 Ang, on the street. Cairo or Alexandria, January 1945. From the scrapbook. Ang's January 1945 R&R trip to Cairo and Alexandria lasted 12 days, during which he did not send any letters! So he spends some time apologizing and then makes up for it (maybe) by writing very newsy letters about the trip. He finally was able to use his camera with the color film and I have a few of those photos here, as well as a number of B&W snaps. He finally flies Mission #60 on the last day of January! (Only 6 more to go!) He's quite mixed up on dates, again, so I'm glad to have the envelopes with postmarks. General Knapp visits on the 31st to dispense medals. Betty was busy with her regular activities, but notes a few special things like her mother's birthday, and the installation dinner as treasurer of the wives club. Interestingly, instead of just noting going to a movie, she specifically notes seeing "Winged Victory" which she already saw in October. Tuesday January 16. Three letters today - 57 missions! Shopped at noon. Sewed some and ironed in evening. Bed 11:30. January 17. Worked hard, but not so steady today. Shopped in 10¢ store at noon. For shoes—no luck. Sewed all evening. January 18. Another swell letter today. Shopped after work for Mother’s coat. To dentists today. Ugh. Bed by 11:15. January 19. Met the old officers from club & had dinner. Very nice evening—big plans being made. Bed late—sure tired. January 20. Worked today -- told ARL that I was leaving. Looked for pattern - no luck. To Marg Tribbings for dinner - nice time. Bed by 1:00. January 21. Up about 10:00 & to late Mass. Wrapped A’s packages and wrote some letters. Did some sewing too. Bed by 12:00. January 22. Cool today - almost like rain. Shopped - but no luck. Had four grand letters. Ang has DFC. To bed by 11:00 January 23. Worked like a demon today. Took shoes to have dyed. Out to see “Winged Victory” and very good. Bed by 1:30. Form 5. Jan 23, flight as navigator, B-25D, 1:00h [Perhaps flying back to Cairo from Alexandria?]  From Ang's scrapbook. Group on the street. Photo is not labeled but is on page from Egypt R&R trip. It's pretty blurry, but that's definitely Ang in the middle. Seems to be waving.  From Ang's scrapbook, on the same page as above photo. Ang in the middle.
January 24. Another busy day at office—ugh. Shopped at noon--& after work. Cut out black suit. Yum. Bed 11:00. Form 5. Jan 24, ____ flight as navigator, B-25J, 3:55h Form 5. Jan 25, ____ flight as navigator, B-25J, 4:45h [These two flights recorded on the Form 5, were probably part of the return to Corsica from R&R. The 486th BS diary reported on the 25th, "The Cairo plane returned today with its complement of utterly exhausted, physically weary and morally broken men" and I assume Ang was on that returning plane.]  This photo was in the scrapbook but also in Ang's collection of loose photos. This is a scan of the loose photo. Ang, in the middle with the empty pockets, on the way back to Corsica after R&R in Egypt. As the 486th diary said, exhausted, weary and morally broken. [Letter. Postmark 1/27/45. I assume this letter is misdated and should be 1/25/45.] 1/24/45 Corsica Dearest- - - Now – now – I know you hate me -- -- and that I’m probably a divorced man by now - - - and that you never want to see me again - - and twelve days without a letter is a long, long time – but honest—I really couldn’t help it. I know this sounds corny, but it’s the truth – the army didn’t have a postal service at the place I’ve been. Of course I could have written from Cairo, but only stayed two days, and I thought I’d let things slide until I got to Alexandria—and then it was too late. All I can do is say that I’m terribly sorry, because I know how you must have worried and sweated me out. Just to prove I was thinking of you all the time, I kept a pretty accurate account of all my goings since I left here—sort of a running diary. It will probably take a couple of letters to tell you all about the trip—so I guess I’d better give you a general account of it first. We spent two days [in] Cairo – saw the pyramid-sphinx—wonderful food—several nightclubs. Spent 8 days in Alex—wonderful food and lots of nightclubs—What a town—a second Chicago—honest! Well, here goes the blow by bow account. Before