April 15, 1945

                                                            Chanute Field, Ill.
Dear Folks:                                          15 April 45
            It is raining some to-day and quite cold. That certainly was a shock about the President dying. I was working on my radio in the lab. when I heard it. I guess there are some 17 year old kids that can’t remember any other President. We didn’t have school yesterday morning but had a big parade as a memorial. The Army now has a new boss. Also had a memorial service in Chapel this morning.
            I ran into Capt. St. Pierre, Slingsby’s nephew in the mess hall this morning. He is taking a 5 week course here and is stationed at Westover Field, Mass. I see Major Cody got back. I don’t think I mentioned that I saw Paul Smith at Frederick, Okla. I see he has been to Denver and now returning to Frederick. Got a letter from Horridge. He won’t get home now until the European war is over and maybe not until the other one is over also. Col. Loesch came back the other day so that leaves Horridge the lone ranger of the original pilots in the 574 Squadron. Dick’s brother, John, the Colonel Dick & I went to see in Manchester, is now reported a prisoner of war. He was missing since Dec. 26. Dick keeps asking me if I’m married yet. I don’t know what I said to give him that idea.
            Yes, put 75 of the next 100 into bonds. I’ve been to Fort Bliss. It is near El Paso. That is one hot place to be in the summer. Last Wednesday afternoon I help Randall clean and Simoniz his car. He keeps his car in a lady’s garage in Rantoul. She saw us working and offered us $10 to Simoniz her Buick. Seems that is what the service stations charge only now they don’t have the help and won’t do it at all. I miscounted somewhere. I still have 5 weeks of school left. Dad, here is $10 for your birthday!
                                                            John