May 26, 1944

Luke Field

Arizona

May 26, 1944

Dear Mother:

Here I am in Arizona again.  I have been here 2 days and I have neglected to write because although I am not doing much I am getting acquainted with the post I am to spend the next 2 months or more on.  Actually we will be here about 10 weeks and then maybe I will get 15 days to come home and see everyone again.  I will have been gone more than a year when I do get home.

We had a rather uneventful trip down here.  We left Bakersfield Calif. about 1800 Tuesday and arrived down here at about 1100 Wednesday one full day ahead of time.  We got a 20 hour pass so I got to see some of the city of Phoenix and found it a rather pleasant place to spend a pass.

Air Field at Luke Field, Arizona

The first thing that I saw that really opened my eyes was the number of P-40's buzzing around here.  I have hopes of getting into one before my training is over but I think chances are very slim.  The graduating class got a number of hours in them but they are being taken from the field and may be replaced with P39's which I do not like.  That 40 is what I like the looks of.

Today I sat in the cockpit of a grounded mock up of one.  The engine had been removed because of a damaged right wing.  I kind of thought I might be too big but found out I am not.  I need all the room available but I still think I could be very comfortable.  Of course there are are a lot more gadgets and dials but I would be glad to be inside when they come to life.

We will not start flying until early next week.  Then we will find out if we are military pilot material all over again.  They have a pretty high wash out rate around here for an advance school.  They may get 20% of us and maybe more.  They have that many out of the present class so I guess I better not get my hopes too high.  Most of them wash because they can't solo out or that they ground loop which is a very easy thing to do in these planes.  Well if I get the normal breaks and keep my head out of the cockpit I guess I can get through all right.

Curtis P-40

This is the base where I will really gain weight.  You get all you can eat of good food an all the milk and cream you can drink.  Ice cream 2 meals a day and I bet we could have if for breakfast if we wanted it bad enough.  Just think of eating a dessert of pie a la mode and chocolate frosted cake at the same time.  I bet I weigh 190 before I leave here.  I only hope it's not all fat.  They must starve civilians to feed us this way.  We get all the green vegetables we can consume.  We get raw carrots and cabbage each meal as well as boiled peas and carrots and sometimes beets.  Of course we have potatoes and meat but I think the green vegetables are better when you can have all you want.

This is swell country here but it gets too hot for my money.  We have the coolers going full blast all the time and it is hot and summer is still just around the corner.  They say it gets to 140 degrees in the shade around here in the summer and the shade is scarce.  I hope they don't want us to be too active when the hot weather gets here.

Just because we are not too busy now does not mean that we will not be in the near future.  In fact they have civilian help here that cleans our barracks and latrines so that we will have more time.  When we get on schedule we get 7 hours on the flight line, 3 hours of classes, 1 hour of PT and 1 hour of drills each day scheduled.  Besides that we have to eat and keep busy on homework and our own personal house cleaning.

I was going to write last night but I met a fellow I went to CTD with who is a class ahead of me.  He told us a little about what was ahead.  One of the things I like the sound of is a 300 mile cross country with a maximum ceiling of 200' ft.  Most of the time you spend looking up at the cactus and chasing each other up and down the washes in the desert.  You also get a lot more formation and "rat racing" term applied to chasing each other all over the sky.  It's a wonder they don't have accidents here but I guess by now most of the fellows can handle a plane pretty well.  I could handle a PT pretty well when I left primary but that BT still has me stumped.  It was more or less like driving a truck I guess and I can never like that.

Well I have been writing from my bed which may explain the illegibility of this letter.  I hope they are not all that way.  We are not very well organized yet.

I am putting in a money order for $100 which you may put in the bank or buy bonds with and remove my recent expenses from.  If you buy a bond make it out to the usual beneficiary.  Please hurry the watch on its way because I am lost without it.

With love

Austin

May 22, 1944

Hello again!!!

Well here is another set of cards to let you know about the country.  This set is not quite as good as some of the others but the selection was rather poor.  You may be able to get an idea of the desert around here.  I have never seen any Calif. poppies in my travels but the card is rather nice anyway. 

What do you think of this character?  This is somewhat different from the card before.  Maybe you think that deserts have lots of such things but the only wild thing I have seen is a lizard we saw from a train and a jack rabbit we caught on bivouac.  As for snakes they must have gotten tired of hearing BT 13 A's and took off to the mts.

Scotty's Castle of death valley is a well known landmark in Death Valley.  We flew about 40 miles from it when on our second x-country.  Scotty is a well known personage all over the country .  He made his money on Borax O or something and built this castle.  He was originally a prospector who found mountains of gold but could never locate them again.  I guess the heat got him.

