Wednesday, 0900

Dear Mom,

Well here I am a Papa! Dottie is doing fine, and so is Leslie. Gosh she’s so cute, she looks just like me. Dottie started to have small labor pains Saturday morning, But they were very mild. About ten o’clock Saturday night they started getting worse so I called Doctor Feulner and he said to take her to the hospital. We walked over, it’s only about half a block. As soon as we got her to bed the pains really began to come, and by one o’clock she was in hard labor. They sent me out of the room then and at three o’clock she went whizzing by on a stretcher to the labor room. Things really began to pop then. The nurse came runnin’ out about fifteen minutes later and called Doctor Feulner, said that Dottie was “bulging.” The Doctor came in about five minutes and before you know it I was a father. At four ten the nurse came out and said, “You have a daughter.” I’ll never forget those words. I would have given my instrument card for a Scotch and Soda then! Dottie was a riot when she came out of the delivery room, she was still under the ether. She kept asking what it was and they kept telling her a girl and she’d say oh-oh my husband won’t like this. She must have done that a dozen times. The nurses were in hysterics. She acted just like she was stewed. They brought the baby in as soon as they could, in about five minutes. Boy was she little, she still is come to think of it. She’s got the cutest dimple in her chin. She [has] about a half inch of hair, very dark. She’s going to be a brunette like her Papa. She opened her eyes Monday, they look very dark to us. Dottie is nursing her, Feulner demands that of his new mothers. It hurt her like the devil at first, but she’s getting better now. She started giving milk yesterday.

The Doctor said that if it had been anybody else but Dottie, She wouldn’t of [sic] had the baby until Sunday afternoon. She took your advice honey and pushed for all she’s worth. She didn’t holler once, I’m very proud of her. I can see Dottie any time between nine in the morning and nine at night. I took the day off Monday so I was with her all day. I see her for an hour at noon and from four thirty until around ten in the afternoons. They don’t throw me out until the ten o’clock feeding.

We got our house on the project today, I’m going to move us in this weekend. Dottie won’t be out of the hospital until the 24^th. I don’t think it will be much longer until we get discharged now that Leslie is here. Dottie can’t travel for a month at least so we won’t be able to come home until then.

How is every one at home? I do hope Bobbie is feeling better. Give her our love. And I want to thank you all for the wonderful Layette you sent us, I don’t know what we would have done without it. I go[t] your third package yesterday. The lighter is simply wonderful, it will look sharp in our new house. I always wanted one of those too. And thanks for the sheets honey we sure needed those. We were able to get two here in Selm[a] but that’s all, now with your two we have all we need, thank you ever so much honey, you’re too good to us. I want to send you the money for the sheets so please tell me how much they were. Those things you made for my little girl are beautiful honey, gosh I can’t thank you enough.

Well honey I guess that’s all the news. I hope every[o]ne is fine at home. Give our love and warm thanks to everyone, you were all so sweet to us and we will never be able to thank you enough. Dottie and Leslie send you a big kiss and a hug, [L]eslie said she was very anxious to meet you all.

Take care of yourself honey, I hope we’ll be seeing you soon! I love you, take a heartful of love from—

Your devoted chillins

Dottie, Judd, & Leslie

XXXOOO—Papa

XXXOOO—Mama

Xxxooo—Baby

[Transcription ends]

Monday, 1300

Dear Mom,

It sure was swell to hear your voice New Year’s Eve honey, I hadn’t realized how long it had been. We didn’t do anything that night we were so beat. I want to thank you all at home for the swell Christmas you gave Dottie and I. Give my thanks to everyone for their lovely gifts.

The weather here has been pitiful. It’s been raining like hell down here for a long time, the Alabama River is about to flood. (Selma is right on the River). There’s no danger however as we are now living far away from it. Moss Haven was right on the river. We love our new place. So much more room compared to M. H. Our landlady, Miss McKee, is swell, a lot more broadminded than Mrs. Conerly. She’s going to get some Kem Tone for us to paint the Apartment with. It doesn’t have any turpentine in it so Dottie can help me.

I started going to a Tech Order School here on the field today. It’s a three weeks course on the numerology and filing of Tech Orderes [sic]. You see all the enlisted men will be leaving the Link Dept. next month so we have to take their place. I guess I’ll be put in charge of Link Operations. I’m on my last unit in History now, I have sent for the exam already. I figure a little time for review then I should be able to take the test around the first of February.

Gosh, by the time you get this I might be a father! I’m getting nervous. I’ll let you know as soon as HE arrives by Telegram (not him, you.)

We had a nice letter from Bobbie and Nanny too. I do hope that Ace can find something to his liking. I guess you can’t be too choosy these days however. I’m glad you all like the bags that Dottie made for you, she almost went crazy making them. I’m using a crumby [sic] typewriter at work now so please excuse the mistakes, it needs a new ribbon I guess.

I hope to fly the P-47 soon. The C.O. has released them for Permenant [sic] Party here now. Boy that sure is a sweet ship. After five hours in it I can fly one of th[e] 51’s they’ve got here. That’s the ship I really want to get my hands on.

