Hello, Lt. Rounds, or should I say Mr. Rounds? Just a short note to let you know, Doc, I haven't forgotten you, such a thing is not possible.
These mad San Antonio shoppers are going to drive me crazy before the Christmas holiday. I'll be so glad when Christmas comes and Jo and I can go home. I wish today was January 16th. Boy, what a glorious day that will be.
It has been very cold in San Antonio, but, of course, no snow.
Well, Tex, now that all the citizens of Stoneham have recovered from the shock of seeing your boots, you can settle down to a quiet life with one of your father's most admirable secretaries. For you, Doc, that may be a very good thing.
Doc, there are so many things I want to tell you. Please be patient, I'll write you a nice long letter soon.
Tell me, Lt. Rounds, where are all those Third Airforce men?
What do you think of green ink? I ran out today and have no more blue so I have to use some that Bill left behind.
I got your letter today and noticed right away the two Air Mail stamps. I had been wanting an Air Mail stamp for a letter going to Mary. I owe her a letter and when the mail goes by Air the lapse time seems less. So I will send one of them off to Mary.
I have just gotten over a bad case of tonsils. I had a sore throat when I got back and last Wed my tonsils became inflamed and swelled up so I could hardly swallow. It was about twice as bad as a sore throat. I went on sick call and the "Doc" gave me some pills which did no good. Well now I can write because I am all over my trouble and you won't worry. I don't know just what cured my trouble but it is really gone now. I feel like having my tonsils out and will if I have any more trouble.
I guess the women do take a lot of my time and perhaps money but I don't know what to do about it. Maybe it's me but it doesn't seem to be something you can take or leave. If I don't see Anne I miss her and when I realize that soon I will be gone for good I feel that I will miss her very much. I probably could live very well without the female influence but they do make life more interesting. So what can I do about my case?
Do you remember that pink shirt I said I was going to give to Anne? Well she has it now and what a perfect fit. She put it on for me last night when I went home with her and I have never seen a better shrink job in my life. It looks like it was made special for her and fitted to her. I was so happy when I saw it. She says it will be a good golf shirt.
You should have seen me this weekend. I went to one of those much publicized "Dude" Ranches up in Bandera Texas about 50 miles from San Antonio. I wore a beautiful red, black and yellow plaid shirt, a pair of blue jeans and a pair of cowboy boots. I hadn't intended to tell you about the boots because I am sure you will think I am crazy but I have had them some time now and they fit well and I don't feel so foolish about them.
Well to go on with the story, those clothes were all I wore up there. I really felt like a civilian again. We got up there at 8:00 PM and I changed my clothes in a cabin and off to town we went. We all had on plaid shirts and blue jeans so we bummed a ride. They have dances going on all over the place so we picked out one and danced almost all night. They have hill-billy music in the "Juke Box" so we danced "Put Your Little Foot", "Shoittish" and "Cotton Eyed Joe" most of the time. We had a grand time doing all those funny new dance steps.
No one sleeps in Bandera, not if anyone else knows about it. We all had two cabins which were connected by a bathroom and all night after we got back they were throwing water, wet towels, wet sheets and finally wet pillows at each other through the bathroom. Finally things quieted down a little and then someone filled a bunch of "coke" bottles full of water and then went around soaking beds. That was the last straw as far as any good sleep was concerned. So at 0600 AM everyone was asleep but up at a 0800 AM for breakfast.
After breakfast we went riding and I as usual looking like a great horseman was given a high strung horse. I had to hold him for all of the 3 hours and all he did was prance around stiff legged. Boy! do I have a sore rear end. I wore the skin off in places and can hardly sit down. Anyway I pick nice big soft chairs now if they are available.
These photos are probably not from this trip, but from an earlier one in either Phoenix or Roswell,
as evidenced by the uniform and lack of plaid or cowboy boots.
After a wonderful dinner they all couldn't stop to sleep for a few minutes but had to go play softball and then go dance again. Anne and I finally got the party back so I could change clothes and back to town we came last night at about 9:00 PM. It had really been a memorable weekend, one I shall never forget.
Today I am sleeping in between formations. I have one more to go and then I must get some shoes in town. What I really need is rest and more rest and it feels like it will take a week to get it all. I think the trip was all worth while, because I have some clothes like I have never had before and a lot of pleasant memories.
I guess I am running out of paper so will have to close for now.
Here I am basking in Texas and it isn't all it is cracked up to be. I got back last night at 7:00 PM with lots of time to spare. The train ran on schedule all the way from St. Louis. We got into S.L. 1:15 late but still had 4 hours to spend.
I came all the way with a 1st Lt. named Flaherty from Boston. He was coming to Ft. Sam Houston to redistribution and rehabilitation. He had been a victim of concussions over in the Islands. We did a lot of talking and had a lot of fun together. He had 104 points and was in for 6 mos or more because of his injury and I am about to get out. Which brings up the all important subject.