Maybe you have head of Red Rock Canyon.  I never had so I guess anything I could say about it would be stretching the truth.  Dad has been to Calif. so maybe he knows.  I have never seen such a rock formation while here even though I have portably flown over them.  The terrain around here looks a lot like this because of the heavy rains and washes they have in the spring.

This is the main "drag" in the "fair" town of Lancaster.  The road that goes left and right is really the main road that goes to L.A. (74 mi) Palmdale Rosemond and Mojave (see sign part).  On the left is the main vegetable store and the right the center of night life (the drug store). In the farthest back ground you can see the mts. that surround Antelope Valley.  I guess when 500 cadets hit this town the people are almost out numbered.  That's all about the town, there ain't no more.

Love

Austin

May 21, 1944

War Eagle Field

Lancaster

May 21, 1944

Dear Mother:

This is Sunday and a wonderful day to relax and have fun.  Flying is over and all is peace with the world.  Today I am relaxing and enjoying life where I can find it because next Sunday I will be in Arizona again and all will not be so well.

I am now laying in the sun in my swimming trunks, having just come out of the swimming pool.  The water is rather cold but not bad at all.  I guess it is a lot warmer than anything you have.  I get quite a kick out of swimming here because this is one of the few outdoor pools I have been in.  They have a swell board and everything.  It is quite a layout.  After getting through basic I guess it wasn't so tough after all.  At least we have had this pool for the last couple of weeks.

I got both your letters yesterday and did not get time to read them until I decided I couldn't make the last bus to L.A.  I was going in but couldn't get my cleaning so had to iron an old shirt I do not like the looks of.  It had been in the bottom of my barracks ever since Santa Ana.  You can guess what it looked like.  I put a iron mark on the back but I don't show too well.  I also had to sew on a patch (Air Corp) on the sleeve so by that time it was too late.  Well I went to Lancaster and had a nice T Bone steak for dinner and went to the movies.  I tried to straighten out my locker when I got back but have made very little headway.  I am trying to get that box of odds and ends together to send home so don't expect that box too soon.  It will probably get off the last minute which will be next Wednesday some time.

Your description of what the surrounds are becoming make me rather homesick.  I wish I could see the apple blossoms and all.  I used to like apple blossoms especially when they just begin to fall and the air seems to be just full of them.  Out here you notice a very pleasant smell when you are driving along the roads, orange trees in bloom.  They really have a wonderful smell.  I think most everyone would like them especially when whole groves at a time blossom and have that sweet smell.

Orange grove in So. Cal.

I guess you have become a coordinator of internal affairs at home.  You seem to be the go between the home front and the fighting front (what a laugh).  I have survived the battle of Santa Ana; the battle of primary, the battle of basic and one more to go.  I hope I get over the last ditch.  I can just imagine a bulletin board in the office (kitchen) with all current notices posted.  Anyway you keep me well posted.

I guess William ought to meet some new girls.  If he were in the Army he would meet more than enough.  I guess Harold Varny is a good sample of what happens.  He used to see that girl every Sunday as long as I was with him in St. Luis.  I never did get to meet her even though he said I was welcome to come out.  We never go to town at the same time.

I saw Albeins picture in the paper.  It sure was a pretty good one of him.  I see he is in England doing some sort of electrical work.  I guess he will be in on the big deal over there.  I guess they intend to make electricians out of bakers until the big blow is over.  I guess it will all be over in a couple of months (we hope)

I am going to dinner

With love

Austin

May 14, 1944

War Eagle Field

Lancaster

5-14-44

Dear Mother:

Here it is Mother's Day and I have apparently forgotten you.  Well that is not quite the case.  Lancaster is a pretty small town and does not have the facilities to send things for Mother's Day as does the City of L.A.  I guess until a later date just a plain old senseless letter will have to take the place.

Ruth W Rounds - in her later years.
A rare picture as she was somewhat bashful about having her picture taken.

We are on the last week of flying here and we are really "Sweating out" these last 5 days.  I have 2 hours a day to put in which is more than is scheduled for most.  I have 5 hours of instruments, 4 hours of formation and a 1 hour check ride by the Army.  That is some schedule since it is the last week and most important one here.  No one has been washed out of our group yet but no one is through with flying yet so no one can yet predict his future.  I am just hoping I make the grade.

They said that as soon as you get through primary you could see the gold bars.  Well I am through basic (almost) and I still don't see them.  In fact I doubt if I will see them until after I get them.  Advanced will probably be just the same as this.  You will sweat from one ride to the next.  I wonder when I will be able to stop worrying about my future.  I guess never.

I had a civilian spot check ride the other day.  I gave the man a fairly good ride even though I have had no transition for about 3 weeks.  This fellow was turned loose in the sqn because we have too good a record.  The 1st day he didn't flunk anyone but the next day he put 2 out of 3 up for Army re-rides which are re-check rides which can lead to an E-ride.  This fellow will be going over the sqn for the next week.  I guess we have a case for worrying.  We also have some Army standardization ride coming up which may prove fatal to anyone who gets them.  ( I don't know why I keep coming back to the subject of elimination.)