I start, I want to say I had a wonderful time—the best since I left the states. The man who writing this is completely exhausted—but very satisfied and contented. Arrived in Cairo rather late—so didn’t do much. We all felt rather like the farmer on his first day in the city. All the permanent boys at the field were dressed—ties, neat clothing etc. Quite a contrast with our leather jackets, open necks and unpressed clothing. It’s a good thing that none of those rear echelon A.T.C. heroes made any cracks because we were in a mood to punch a couple of noses. It’s just like back in the states—plenty of “chicken stuff.” The big sign warns us that ties will be worn, superiors will be saluted, no flight clothes worn off the flight line (remember Columbia), blouses will be worn after six, etc. After the way we’ve been living on Corsica, its enough to drive a man nuts. After a couple of hours of red tape & “C.S.” we finally grab a truck for town. We were really amazed at the town—it’s really very nice—but confusing—beautiful buildings & filthy Arabs—a 1942 buick and a stinking, horse drawn two wheel cart—beautiful, modern women & veil covered Egyptian hags—oh well, enough of that. We pulled up before the Grand Hotel and immediately there were a dozen arabs hanging all over it. “Hey, Yank, me carry bag.” “Hey, Yank, me official guide.” “Viva la Yanks…” “Hey Yank—“ Finally the M.P.’s drove them away and the hotel’s porter took our bags to our room. The hotel wasn’t the best in town, but was nice and clean—and it looked like heaven after our shack. There was a button next to my bed, and after some argument we decided to push it to see what would happen. A few minutes later the “bell hop” knocked on the door. Did he have any whiskey? Sure thing! And a few minutes later he walked in with a tray of scotch whiskey. That was promising sooooo- - - could we have some ham sandwiches? Sure thing, boss!- - And he brought up honest-to-goodness baked ham sandwiches (with lettuce & tomatoe—on Rye bread.) That was the first baked ham I’d sisnce I left the states—they sure were good. We decided, since it was rather late, not to go out. But, we did keep the “bell-hop” running until the wee hours of the morning. I get a kick out of that expression “bell hop”. This character was a dark-skinned, always grinning, always bowing boy. His attire consisted of a fez, a nightgown, and a pair of sandals. He seemed to understand our English, but all we could get out of him was “sure thing, boss” and off he’d go. He sure took good care of us though. This letter is pretty long already so I think I’ll continue tomorrow—and that is the pyramids etc. When I got back here, I had 18 letters waiting for me—what a land fall. I’ve been reading like mad all day—and do I love it. I’ll answer some of them in future letters. I love you darling—very, very much. Love, Ang
January 25. Worked hard today - again! Picked a pin out for Mother from J.J. Called Chicago - Kay’s - talked to Frankie!  This pin, in this box, was in Betty's collection. There was a note in the box indicating this was the pin mentioned in her diary.  Ang's January 25, 1945 letter. [Letter. Postmark 1-28. This letter was typed--see image. Probably misdated as well.] 1/25/45 Corsica Hello Darling: Please excuse the typewriter – I’m alert officer tonight, and I might as well do something to keep myself busy – it takes just twice as along with a typewriter. Before I start my adventures, I want to get one thing straight, and that’s the business of loaning money to the kids. I’m going to paddle your hind-end when I get ahold of you---what are you trying to do do – make me feel like a Simon Legree? It seems to me that a long time ago I very clearly stated that at any time, any place that any member of either of our families needed help, you should give them as much as they need. God knows that includes Peggy and Joe and my only nephew. Honey, sometimes you---Oh well, ‘nough said before I really get mad. And now kiddies, back to Cairo and what happens to little Angelo---. At nine o’clock the “bell-hop” (I still get a kick out of that) strolled in and served us coffee in bed – this is the life. By the time we finished breakfast, they announced that the cab was ready to take us on the tour. First