We used to have two of them but some joker dropped one in on a wing the other day and now there is one. It’s rumored that now that Craig is a Tactical School, one of three in the country, we’re going to get some hot stuff in here. P-80’s, blow jobs; p-82’s; P-63’s; and the like. Boy I sure would like to fly that jet. This might become a transition school in jet propulsion.

Have you been able to find any sheets? We’re using Miss McKee’s now. She doesn’t usually furnish them so we’ve been looking for some all over the place and they ain’t to be had. Don’t forget to tell me how much they are so I can send you the money for them.

Well honey I have to go to P.T. now so I’ll have to sign off. Take care of your sweet self and give our love and thanks again to everyone. And we both send a heartful to you honey. You’re very sweet to us and we appreciate it. You’re the best mother and mother-in-law in the world as far as we’re concerned, and we love you with all our hearts.

Your devoted son and daughter

Dottie & Judd

P. S.—Excuse this God awful mess please XXOO

xo (W.J.)

[Transcription ends]

525 Lamar Avenue

Selma, Alabama

Monday

Dear Mom,

At long last we’re all settled. Been trying to write every day but somehow couldn’t get around to it.

It was really wonderful to hear your voice on the phone New Year’s Eve. Golly, it’s been such a long time since we talked with you. We were both so sorry to hear that you were all alone—

Remember we mentioned going to the movin’ pitchers. That’s as close as we got. We were both so tired from moving we just waited for 12 o’clock & after a weak “Happy New Year” fell asleep. Judd was really beat cause he’d had to do most of the real work.

We had dinner at the Post on New Year’s Day and were so disappointed cause they didn’t have turkey. Are you & Bobby both recȯȯperated? Sure hope so. Take care of yourself. There’s so much flu going around. Down here too—

Did you manage to get any sheets? We’ve tried & tried to get some down here but there [sic] impossible to find. We need them so badly & will certainly appreciate your getting them.

Is Don home for good or was he just on leave? It was nice that he could get home. We sent him a Christmas card but he probably won’t receive it for years cause we sent it overseas.

My hospitalization isn’t any good. A family contract has to be in effect for 10 months before you can use it for a baby. Mother & Daddy sent us a money order, though, and that surely will help a lot.

Judd’s going to take the course in Radio probably as soon as he completes the history course. He can really use it! As Bobby will probably remember. This one will be a pleasure though & not like the history course.

Judd doesn’t do much flying as he told you on the phone. He just gets his 4 hours a month in so we get the flying pay.

Did the pictures of the babies around the tree turn out? We can hardly wait to see them. Golly, Ace really does a marvelous job with a box camera. Hope he has a job now. It really must be rough. The jobs just don’t pay anything.

How is Nannie? Is she going to have a baby? We’re praying for her? What did the Dr. say? Let us know as soon as you hear anything.

Well, it’s supposed to be about 4 more days now. We’re going crazy with the suspense. Hope W. J. comes on time or early. He’s supposed to be born on the 11^th but the Dr. said that he’d come anytime from the 10^th to the 20^th. Golly, sure hope it’s close to the 10^th.

All the good shows are coming to the Field & we’re trying to see them all. Probably won’t be able to see the ones we want to. Golly, babies are so indefinite—

Haven’t any idea how to take care of a baby & it’s awful. Don’t know what we need or anything. The only thing I know is you need millions of diapers but gee, don’t even know how to put one on. Hope it’s something that just comes easily.

We’ve been having quite a bit of rain lately & the Alabama River is really high. It’s supposed to reach 41 feet by Thursday. Normally it’s about 20 feet, I think.

What weather. Last night we only had a sheet over us & were still warm. It’s just like summer.

Give our love to everyone & tell Nannie & Bobbie I’ll answer their letters soon. Take care of yourself & please write soon.

Lots of love,

Dottie & Judd

[Transcription ends]

Moss Haven

Selma, Alabama

Friday

Dear Mom,

Merry Christmas! What did you do? Doesn’t seem possible a year ago that we were in Brooklyn. Time sure flies. Remember how we went for the day & stayed & stayed & stayed? We thought of all the fun we had & kept wishing all day that you could have been down here or we up there.

You should see our little tree. We couldn’t get many ornaments & used painted walnuts. What a mess it was. We managed to get paint all over the wall & everything. Then we died some popcorn in red & green ink. Well, the idea was fine but the popcorn didn’t cooperate—It got all soggy & heavy & fell off the strings. We had fun skidding around the room on it, though. We found some light strings but no bulbs.

Mom, that bed jacket is beautiful! I can hardly wait til WJ comes & I can wear it. It will be so pretty & I’ll sure need something like that then. Judd loves his socks and wallet. He’ll write real soon. He’s finishing up his history—On the last unit now. Isn’t that wonderful.

Judd was so sweet. He gave me so many beautiful presents. And as you know an electric mixer and a Presto cooker. I think he’s already told you everything. We are so excited about the Presto cooker. It’s amazing! Foods cook in no time. We can’t believe it. Only takes 8 minutes for potatoes & 1 to 2 minutes for carrots. We’re still a little shy of it. Makes queer noises when it’s letting off steam—It gives everything a delicious flavor too.

