January 24, 1944

                                                            Jan 24
Dear Folks:
            We crossed the equator and are now in Brasil. Flew over some pretty dense jungle. Miles & miles of solid trees. The country around here is dry and sandy like west Texas so am right at home. The weather is very nice and I am getting a sun tan. The natives here are friendly. They are small and brown skinned. They are very short waisted and have short necks.
            The barracks here are open and there is also an open air theater. We get lots of fruit — bananas, oranges and pineapples and fruit juices. I sent a cable gram (60¢) which I hope you got. Can’t think of any thing else so will close.
                                    Yours truly,
                                                John
P.S. The dollar bill is worth about 80¢ and Brasilian is worth 25¢