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BASIC TRAINING March 1943 to April 1943
Dear Folks,
Well, the old combination of "Dickerson and Buxton" has at last come to an end. Today, Dick took the last of his physical examinations and was declared, "G.D.O." This means ground duty only. So, he is to be sent to the regular army of the ground crew. He hasn't the least idea where he will be stationed, but it won't be San Antonio. An X-ray of his head showed an infection in his sinus cavity and he was grounded for that. I was O.K. About one out of every five men in my barracks was grounded by either a physical or mental examination. I passed all my classification exams high and I think will be classified as a pilot. But, this isn't certain as yet.
I understand that Charles has received his classification as a pilot. I visited Vince Burniskas and Bobby Jones Sunday and they are all O.K. Dick is the only one of our group that has been grounded. This physical exam, "what was given us" was the most intense physical possible. Any little defect would ground a man. I received a thorough check because of the "strep" infection that I had during my freshman year. It does make me feel good to know that I am physically perfect. My teeth are absolutely in top condition. My barracks lieutenant told me today that I have a good chance of becoming a cadet officer. I feel good about this and am quite sure that I can be successful. During the day, the temperature around here has been hitting 95 degrees and that seems awfully hot to me. Today my gas mask was issued me. In a very few days we will start training with the contraptions. But they are well made and easy to manipulate. I have a fairly good sun tan from this hot Texas sun already. Will write again soon.
Love,
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