Feb. 27, 1943

Dear Mother:

[Thank you] for your letter this morning. It is a pain in the neck not to have anything to do but we occupy our time pretty well. Sure I can get a furlough but I am on 24 hr. notice and if I couldn’t get back in that length of time I’d be A.W.O.L. and that would be very unwise.

There’s nothing to worry about over in Africa. It’s just like a game, only the stakes are a little higher. If I get out of the Air Corp without seeing a little shootin’ I’m going to be disappointed.

I’ve seen those honor rolls around here too.

Kenneth is spelled out on all forms I’ve filled out. But one does not tell the army how to write out names. I haven’t even touched the Income Tax yet but [for] our position the short form is best.

Herb + I get along OK. We haven’t heard from Bob yet, but am looking for a letter from him now. They arrived in camp Wednesday sometime.

We’ve been to a show every day this week so far. Yesterday they had that 2-man Jap Sub here that ran aground at Pearl Harbor. It wasn’t very big at all. I took a picture of it, but there isn’t much to see. Just a tin fish.

Can’t think of any more for now so will close.

Your son,

Melvin