Thursday March 9, 1944

Here I am back in Stockton - got here last night about 9:30 PM. The first thing I did was to rush over and get my cards. You have no idea how glad I was to see the word Lt. written out. I'll get to wear gold bars after all. They only made about 20 flight officers. Sure was lucky to miss it. I've got my complete uniform except for my trench coat. Hope to get that tomorrow. Signed my discharge papers today - just think, I'll be a civilian Sat. and part of Sunday. Guess I'll get thumb my nose at all the officers. Say, I burnt a hole in the arm of one of my new shirts, boy was I mad. I'm going to have to bring home some dirty laundry. Couldn't send it out at Yuma and so have to bring it along dirty. My new serial no. is 0-77112- - easy to remember, no? From now on just call me Lt. I'll have to put those old 1918 GIs in a brace. Better tell Unk to watch out. I got a letter from you today - is that open house to be in Glen Ellyn or Oak Park? I sure will be glad to see Robin. Say, be sure and tell Robin to get in touch with Roy King as soon as possible and find out what the score is. Dammit, I told him to do it before. Roy said I could use his car all I wanted and he's supply the gas - it sure is nice to have fiends like that. He also wants to meet me at the train but I think you four will be enough. Pa said he would be there too, didn't he? That will be something to come home to. The four people I miss the most - you, Pa, Robin and Doris. I sure hope I get that train - I think I'll find out for sure tomorrow. If any changes occur I'll send a telegram. I was going to bring the announcements home but guess I'll mail them. Mae sent me a $5 check today. Lat time I wrote her was from Yuma.

I was planning to see Mrs. Rehm so you did alright. Did I tell you Ruth Jean sent me a letter? Big surprise. Say, those cookies aunti sent arrived OK, tell her thanks a million and I'll write soon. Better yet, I'll thank her in person. I hope to see Bill Penny if he's still around. Well, I guess that's all for now. Will wire if anything comes up.

Love,
Rae

P.S You and Pa will see a lot of me.


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