they showed us the churches and temples – then we headed for the pyramids. Frankly (you know me) I wasn’t too impressed – they look like a bunch of stones and rubble to me. Oh well! At any rate there are seven of them and the sphinx. We rode around the area on camels—smelly creatures and awful rough riding. I used my whole role of Kodak-color film there, and we should get some good shots of me on a camel, pyramids, and sphinx. From there we went to the brazaar (market place), where they tried to sell us everything, including the nightgowns off their backs. “Hey Yank, you wanna buy “channel #5” – you wanna buy ---?” All I bought was a leather purse and some trinkets for you. I’m glad that’s all I got now, because the “channel #5” turned out to be Woolworths special –and at five pounds (21 dollars per ounce) –wow! Some of the fellows really got stuck. That evening we went night-clubbing at the “Troccadero” –not bad, almost as bad good as some of our second-rate clubs. We had steak and it was pretty really good – and they had some good scotch so we really made a night of it. A little later the “B” girls swarmed around the table. Do you want to dance Yank – Yes, some of us did – buy me a drink, Yank – O.K., what will you drink – Champaign – Did you say champaign – Hey waiter, bring a bottle of champaign – Did you say two and half pounds – good God, man –that’s ten bucks ---never mind, babe – you’ll drink beer and like it. We all got drunk and really had a good time. Three of the fellows had girls, and as it turned out all three of them were Greek. When they didn’t want us to know what they were saying, they spoke in Greek. You should have heard them cuss the boys out when they wouldn’t buy them champaign (am I spelling that right). And you should have heard them discussing the “finer” points of their respective men – and how much they were going to charge the boys to stay the night with them. Boy, even I was blushing and I had a hard time not saying anything. Just before we got ready to leave, I called the waiter over and started to talk to him --- in Greek. I’ll never forget the looks on the faces of the “girls” --- you should have seen their eyes bugging out, and looking at each other trying to remember what they had said to each other. I’ll bet I laughed for a solid half hour. Gosh it was really funny. They were so astounded that they could hardly talk. At any rate they only charged the fellows half of what they had decided on in Greek. I guess I should be ashamed of myself, but I must say my Greek came in very handy all through my vacation. Greek is practically the second language down there, and Alexandria is practically a Greek town. There isn’t much to say for the next day – we just toured around town sight-seeing. We spent the evening touring the night-clubs -- The Troc, Arizona, Dolls, and a few others. The floor shows stink, but we really got a kick out of them. Most of the girls were fat and ugly, but there were a few beauties. There were several really good acrobatic acts. The bands are pretty good second raters. The whiskey fairly good, and the food delicious. We got stinko—naturally! I guess that’s enough for tonight – tomorrow it gives with Alexandria. I love you darling – Love, Ang
January 26. Had dentist appt today. Met Mom and JJ for dinner and a show. A very nice evening. Bed by 11:45. January 27. Worked today. Met Mom & we shopped. Exhausted so napped in P.M. To movies with Martha. Bed by 1:30. Very tired. Form 5. Jan 27, ____ flight as navigator, B-25J, 1:05h [I assume this was the practice flight Ang mentions in his 1/27 letter. He starts the letter on the 27th and finishes it on the 30th, saying "I had to go on a practice mission for a couple of hours—and it would up lasting 3 days."] [Letter. Postmark 1/31/45.] 