July 27, 1944
Dear Folks: Really a nice day. Very few clouds, sun shining, and a warm wind. We hung our blankets out on the fence to sun. The fence is weighed down with blankets. I’m now washing my nice wool socks myself since the Limeys traded me out of a couple of pair in the laundry. Accidental, of course. One of the men in another hut bought a big pair of shears for cutting grass. We borrowed them and they are the cats pajamas for cutting grass. I’ve had to carry water for the grass lately. I know what you are thinking but the grass doesn’t take nearly as much water as cucumbers! I have a slight cold but everyone has it. Don’t send any Christmas presents. ‘Nuff said.
Yours truly,
John
Dear Folks 
“Don’t send any Christmas presents. ‘Nuff said.”
Sounds like John had received confirmation that he’d finish his tour before Christmas. I believe the “rotation” policy throughout 1944 had been a little flexible…
LikeLiked by 1 person
It does seem so. Well, at 67 missions… Surely that is enough?
LikeLike
It seems the 9th Air Force only introduced 65 missions as the standard tour in September 1944. By that point many of the original crews that had flown out in January were over that number. The 391st has transcripts of some of the debrief notes where crews were complaining…
This link gives details of the evolving policy if anyone is interested.
https://www.afhra.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Timelines/USAF%20Rotation%20Policies/AFD-080424-048.pdf?ver=2016-08-30-151431-133
LikeLike