January 13, 1943 - Called Up Before A Group of Officers

  

Wednesday Evening

Dear Mom + Dad,

Above the bedlam that is going on around me I’m going to try and scribble off a few lines.  The bedlam is cause the event of events around here turnabout day.  The day when underclassmen have a chance to take it out on the upperclassmen.  The boys are really having a lot of fun.  I don’t care for this hazing as I can’t get into it as it is against my nature.  Be that as it may.

I received 2 letters from you today the Thurs. and the Saturday letter.  I got the Sunday letter first for some ungodly reason.  Regardless of how the mail messes up it was good to hear from you.  I enjoyed looking at the pictures as it gave me an idea of what your home is like and just where it is.  It sure seemed good to see Sweetheart parked outside of the house.  You sure have a swell house and I’m glad for you.

I was called up before a group of officers today and quizzed about my getting a job of some sort as an upperclassman.  I told you I was being considered.  I don’t think I’ll get anything out of it but at least it is nice to be considered.  The talk with the officers were very nice as they all were from New York.  I talked with them for about a half an hour.

We started taking upperclass subjects today.  I don’t know as yet when we officially become upperclassmen as there is a mix up on them moving to primary.  Some are leaving tomorrow and the rest at various times up to Monday. The new class is supposed to come in on Saturday.  I imagine that we will become upperclassmen tomorrow.  We will have to pull one more guard and I believe it will come on Friday night.  It can’t be helped though as there has been quite a mix up on the moving out of the upperclassmen.  The orders have been changed several times in the last week.  It sure is a messed up deal. 

I’m glad to hear Brother is doing so well in school.  He sure has a tough grind and I don’t envy him at all.  But he will have a tough time for awhile but when it is all over he should be well ahead.

You spoke of Dr. Barham knowing Capt Lane.  He was commander of the group.  I’m in until the shakeup of commands.  He is transferred to some other group now.  If I should ever run into him I’ll mention “Doc” to him.

Well I have to study now.  I’ll write to you tomorrow.  I’m going to try to be a little more faithful in writing to you than I have been in the last week or so.  I’ll have more time now.

Love

Bobby