1/27/45 Corsica Hello Darling: I’ve just discovered that I’m a day behind in dates again, so just push the dates on the last two letters up a day. I don’t know why I get so screwed up on dates—it’s probably just that I have no reason for keeping track of them—I guess. In one of your last letters you said that you had made no plans for my homecoming on my birthday—and you are a very wise girl for it. Frankly, this trip of mine has set me back considerably, and I can’t see how I can make it by then. Of course, the way the Russians are going, the damn war may be over by then. Just don’t give up hope sweetheart, I’ll make it home one of these days. Frankly, if I didn’t love you so much, and if just the thought of seeing you again didn’t make me almost crazy, I doubt that I’d have any desire to get to the states before the war ended. Don’t be alarmed, it’s just that I got a look at what the states are like while was at Cairo—wearing ties and the rest of the “C.S.” and it almost scared me to death. I sure go for this free and easy life. As I said before though, don’t be alarmed—free and easy life or not, I’d still give anything I have for a few minutes with you. 1/30/45 I was interrupted at this place and here I am again—three days later. I had to go on a practice mission for a couple of hours—and it would up lasting 3 days. Reason and place are military secrets—but I can say it was a hell-hole—and I almost froze to death. When I got back, I had your letters of the 13, 14, 15 & 16th. So you are now a treasurer—nice going honey! I’m really proud of the way you’ve been carrying on. If I have ever said anything (and I have) about giving up any of your activities—I’m sorry—I only thought you might be wearing yourself out. You seemed so happy and contented in those four letters—that I had to laugh out loud—in pleasure and relief. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—it really is wonderful the way you have taken my being over here. It makes everything so easy for me, and—oh well, I’m just very pleased and proud with, and of you—and I love you, I love you—really I do—you’re a sweetheart. Doggone it—I’ll say it again—I love you! (Once more) I love you honey—Love, Ang  From Ang's scrapbook. Tickets and menus from trip to Egypt, January 1945. January 28. Didn’t get up til late and to late Mass. Went thru’ trunk then sewed in P.M. Wrote letters in evening. Had dinner out. 11:30 January 29. Didn’t work very hard this day—Had installation dinner—very nice time. To bed by 11:30. January 30. Payday—at long last. Worked steady but not hard. Wrote letters and did laundry. To bed by 11:00 January 31. Worked awfully hard today—and steady too. Had a Board meeting at Ruth Fl..i..s [Flinn’s?]. Rained all PM Form 5. Jan 29, ____ flight as navigator, B-25J, 3:10h Form 5. Jan 29, ____ flight as navigator, B-25J, 1:40h Form 5. Jan 30, ____ flight as navigator, B-25J, 1:20h [See Ang's 1/27 letter. Nice that he got credit for these flights. Too bad we don't know where they went! These might have been a training mission for new crews who were arriving.]  Flight log. Mission #60. January 31, 1945. Form 5. Jan 31, ____ flight as navigator, B-25J, 3:55h [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION #60] #60. 1/31/45. Rovereto Gun Positions. Chaff. Heavy, intense, & Accurate. 5 planes holed. 2 men injured. Hit bridge in center. G.A. Horton, G.P. Davis 100% [The two injured men were on a different plane. From the 486th BS diary: "Again a mission to Roveretto in the Brenner Pass. Unfortunately two men were struck by flak – Lt. Eddy and Sgt. Kingsbury – We are very unhappy to report such bad news but we wish them the best possible recovery. Bombs were dropped directly across the R.R. bridge and the Sq made 100%. Lt. Harbough had his hydraulics shot up and had to land tail dragging. He used excellent judgment when he saw he could not stop at the end of the runway by revving up his right engine to spin completely about, thus averting an accident off the end of the field."]  From Ang's scrapbook. Labeled "60" on back.  Ang. Looking rugged? [Letter. Postmark 2/2/45.] 1/31/45 Corsica Hi Hon: It’s taken me an hour to get past the “Hi Hon” –too many interruptions. In regards to one of your questions—yes, I do have my folks address as your address. I’ll have it changed in the morning. The picture I enclosed was taken by the squadron photographer. I look kind of rugged, don’t I—and that mustache looks even worse. However it’s in full bloom now—the ends are beginning to curl up—it will really knock you for a loop when you see it. Yep, I’ve decided to keep it, until you see it. Now, don’t get excited, I’ll shave it off immediately after that. Personally, it’s getting to be a nuisance—it gets in my coffee. I’ve spent so many hours dreaming and thinking of the look on your face when you saw it, that I’ve swore I’d put up with it until then. By the way, the general decorated me (and 50 others) yesterday—I got the D.F.C.—Air Medal and 5 clusters—that’s not bad for a starter. They’re real pretty like—I’ll send them to you tomorrow with the purse, trinkets and souveniers that I picked up in Egypt. I love you darling—Love, Ang
