Mid-February 1944: Basic Training Begins & What About Wayne?

 

Postmark Feb 16, 1944

Sun

Dear Ma

I guess I ought to slow down for a few minutes and try to drop you a line. 

We start our basic tomorrow morning so I'll probable be worn out for about 3 weeks. I guess that's all the longer we will have. It sure looks like it's going to be nice day to start with,. It looks like it's getting ready to storm and is getting colder out all the time. I sure wish it would clear up while we go through basic because it gets so darn cold that early in the mornings. 

We got passes last night so went into town, we had a hotel room & I think it had bed bugs because have have bites all over me. 

Tue

I haven't received any letters from you yet but guess I ought to soon. I got a card from Glady & a letter from Tuck today so I haven't done too bad.

I was going to finish this yesterday but was too tired. They wore us out marching & on physical training. To day wasn't too bad but I didn't exactly like it. It started off a very poor day the wind was blowing & it was snowing at the same time. That's one reason we didn't do too much, it did turn off to be a 1/2 way decent day the sun came out & it warmed up some.

Margaret didn't have much to say, I guess she has written you all that she wrote me. She did send me her picture but I didn't think it was a very good picture of her but may be it is. After all it's been almost 3 years since I last saw her.

Well I have to take a shower (tell Nene) so will close for now. 

Jack. 

Feb 17, 1944

Dear Ma

I got a letter from you yesterday with all the income tax forms: I don't need them but will send them back.

We have been walking our legs off & really getting a good work out. I was going to write you last night but my legs ached so much I just went to bed. We just march here & then march there & then back again.

We have been having some weather lately & I mean some weather. It as snowing this morning but wasn't very cold well this afternoon the sun came out & cleared up then the sun went down & it started snowing again.

We didn't do much to day because of the snow "thank God." We just had lectures & a picture show today & then we got off a whole hour earlier. we got off at 4 o clock believe it or not.

I don't know if I wrote you telling you I got a letter from Glady or not.

I can't think of any more to write so will close now.

Jack. 

Note: Glady is his mother's sister. 

Feb. 19 1944

Dear Ma 

So you think you should have gone to Albuquerque for a change. Well maybe it's all right that you went this time but lets not let it happen again for another 6 years. I hope you had a nice trip & saw a few of the people you use to know.

Well we have one week of Basic over with now so that means only 15 more days. We have had it a little bit easier the last couple of days. We had a exibition this after noon on chemical war fair that was very interesting. I got to talking to a Louie (just a young fellow who was connected to chemical warfair and he was very nice about it in fact the nice officer I have ever talked to. He never called me down for not saying sir & such. I did get called down on the drill field by a Louie for having a smile on my face while we were marching. I didn't like it but theres not much I could say about it.

It sure was nice out today & we had to stay in all but 2 hours listening to dull old lectures. There telling us all about firing guns but up to yet they haven't told me much that my dear old uncle hand't told me or beat into my head. Say while I am talking about Wayne you can inform the Folk that I said Wayne wont get married to Malc so for them to stop worring. I think I know him about as well as any one does & I don't think he would do something like that in fact I just wrote him pertainning to such & you should have read what he wrote so tell them not to worry. 

I got a pass tonight but am staying in for a change. I can't afford to go in more than once or twice a month.

Well I have to shine some shoes & etc so will close for now. 

Jack. [with a flourish]

To remind you: Wayne is his uncle, his mother's brother. Malc is Malcom Irene Codding, a friend of my mother Maggie (and who was instrumental in introducing Jack and Maggie).  

Feb 22

Dear Ma

I'll try to write you a little note to let you know just what is happening.

We haven't been doing a while lot of interest just listen to some old dry lecture  & maybe see a movie & march. We did see a couple of pretty good movies this after noon in fact we stayed on about 10 minutes on our own time to finish it they tried to run us out but it was interesting so we demanded to see it.

We had a snow last night but it didn't amount to much. It was all gone by this after noon. It did turn of cold & windy today, we are out on the flat so when the wind starts blowing it sure comes in. It also got rather dusty while we were out practice firing.

