November 17, 1942 – Physical Good Except for Right Eye

Tuesday Afternoon

Dear Mom + Dad,

I received two of your back letters today which were forwarded to me from D.E.M.Y. Along with them came several other and as a result I’m going to let you suffer for tonight and write just a short note so I can get at answering them.

I took my physical today and everything was O.K except for my right eye. I have to go back on Friday to have it checked again. As I told you I was afraid that would be my bad spot. However, the deviation is so little below normal that the doctor who gave me the test thinks I can pass it. So I still have a few days of grace to wait and see. I know that it won’t be any better Friday but I may be able to skim through.

I requested a chance as navigator as their physical requirements is slightly below that of a pilot. However, they have no room in the schools for them right now. I may make it yet so I’m hoping. If I do make navigator I will probably get a furlough with a slight chance of it being permanent until there is room. So let’s hope against hope that I can make it.

I got all new clothes today and it is pretty nice. I got a better grad of stuff than I had before. The garrison here is really swell. It is an officer’s hat with a big silver wing insignia on it. The rest of the stuff is the best of the G.I. issue. So I feel good, it is just like having a new suit.

I heard from Mrs. Gardern today along with Em, Charlie, Mary, a friend of mine in the fifth Field so you see I have a lot to answer. I haven’t received any mail here direct but it will come in a day or so. Will you please excuse me now while I get to answering my other mail? I’ll write more tomorrow.

Love

Bob