Dear Mother,

Well, I really had a swell Christmas. Of course, I'd much rather have spent Christmas at home, but that was impossible. To start things off, all the boxes from you and Grandma arrived in time. I'm just nuts over the little tree - in fact, all the boys in the barracks think it's swell. It made the Christmas spirit come right into us. Then I had a swell weekend in town with "Jo" and her parents. On Christmas Eve, we went to a dance and then to her church for a midnight service. Christmas Day, Don Lengeman and myself were out at Jo's house for the day. We had a big turkey dinner with all the trimmings - southern style. That night, Jo, Don and his date, and I went to the show. I went to church with Jo on Sunday morning and then stayed at her house the rest of the day. I had to be back at Ellington at 11:00 p.m. - she drove Don and myself back here. It really is swell to have people like the Bradshaws to more or less "take charge" of you over such a holiday season. I had a fun time and certainly owe them a vote of thanks.

My radio hasn't arrived as yet - I'm just a little worried as to whether it was broken during shipment or something. I guess that it was insured. I got my box from Akron. They sent me an awfully nice tie. I also got loads of Christmas cards - one from the "Aunts" in Ft. Thomas. I think that I told you what happened to me when Charles was down here. I had to take a night cross country the night that Charles was here. I didn't have anything scheduled for the next morning, so planned on talking with him during that time. Anyway, when I returned from the cross country, the field was really fogged in. I attempted to land in the fog, but just couldn't find the ground. It was just too thick. My gas supply was running low, so the radio control officer told me to go to Galveston and land. This I did - Galveston has a "swell" airfield - completely surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico. Anyway, your little son had to stay all night at Galveston and didn't get clearance to return to Ellington until noon the next day. So, I'll just have to wait to see Charles and actually sit down and "propwash" (talk) with him.

We're having great weather. It has been constantly raining since Christmas Eve, and no signs of letting up. I still have 20 hours of flying to put in and only eleven days 'till graduation. It's going to be a rather close race.

I got your picture - and Mary Jo's. You know that they're really swell - I've got the best looking mom and sister of anybody here. Jo Ruth reminds me of Mary Jo very much. Jo is tall and long-legged. She's 5 foot 5 and 1/2 inches tall, has the same color hair as Mary Jo and her facial features resemble Mary Jo very much. Besides that, she's a sweet girl, just like Mary Jo.

[Graduation at San Antonio Aviation Cadet Center]

Well, I have some work to do tonight - study some about engines. I'll try to write again soon.

Lots of love,
Jack

p.s. Jo is checking the train schedules for me tonight and is going to try to locate the best and fastest train home. I'll send the schedule in my next letter. Love, Jack

Jack graduated from Ellington Field on January 7, 1944

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