Oh, Captain Gault, he was the doctor at the Post said W. J. would arrive on the 13^th but now our doctor in town said on the 11^th. Confusing. We’re hoping it’s the 11^th so that he’ll be our anniversary present. Doesn’t seem possible that he may be here in sixteen day. Gee whiz.

Please write real soon, Mom and we hope you have the Happiest New Year. Thank you again for your lovely gifts. We both miss you & wish we could be home with you & everyone.

Give everyone our love and of course you have most of our love,

Your devoted children,

Dottie & Judd

[Transcription ends]

Monday

1330

Dear Mom,

Well here it is almost Christmas, I can hardly believe it! Gosh remember last Christmas, that doesn’t seem a year ago does it.

I’m sorry I’ve been so lousey [sic] about writing honey but with the Christmas rush and History, etc. both of us have been pretty busy.

I’m at work right now in the first free period I’ve had in several days. The weather has been bad down here and consequently everyone flies the link then. I’m getting to like it more everyday. It’s fun teaching this stuff.

We got a tough break here, they closed the Women’s Clinic the first of November. We found an excellent Doctor in Selma however, so don’t worry. The prices are high as hell down here though, it seems that Selma is a medical center and all the Doctors here (there are hundreds) are the best. So we think we picked the best of the best so don’t worry, hon. Dottie has been going regularly and everything is O. K.! It’s a shame that the Clinic had to close but we’ve been watching our pennies and I know everything will be honkey-donkey!

I got your Xmas packages off today. It’s a very small Christmas as I promised, but there’s a lot of thought behind it honey, and we both wish all of you at home the very merriest Christmas you ever had, followed by a very prosperous and Happy New Year!!!!

I hear you had some snow around home, boy I wish I could see it, it never snows down here. However it’s been quite cold here lately, today has been the coldest yet.

I sent in my fourteenth Unit in History this morning, so far they have all come back marked about ninety. Only two more to go! I’ll be glad when this is over. I think I’ll take a radio course when I’m through this one. As Bobbie knows I’m not so good at radio work.

How’s Ace’s photography getting along. What kind of a camera has he got? Some of my equipement [sic] is stored away somewhere. He can use it if he wants to. I guess you know where it is hon.

Thanks for sending us some sheets angel. We haven’t gotten the house yet but we ought to soon. Craig was made a Tactical Field Friday at midnight so there should be an exodus of personnel here in the near future.

I’m so glad to hear the G. D. [F]ullers are out. I wish I’d been there to boot her one in the ass! These scientists are looking for things to test the Atomic Bomb on why don’t they use her? I was worried about what that nut might do to you she’s so damned jealous of you. Don’t ever give her a chance Mom, that dame is a crackpot.

When you see the Van Alen’s again give them my regards, they’re truly wonderful people.

I hope Kenneth’s cold is all better, give him a hand shake from uncle, he’s getting to [sic] old for kissin!

It’s so nice to realize that we’re all together again, how if we were home everything would be perfect.

We send our love to all of you, Nan, Joe, Ken, Ace, Bobbie, Rickey, Ronnie, and to you my sweet Mom. A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from you[r] lovin’ chillin’s—

Dottie & Judd

O O O X X X

Love & Kisses from my link trainer.

[Transcription ends]

Sunday

2130

Dear Mom,

Gosh honey, I’m so sorry that I’ve been so lousey [sic] about writing, but I’m trying to get this History finished as soon as possible, I won’t be able to take the course if I’m discharged.

How is everyone at home? How are you, my angel? Those “Grapes” ain’t bothering you anymore are they? How’s Ace doing in his new civilian life? Gosh, I envy him. Oh, before I forget, could you ask him if he’s going to use his shortcoat anymore? I could use one and I’ll buy his if he wants to sell it to me.

As usual there’s no news from here. It’s starting to get cold though.

About 260 men came in from Napier and Ft. Myers the other day so the pool is filled up again. It was down to about 150 men there for a while.

I suppose you wondered about Dottie’s letter telling you we weren’t going to Virginia. Well, we were going, but no we ain’t. I’ll explain:— I was standing in front of Major Folan’s office on the 22^nd of October and somebody comes running out wanting someone to go to Virginia. That sounded good to me so I volunteered. It would have been a good deal too. It was an administrative school, I was to be on Temporary Duty ($ 7 a day per diem) for four weeks ($ 200) to take a course to be Information and Education officer at Craig. Dottie wrote you Thursday telling you about it, but in the excitement of packing we forgot to mail it, we found it the other day. Well anyhow we were goin[g to le]ave Saturday, but Friday morning I got a phone call from the field telling me it was all off, the field was closed in Virginia. It was at Lexington, V. M. I. is there so I imagine the school was there. Oh well, everything happens for the best.

Dot called today. Dottie was glad to hear from her. She called you and gave you my message didn’t she?

