March 12, 1945

Dearest Elizabeth,

Am keeping the home fire burning for the boys today- Well, not literally, for it is a warm day, almost like spring. They are all out on a mission today, and it seems that I have really slowed down to a crawl. Haven’t flown in three days now and this morning I was grounded, so can’t hope to fly tomorrow. I was having sinus trouble again and it kept me awake half of the night. So this morning I went to see the Flight Surgeon and he gave me the usual cotton-padding treatment. Also, ground me and I have to go back again in the morning for the same treatment. This warm weather makes me feel worse. I can well understand how you felt and sympathize with you fully.

Received an odd letter from you yesterday-#25, written Feb. 23^rd. I was very sweet and I enjoyed it immensely. You extended your compliments on my letter-writing, so I must return them. You have done wonderfully well and I love you more for being so sweet. And as for being uninteresting I’m afraid mine sound like the merest of futile attempts.

Will disregard that little argument you presented in #25. Had forgotten the Auzio incident completely. Till you brought it back to mind. And afraid you misconceived my letter also. Had hoped that you had forgotten the affair.

Am still on the 26 mission march, and John goes ahead of me today with his 27^th. Hughes will have 25 and Miowski 20, I believe. Our right waist gunner is highest with 28, after today. Won’t worry about my status, though, for as soon as I’m not grounded they will start flying me. Operations seem to think that every guy who gets grounded is just trying to goof off. They should know by now that all anyone thinks about here is getting his missions in as soon as possible, and getting home again.

Darling, I’m afraid I’d better close this for now. I seems like one of those days like you wrote about-when you fall into a bad mood. Am sure mine is due entirely to this sinus trouble though.

Be good, and stay as sweet as you are-I miss you and love you with all my heart.

All my love,

Jimmy

P.S. Am enclosing clipping of couple missions-(my last two)