I don't remeber if I told you I want into Denver Sun & spent the whole sum of 20 cents. That was spent on getting part way into town. I thummed the rest of the way.

about my income tax you said I never included the doctor bill & etc. I tried but it didn't work this kid isn't so dumb he will try any thing to beat it but it didn't do so good this year. I tried to get more deductions but thats all I could get.

So you had quite a time in Alb. Well happy day you never did say if the runts went with you or not from what I took I guessed they did.

So Wayne wrote & told the folks that he was single--well I didn't think he would do it & was right.

Well I'll close for tonight.

Jack

Next: Biovac and shooting guns. 

Mid-February 1944: moving barracks and laying around

Jack mailed a postcard to Bo mailed on February 12, 1944: 

Dear Bo

I got your letter so will pen you a letter now but I don't have time to write you a whole letter. I moved again and you probable have seen. I sure hate this morning but I guess that's the way things go. I wrote ma about her sewing so will find out out how we come out. I hope she listens for a change. It has been cold here & we have had a snow the last couple of days. I haven't been doing anything the last few days but will start basic Mon. so won't lay around much after that. You ask if I needed any thing, well if you can live on $25 as a civy I think I ought to get by on $16 in the army. 

Jack

Note: $25 is about $373 today; $16 is $279. 

Things might get confusing now, because the postmarks indicate that Gram received them in a different order than they were written. But, because later in the war postal service from the front was not as efficient as in the states, I'm going to go ahead and post them in order of their postmark, which is most likely how Gram read them. If they are out of order, I'll try to indicate this. 

This letter was written before the last one in the last post, but it was postmarked after. It's obvious that will all the moving around the mail got a little cattywampus.

postmark Feb 12, 1944

Feb 9 1944

Dear Ma

I got my income tax figured out this morning & they owe me the whole sume of $12 or whereabouts.

I moved again yesterday & look for another move again tomorrow so you better hold your letters until I get located. I think we will starting taking our Basic about the first of next week.

I got the N. Mex. mag & that article about Dee was all right. I also got letter yesterday from you yesterday.

It had also turned off nice & cold the last 2 days it tried to snow yesterday but didn't quite get the job done. It still looks like it might snow but I hope it doesn't because it makes it too nasty to get out in.

All we do now while we are here is lay around in the barracks & do nothing. If we leave the barracks we have to sign our names & where we are going & when we return. It sure makes it inconvention but I guess we can take it. 

Well that about all I can think about too much noise and guys talking to try to write.

Jack

Note: The Dee he mentions, Dee Bibb, was a family friend, the husband of my Mom's long-time best friend, Mabel. It would take a lot longer to find an archive of the New Mexico Magazine Jack mentions, but I did find this in the February 5, 1944 edition of the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper:

Dee Bibb was an colorful fellow. Here is a tribute from his buddy after his death in 1968. He had 700 people attend his funeral services.

Next: Basic Training Begins

Mid-February, 1944. Eyes are priceless

First, a little back up.  I was looking through old newspapers yesterday and found this notice about his job in the Puget Sound Naval Yard. NYA = National Youth Administration. This is from the Albuquerque Journal, Sunday, April 19, 1942

Now, let's catch up with Jack in February, 1944 at Buckley Field, Colorado.

In the upper left corner: May be you ought to hold income tax until I see if I ship will know in a day or 2.

Feb 4 1944

Dear Ma

While I am waiting to have one of the fellows cut my hair I'll try to write you a little note.

I got your letter today the one with the picture of the kids. It is pretty good until you stop to look at it & then it's not so good.

Say would you send me my last year's income tax return & my slip showing me how much I made the first half the the year & all income tax papers I have there that you think I need.

We sure had a nice day today -- the sun was out all day & it was nice & warm just like a real spring day. We had all the windows & doors open. In fact one of the fellows just started to close the windows. 