It seems the army wants you to be either in or out. They don't want anyone in for 6 mos. as I wish but must reenlist for 3 years in the regular Army. So- that means I will be home for Christmas this year. Bill Ayers is going home next week to separation and I have to sign up for separation Monday. Of course I shan't wave my discharge for 3 yrs but will get out immediately. So you can start looking for good looking civilian clothes and colleges.
It has been a bad day today. It rained all morning. I had to run around a little but I had lots of warm clothes and my rain coat was handy. I have a date tonight with Anne which will be a lot of fun I am sure.
If you can't read this letter it is just because we have to write on the bed for lack of a table. I can hardly read what I write so you must be having a lot of fun. I guess you have had a lot of experience reading bad writing.
Everyone was glad to see me back, at least they seemed that way. Bill and I had a lot to talk over and he kept me awake most of the night and I haven't slept all day. I lost my pillow somewhere so I have nothing for my head. The bed is awful hard after mine at home, army life is rather rough.
Now my only problem is, what to do when I get home. I have little desire to work or to go to school right away. I also hate to spend all my money and have no income so coming home will be as hard as going away. I think I would like to get a good hard job which might do me a little good physically or get a job flying or something. You can't have both but you can see how little I know about what I want to do. So you had better start reading all those stories on how to treat your returning soldier because I will be out and on my way before you can guess. Maybe this time I will really surprise you when I walk in.
I was kind of upset to leave last Wed. but I guess I didn't look too disappointed. It is rather hard to leave after you have had so much fun. I think I had more fun on this leave than on any before and seeing it is the last I am glad it was so. I guess we split the time up about right and I spent the right time in the right places.
Well I must go eat and then run. You know I can't be late.
I guess you wonder why the long silence do you not? Well I know of no good reason except that I have been occupied by a number of things of late.
First I have found something to do in my spare time; in fact it takes up all my time. They have a "Hobby Shop" here where you can make all kinds of things from wood or metal or plastic. As yet I haven't found anything special to make but have just dubbed around. They have all the tools but none of the mechanical equipment. They do have electrical had drills and a portable sander and the rest is makeshift. So the other day I set myself up a lathe and spent the day making screwy designs of no value.
Then I spent a day putting my leave through which is scheduled for the 23rd. If all goes well I will be home by the 24th on the American Airlines. It is to be for 10 days leave and 7 days travel time but seeing I am going on the Airlines I will really have 15 days leave and 2 days travel time which is a better deal. The reason I am coming so late is because the Airlines to Dallas are so crowded they couldn't make space for more than 2 weeks. But don't worry I will get there soon.
Tuesday nights are always boxing night in town. Going to the matches is another way we spend time and money. Some of the fights are really good and the crowd is really thirsty for blood. They are really thrilling and they draw huge crowds.
Then on Wednesday night we go to the wrestling matches which are more fun than boxing. Ask A.P. about them and I guess he can tell you about them. Every one but some of these stupid Mexicans knows the thing is cut and dry and is just a big show before things start but they are really fun. Some of the characters they get out in the ring are just plain funny to look at. Even though they look like they are pounding each other to death and tearing each others arms and legs off, they way they walk away from the ring, is sufficient proof of few injuries. They throw each other around but do little damage and get the most applause when they both start in on the referee. Anyway it is fun.
Then on Sunday it is the Jalopy Races. Everyone who has a car that has been smashed up but will still go around a gravel pit track they have, gets said heap and enters in the races. They too are a lot of fun to watch. Cars get run into ponds, over banks, into mud holes and tipped over, which leads to the thrills of a lifetime.
So if you are smart and want to have peace in the family you had better get my clothes out of moth balls and get them cleaned and pressed. It must be cold up there because it is getting cool here and we can wear winter clothes any time. I am going to bring home all the summer things I have because I doubt if I will ever need them again in the Army.
Well this is the last of the paper. I will have to buy some more tomorrow.
With love
Austin
PS Oh yes we moved to the other end of the field yesterday and may have a change in address soon.
I have been waiting to hear from you before writing because I didn't know just what the opinion was at home. Well I got your letter today and so will apply for leave to become affective about the middle of the month.
I have been wanting to come home for some time but I have been having so much fun that I guess I just needed a little persuasion. It also looked like a long way and rather expensive. However I will come on the Air lines and that will make the distance seem shorter but the expense will be a little greater but in time saved I believe it will be worth it. It will cost 1 1/2 times as much but I can save 5 days and the money will be well spent. Anyway money ceases to be an object anymore.
I was a little afraid to send Mary such a birthday present because I had no idea what her taste along that line was. Also it is awful hard to send perfume to anyone knowing before hand that she doesn't use it a great deal. I know she would like it but I had a lot of doubts in my mind as to the advisability of such a thing. In fact I doubted at first if you would approve. She also has written so I am very happy that it turned out O.K.
It is too bad you can't meet the latest lady fair. She is such a lot of fun and so full of mischief and fun everyone would like her. And she enjoys doing everything we do. She likes to dance but loves to go to record stores and listen to classical records. We went to the "Opera" last Friday to see Sigmund Romberg's "The New Moon" put on by the S.A. Civic Opera Company. It was strictly an amateur production with three of the leads taken by Mt. Opera Stars so it wasn't too hot. But we all got a big kick out of it.
