CHAPTER 1
Just a Country Boy
He's just a country boyWith a smile as bright as the rising sun
He's just a country boyAs tall and straight as he can beWith the strength and majesty of the great oak treeThat stands ever watchful by the farm
He's just a country boyHis demands are very fewA wife, a farm, and children tooHe must have at least one
A simple, honest country boyTo sow and reap and reap and sowAnd be just a country boy
—Betty Lou
US ARMY AIR FORCESTechnical Training SchoolLowry Field, Colorado
January 15, 1943
Dear Betty Lou,
Today I just received your letter from which you mailed the 8th ofDecember, even though it's just been a month getting to me. I'mproud to get it, for it was a wonderful letter. You're still makingmistakes on that typewriter though. Ha-ha. I'm just kidding you.Just keep right on the job, and someday, you'll be a swell typist.
I'm sorry I let you worry of my whereabouts, as you mentioned inyour letter. But golly, we were busy out there in California. It wouldhave been all right if you had wrote my father about me, for he knowswhere I was. I would have been all right anyway, for Dad knows Iwrite to you all of the time. I'll bet he would even know you if he metyou on the street, for there is an enlarged picture of you at home onthe radio.
I'm sorry I didn't get this letter before Christmas, for you askedme what I wanted for Christmas. Well, I wouldn't have known,and you did a wonderful job of selecting a gift anyway. Say, it wasswell of you to buy that with your own money. I hope you stillhave your part-time job.
Betty Lou, you asked me what "shipped off" meant. It means thatwe're on shipping orders and ready to be shipped out at any timeof the day or night.
You said your mother sent me a Christmas card. Tell her I saidmany, many thanks for thinking of me. I haven't received it as yet,but I probably will, for I've been getting quite a bit of mail fromFresno lately. So I'm hoping to get it soon. I haven't received yourseither. But even if I don't, I'll know that you sent me one.
I didn't know anyone read the letters I sent you. And as you say,your mother likes me just by the way I write. I thought I was verypoor at writing letters. She must be a very nice person. I'm sureshe is, and someday in the future, I'd like to have the opportunityto meet her. I'll bet you're just the very picture of her, aren't you?
I'm sorry you lost the picture of me in my CCC1 uniform. Theonly one I have left is an enlarged one. But in a few days, I'll sendyou a better one, for I had my pictures taken today. I can't getthe kind of work done that I wanted though. But later on, I'llhave some more taken and send you a nice picture. I must closefor today. So until I hear from you, which is very soon I hope. Iremain.
As ever,David
PS: The sweetheart on the envelope hardly fits, I guess. But Ihave to send it to someone. And I think a lot of you, so I supposeit'll be all right.
Petersburg, IndianaMarch 11, 1943
1:20 a.m.
Dearest,
Just a few words tonight as I'm very sleepy. I've been up for almostfour whole nights, and I'm very tired.
You are probably wondering why I'm at home in the States. Pleasebelieve, darling, it's hard to say. But I happened to be at home onan emergency furlough of ten days. You see, my father has passedaway. I'm very sorry I haven't answered your letter as yet. But Dadhas been very ill for the last week. And I've been writing to himevery day.
I received your letter last Saturday and Sunday night; I received atelegram about Dad. So Monday, I was on my way home. Tuesdaymorning, I was in Chicago. God, but I'd like to see you. But Idon't suppose I will this time.
For as you know, now that both my mother and father are gone, alot is left up to me. I think I can fix things so that my brothers andsisters can stay together. And I want to stay here until everythingis straightened out.
Well, dear, I must close now and get some sleep in a few minutesas Dad is to be laid away tomorrow.
As ever,David
Location UnknownMarch 22, 1943
My Dearest Betty,
A few lines tonight to let you know I'm thinking of you. As usual,I always am for that matter. I hope this letter finds everyone welland happy and going to school, ha-ha. But just think, darling, youhaven't got so very much more to go. Then you will be through.
Well, things are going pretty good here now. There was a newbunch of students came in while I was gone. But they seem to bea pretty good bunch and are willing to learn and do as they aretold. That's what it takes. Well, so much for the students.
Darling, I don't believe I told you about my buddies. There arefour of us: Johnny, Dick, and Ted, with me being the fourth one.We are really quite a bunch.
I have your picture out tonight, and Johnny asked if he mightwrite you a short note, and I said he might if I approve of it.Ha-ha. Honest kid, he is a darn swell pal. We are all privates butTed, and he is a corporal. But he is the same as us when we aretogether.
Betty, I will close for tonight as I want to send you a poem that Ithink is very good. I don't think I ever sent you a copy of it.
Forever yours with love,David
United States Air ForcesLowry Field, ColoradoApril 19, 1943
My Dearest Darling,
Received your letter today and was very happy to hear from you.
I'm being honest with you when I say I have a different outlookon life since I've met you. Somehow, you've changed things forme. Everything seems brighter now, and may God permit ourhearts to beat as one someday.