0 Comments
 Betty with her mother and sister, Los Angeles, January 7, 1945. Betty, Margaret, Peg. For Betty, 1945 starts with her nephew's birthday. Joe Fairchild arrives in time for the birthday, though not for the birthday cake -- I assume he was on leave from the Navy. The Fairchilds left on the 12th. I think they stopped to visit in Chicago on their way to the East Coast. Also on the 12th, Betty mentions seeing Mrs. Henthorn (George Henthorn was Ang's tent mate for a while) and that she's now treasurer of the wives club. Ang has his dates messed up throughout the month. I know from the group and squadron diaries that there are many stand down days in January, but Ang gets in missions 58 and 59 on the 4th and 9th. He reports that Arne Bylund (pilot of his first crew and first tent mate) and George Henthorn (also a pilot and Ang's 3rd tent mate) are finished and have left for home. On the 8th and 11th, Ang mentions he'll probably be going on R&R - headed to Cairo. He says he'll write when he gets there, but doesn't write again until after he returns from R&R. Monday January 1. To late Mass. Jr. left about 2:30. Had Donny’s cake at noon. Joe arrived about 6:00. Good to see him. Bed 12:00 January 2. Worked hard today. Ugh. Everyone tired at home & office. Home in evening. Laundry etc. Took tree down. Bed 11:30 January 3. Another hard day—golly. No mail. To Marians for dinner—had real nice time. She drove me and luggage home. 11:30. [Letter. Postmark 1-4-45.] [12- crossed out; 1/3/44 crossed.] 1/3/45 Corsica Hello Hon: Gosh, I sure am having trouble with that date—first the month and then the [date-crossed out] year (boy, I am having trouble). You’ll just have to excuse me—we have just finished eating some of the stuff we got for Christmas. I cleaned up last night—and he’s [Henthorn] cleaning up tonight—and being very obvious about it—if you know what I mean. Without saying a word, he is definitely hinting that I should help him. Ha, that’s a joke. As I’ve told you, he’s all finished and is waiting for his orders—and is as happy as a lark. I sure get a kick out of him. This shack is a rat race—and I mean rats—millions of them, all over the shack. He’s even more afraid of them than I am –and you should see us when there is rat running around here—its really a scream. The other day we decided to get a cat—so we got one—and it was biggest mistake of our lives. She lays quietly in a corner for hours until we completely forget about her. Then suddenly she smells a rat—and whoosh—she’s across the floor after him—and Henthorn and I hit the ceiling. The other night she was up on the shelf sleeping—and I was on my sack dozing. I guess she smelled a mouse because she gave a terrific leap—landed on my stomach and shot across the room. If my hair is gray when I get home—believe me, it’s not the war that’s done it. God, she sure scared the daylights out of me. I must give her credit for being quite a mouser though—she sure gets them. As soon as she gets rid of the mice though—out she goes. My old heart just won’t stand it much longer. It’s a good thing she doesn’t stay here all night. She stays willingly all day but about 11 o’clock she starts raising hell until we let her out. I strongly suspect her of an affair with a big, black tom cat that belongs to one of the enlisted men. He (the tom cat) insists on getting out at 11 o’clock too—sooo. . . ! Oh well, as long as she catches rats. I don’t think that you should send me too many more packages, darling. They take about two months to get here—and I really think two months will be my limit here—I hope. I know what you are going to say, so I’d better make a request anyway. Please send me some magazines—film—and a few other things that I usually need. Its getting pretty chilly in this part of the world—and I sure am glad I moved down in this shack. It’s nice and tight and warm. It really is comfortable. I have 57 missions now—really getting up in this world. I love you sweets---Love, Ang January 4. Sure am putting in some hard days this week. To Higgins for dinner - finally met Jim. Lots of mail from Ang. Late.  