Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
09.55.10 |
Object Name |
Letter |
Scope & Content |
Letter to Camille Burchfield from Paul B. Free. Postmarked September 25. 1939. Letter Reads: "Wheeler Field Sept. 23, 1939 Dear Camille, Well how’s my favorite fan-mail writer? I hope she’s feeling a little better than I am right now. Woe is me. There’s a very distasteful rumor floating around this place. It seems that all men who arrives here after July 1, 1939 are stuck here at least until June of 1942. Boy that is a long, long time. This in not official, but if it is I’ll be home about the time school closes in ’42. We can have a swell time during my 90 day furlough. It will last until after Labor Day so I’ll be home all summer. There was a funny one happened to me yesterday in the hanger. It was when I was adjusting the wing slots. The Sqdrn. commander came up and said “Pvt. Free, what is the first nut on the motor which you tighten when you begin your inspection?” He was no more surprised than I as the correct answer. I couldn’t think of any one nut special, so I very sheepishly replied “The first one I find loose, Sir.” Boy, was I surprised when he said that answer put me in the technical school to learn engine and airplane mechanics. They certainly do things peculiarly in the Army. I am not over it yet. They have to rush us through our training because by April all the old men will be out of here, and we new men must keep the ships in flying condition. That’s rather nice because when men leave they also leave their ratings and we younger men can get those if we pass our exams with good marks. Those ratings pay good money too. On what I make now I can save $150 in two years with no trouble but if I get a 2nd cl. A. M. rating in a year I can boost that to about $400. I’m considering buying a little car or if I’m making out very good I may try to buy a second-hand plane. (I’ll probably by the car) How’s school coming along? I wrote to Mrs. Bates the other day. Say “Hello” to the ensemble for me. Try to get Hoadley’s address for me, and tell him to write too. Well I guess that’s about all for now. Be a good girl. Gosh, I hope you miss me as much as I do you. Keep a lamp in the window for a few years and I’ll be seeing you. x x x x x x Lots of Love x x x x x x x x x x x x x x Paul P. S. Give my very best to your family. Bye –" |
Collection |
Metzger |
Date |
1939 |