December 16, 1942 – My Day Today

  

Wednesday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

Another day has passed in my new life.  We have an hour and a half off every night for studying when we can’t be bothered by upper-classmen.  Of course starting tomorrow we will have classes and then I will have to study but tonight I have time to myself.  I’ll try and give you a brief picture of my day today.

We were awakened at 6 AM, at five minutes after we fell out completely dressed for reveille.  After that we had to clean up the barracks and clean up ourselves.  At 7 A.M. we ate chow and when we eat we eat at strict attention on 3 inches of our stool, eyes straight ahead, eat square means, that is life up our food and do everything at right angles like this (see drawing on image of letter).  We have to answer all sorts of questions which require long answers, prescribed beforehand.  Then at any time during the day we are subject to a brace.  A brace is exaggerated attention and when you’re in it you can even talk as you’re so strained.  Any time during the day we can be put in one by any upperclassmen.  We then had a series of orientation lectures which tell us what goes on around here.  At various times during the day we go through a series of hazing and believe me we do everything foolish.  However, it really isn’t so bad as I take it all with a grin and a grain of salt.  I imagine though after 4 ½ weeks of taking all this it will get tiresome.  However I believe I can take it even though it will be plenty tough for awhile.

I was picked as honor guard today to carry our flight flag.  The flag itself is more or less a joke but the boys try to make it serious.  It is a lot of baloney but I take it in the spirit of fun.  Just keep hoping that I make out all right.  I know when I get through here I can say I went through two of the toughest places in the army.  Pre-flight school and desert maneuvers.  Maybe I’ll be a soldier yet.

Well I must close now as I have a few more letters to write.  I’ll try and write again as soon as I can.  Lets hear from you soon.  I’m doing fine even though I have it pretty rough.

Love
Bobby