Dear Mom:

I got my cash O.K. and I thank you a lot. I was in foul financial shape. I will be in worse shape next payday.

I have been to the dentist and have had one tooth filled and have to have both my wisdom teeth pulled. I don’t know what all this is going to cost me. Pretty much I suspect.

I put my watch in the shop and it has to be cleaned and oiled. It was in bad shape I know. I think I got some water in it not so long ago.

I will be home next week-end to get you and pop to sign my paper for the Air Corps. I will get my application for the Air Corps sometimes this week. Now Mother don’t get upset. I have to go anyway and it takes some time to get in so I am going to start trying now so I can get in by Nov. 1 which is not so far off. I have to help out if I can. I would never feel right if I did not help win it.

I have just been listening to a broadcast by Joseph Grew, the United States representative to Japan, and he told what had happened to some of the people (Americans) who were in Japan when the war started. Mother I have got to help keep this from happening here in America. Please try to see how I feel. I may die in the process but it will not be in vain. I have something to fight for and I know that I have to dot it. There is no other way. Don’t regret me having to go, but rather, be proud that you have had a part in helping preserve America. Have faith, I have.

Mother, we didn’t ask for this war but we are in it all the way and we have to win it, no matter what it takes from any of us. Can’t you see how I feel about the whole thing.

I guess that all sounds a little dramatic but that is the way I fell.

Now on to brighter subject. Betsy invited me to supper next week. You know, I don’t know what I would give to have her like me. I have never cared or any girl in all my life like I do for her and it is just my luck for her not to give a hoot about me. I don’t understand why she doesn’t like me a little. I have been as nice to her as I possibly could, even nicer. I don’t see how I can like her so much and she not like me.

I have the right idea about it I think, I will just try to forget about her if I can. Seems sorta unfair that the only girl I believe I could really love should not love me. I guess that’s life. It’s just my luck anyway. I won’t worry about it if I can help it. I am not in a position to ask her to marry me even if she would so I couldn’t hardly ask her to wait for me.

If you have any suggestions as to the best thing for me to do, let me know as I am a little bit bewildered.

That about covers it for now. See you next week.

Love

Roy