We had a Hallowe’en dance here Wednesday and it was some brawl. Everybody was stewed to the gills. We had a swell time. We went with three other couples. I wore my civies and Dottie wore a baggy plaid shirt and slacks with a big bow in her hair. She looked as cute as a bug’s ear.

Well I guess I can’t dodge the issue anymore. I guess I’m in the dog house all right. I could have sworn that your birthday was on the 21^st. I’m so sorry I made that mistake honey. I hope you had a very very happy birthday and will enjoy many more happier ones. Dottie joins me in that wish also. I’m glad you liked our little belated present, Sweetheart.

We both love you and send everyone at home all our love. We miss you all terribly, gosh I hope we’re home soon.

Take care of your sweet self honey. I love you very much, I really do Mom.

Give Nan, Bob, Ken, Ricky, and Ronnie a kiss for me, I love them all very much.

And you take a thousand kisses from,

Your devoted Son

Judd

[Transcription ends]

ARMY AIR FORCES

Thursday

1930

Dear Mom,

Well here I am back in the wilds! And am I P.O.’d. They told me at Craig that I had to report here today so I climb in a plane this morning a[nd] fly down, and somebody took the plane back. Then I found out that there was a mistake. I didn’t have to be here until tomorrow. I could have had the whole day with Dottie, too. Boy am I discusted [sic].

I guess I leave for Texas Saturday. There are two other fellows and two instructors going with us and each of us fly a ship.

I thought I’d be leaving today but they’ve got to get the ships all serviced and the guns bore sighted and lined up and you know how long that would take the Army.

The meet is the 10^th. I don’t know anything about it except that it’s on Matagorda Island out in the Gulf of Mexico near Corpus Christie.

I hope I’ll be able to stop at Brooks Field. If we leave Saturday I should be able to. It will only take me 4 ½ hours to get there so that will give me plenty of spare time. I should be back in Selma my [sic] the 12^th. God I hope so, I miss Dottie so darn much it’s pityful [sic]. We’re very happy honey. And I’m very much in love with her. She’s really a wonderful wife honey. I guess I’m pretty lucky.

Remember you said to me once that you hoped that both of us were sexually mated and so forth. Well we are, thank God. We have a complete and wonderful understanding between each other about sex. We’re in perfect harmony on that matter and I’m so glad because, as you said, that’s 90% of the marraige [sic].

Our room is real nice. It’s just outside of town in a residential district. It’s very clean and bright and the Moseley’s are peaches.

I get a ride to the field every morning with an officer who’s in the T.T.U. also.

I was going to solo the P-40 today but this meet kind of stopped that. So I’m being put back a class and will start my P-40 training again around the 17^th. So my leave won’t come until around the 5^th of May I guess. It was swell to talk to you Sunday honey. I’m glad to hear that everyone is well. No measles yet I hope!

If my stationery comes send it to me at Lamar Ave. not the field, OK?

I love you angel and miss you too. Give my love to Nan & Bob and everyone. And you take all the love in the world from one who loves you very much.

Your devoted son

Judd

[Transcription ends]

Tuesday night

Dearest Judd and Dottie:

I have certainly enjoyed your sweet letters and most interesting. Always tell me in detail what you are doing as I love to hear.

It was wonderful talking to you and Dottie Easter Sunday, just like talking to the “angels” you were dear to think of me and I appreciate it very much, could have talked for hours.

Dot was so pleased to have you call her too. Congratulations on your fine score in aerial gunnery, I am very proud of you. Let me know when you go to Texas—you will enjoy the trip, here is hoping you win the contest—you will I know.

I am so glad you and Dottie are together again, I know you both are happy, have you a comfortable room? And are you home every night?

Wednesday night

I could not finish this as it was too late and I was so tired. Your telegram came at noon today hope you received an answer before you left giving you Ace’s address. I will be thinking of you honey often and hope you will see Ace.

Went to Olives today everybody asked about you and wanted to know where you were and how the bride was, wanted to hear about the wedding, etc.

Don’t be too lonely Dottie while Judd is away, you poor kid, another separation—well no one can do anything about it, too bad we can’t.

Nannie and Ken will be here next week for a couple of days, it will be grand to see them. I mailed your stationery yesterday hope you get it O. K.

Ronnie is getting so cute and as fat as a pig you will see a change in him. Ricky is as adorable as ever, is saying sentences now, his hair is cut like a boy’s and is he cute, he was two years old last Thursday, the 29^th and can you believe Ronnie is eight months old?

I have never thanked you for the invitation to your graduation, they are stunning, Ace’s are good looking too, he sent me one.

Ace does not know how long he will be at Brooks Field, hopes to get his assignment there and if he is going to be in one Field for a long time Bobby hopes to be with him, I do hope she can. Sorry to waste all this empty space but have absolutely no more news what a hell of a situation.

I love you both and so am anxious to see you sweet kids.

All my love and a dozen kisses.

Ever devotedly

Mom

I’M A BLACK WIDOW!

WHAT A BLOTTER

The girls send much love.