Wanting You by Jeannette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy
There are so many things we like to do together that I hardly have time to write. Really there is only one catch to the whole thing and that is she is Catholic. I have no wish to get mixed up in any such deal so don't worry. That is also very strange because she is also so bitter about her religion and makes no bones about it. It is the first time I have seen anything like it. Usually they are so indoctrinated that it is almost impossible to talk to them but Anne is just the opposite, even though her parents are such firm followers. Anyway we have a lot of fun together and you have to have something to do in your spare time and we have a lot of it. I just feel fortunate to have met such a swell person.
We went out to eat one evening last week and she suggested the "John Quattle" because as she says "it has atmosphere". Well it really was a nice little place outside of town not too far from her house. You eat outside in a kind of garden but the best part of it was they have a violinist and a cellist who play requests. They just wander around and park themselves where they can.
We ordered a couple of steaks done Mexican style which are really delicious, you probably have never eaten much Mexican food. When we were about done the two gentlemen came over to serenade us and were we thrilled. I guess we acted a little spell bound and I could just imagine how Mary would have liked that. They played Jealousy and something else by Fritz Kreisler. Anyway when we left I knew just what she meant by atmosphere. So that is the way it goes her in S.A, I really do enjoy it because everyday is different and entertaining. Do you think you can compete?
I haven't written much about S.A. to you because there really isn't much to it. It is one of the most crowded but still deadest towns I have ever been in. They have so few things interesting to do that entertainment is scarce. The movies change once a week and I have seen all of them, we went up to the Alamo but there isn't much to see, if you are not a native of Texas you can't see an awful lot to do. Since I am interested in everything I do get more enjoyment than a lot of people. I have found out that a town is no better than the people in it and the Mexicans around here are not my idea of good neighbors. They have an average of 3 killings a night and all kinds of hold ups and knifings. Frankly I am a little afraid of the place and may buy myself a gun to carry. Perhaps I would get a false security from it and then really get into trouble. Anyway when you have good company you can have fun in any town.
I am sending a picture taken in town a couple of weeks ago. As you can see we were very happy, just whistling along. It is not much of a picture, but that is what we look like in our afternoons off. One of those sidewalk photographers caught us and gave us a little card and this is what we got. Even though it isn't much I can always get a larger one out of it later on, maybe 40 years from now.
Taken September 20, 1945
I also have one take of Anne on the street which is really terrible and I shan't send it because I am sure you would get an awful impression. She is an awful good looking girl but the picture has her scowling and looking rather unhappy which is just the opposite of what she is with me. She may be different than I think but I doubt it.
I am going to send Mary the program from "The New Moon" so if you want it you may have to show her the picture. Maybe that is a good way to be sure everyone hears what happens down here.
Well I have just rambled on and on and haven't really gotten anywhere. I don't really have to get anywhere because we are staying in tonite. I am getting tired of going out and coming in late every night anyway and I think they need a rest.
Well I will keep you informed of the latest developments but don't make any plans until you get definite word and that may not be until I come up the back walk. Maybe that would be a good trick to play. Just because I am coming home don't forget to write.
I am a little short on letter writing time at present but I have 2 money orders here to go so I guess I had better send them while I still have them.
Pop paid 1/2 of my income tax and so will want about $65.50 from you so I guess you had better give it up. I had hoped to put off sending in the tax money until the end of the year but it is just as well now since they will be after me for it sooner or later anyway. I may as well pay for this war as long as I have the money. I am certainly getting more for my money than I am spending.
Here is some hot news. When you receive this letter I will no longer be a member of Randolph Field. We are shipping across town to Brooks Field so we will still be in S.A. We have been hearing all kinds of rumors about shipping out and most of them were morale killers. Everyone thought we were headed for the sands of N.M. again or maybe North Texas. As it stands now we are still in civilized territory if you can say that of Texas.
As for the money you can pay Pop and put the rest in the bank or any place suitable. I don't think I want War Bonds because they are hard to get a hold of in a hurry just in case I see something I want. I could sure use a good car.
I sent Mary a birthday present which should get there on time. Please give me your opinion of it and be very frank. I looked around a lot and just couldn't find anything that she might like. Maybe I am a little too choosy but any way it has gone now and I hope it is fitting of the occasion.
Well I met a girl in San Antone. Maybe you read Pop's letter or he told you. She is a little younger than Mary and rather nice looking with Mary's freckles. She seems rather proud of them too and I might say that freckles never hurt anyone's appearance. Anne Roberts is her name and she comes from Wausau Wisc. Her dad is a lumber and paper man; you see I am almost a member of the family. She is a swell kid and more fun than a barrel of monkeys, and very inexpensive. But never you fear, Mother dear, it is not the real thing and I will still come home single, I hope. It is too bad you don't get to see these lovely creatures I get on the string so you could give me some advice. I could really use some at times and all I have is a roommate but what does he know about women.
Well I will write again soon from Brooks Field and give you my new address. We report there on the 17th before 23:59
