October 29, 1942 (Eve) – Lost Soul

Thursday Evening.

Dear Mom + Dad,

Well here I am at it for the second time today although you will probably receive my morning letters a few days ahead of this.

As you know by this time I have been transferred to DEMY and hope that I’m at the right place this time. I could have gone over the hill for the duration and no one would have known the difference. I would have become a lost soul if I hadn’t checked in here. I don’t know yet if I’m not a lost soul but at least I think my records are supposed to (go) here and me along with them. This is a real messed up outfit. This is where they put all the boys waiting transfers discharges and miscellaneous items. There is one bunch down here just inducted at Camp Upton, who were supposed to got the 80th Engineers and be stationed here. Yet the 80th or no one else either ever knew about (it). So they are sitting around here trying to find out what is going to happen to them and where they go next. I’m afraid I’m going to have to check on my status and make sure I’m supposed to be here. I’d like to get into the air corps some time and not become a lost soul myself.

There is absolutely nothing to do around here. I have no job but run around all day and do as I please. I will get nothing to do either as time goes on. As soon as I get the money from home I’m going to take a few days trips and go to L.A. or someplace. I’m going to investigate my chances of getting a furlough tomorrow. I rather doubt if I will be able to get one but at lease I’m going to make a stab at it. There is no harm in finding out just what the score is, so keep your fingers crossed and maybe I’ll get a look at 694 Marion St. yet.

I got a kick out of Dad’s letter Sunday. It sure was crazy. You talk about messing up an address how about me, I’m not doing bad either. Except I really got lost and you knew where you were all the time.

So Jimmy thinks he’ll go overseas. I know that they do take the air corp boys over fast. Look at Russ. I’m afraid Fran may go soon to. If I ever mess up my flying cadet deal I may go soon. However, I rather have a hunch that I’ll never see this war unless it comes over here.

I hope you get my license for me. I’m not particularly worried about the forgery but I’m going to blackmail you.

Well that’s it for now. I’ll come again tomorrow.

Love
Bob