Well, I got my first letter today since I've been home. Let's see, did I tell you this would be my home for 4 and a half weeks? One week is gone already so it will only be for 3 and a half weeks. From here we go to Lincoln Neb. believe it or not, the middle west. I like it down here fine, lots of free time and every evening off. No work on Sunday either. Guess I'll got into LA one weekend maybe. This ship sure is big - just like a street car. On my first ride there were about 14 people on board. They are gunners and gunnery instructors, the engineer and radio man, me and the pilot. The plane is heavy and it's work to fly the damn thing. It's the same as any plane except there's more of it. There are so many switches you need four hands to operate them all. Well, I guess that's all to say about the flying and this place down here except it sure was swell to get back up in the air again.

That was a super letter I got from you - keep it up. Needless to say, I had a super time when I was home, the only trouble is that I didn't have enough time. Next time I'll have at least 10 days or bust. I wasn't tired out at all - guess I caught up on the train. I had a swell trip back. Quite a few of the boys were on the train and there were lots of girls too. Some fun. Ruth Jean looked the same to me. I guess you didn't notice her much at the time of the funeral. I didn't get the letter you sent of Son's but I guess you must of put it in another letter. That was a nice note Doris sent - by all means have her over if she will come. You mention Pearl Elliott - well, we don't go on any cross counties at all from here. This is just a gunnery school and all my flying is gotten by flying the gunners around on their missions. They have air-to-air missions - they fire at targets towed by another plane - air-to-ground missions. They fire at ground targets at an altitude of about three hundred feet - it sure is fun flying at that altitude. Then I get some instrument work flying the bear. They they have camera missions - the guns are loaded with cameras and we fly formation and are attacked by AT6s or P38s - pursuit ships. You know I think Connie was the only one who was sorry to see me go - she had tears in her eyes when I kisser her goodbye. She's a pretty super gal to have as a cousin. Say, what book arrived with my picture in it? What is the book about? Is it that leather bound book I ordered at Gardner? Don't send me any pictures of myself - there are plenty of mirrors around here. Just let Doris choose the ones she wants and you take care of the rest. You asked about guys taken out of the air corps for the infantry. Well, I told you the air corps was undergoing a change. It is just a replacement unit now. They have all the pilots they need - from now on everyone will be a replacement. For the past 2 and a half years they have gotten about 1,000 pilots every month - figure it out for yourself. They need men for the infantry, that's why they stopped the ASTP and meteorology schools. That's why I said Jack should get into the Navy if he wants to fly. Be sure and tell him that again - I told him, but tell him again.

Say Pa, I didn't get to see you very much but next time it will be different. We'll go bowling and I'll beat you in pool too. Maybe I'll get you drunk too. I hope you find a place OK - I'm kinda sorry to leave the old barn, but it will be better to live closer to Chi. I guess. Now Ma, just because I said I will be sent to Lincoln, don't bank on it too much. We were told that but you know how the army is - ask Pa, he knows. Send me Eunice Eggers address, will you? And Ethel's too. Well, I guess that's about all for the time being so we'll close until later.

Lots of love,
Rae

PS SOD means Student Officer Detachment