I got a letter from Bo a day and a you & she seemed like she didn't mind it too much.

Well I am so tired I can't think so I'll close for now.

5

I have to go out on pass [?] this afternoon - so I'll try to finish this now - quick but sweet It has been cold to day & is cold now. Am planning on going to to Fort Collins to night

Jack

New stationery! It has the Army Air Corps emblem and the words "U. S. ARMY AIR CORPS" printed on it. 

Feb 7 1944

Dear Ma

I guess I ought to write you a note so as you will know I am still alive.

We didn't get passes Sat night so I had to stay in and save my money also be a good boy. It was such a nice day to stay in too. The sun was out & it was a typical spring day. I ran around all day with out a coat on it really was nice. It was just as nice today too.

I didn't do any thing today just got out of detail & tried to hide out. That's more work than working. Say I got another letter from the runt those things kill me. I  have to show them around the barracks even let them read some of the remarks she makes including her cartoons.

Nene says all you do is set around and admire your picture well you tell her that that's all right because I got some very nice complements on that picture. all the fellows think I have a very good looking ma, & that's not just kidding. Don't let it go to your head now but if it makes you stop worring about your good for nothing kid let it go to your head.

I have to go up for a nother shot tomorrow so I won't have to work tomorrow if I can help it. Thats all ways good to get out of work. 

Well I guess that's all I can think about for now so will close for now so write soon.

Jack. 

Feb 10 1944

Dear Ma

Well we moved again to day. & it sure was a nice day to move. When we went to bed last night it started to snow, well it kept it up all night but didn't snow a whole lot. The wind did blow & when when we got up it was really cold. It blew & snowed till about noon & it sure was cold morning. 

Say while I am thinking about it are you still sewing for other people? Now I am telling you if you are that you have to charge more for the work. If they don't want to pay it tell them to spend there money on war bonds and do it them selfs. You know you are only recking your eyes & those glasses don't come cheap. I am not kicking about you getting the glasses but to tell you the truth I don't think you made enough money to pay for them a lone & eyes are priceless. Rember I am still head of the house hold & what I says goes. I don't think you need money bad enough to have to ruin your eyes to get it. You know a blind person can't do a whole lot of sewing or anything else so please listen to your little son once. I don't think he ever told you any thing that you have gone wrong on yet. Even if I am bragging I don't think my advice has done any body any harm yet.

We had below 0 weather to day so I guess you know it has been cold. It gets colder here than in Denver [?] so it's cold. 

I hear we only get 20 days basic so we won't have it too tough after all. We are suppose to have 45 days at least but they are going to close this as a training camp so are pushing us through.  

Well I'll close for now. 

Jack

Notes: 

The Army Air Forces had considered closing the base as a training base, but they didn't close it completely. They drew down the numbers until the end of 1944 according to this site. 

Gram didn't ruin her eyes sewing. She enjoyed sewing at least through the 1960s when she lived with my family. She made me clothes, she made me doll clothes, and also toys, including this cute kitty cat pajama bag. 

Next: Moving Barracks and Laying Around

All the fellows think I look like my Ma

 

Jan 31 1944

Dear Ma 

Ill try to write you a little note but I don't know why I should I haven't received any mail from you for several days & I can't figure out why unless its because I have been moving. We moved again today into another Barrack the number now is 410 but I don't know how long we will be here. I don't imagine I'll be here over a couple of days but then again I may be here the duration & 6 mos. 

We went into Denver Sun & went to church it was a pretty good sermon. It sure was a nice church to, it's the me church right in town. 

It has been cold here since we had the snow but all we have been doing is walking guard duty & getting cold. I guess it has warmed up some out side but it is still rather chilly even at that.

Say have Margaret & Jim ever sent you any money I was wondering you never did write and say any thing about them.

How is florence getting along now she probable likes it better now but probable still would rather be home but wouldn't we all.

I guess we get paid this afternon not that I need it but it sure is a nice feeling.