Form 5. Jan 4, flight as navigator, B-25J, 3:55h [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION #58.] 58 1/4 Motta Di Livezza RR Bridge Heavy, Intense & inaccurate 2 ships holed Did not drop J.D. Smith F.J. Gowiski January 5. Worked like a dog today—sure am tired. Mr. S for dinner, so to movie with kids. So to bed late again. [Letter. Postmark 1-9-45.] 1/5/45 Corsica Hello Darling: It’s too bad the mail situation is screwed up on both sides of the ocean. From your last letter, it doesn’t sound like you’ve been getting your mail regularly either. Mine is beginning to trickle through two at a time—yesterday I got one (yours) of the 5th and one of the 25th. Oh well, as long as I get some. Arne has left—I guess he’ll have his bambino on his knee pretty soon. He got all his orders sooner that he expected. I sure am glad for him. It was really getting him, sitting around here the way he was. That’s one of the reasons I’m so glad that we didn’t “start” a family before I left. I think I would be a raving maniac by now. On the other hand, maybe it would have been a good idea. You could have had the brat housebroken, etc, by the time I got back home. By the way, that gives me another idea. Somewhere maybe you could find the time to visit the doctor and have yourself checked for things like that. I mean, could you have a baby—if you could, would it be O.K for you to have one---Oh damn it, honey-you know what I mean. I’ll be darned if I don’t think I’m blushing a little bit—how do you like that? As I’ve said, my plans are hardly concrete—but when I get home I don’t want to waste anytime—get me? I love you darling—Love, Ang January 6. Worked until nearly one PM. Marian drove me home tho. No Club but to U.S.O. Wrote some letters. Bed 1:00 January 7. Up about 9:30 and to 12:00 Mass. Took some snaps and had dinner at Bar BeCu. Wrote letters in evening. Bathed - bed at 12:00 Form 5. Jan 7, flight as "other", B-25D, 1:45h [There is no mission listed in the squadron diary and note that this was not a B25J as usual. I'm guessing it was a practice flight on the same type of B25 they would fly to R&R in Egypt. See my photos below of me with a B-25D.] [Letter. Postmark 1/10/45.] 1/7/45 Corsica Hi Darling: Got yours of the 11 & 24 today. As I told you in the last letter, they are coming in two’s now. I guess they will catch up one of these days. Henthorn has left me now too—he should be seeing you one of these days. Boy, it’s getting to be that I’m the old man of the squadron. I see them come and I see them go. Oh well, my turn will come one of these days. At worst, the war can’t last forever—or can it? Don’t worry dear, I won’t try to surprise you when I come home. When I get to about 5 missions from finishing, I’ll write you and you can quit your job (with two weeks notice) and head for Chicago. It will take me about a month to finish those last five missions and get orders—and three-four weeks to get home. It takes about two weeks for my letters to reach you—you give two weeks notice—and that gives you 3-4 weeks to get to Chicago. That’s giving us a large leeway—but as I’ve said before, I don’t want to waste any time. I love you darling—Love, Ang January 8. No entry [Letter. Postmark 1/10/45. Letter misdated as '44.] 1/8/44 Corsica Hello Darling: My conscience has been bothering me a little bit—so I guess I’d better sit right down and write plenty of letters. Boy, I guess I owe just about everyone. I guess I’m just a bad boy—that’s all there is to it. I guess the doc feels that I need another rest—because I have been informed to get ready for another little trip. This time it’s off to Cairo and vicinity (Alexandria, Jerusalem? etc)—I hope! I don’t know just when I’m going but I thought I’d warn you so if you don’t get any mail for a couple of days, you’ll know what’s happened. I don’t especially want to go on this trip—I’d rather stick around and fly—but who am I to argue. Oh well, I guess I might as well see as much of the world as I can