A couple of weeks ago I selected single engine fighter as my first choice of an advance school.  Today we got the report that 146 were washed out at the school we will be sent to.  I don't know what the average percentage of wash outs that could be; it may be 1% or something but it just don't look good to me and some of my friends here.  We don't know how big the school is but 146 looks like a lot of lee way to catch up with anyone who is not a "hot pilot" and I don't think I am any more than "luke warm".  I guess all we hear around here is wash out and elimination and no one likes the sounds of the words.

 I don't know if I wrote about the bivouac we went on last week.  We went out on Friday afternoon and came back Saturday about 1100.  We carried our own tents and sleeping equipment (blankets).  We even got out on the desert. They gave us C rations for supper and breakfast.  All they were was a couple of cans of bean soup and a couple of cans of dry biscuits.  So for supper we had the opportunity of eating bean soup with a lot of corn beef as flavor with a couple of dry biscuits.  But for breakfast we had Biscuits and a can of corned beef with bean gravy for flavoring.  We slept on the ground as well as we could which is very well.  In fact I got a lot more sleep than I generally do Saturday morning.  Of course we camouflaged all of our tents and equipment so that the next day (Sat.) when some of the B.T.s buzzed us they only saw 2 fellows.  You can bet we appreciated the swell hot bath we got when we got back.  I also went swimming so it wasn't such a tough way to spend a Friday night and Sat. fore-noon.

C-Rations

Maybe you wonder why I don't go to L.A. anymore.  Well in the 1st place you can stay at home and save money for a day when you may want it.  It is also a lot easier on the nerves and the humor.  I also find it a lot more easy to fly Mondays after a quiet weekend.

By the way, what has happened to my drivers license.  I sent it for renewal at least 3 weeks ago and haven't got it yet.  It was probably sent to the house and has got in some pile of junk you must still have on the buffet.  Please look it up and send it along as soon as possible.  I don't know what would happen if I should get caught driving with the one I have at present.  Some of the fellows rent cars in L.A. and I may do likewise when we get a 3 day pass ( I hope a hope).

Pretty soon I will send home a package which will contain all kinds of odds and ends, class books, pictures, and a few things I put away for memories.  I wonder if I will remember what they all mean.

I was thinking the other day that I am getting my traveling out here while I am still younger than he was. Of course he had a lot more education and was a lot freer to move but still I guess I am getting around.

Well I guess I better sign off for a while.  I hope I will be home for next Mother's Day.  If not I guess you know how I feel about it.

With love

Austin

May 9, 1944

May 9, 1944

Dear Mother:

I don't have much time to write because the schedule is pretty tight.  We are now flying nights and having a lot of fun.  This will probably be the only letter you will get for a couple of days.

Last week I hit my watch on the throttle quadrant and later the crystal cracked and then completely split.  Yesterday the watch completely stopped when I was reading your last letter.  Maybe the shock of getting a letter after not writing for so long.  I will send the watch and everything as soon as I get time.

I have had some pictures taken and have a class book or two that will come under another cover.  We are scheduled to move again in several weeks so I guess I should start thinking of what I will send home and what I should throw away.  I have a lot of letters which I don't know what to do with.  I guess I will look them over then burn them I guess. 

It sure is a swell flying nights.  It is more of less instrument work watching altitude and airspeed most of the time.  Lights aren't too good land marks and they move.  You just have to judge how you are heading by looking at several lights and see how you are heading.  Landings are a little more difficult but can be made better because the wind is either nil or steady.  Up and down drafts don't bother because there is nothing to start them.  I soloed out the first night and had quite a time all alone.  Airspeed is one of the most important things at night.  You have a florescent light to light the panel instruments an they really look pretty glowing at you. 

The weather out here has taken a change for the better.  Even though we are on a desert it hasn't got too warm yet.  I guess in a month it is really going to be uncomfortable.

(Just back from the flight line.)

I won't try to continue where I left off last.  I can't remember what was going on.  I have about 1/2 hour to finish this letter.

I am going to fly the 2nd shift tonight.  We go to a auxiliary field that has power lines over the road just before the landing strip.  The way to get in is to keep one eye on the air speed, one eye on the altimeter and reach out and feel for the wires.  It really isn't that bad, I guess I am just trying to get you excited.  It is a safe night flying field or they would not use it.  They don't want accidents anymore than we do.

From the BBC

I really get quite a kick out of night flying.  We only get 6 hours of it and after tonight I will have 2/3's of it.  It is a swell feeling to see the little flare pots blinking and know that you can come down between them safely.  You know you are flying in these vast black space with the only contact with the earth broken, the moon looks like a big plate with florescent paint, and the dials just glow and keep telling just what you want to know.  You really feel free when you lose contact with the earth, much more so than during the day when you can still see the ground.

