. May have to stay here awhile on account of weather. Got a big box of candy from Marvel Lee.
                                    Yours truly,
                                                John
Haven’t sent the foot locker yet but think we will get to modification center this week. Haven’t heard from Arlan yet.