FENNELLY, LOWENSTEIN, ENGELHARD & PITCHER

25 BROAD STREET, NEW YORK 4

Dearest Kids—

The small cards are wedding present ones. The single card was in a box containing crystal ash trays and a darling bowl and ladles to be used as a condiment set—you know, mustard & mayonnaise, etc. the two cards were in a joint gift of a crystal bowl—taller than the other—I presume a table vase. Be sure you acknowledge them as soon as possible, also attend to the hospitalization at once.

All my love and take good care of you both for all of us. Please keep us all informed of what’s cooking, though.

In haste

Me

[Transcription ends]

March 26, 1945

Dearest Babies—

Hi!, Rex sends love, Paw sends love, Grandmaw sends love and me, too. I mean, no one sends me except you two. It was thrilling to hear your voice on the telephone. Scurried around like the Easter bunny—(please give a big kiss to Mr. O’Leery from his grandmother)—and telephoned everyone except the Pope and King George and Hirohito to let them know about it.

Everyone is looking forward to your leaves (being man and wife I feel sure that that is proper) and I guess all of Pelham and New Rochelle will welcome you both.

Your father, Dottie, found a typewritten note on his time card when he got in on Monday. It goes like this (by Dick Schroeder)

We know that you went South

We know that your daughter got married

We know that your son is a flyer

We know that you had a pleasant trip

We know that you saw many unusual sights

We know that you had a lot of fun on the train

We know that you had quite an audience

We know that you will soon be a Grandfather

We know that you are back at the office

Yes, we know all that, so

SHUT UP

I am going to frame the original!

All my love

Me

[Transcription ends]

March the 22^nd

My dear sweet kids:

I was so happy to receive your letters yesterday, was beginning to wonder where my wandering children were. I was surprised to hear that you Judd, were in Florida, what a hole that must be from your description. It is too bad you have to be separated but nothing can be done about it, I hope the time will go swiftly by and you will not be too lonely without your Judd, Dottie.

Am glad you have a room and that you like Selma. You have nothing on us when it comes to Spring weather, it is beautiful just like May, needless to say there are no flowers in bloom.

We left Moultrie around 10.30 Monday morning and got to Atlanta at Seven P. M. stayed all night at the Atlantan a nice Hotel except for the cock roachs [sic]! Which Dot and I did not like at all, we left at 2 o’clock P. M. and of course were very comfortable in the Pullman but the train from Albany was awful, we sat in a funny little enclosed “Compartment” with seats like rocks and was it hot. We were entertained by a drunk from Florida, who was going to his Mothers funeral in St Louis! He said he was drowning his sorrows.

Ace came home with Bobby they flew from Dallas in one day, and loved it, he has to be back by the 26^th and is trying to get a seat on a Plane, if so he will leave Sunday and if not I imagine he will leave Saturday, it is going to be terrible for Bobby. Ace is so proud of his Wings too but I am sure he is disappointed not being a 2^nd Lt. he is going back to Waco and says he will instruct for awhile and then he does not know where he will be sent. I am glad you like your Wings Judd, I was certain-[sic] very proud to be able to buy them and pin them on, incidently [sic] I’m proud of my Wings too when I wear them I look at them every five minutes to see if they are still there.

Harry called me last night to say they had heard from you Dottie and they were so pleased to hear. Dot is fine and stood the trip wonderfully----better than the “old lady” I think.

Wednesday after I got home we went to Nannies to get Ronnie he was fine and everybody else, had dinner at the Officers Mess then came home. And the pay off is---Monday Nannie called me to say she had measles! I nearly died will have to be in bed a week, suppose Ronnie and Ricky and no doubt Kenneth will have it in due time, couldn’t you die? When we were there Nan said Quentin St. was full of it, oh! my!

I do hope you will be able to live off the Field when you get back to Craig, honey, so that you can be with Dottie as much as possible, that’s the way it should be. It must be something learning to shoot from the Planes and thrilling too.

You should know how to fly AT-6’s by this time, ha! After you have read this letter send it to Dottie as I do not know where to address her. I could not say much on your wedding day as I was a silly Mother, but it was beautiful wedding and you looked very lovely and beautiful Dottie, as a bride (now do not get too conceited ha!) I am crazy to see the wedding pictures so send us some. All my friends asked about the wedding and Graduation and have sent lovely messages to you both---so here they are. Please excuse the type writer but it is easier for me to write on it, sometime I’ll write in long hand.

Do write as often as you can, letters mean so much to me. You are both very sweet and I love you. Always be happy and together as much as possible. The family send love and will write as soon as Ace leaves and Nannie well. All my heart full of love and devotion.

Always devotedly

Mom

[Transcription ends]

Mar. 20, 1945

Dear Dorothy & Judson,

Received your letter yesterday and I am sorry that you had trouble in getting a room in the hotel. Use your charm the next time it may help.

I am glad that you are so happy and I know you will continue to be so if you both meet each other half way with every thing that you do.

We had a very nice trip, just one big party from Atlanta to N. Y. All we did was eat & drink with very little sleep. We had just as much fun comming [sic] home on the train as we did going down.

