Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
09.55.22 |
Object Name |
Letter |
Scope & Content |
Letter to Camille Burchfield from Paul B. Free. Postmarked November 21, 1941. Letter Reads: "11-17-41 My dear Camille, No I haven’t died, nor have I been lost, I’ve just been waiting for developments. And let me tell you, things have really changed. First I’ll let you in on the ultimate in good news, then the ultimate in uncertainty. The good news is the fact that I have just received another promotion, thus I have entered the realm of the “first three grades.” At the same time I got the titled of Wheeler Field’s most eligible bachelor. This by virtue of my being a Staff Sgt. and under twenty-one. Most of this species is found in museums. Now for the uncertain part of the whole mess. It is quite a long story. You see, all of a sudden some one gets the bright idea that some where needs some protection, so a good, well trained pursuit squadron is the answer to this some one’s dream. Where to get all these “wonder boys” of the Air Corps is the first question. Why not form a sqdn. Composed of these “crack” mechanics and pilots? Swell idea, but how can we get them. The old Army game is the answer. “Shanghai” them. The shanghaiing isn’t quite like the says of the Barbary Coast but it is just about as subtle. They say, “Sgt. your work has been excellent, your qualities of leadership are fine, you are in the 72nd Pus. Sqdn, (Int.) - , as of four days ago.” There it is – as subtle as a hack hammer. Today the sqdn. Commander called us all together. It was really quite the meeting. We are supposed to leave for somewhere in the East within the next three weeks. If we leave then, though, is just as indefinite as to the place of our new home. You can bet your life that where we do wind up is going to be the hot spot when we do eventually enter the war. Talk about being fattened for the kill. We have no work to do. Nothing to do but live and let live – for a while at least. There are three likely destinations for us. Philippine Islands; Singapore, French Indo China; or Australia. Personally, I’ll take Australia. Well, I guess that’ll have to be all for now. If you have a snapshot that you’d care to send to me I’d be very grateful. Love, as ever, Paul Address: S/Sgt. P. B. Free 72nd Pur. Sqdn. (Int.) Wheeler Field, T. H. I’ll get it eventually." |
Collection |
Metzger |