July 21, 1945

                                                Wilmington
                                                21 July 45
Dear Folks:
            Am writing this while sitting around the operations building (soft chairs) waiting for a mission. The missions last from 2 to 4 hours. We are on duty every other day and come down here while on duty. That’s all we have to do. I don’t hardly believe it yet and am waiting any day for some one to “organize” this section. We let the target out on 1200′ feet of cable and fly back and forth along the coast.
            I was somewhat surprised to get Arlan’s letter saying he is engaged. It is a good thing you didn’t get a pen because I sent him a pen and pencil. They were not expensive but will do to carry around.
            I had the car worked on this week. New spindle bushings, wheels aligned and new distributor — $25. It will need a new clutch next I think. The speedometer couldn’t be fixed because of lack of parts.
            I got Jo’s radio put to-gether but have to tune it up yet. I also got a wedding announcement from Randall whom I knew at Chanute Field. I got the clothes O.K. on 19th. Could you ask Henry’s Drug to “slip” you another 127 film? I see you have a new preacher.
            If I had arrived at Greenville a week late they would never have known the difference. They didn’t know I was coming or what for. Hope you have your wheat cut.
            Sunday. Went to Wrightsville beach this afternoon. It is 8 mile from here & closer than Carolina Beach. The sun shown all day for first time in a week. It rained 24 hours steady in middle of the week.
                                                John