The doctor told your ma that the trip did her more good then [sic] harm. I know that you both will be glad to hear that. As long as you & Judson are happy I am sure that your mother will feel ok.

I called Betty last night & gave her your address. All the kids are asking for you & Judson & wish you both all the luck in the world etc, etc.

I hope that you are both as happy as married couples should be. Lots of love to you & my son.

As ever,

Pop

P. S. I am very busy but will write soon. How about your pictures? Did you hear from Jonnie yet?

Again, & again I say

Lots of Love

to you both.

Pop

[Transcription ends]

ARMY AIR FORCES

Sunday

1400

Dear Mom,

Well it won’t be long now honey, two more weeks. I’ve got 64 hours now; flew 3 ½ today, formation and instruments.

Thanks ever so much for the check honey. It sure helped.

I got the wedding rings last night. They’re being sized now, they’ll be ready a week from tomorrow. Boy I’m glad that’s settled, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to get them in time. I got plain bands, nothing fancy, but they’re not the usual type. They’re not round, sort of square with a grooved ridge along each edge. I like them, they’re quite different, and match perfectly. Don’t tell Dottie what they look like, I want to surprise her. I hope she likes them.

Well I guess Bobby is in Texas by now. I’m so glad everything worked out O.K.

I don’t think Steve can be my best man, he won’t be able to get here in time. I think I’ll have Tom. I should have him because I’ve known him much longer and I guess he is my best friend in the Army.

I’m sorry you’ve got a cold honey. Is it any better? You take care of yourself angel.

I think it would be best if you got the wings at home, I think it would be easier, and there might not be any down here.

Well angel, I guess I’ll go to the movies with Tom now. I don’t even know what’s there.

Thanks again honey, you’re very sweet to me and I love you so much. I can hardly wait to see you again. Goodnight Sweetheart.

All my love to you angel from—

Your devoted Son

Judd

[Transcription ends]

UNITED STATES

ARMY AIR FORCES

Thursday

1830

Dear Mom,

What weather! It’s been lousey [sic] all week. I haven’t flown since Monday. It sure gets on your nerves when you don’t fly.

Well, all we’ve been doing all week is going to ground school or shooting skeet. That’s a lot of fun, we have to take it to develop our eye to allow for a moving target which requires lead. I’m getting pretty good too! I broke 20 out of 24 today, in the rain, no less. We all got soppin’ wet. But we had to shoot because we need to fire 750 rounds here. We’ve completed around 250 so far and my arm is killing me. Have you ever shot a 12 guage [sic] shotgun? Man that baby kicks like two mules! It just about knocks you over.

Boy it’s raining like cats and dogs now. Every day we have a weather briefing in the morning of the current and coming weather. The guy that gives them to us is a fairy and is he a character.

“Well fellas” he says, “today we’re going to have light interrmittent [sic] drizzle in the afternoon with the passage of the cold front.” Gosh he looks at you with those big blue eyes of his and it nearly breaks your heart. He hasn’t got a hair on his head, reminds me of Elmer. Remember Elmer? The poor load [?] hasn’t hit one right yet. If they call this downpour intermittent drizzle (light) I’d hate to see it when it really rains around here.

Well honey, 17 more days. Gosh I’m getting excited. The Cadet Corps Commander is trying to have the graduation held on the flight line. I hope we can have it there, that would be swell. Maybe we could get some planes to fly over in formation and stuff. Right now we’re all sweating out the flight officer [indecipherable], Instruments, and the development of a “20 mission crush” in our Officer’s Flighter. I’ve got mine in a small ball in my overcoat pocket, that should do it.

Give my love to Bob. When is she going south? Tell her I love her, and Nan too! I love you all, angels, and miss you terribly. But you have a special place in my heart Mom, and it will always be there for you. All the love in the world.

Your devoted Son

Judd

[Transcription ends]

UNITED STATES

ARMY AIR FORCES

Monday

1900

Dear Mom,

It was so swell to talk to you Saturday honey. You sounded wonderful.

Well I’ve got 56 hours now, only 14 more to go, but they’ll be the toughest, most instruments and they are really rough around here. We’re allowed a variation of 3° in heading and 10 feet in altitude. Anything over that is failing.

I’m so sorry to hear about Ken. I’m glad he’s better though.

That sounds like a swell set up Nan & Joe have. I envy them, it must be swell to have a soft job like that.

Honey you’re very sweet to send me that check. I’ll use it for the suitcase, shoes, and probably some new underwear and socks, I guess I need them. Thank you ever so much, you’re too good to me angel. I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have a mother like you.

So you liked “The Suspect” eh? I saw it too. It was marvelous. I saw “National Velvet” also, I though[t] that was very excellent.

Say hello to the Van Alen’s for me when you see them. They sure are grand people. I know you’ll have a swell time with them. Let me know how you like the show.

I’m so sorry Bobbie’s plans were delayed. Well it won’t be much longer, but it’s too bad she has to take Ricky. Maybe Mrs. Nisar can take him too. I’ll bet she does.

