February 27, 1944

                                                            Feb 27
Dear Folks:
            We are going to ground school. It is raining some now. Three of the men in our hut are old hands that have been over here awhile and came into our outfit to show us the ropes. Two of them are co-pilots and one first pilot and all nice fellows. They try to be patient but have to let us know now and then that they think we are pretty green. Ha! One of co-pilots is a farmer from Indiana.
            The farmers here are plowing also. One right across the fence uses a 2-plow on spade lugs. It looks like the old 10-20 except it is fairly new. The mold boards are longer than ours. They stack their wheat in rectangular stacks and put a thatch gable-roof on them.
            Went to a show last nite. The stove in our hut is in the center so we did some moving of furniture to get lots of space around the fire. We named our plane “BOA” but it doesn’t look like we get to fly our own so we are a little disappointed. We do lots of walking. Its probably a good thing, because it keeps us in shape. We cut our own wood. It is hard wood something like hickory and splits like oak. I bought me a pair of high shoes. They are grain leather and some higher than regular high shoes. Cost 1 lb.-5 shillings-6 pence or $5.10. Also got some heavy ribbed wool socks for 45¢. They are olive green & nice looking. I sent that film roll in to get developed.
            Went to chapel this morning. Our chaplain came over with us from Godman Field. We have services in the lecture hall and of course it isn’t heated so we leave our coats and gloves on. The melodian is a portable model and can be folded and carried like a suitcase. Had fried chicken for dinner. Our chow is better than ordinary army chow because we get combat rations. Once in awhile we even get fried eggs. Since we had a little time off after dinner we went out to the woodpile and cut some wood. Have a good 6 ft, cross-cut saw and cut blocks off of stove length. Good exercise! The last letter I have is Feb 15 and it doesn’t sound like you made a very close guess as to where I was going. Have gotten two or three letters from Chris & Jo. Also some from Aunt Hattie, Aunt Jessie, also a birthday card from Mrs. H.H. Cowell of Mite Society.
            Incidentally, I’m in the 9th Air Force so you can read it in the paper if we do anything spectacular. Ha! Also got a letter from Rev. Elliot. Also got one of your V-mail letters written Jan 15. It had an airmail stamp on it & came without being photographed. This letter is disjointed because I’m re-reading & answering your letters that were here when I came. Incidentally, I think some V-mail I sent may go as a regular letter so am sending airmail now. Sounds like your hens are laying good. These bomb trailers would surely make good ones to haul feed on. Suppose Chris and Jo are moving. How are my letters from here being censored? I have to censor some enlisted men’s mail so am wondering how my own are doing. Karen must be growing up fast. I don’t think the cookies will follow me over.
            Most of the local farmers, men & boys, wear gum boots. We burn wood with the coke and use the coke over & over until there is nothing left but wood ashes & few clinkers. Keep this since I’m writing both Marvel Lee & Arlan.
                                    Yours truly,
                                                John