Well I guess thats about all so Ill have to close for now

Jack 

Note: He said he was to services at a "me church," which is Methodist Episcopal. I'm guessing it was Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Denver. It's a beautiful church. 

Feb 2 1944

Dear Ma well I'll try to pen you a short note to let you know I am still kicking & I do mean kicking. 

I got the pictures but didn't think they were much good I don't know what was wrong but some thing is I guess it must be me I know know what else it could be. I also got your picture--thanks--all the fellows think I look like my Ma I wonder why. In fact one guy told me I should be a girl that I would make a better looking girl than I do a boy. They also thought I had a very nice looking ma in fact good looking enough to get remarried--so there too. 

I got a nice long letter from Bo to day & I guess she must like it o.k. She didn't gripe too much so it must not be too bad or may be she hasn't gotten use to it yet or something. 

I had KP the other night--I was just getting ready to write you & they came in & let me voluntere for the job. I helped peel 2400 lbs of spuds. I even look like a spud now. I don't think I ever came so close to cutting a guy neck as I did that night. 

I also burnt my right index finger the other day. a lid from the heater fell on it & burnt a place about a inch long & about 3/16 wide. It didn't hurt then but it sure has been lateley I knocked the hide off of it & its been razin hell with me. 

We got paid yesterday & you know of that $50 they always talk about the solders getting well my share is cut down to the whole sum of $16 --I use to make that much in a day. I'll just have to ration myself to less nights a week out. after I get a few stripes, that is if I make gunner, Ill be making a little more. 

Well I guess thats just about all for now 

Oh yes I got Nenes letter & sure takes the cake. 

Jack

Notes:

The $16 net pay he got is equal to about $239.

I don't have a photo of my grandmother from this time, but here is her wedding photo and a picture a few years later than this letter; she is holding my sister, 1950.  Indeed, she was a looker! 

Neva and Rev. B.C. Eutsler Wedding, 1918

Neva Eutsler 1950 (with baby Peggy)

He also wrote to Bo that day:

Feb 2 1944 

Dear Bo

I got your long letter today so will try to answer it while I have time. 

You seemed like you were trying to cheer me up because I didn't make cadets. It didn't bother me because I never planned on it too much. I figure 14 to 15 months is quite a while to spend learning to fly. I would just a bout a soon be a gunner at least I'd be through with the course in about 6 to 8 mo. 

So you really like it there in Lingo well I am glad. No kidding do you think you can send home $75 out of a $100 home. I don't see how you do it, I have my room & board ? furnished & it cost me more than that just to go to town for a month.

Ill try to finish this while I am setting here doing nothing. We are having gas aleart & have our gas masks on it is very plesant trying to do something with them on. You can't see nor breath.

It has been rather nice out to day but it sure is muddy out. The sun came out & the sun melted therefor you have mud nice gooie mud. After the fellows come in the barracks look like a hog pen from the mud on the floor.

I have been feeling rather low latley have had a sore throat & a head ack. I had one headack last week for 4 straight days & it wasn't from getting drunk either. I guess it is more or less the flue because every one has it here. We sleep in such small buildings--rather there are so many in one building if one gets something you can't help but having every thing the other guy has but his money.

I sure hope I get shipped from this joint because I dislike it more than any thing or place I have ever been or done. Everyone hates it here it wouldn't be bad if we had a little better food & a little better places to stay but it is all leads to dislike.

Well I guess I better close for now & write a few more letters. 

Jack

Note: Bo was living (I think teaching?) in Lingo, New Mexico. Lingo is located on the eastern edge of NM, and is now mostly a ghost town. This blog states the last graduating class of five students was in 1945.

Next up: Mid February 1944: Eyes are priceless

End of January, 1944. Did Jack make cadets?

Jan 14 1944

Dear Ma

I got a letter from you today so I'll try to start an answer to you.

Ericksons relation sent me a letter today asking me out for Sunday dinner so I called them up & took them up on it. 

Say if you ask about that roll of film yes I want some enlargement of those ships if nene thinks she can make some good ones.

