Jake wishes his mother happy birthday and a roommate washes out

[mgc1961]

Christmas has just passed. Jake has sent a letter home wishing his mother a happy birthday and getting her caught up on his progress as a pilot. This letter is postmarked 14 January 1943.

Douglas, GA

January 13

Dearest Mother,

There is a very important day either coming or has already gone. Do you feel any older? You don't look a bit older than you did as far back as I can remember. I hope I look and feel as well as you do at the same time. I don't think my life will never be as good as yours, but I hope to meet you in Heaven. I know you'll be there. May you have many happy returns of the day.

I didn't get to fly today but Mr. Cotton, my instructor, said that I would be ready for my forty hour check in the morning or the next day. I believe Paul Walker will give me my check ride. I hope he does and I hope I'll pass it. I've got to now that I've gone this far.

K.O. Couch, a Clemson boy and one of my roommates washed-out Monday. He didn't really like to fly anyway. Maybe it's for the best. That's the way I'll look at it if I don't make it. I can fly the airplane but maybe not to suit the Army. I have 37 hours now. I only need 23 more to finish up. I've been flying 4 hrs. some days. I'll probably be doing more flying than that if I'm to get out of here.

I went to a reunion supper the other night. It was really good to get into a home again. Since Margaret (Miss Neely, is a young woman Jake dated) has been away in Chester, Blair and I haven't found their house to be much like home. Blair and I usually go to the show or such.

Mother, enclosed you will find a small present for your birthday. Buy something you really want and don't pay any bills with it. We'll get them all paid someday.

Many happy returns.

Your devoted son,

Jake, Jr.

[LaurenG]

1. Did you get this from an article or is this a family letter?

It's a great letter.

[mgc1961]

2. These are family letters.

[LaurenG]

3. How nice that you have these

How did Jake do with hs flying?

[mgc1961]

4. They are a real treasure.

I had three uncles who served during World War II, but I don't have anything like this to explore. One of the previously mentioned uncles was involved with the 8th Air Force in England too but he died in 1949 without leaving any letters or remembrances. On top of that, his military service records were destroyed in a records fire many years ago so, as of now, I have only a few somewhat vague memories of my Dad to go on. I hopeful that one day I'll find someone who's got a scrap of information about Charles that'll help me to learn more about what he did and where he was stationed.

If you want to know the story, keeping reading. Although I don't intend to reprint every one of the letters and telegrams, there are 50-60 extant pieces of correspondence in the scrapbooks.

[Frustratedlady]

5. If you have close relatives that are still alive, you might consider compiling a book.

I compiled my husband's Korean War (Conflict) letters to his parents, which made for an interesting book for the children. His great-great uncle also kept a diary during the Civil War and each of his sisters had copies made and passed them on to their children. That diary will now be added to a family history of that branch.

It is a treasure to have these bits of personal insight to historical events, whether they be war or daily life.