A couple of fellows have just come in with the report that I have been made a Flt Sgt.  It isn't much of a job but is a pain in the neck.  I suppose it will be good for me.

I guess I never told you what subjects we are no having.  They are meteorology, navigation, code and aircraft recognition.  We are taking a final in meteorology tomorrow in which we will have to predict weather given a common every day water report.  When I get home I will be able to tell what the weather will be because of the course here.  When I get to be a civilian I will know when and when not to wear my rubbers.  I am really going to put my army training to something.

I must get to chow now.

With love

Austin

May 1, 1944

War Eagle Field

Lancaster

May 1, 1944

Dear Pop (A.P.)

I forgot and wrote Pop before I realized what I had done; please excuse.

I haven't written to you in some time even though I get word from you every once in a while.  I guess you get all the news from the other letters.  I do write to quite a number of fellows I have met so all my letters do not go Stoneham way.

Today I got my 2nd cross country.  It was some trip.  I had a good plane and a good parachute.  Everything was swell.  I almost got lost but used a little common sense and found my way back on course.  The only trouble was that the more I studied my map the further off course I got so that I lost 10 minutes in route.  One fellow hasn't returned yet.  Another fellow ended up over near the Colorado river about 150 miles off course.  He had to come down and get gas before he could get back.  Those fellows just didn't use too good sense.  When I was a couple of minutes over E.T.A. (Estimated Time of Arrival) I started looking around.  I was over a railroad which I knew I should be over but which way I was to go was my problem.  I found out soon enough.

Of course there was a lot of cutting up along the course.  I didn't get into much but did to a little wing tip to wing tip flying part of the way.  They had a control plane that was trying to "shoot down" any one who was not looking around.  This plane would fly formation with you till you saw him.  You were then shot down.  He got a few fellows; not me.

We have put in our preferences for what we will eventually fly.  I put in in the following order. P51, B25, and B26 1st, 2nd and 3rd.  Of course that is only my choice and may not have anything to do with what we will finally fly.  A large percentage of the fellows put in for P51 and P38.  I didn't put in for 38's because they have plenty now and unless I am really hot I would be put on a B24 as co-pilot which is not my idea of flying.  My 2nd choice of B25's is a possible one because they will soon be using them in great numbers in low level work.  I might even get into A 20's which was my 1st choice at Santa Ana but they are now principally used for night fighting.  B26's are my 3rd choice because they are medium bombardment planes.  I don't want to get too high off the ground.  B24's, 17 and 29's will be flying too high for me.

P51 Mustang

B25

B-26

We have changed into sun-tan uniforms.  Today we were scheduled to put on the new uniform and by chance the weather took a change for the better.  I guess that's California for you.  The calendar says fair weather and what happens but the sun comes out.  We also went swimming in the swell pools we have.  They are just cold enough so that about 15 minutes of swimming is enough.  We don't have time for more anyway.  I get a kick out of it just the same.  I'll bet you don't feel like swimming.  I get a chance to see a few weather maps of the country and it don't seem any too warm back there.

Richard Bong - Pacific Theater Ace

Don Gentile - European Theater Ace

I guess you have heard about some of the present war aces; Bong and Gentile.  You have probably heard about how they canned Gentile after his crash.  As a matter of fact around here he is being used as an exception to all the rules of good flying.  The reason he is sent back is because they had got fed up with his flying.  He overshot his field and didn't go around for another landing as he should have.  That was a violation of flying discipline.  He has had about as many planes shot out from under him as he has shot down.  He was washed out of cadets from this field when they were training British cadets 4 times for dumb stunts that are never tolerated.  The British got fed up with him and were glad to see him transfer to the U.S. Army when we entered the war.  In all he is a very lucky man to be alive and can attribute his whole skin to the efforts of others.  As for his 23 planes I guess he had a little more luck than most fellows.  I guess they have saved his life for the last time when they bring him home.

I haven't got to L.A. for the last couple of weeks.  I go into Lancaster on the bus and get a big T Bone Steak see the movies and then go roller skating.  I get a lot more fun out of it than going into L.A. where there is a lot of nothing to do and expensive to do it.  I also get a lot more rest because I can sleep all day Sunday or do anything I want.  In any case I don't have to worry about getting back.  Much easier on the nerves.

I wrote to my Primary instructor the other day and much to my surprise he wrote right back to me.  The more I think of my training there the more I know how well he taught me what I know.  I only wish I had him all the way through my training.  He said that I did my part all right but I guess he knew what he was doing more than I did. 

Well I must close now.  I am again working on 10 words in code an my pass 10 before I leave.  We only get one period a week now.

With love

Austin