Mon

I went out to see the Ericksons yesterday and had a swell time. They took me for a nice long ride out there. They also have to small boys so they have quite the family.

It has been rather cold the last few days although the sun does come out but it doesn't seem to warm up very much.

Well we have to fall out so I'll close & try to write more next time.

Jack

Jan 18, 44

–– me (pointing to gunner in illustration)

Dear Ma

I guess I might as well write and let you know just what the score is. I didn't make cadets but I guess I must have hit it pretty close because they told me if they lower the standard I'll get a chance at it. I haven't completed it but from what I hear I'll probable go in as a gunner but I don't feel too bad about it because Ill be able to make about as much money at being a gunner as 2nd Louie. I also feel a little better because only 12 made it out of better than 50 in our bunch and some rather most of them had some college.

We sure had a nice day today it got chilly & the wind blew like the devil. We are out in the stick where the dust and sand comes a flying at you & feel like bolders. We also went through the gas chamber today filled with tear gas. We sure had a bunch of bawl babys come out of there too.

I hope Florence likes her job better by now tell her it can't be any worse than the army even at that. Tell her not to forget we also have to run outside to go to the head.

Well I guess that all for tonight.

Jack

Notes:

The standards for cadets kept changing. The Army was forced to lower the qualifications to meet changing demands. During most of the war, there was too much of a need for pilots for them to keep standards requiring college degrees.

Here's a little first-hand story from a cadet. 

"2nd Louie" means 2nd Lieutenant, the entry-level rank for commissioned officers.

Jan 24 1944

Dear Ma

Guess what we moved today in to a different barracks & also got guard duty. We will go on guard duty 2 hours a day for 2 days & the 3rd day we get 4 hours but all in all we figure it is a pretty good deal.

We went in to town Sat night and had a swell time. Rented a couple of rooms & then went to a dance, as usual I don't dance but had a lot of fun while there. We then walked out to the city park & the museum & it was really nice. I didn't get home until about 8 o clock last night.

We have had pretty nice weather the last few days in fact yesterday was next to perfect. The sun came out but yet it was nice not hot nor cold. Today it looked like a pretty nice day but has turned out very windy & when the wind blows here it really blows.

Say about those pictures I sent you have you mailed those yet some of the boys want some of them & are getting anxious to get them.

Well I got a nice long letter from you today telling me all the news. So Uncle Geo. is scared of being drafted -- well I don't blame him much I don't like it either.

I received the scarf. I don't know if I wrote and told you or not. Thanks a lot.

I guess I better close & catch a little shut eye.

Jack.

Note:

• Uncle George is Jack's dad's brother.
• Among the letters were two postcards from Uncle George, who lived in Dayton, OH. They were sent toward the end of 1943. They are below.

Postmark Sep 8 1943, Dayton Ohio

Dear Neva & all

Am to report for my physical exam to-morrow a.m. Lena & Sugar are at Lena's folks. They don't know about it. May get a deferment. Will write when I find out. Regards, George.

Postmark Nov 21 1943 Dayton Ohio

Sunday.

Dear Neva & children

We have a new baby boy, born this a.m. (2:42) Lena & baby doing fine. Weight 7.6 An appeal to my draft board has been sent in by Frigidaire. Hope every one is well. Sugar is farmed out to friends. Regards George

Notes: 

That baby would be my Dad's cousin John, who still lives in Ohio!

George's penmanship is beautiful, isn't it?!

...and the last letter in January from Jack: 

Jan 26 1944

Dear Ma

I'll try to scribble you a few lines to let you know just how things stand now. I was officially notified that I was a armor gunner & that I have 45 more days of basic left. I also found out approxamatle how my I.Q. stands in the army. There are 5 groups starting with 1 & going to 5, I had to be at least in the 3rd group to get in the air corp. Mine is in the middle of the 2nd group so I guess thats not too bad now is it for a Eutsler.