Dearest, as for a tough road to travel in the paratroopers, I'mnot worried. I'm just waiting and waiting and getting in bettershape every day. Believe me, I am. I weigh 178 lbs. now and notexactly a softie. As for jujitsu, it isn't exactly new to me. Andmy boxing would come in handy perhaps. So don't worry yourbeautiful head over me. I'll be all right. You just keep the homefire burning.
Betty Lou, it makes me feel grand to know that things I sendand say please you. I'm grateful with all my heart that I have you.Thank you, my dear, when you say that I get handsomer everyday. I have an album with a few pictures in it and will send it toyou, for things like that are too much trouble to keep aroundyour personal belongings. Anyway, I'd rather you keep it.
I received a letter from a schoolmate today. Our track team wontheir two meets so far. I'd give anything to be back there thisspring to run the mile. I could do it too, as good a shape as I'min. They haven't got a man this year that's very good, not that Iam. But I could help out.
Dearest, I wouldn't say you are the luckiest girl in the world, justto know a fellow like me. I'm no angel. I'm just a plain raised farmboy from Southern Indiana who loves a girl named Betty Lou.
Although I could write on and on, I must close now. I have tostudy my lesson for school. We are learning about dehydratedfoods. It's very interesting even though I don't care so muchabout it.
With all my love,David
Lowry FieldDenver, Colorado
May 18, 1943
My Dearest Darling,
Received the book yesterday, a million thanks. I've wanted to readit for quite awhile but just neglected getting it. I've read part of italready, and it's swell.
Well, dear, there isn't much to say today except that I still loveyou 100 percent, that is important to me. Our little mascot is a160-pound St. Bernard dog and bit "5" of the fellows yesterday.He's no damn pet of mine. I stay away from him.
Did I ever tell you about our new dayroom? If not, I will. It'spretty nice with a pool table, tennis table, reading racks, writingdesks, radio, and mail room—almost anything a person couldask for.
Well, sweetheart, I'll close for today. As it is 4:15 and I have to getready and march some students to work.
Love as ever,David
Lowry FieldDenver, Colorado
June 3, 1943
My Dearest,
Golly, I'm a few days behind in answering your letter, which Ireceived Monday.
Darling, I'm sorry, but you see, I'm going to school again ininstructor's class this time. My sergeant and I are both going thisweek. And we have two majors for class instructors. And how oneof them is from Washington, DC, and the other is from Ft. Riley,Kansas, B & C School. They're tough, and to my opinion, a fewof the boys will cease to be instructors. However, I'm doing okay.It ends tomorrow, and am I ever glad.
Darling, I'm proud of you for selling those bonds. If only everyonewould do that, for it's equipment we need now and not men. Ofcourse, we are getting more and more every day. It won't be long now.At least, I hope not. That's a swell drive your school is putting on.
Well, I better close for now as it is time to go to work. Boy, we'vereally had some changes around here. Please write soon as I'll bewaiting for a letter from you.
Love always,David
US Army Air ForcesTechnical Training SchoolLowry Field, Colorado
June 5, 1943
My Dearest Only,
Golly, it was good to hear from you as I haven't heard for a fewdays. It's always good to hear from you though.
I'm happy to know that the bond drive was a success. At leastsome people are doing their share at home. You said in your letter,darling, that I probably wouldn't be here to receive your letter.Well, I was. But I'll be subject to leave any day now. Everything iscompleted at last, and we are waiting for orders.
Darling, you're not the only one who hopes I get through my trainingall right. So do I. Yes, I know just what you mean about being washedout. I've lost several students from my shift already. But if you can'tcarry the load, you're just not any good in that branch of service.
However, it's only natural for one to wonder and worry. I do.I guess it's the waiting that is getting me down. However, I'mnot afraid. I can make it. I know only too well that it will betougher and much worse than you realize. Of course, I'm in goodcondition. I do a little jumping, running, and exercise every day.
I hope you did all right in your play. But, darling, I can't see youplaying the part of a widow. But perhaps you will fit all right. ButI could find a part much better for you.
Well, sweetheart, I'd better close as I have a million things to do,none as important as this letter, I can assure you. So good-bye fornow and may we see each other soon.
Love always,David
US Army Air ForcesTechnical Training SchoolLowry Field, Colorado
August 26, 1943
My Dearest Darling,
Hope you'll not be angry at me for not writing any this week.
But now that I'm really on the beam, I'll write a few lines. By theway, they're playing No Letter Today over the loudspeaker fromthe office, and it's the Hoosier Hot Shots playing. Boy, I'm rightat home.
I'm very happy just knowing that you're back home waiting onme and dreaming of the future and working. That means more tome, probably more than you'll ever know, for I often think of thefuture with you and a little one with it.
Say, guess what happened today? My first sergeant said, "Are youstill ready to leave us next month, boy?" I jumped and said, "Yes,sir," ha-ha. Anyway, it sure made me happier. He said they hadanother letter on me. So now, you can see why I'm on the beamagain and feeling fine.
Betty, I suppose I'd better close now as I have to attend an aircraftpicture tonight, so I'll have to hurry. So, darling, please write me,once a week at least, if possible, for I love to hear from you.