That sounds like a good idea for the flowers. I think I will get Dottie white roses, and you and Dot gardenias. I’ll see about that next weekend. I have to get Harry a carnation (how do you spell it?) for his lapel don’t I? And what about Charlotte? I have to get her some flowers, too. Maybe red roses. What is she going to wear? Do I get her a bouquet? Boy I hope I never have to go through this again.

This weekend I’m also going to get the rings and see the photographer. I’m going to have some Kodachromes taken. At least I won’t have to pay for him until I get the pictures.

Well honey, I’ve got some homework to do. I miss you and am looking forward to seeing you so much.

Give all my love to Nan and Bob. And to you I send a heartful angel. You’re so sweet to me. I love you with all my heart. Goodnight sweetheart—

Your devoted Son

Judd

[Transcription ends]

UNITED STATES

ARMY AIR FORCES

Monday

1230

Dear Mom,

I’m SO sorry I haven’t written you this week honey, but it’s been a mad one.

I flew Thursday night until 2:30 in the morning and I’ve got to fly again tonight for fifteen minutes to finish up my night transition to clear me for night cross countries, which I’ll start Wednsday [sic] night.

I went over and got some of my clothes today. They’re really sharp. I’ve cut down on what I’m getting to save money. I’m only going to get about $190 worth. That will leave me $60 extra, which I can keep. I’m trying hard to save some money but I’m having a hell of a time. I no sooner think of a way and then I think of something else I need to get. I hope Uncle Guy comes through with something, if he doesn’t we’ll be living on my reputation until my first pay day. I made all my plans on not getting a leave and staying here for transition, but now I’ve got 13 days and we’ve got to get to Texas. Honey I’m worried, do you think I should have Dottie go back with her folks or a few days after until I get to Amarillo and get my first pay check? I won’t be flat broke by any means but it will be plenty tough and I wouldn’t be able to have any sort of a honeymoon or place to live until then. I guess there’s no sense worrying however, there’s nothing we can do about it.

Well I’ve got 41 hours now, 29 to go and 27 more days, I’m counting everyone of them.

I guess Dottie told you I’m getting the rings. I didn’t think it was right for her to get them, it’s up to me. They have nice ones here and I’m getting a discount. You know that Mr. Six couldn’t get 70 – 75% off honey. They’re a little inclined to exaggerate. They told me that they could get me 1/3 off on the luggage and all we got was 10%, the same with the silver. It stands to reason that now especially it would be absolutely impossible to get a $20 ring say, for $5; and Harry claims he can, if he could get 75% off (B. S.)

Oh there’s one thing honey. I’m going to give you my wings that I receive on graduation, but you have to give me a pair in exchange, it’s an old Army superstition and you have to pin them on honey. Another thing, could you bring me down some pajamas, I can’t get any decent ones here. Just get some cheap cotton ones, not wool or flannel. A couple or three pairs will do. I’ll pay for them when you get here. O.K.?

What about your suitcase honey, will you need it? Let me know and I’ll send it to you. I got one for myself at the P.X. the other day it’s a B-4 bag sometimes called a “Charlie” bag. Holds a load of stuff too. I got it for $15 it was a $20 bag so that wasn’t so bad. Money, money, gosh we’re both pretty broke aren’t we honey?

Well, don’t you worry about it, it’ll work out O.K. I love you honey and miss you so much.

You’re so sweet to me honey, I can hardly wait to see you in March.

Give my love to Bob & Nan and a kiss to each of there [sic] swell kids.

And a thousand more for you honey, I love you.

Your devoted Son

Judd

P. S.—Don’t forget to bring my bathrobe down. Are you going to sew the “Judd” on it? If you haven’t use the enclosed.

I love you!

[Transcription ends]

U. S. ARMY AIR FORCES

Monday

1700

Dear Mom,

It’s raining like hell right now, but very hot and sultry. I’ll bet you’d like some of this heat, it must be terribly cold at home right now.

I didn’t do anything this weekend, I only had until nine o’clock Saturday night because we were supposed to fly Sunday. Went to the movies on the post, saw two stinkin’ pictures, I’ve even forgotten what they were. I went last night again though and saw Fred MacMurray and Claudette Colbert in “Practically Yours” it was quite good and very funny. I saw “Experiment Perilous” it was marvelous wasn’t it?

Well honey I finally wrote Uncle Guy. Told him I was going to get married now I’m hopefully awaiting an answer.

I guess Dottie told you I was getting 15 days delay en route in March. We still want to get married down here because it’s so much easier and cheaper, the Six’s will probably blow a gut but that’s T. S. were’re [sic] the ones that are getting married. Gosh the train fare home for us would just about swamp me, and then we’d have to go all the way to Texas, I couldn’t do it, it will be tough enough as it is. And another thing, we’d waste so much time traveling too. How do you feel about it honey? Do you think I should get married at home?

I spoke to the Chaplain about the chapel. He’s a wonderful man, a lot of fun we talked for about an hour and a half like a couple of old ladies. It’s all arranged for two o’clock Sunday afternoon. I think I graduate at ten in the morning.

