April 12, 1945

April 12, 1945

     Dear Shirl,

     Say did you get my telegram before you got that first letter?  If so, did you send it back?  If not, did you read the letter?  If so, oh, oh.  I wish I knew.  I keep expecting a letter from you in which you tear my innards out and trounce on them.  Gee, just like the old days.  If you did open it, remember, I was stinko and crying in my beer.  A youth under the influence of intoxicants ain't responsible.  

     I've been slightly under the atmosphere lately.  I took some shots for typhus and cholera and they have a violent reaction.  First, I was the hottest tomato on two feet (no comment) and then I freeze.  Hot and cold intermittently (phew) for two nights.  Also one super headache and a general hung over feeling.  All for free too!  

      If that's the preventative I'd sure hate to get the disease.  

      If Betty is the one I think she is, ahem, I remember her - whistle, etc.  It's swell that she's back.  Ask her if it's true what they say about Oklahoma?  (what the hell do they say?). 

      I guess the war is progressing along satisfactory lines, but according to Johnnie some un-nice people are shooting real bullets at them.  It should end real soon though and then we can move in on the little people full strength.  They don't use 29's in Europe because 29 is a long range bomber.  At the rate they are going in the Pacific they won't even need them there.  They'll use them though because with less distance, they won't have to carry as much gas and they can carry a heavier bomb load.  I don't know for sure, but I figure a 29 carries about 4000 gallons of gas and 800 quarts of oil.  Figure how much a gallon of gas weigh times 4000 and it's a good load.  In a B17 on our practice mission each ship uses about 4000 gallons for the five hour flight.  Makes an "A" card look small, huh?

     Hey maybe we can get together and give Pluto a jolly old baptizing.  (is it necessary to use water?)

     So you're the C. O. again.  I suppose you'll pull your rank on me.  I hope Bill's back if I get my leave If not I can picture myself waiting till the wee hours for you.

     Wanta hear a joke?

1st girl: You sure gotta hand it to Joe.

2nd girl: Why?

1st girl: He's so bashful!

     It took me about 46 1/2 minutes to figure that one out.  

     Say, what's Edith's telephone number and address in case I need them?

     Golly you have an address longer than Kens.

     I gotta dash over and ripple my biceps??  for an hour.

     So long for now Honey

    Love and Kisses

    Ray