It started snowing some time last night & is still snowing tonight. It is a rather wet snow too. I don't know just how deep it is but I guess it's around 6 in. so you see we are having a pretty nice snow. It will sure be nice to get out & march in I noticed some fellows marching today & when they did an about face they sort of lit on there ––.

Say what about that roll of film I sent you I sure would like to have those things get here so please try to get them back.

Also please send me my Income Tax stuff so I can file a return on it the time is getting rather short.

Well I'll close for now. Oh yes I got nenes letter & tell her thanks

Jack

Next up: All the fellows think I look like my Ma

Mid-January, 1944: The 64 Physical

 Jan. 9, 1944

Dear Ma,

Ill try to write you a letter but I don't know how far I'll get with it.

We finished some of our test yesterday but have a physical tomorrow. We really taking a beating on this stuff & I do mean a beating. I really don't think I made it but from what they tell us we will know in about a week today- I hope, in some ways that I made it but in other ways it will be the hardest 14 months I'll ever spend or have ever spent.

We went into town last night but didn't do much of anything.

Jan 10

We took a physical, rather a part of one today. It was a blood test, x ray & etc, on the blood test it felt like they took a gal of blood out of my arm & I know I only had 3 qt of blood to start with. It felt like they were taking my arm off. Ask Jim what a 64 physical is.

I got a letter from Margaret K today but she didn't write much. She wrote a little about Pete but that's all she wrote.

I guess I'll have to send my camera home because I was with Louie & he saw some guys taking pictures well he up and took the camera away from them.

Well I'll close now

Jack

Notes:

It took some searching, but I believe when he is referring to a "64 physical," he means the Aviation Cadet Qualifying Examination. This WWII document, Initial Selection of Candidates for Pilot, Bombadier, and Navigator Training mentions the "64" physical examination, on about page 58.

Pete is the son of his sister Margaret (Tuck) (Jack's nephew, my cousin). He would have been 3 months old. 

He writes again the next day, after the physical exam was completed:

Jan 11 1944

Dear Ma

Well we finished our physical to day & how do you think I came out. Shall I keep you in suspense or shall I tell you. To tell you the truth I came out on the top meaning your dear son is in perfect health. I was sort of worried about my eyes ears & teeth, my eyes checked 20/20 even my depth perception was O.K. it was one of the best scores made in the barracks. My hearing was OK. & my teeth were all all right not a thing wrong with them. It was a stiff physical in fact the toughest physical I have ever taken.

12

You ask about bonds & etc. I should have another bond or 2 comming & also some from my retirement fund comming. I guess that's about all I have from the dear old P.S.N.Y.

13

I received a letter from you today so will try to finish this & get it mailed.

We went out on the drill field today I should say this morning & the really put us over the ropes. We did calacentics for a bout a hour & 1/2 then went out on the obstatical course which darn near killed me. I guess I ain't as good a man as I though I was but I hope I never get so good I can run that damn course and not be tired. 

So they want some more red tape on your allotment. I guess all you can do is give them what they want & when you let them have every thing maybe they'll let up.

So dear Florence has gotten a job at last I'll bet she's one sad girl. Oh well it's about time she went to work after all you started out a whole lot younger than she not taking my self into consideration.

We went into town yesterday afternoon & had quite a time. We went skating in the evening and you should have seen me you talk about you stepping well I was also doing about the same.

Say why don't you go up and have so pictures made of your self not too big but about 3/5 or something on that order. & please don't give any excuses but do it. I mange Tuck & Bo George & Benny would like one so do it.

It sure is nice out today but it was cold last night it was about -3 so it was cold when we got home last night.

Well I guess I'll close now so

Jack

Notes:

• P.S.N.Y. = Puget Sound Naval Yard. 
• George is his Uncle, his Dad's brother. I'm not sure who Benny is, possibly a family friend.  

Next, we'll find out if he made cadets.....

January, 1944: Basic Training Begins

 1944 is here. This is the year Jack goes to war.

Jan 1 1944

Dear Ma

I'll try to write you a few lines as I don't have any thing to do. I worked K.P. last night and got in about 4AM well the fellows rolled me out at 830 so I made it miserable for them all day.