Love always,David
United States Paratrooper Stationery
September 20, 1943
My Darling Betty,
Well, today was the happiest day I've had for a week as I finallyreceived a letter from you.
Yes, darling, I knew all the time just when I was leaving to comedown here. But for some reason, I didn't want to tell you and,about halfway, told you that I wasn't coming at all. But now thatI am here, please forgive me. I am very glad that you realize thatbeing a paratrooper is what I want and many thanks for wishingme luck. I'll need every bit you wish me.
Well, I have gone into "B" stage training today with my class.My injury didn't keep me back. Thank God for that. Honey, youseem to think that there is lots of tough work down here. Well,there is. It is rough. But don't make it too bad. I'm getting alongokay and am pretty sure I'll make it. Darling, my chin is up veryhigh, and as far as my training goes, I'll keep it there until theyknock it down.
You asked when I would start jumping. My first jump from a realplane will be October 4, 1943. Today, I started jumping from a34-foot tower in a parachute harness. Next week, I'll go to the250-foot towers4 with a real chute and plenty of excitement. Onthe 34-foot tower, you climb up a ladder and to a platform andthen step to a door, which represents a plane door. Then thesergeant hollers "go," and you jump out. You fall about 15 feetand get a hell of a jerk, which represents the opening shock of areal parachute. After that, you get a nice, gentle ride on down tothe ground and land. It's quite a lot of fun.
Although some of the boys didn't think so and wouldn't jump outinto space. But I guess I'm crazy enough to try anything once.Then they strapped me in a parachute harness and let me ridedown an incline of about 60 degrees until I reached a speed ofabout 10 miles per hour. Then they dropped me, and I droppedabout 4 feet, landing on my feet and tumbling. That's all there isto it. It's a little work now and then but lots of fun.
Darling, you asked me to tell you what my grandmother thoughtof my being down here. Well, I don't think she has the right ideaof what I do with the parachute. By that, I don't think she knowsthat I'll jump from a plane with one on. And I'll not tell hereither.
Well, sweet, I'd better close as I have to shine my boots, which is anightly task. Sending you all my love and best wishes to you.
Always yours,David
US Parachute TroopsOctober 10, 1943
My Dearest Darling,
A few words before I move. I'm shipping this afternoon at 2:30.So you need not write until you hear from me. I'm not movingfrom this post. I'm going to school. Two other boys and myselfare Hoosiers. How about that, honey?
We will be at school from three to nine weeks. I'll have to maketwo or three more jumps while I'm here. So much the better forme though. The more experience, the better for me.
Darling, I'm sending you a miniature set of wings. Wear them asI would mine, for they're the best ones in the world. At least, wethink so around here.
Darling, I must close as I have to be outside in a few minutes.Write soon.
Love always,David
ParatroopsFort Benning, Georgia
October 19, 1943
My Darling Betty Lou,
I received your letter today and sure was glad as I was expectingit. But then, I'm always looking for one from you.
Haven't got much time as I have to go back to class for two hourstonight. I go to school eight hours a day and two hours on Tuesdayand Thursday nights. So, darling, I don't think you would get tosee me if you got to come down. I'm sure you haven't gotten myletter yet asking you to come and visit me on Christmas.
Please, darling, say you will come, wherever I'm at. I'll probablybe around Fort Benning someplace, I hope. But after January andFebruary, I wouldn't say where I would be, if you know what Imean. But so much for that now.
Darling, I'm glad you received the wings, emblem, and pillowcase.The one I picked out had Sweetheart on it. Yes, darling, therewere two paratroopers killed here last week. I hoped and hopedthat you would not see it in the papers. I knew you probablywould though. Please try not to think about it.
It would make this soldier very happy if you said yes to one littlequestion. I'm quite sure things would go okay, darling. I just hopethe wedding dress won't be made out of a parachute though, ifyou ever do give your consent to the question.
Darling, I must close now as I have to go. Please write soon.
Yours always,David
United States ArmySignal CorpsPigeon Section
November 10, 1943
My Darling,
Just a few lines this afternoon. I received your letter today. I don'tremember just how long it has been since I've had one.
You probably think it odd of me using this stationery. I'm now atthe signal corps here at the main post, learning about pigeons asthey plan an important part in communications. I had a few spareminutes, so I got the paper off of one of the boys.
Well, honey, I must close. I make a jump tomorrow, I suppose. Thesergeant hasn't said so as yet. But I'm sure I'll be the man to do it.
Write soon, my dear, and don't worry.
Always yours,David
BelgiumV-mailJanuary 2, 1944
My Darling,
Guess you know where I'm at by now. That is, if you've beenreading the papers and listening to the news. I'll bet your fatherhas been following the news pretty close.
Oh, how I'd love to be a sailor and sail the deep blue sea. If ourson ever goes to war, sweetheart (and I pray he never does), he'llbe a sailor boy.
Good night, my darling. Say a little prayer for me. Write often.
All my love,David
