January 26, 1945

Hi Darlin’

Have written you one letter today, but as I received two more letters from you today, I just couldn’t go to bed without letting you know how happy I am to get so much mail from you. Today’s were #’s 41 and 43 - # 41 written Christmas night. Although they were both old ones, I enjoyed them just as much. They were both so sweet and warmed my heart just to know you were thinking of me, for I have missed you so and worried about you. You see, I went three whole weeks without hearing from you at all. Am hoping that the letters will continue to pour in now.

Hugh’s received his radio today, but we can only get one Italian station on it so far. I am going to take it to the communication section at the line in the morning and get it adjusted so we can pick up the American expeditionary stations around here. Hope it works out all right as we have been waiting for the radio for a long time.

Have been having a little trouble with my sinuses the past couple of days, but don’t want to go on sick call, as I have only flown one mission this month. It will be all right in a day or so anyway. Have only ten more - and am beginning to think I won’t get anymore. Won’t be sore though if the Russians keep going and finish this mess up before I get my 35, just so we go back to the States before moving to another theater.

A bombardier arrived here with a new crew the other day and turned out to be a boy I graduated with from the Bomb. School. He got stuck in Plant Park [Air force Base, Florida] for quite awhile. Also, as that camp I met a pilot (B-24) whose name is Goodwyn and he’s from Richmond. However, he’s no kin, though I went to school with his cousin at Chester High.

Have written your mother and mine both letters today, and as my stationary is about to run out I’d better sign off for now. Am enclosing a few more verses that I jotted down one night on the boat trip over. Guess they sound pretty childish but were just some of the thoughts that were running through my mind.

Be good, stay sweet, and please write every day. I miss you and love you.

All my love,

Jimmy