Honey, what kind of a bouquet should I get Dottie? What did Bobbie have? I’ve never done this before, you’re an old hand at it by now I guess. Gosh it sure is complicated, I can see now what you went through marrying off two daughters.

I spoke to the photographer and that’s all settled, for $15. Money, money, whew!

Well honey, take care of yourself, I’m so glad you’re feeling better. Give my love to everyone and to you honey, I send a heartful and a thousand kisses, always.

Your devoted Son

Judd

[Transcription ends]

U. S. ARMY AIR FORCES

Thursday

1900

Dear Mom,

This has been a mad week they’ve been flying the tail off us. I’ve got 30 hours now.

This week was all cross country work. I took my low altitude X-C Teusday [sic] That was really terrific, legal buzzing! I was pulling up for cows. The next one I took was to Tallahassee & Jacksonville, and today I took a short 200 mile one to Butler, Ga.

Teusday [sic] night I was up until 12 o’clock, we had a meeting at Flight Operations asking for volunteers for B-24’s. Well honey, I took it! I never realized what an opportunity it was, this Flight Engineer, I mean. I naturally keep my pilot rating and I get plenty of time as Pilot on B-17’s at Amarillo and B-24’s at Lowry Field, Denver, Colorado, and when I graduate from that school I receive another pair of wings, and another rating, as Observer. That’s the pay off honey, I’ll be a dual rated man, plus having a certificate as Aircraft Mechanic.

I’m waiting to call Dottie now, and I wrote her about it, she can give you all the details, it’s so long to write. I still get plenty of stick time in, that I didn’t know, there was a lot I didn’t know about this job. My training is 6 weeks at Amarillo, Texas, 10 weeks at Denver, and 8 weeks at Maxwell Field where I fly B-29’s and meet my crew. From here I am guaranteed to go overseas immediately, and that’s what I want, I’m getting mighty sick of sitting around training. This is what I’ve been looking for, the Post War Opportunities are inumerable [sic], with a Pilot’s and an Observer’s rating, I’d be a fool if I hadn’t taken it. It’s brand new too, just started. What do you think of it honey?

Did you get my picture O.K. honey? I hope so.

I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better Mom. Take care of yourself honey.

I saw Steve last weekend and polished off half the Scotch. He’s fine and sends love. He sure is nuts about you honey. I guess Woody doesn’t rate much more, he met someone while he was home I guess. I’m going to try to work it so he can be my best man, but he might not be able to get here on time. I ordered my uniform about three weeks ago. $240 dollars worth, I get a $250 allowance , it’s really sharp. If we wash out we don’t have to pay for them.

I got paid yesterday. I’m going to try to save at least $100 by March if possible so Dottie and I can go somewhere on our honeymoon.

After I graduate I’ll be making $327 a month! That sure is pulling it down. We ought to be able to live O.K. on that eh? I’ll be able to live off the post and everything. Gosh it sure will be swell.

That Cutacura soap is helping my skin some, it’s slowly getting better.

Well honey, give my love to Bobby and Nan, and thank sweet Bobby so much for the candy and cookies, they were swell they lasted about a day, they sure were good. Thank her for me with all my heart. Tell her, and Nan too, I’ll write as soon as possible.

I love you honey, I miss you, too.

Take a thousand kisses and all the love in the world from—

Your devoted Son

Judd

[Transcription ends]

U. S. ARMY AIR FORCES

Sunday

2115

Dear Mom,

I’ve got a hangover honey and I love it. This weekend I went to Valdasta with my bottle of Scotch to see Steve. He’s fine and sends his best to you honey. He really thinks you’re tops, and he’s sure right.

We didn’t do much. I saw all the boys from Stewart it was a lot of fun. We got a hotel room and got a little high.

Yesterday I reserved your room honey at the Colquitte. I got two double rooms with twin beds. I figured that you and Dottie could have one and the Six’s the other. They are $5.00 a piece per day. Is that O.K. honey. Let me know if it isn’t and I’ll make other arrangements. I also found out about the marraige [sic] licsence [sic]. It doesn’t take any time at all , all we have to do is sign it, no blood test or anything, just two Wheaties’ box tops, what a state!

Honey could you send me Uncle Guy’s address again? I lost your letter with the first on[e] in it.

How is you[r] cold honey? Are you feeling better? I hope so, I don’t like to hear that you’re sick angel.

I’m glad you had a good time lst Friday. Steppin’ out with the girls, eh? Say hello to them all for me.

Did you get my picture? I hope you like it honey.

By all means bring a bottle when you come. We’ll have to have some drinks together honey, and you can’t get any down here, last night is the first time I’ve even tasted beer since I’ve been here.

I passed my check O.K. and have started my backseat landings, or “controlled crashes” as we call them. They’re really rough, it’s like flying another airplane. I haven’t had any night work as yet. I start that this week I think, and once I start it’s really hell. We usually fly until three in the morning, and on the X-countries we fly all night in shifts.

I love you honey and miss you oh so much.

Give my love and a kiss to Nan and Bob, and take a heartful and a thousand from

Your Devoted Son

Judd

[Transcription ends]