At last we have started our processing, we started it yesterday by lectures & picture shows. We will be taking test & going to lectures & doing basic for the next 2 weeks. If I pass I get about 26 days of basic if not I get 60 but I guess that's still better than going in the infantry and doing nothing but marching all day long.

We are up at the library & a couple of the fellows have gotten math books & I started looking through those -- it is surprising how much I have forgotten since I got out of school. Oh well I guess you can't remember every thing you know or learned if you did your brain would be in a whilrl all the time.

We didn't get any mail today & won't get it tomorrow in fact I haven't received a letter from you since I got back.

We didn't do a thing today except sit around & talk, & I guess that's all we will be doing tomorrow. We got  jipped out of our passes this week so we had to just sit tight & stay on the post. We only ate once to day so I am hungry & no place to get any thing.

Well I close now Jack

Now we start to receive letters that have interesting illustrations on the stationary. 

Jan 3, 1944

Dear Ma

Well after almost a week I received your letter with the checks in it so you probable have seen they are coming back to you.

We started our basic this morning & took 3 test this after noon. I think I came out all right on 2 of them but the 3rd was a radio test & I guess I didn't do too good on it but personally I just don't give a dam.

They really put us over the rope this morning, but maybe I'll live but if it keeps on I hope not. I just ain't use to that hard labor & I really mean it. Personally I don't care if I never get used to it. I figure the big man is supposed to have the strong back & weak mind, me it's too bad I haven't got either one.

That reminds me of this morning we were to fall in ranks according to size. He yelled out all guys 6 foot or over fall out & so on down the line he finally called out about 5'6" & stopped we there I stood finally he looked around & hollered out 5'1" & I yelled 5'4"& steped in so you see I am the runt of the barracks but still I am doing o.k.

We haven't had any snow as yet but it sure has looked like it was going to storm & the wind has been blowing rather hard since noon.

Every one in the barracks has a nice cold you can hear some one coughing all the time even little me.

So at last our dear little sister is going to work. Well if that isn't some thing I don't know if I'll be abe to get over the shock. 

You know I brought my radio back & I don't think it is ever off during the day. I never get a chance to use it but I guess that's ok too. I just got in an argument over what program should be on.

Well I  guess I'll have to close now I write a letter or 2 more. 

Jack

Note: Here we have mention of his height, the factor which will seal his position on his eventual crew. 

Envelope reads:

Pvt. Bernard C Eutsler 39215612

TSS 769 Flt 176

Bks 339

Buckley Field

Denver, Colo.

Jan 6 1944

--Me [referring to illustration]

Dear Ma

I got your registered letter this after noon but there is no sense for you to get all hot & bothered about nothing. One reason you haven't received a whole lot of mail is because I haven't written you very many. The reason of that is that when I get through the day I am so tired I don't feel like doing any thing. To night my legs are really sore, we have been out on the drill field all day.  We have been taking calasentics and drilling, then we took a few tests on top of that so you probable see why I am tired. 

It has been cold around here lately but probable not as bad as it is there. We haven't had any snow but it sure has looked stormy the last few days.

Yes I got the checks, & packages & letters from you. Probable by now you have received the check and a letter or 2. If I remember correctly there was about $115 in checks there. I also think they jipped you on the allotment check but I guess that's o.k. Has Mag & Jim sent you any cash since I came here in this cruel old army. This is short but I am tired so don't worry & I'll try to write you again about Sun or Mon. We should know the verdict by the latter part of next week. Jack

Notes: 

• $115 would be $1712 today. 
• It's interesting that Gram grew frantic when he had been continuing his pace of about 3 letters a week. I also have an envelope with postmark Jan 3 1944. I suppose the mail system was not as efficient as it had been in Washington.
• He wasn't able to google the spelling of calisthenics. Jack was known for his malapropisms. I hope we see them in his letters!
• He's asking again about Tuck and Jim sending money. ulp.

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