August 24, 1944

Dear Folks:                                    24 Aug.
            I suppose you have overheard some “preposterous lies put out by the decadent democracies” over the radio yesterday and to-day. But that isn’t all. This wasn’t put out over the radio but our crew got a raise in pay. Horridge made captain, Hale made Tech. sergeant and I made 1st Lt. But that isn’t the best news which I’ll have to tell you about later. Last but not least, the tomcat Lil’ Abner caught a rat. We feed him coffee cream (condensed) which we get from the mess hall. He is getting overloaded and wants to be petted all the time. Mr. B., the spaniel, got run over by a truck so Mrs. B is lonesome. All for now
                                    Yours truly,
                                                John