while I’m over here. I doubt that I’ll have any desire to see any part of it outside of the city limits of Chicago when this war is over. Cairo is supposed to be quite a deal—I guess just about everybody speaks English. There are plenty of night clubs (honest to goodness floor shows) and just about everything else one could desire. I should have a good time. I’ve been saving my color film—and this should be a perfect place to use it. I guess when I’ve finished this trip, I’ll have seen everything this part of the world has to offer. Lets see, I’ve visited Casablanca, Algiers, Naples, Capri, Rome, Sicily—and now this trip. If I can get to Athens and the French Riviera someday, I ought to be an authority. This war sure has done funny things to people—hasn’t it? Darling, are you sure you are not overdoing it on all these activities of yours? You sound like you are being worked to death. I hate to say it (who am I to bitch about something like that) but your letters to me are falling off—in length and content. I was willing to let you go to work, and join all those other things you joined—but I do think you are overdoing it right now. There is no sense in wearing yourself out in trying to keep yourself busy. I’m not bawling you out, but, really honey, one good, long, long letter from you is worth a lot more to me than the 100-or 125 dollars you earn. I’m not telling you to quit your job or give up any of your activities, but I do think you ought to slow down a small dab. I guess you know what you are doing; I just thought I’d stick my two bits worth in this letter, because I have been worrying a little bit about you lately. I don’t know why, I just have—probably because you sound so pooped in your letters. I’m sorry if I’ve hurt your feelings—I didn’t mean to—it’s just my fatherly instinct coming up. I love you darling---Love, Ang January 9. Am taking tom. off so worked hard today. Went down to show after dinner. Had a lovely birthday dinner for A[??unable to read].  Form 5. Jan 9, flight as navigator, B-25J, 2:45h [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION #59.] 59 1/9 Palazzola RR Bridge Center of Bridge 100% No flak J.D. Smith, F.J. Gowiski 7OLC [The crew list (see Official Documents tab) was dated the 6th which was crossed out and changed to the 8th, but lists Smith & Gowiski as crew with Ang. The 340th history says no mission on the 6th and mission on the 8th was scheduled but cancelled due to weather. The order for the OLC can be viewed under the Awards tab.]  From Ang's scrapbook. Labeled "59" on back. I haven't found a target photo on the 57thBW site, but the 340th diary for this date mentions The "Palazzola rail bridge was also effectively bombed." The 486th BS diary reported: A mission today that paid all the way. Another bridge crumbled to the chant of “Gott in Himmel.” January 10. Stayed home from work today while kids went shopping. They had company in evening. Bed about 12:00. [Letter. Postmark 1/12/45] 1/10/45 Corsica Hello Darling: I’m throwing my hat thru the door—please don’t throw it out---I promise to be a very good boy from now on. Ish-ish---my head is bowed and my cheeks are burning with shame—oh, woe is me! I think you know what I’m talking about—if you don’t –I’m referring to that last letter of mine. It seems to me that I said something about your letters being short in “length and content.” Ha-ha—of course you realize I was only kidding—ha, ha—of course you do—ha, ha. Oh me, I certainly wish I could recall it. Today (Oh, why did I send that letter) I received (I knew I shouldn’t have sent it) four letters from you—date Dec 19 (6 pages) (Don’t be mad at me honey), Dec. 24 (7 pages) (You probably hate me by now), Dec. 25 (6 pages) (Just remember that I love you), and Dec. 31 (9 pages) (Please don’t divorce me, I’ll be good from now on.) “Short in length and content”—ha! Do I feel like a damn fool. Maybe this shows why I try not to get excited or do things on the spur of the moment. I always regret it—it never fails. As I told you, the mail was all messed up over here—it was not coming in the order it was sent. For about two weeks I got nothing but two page letters from you—and of course little baby Angelo felt that he was being neglected. Oh me, why do such things happen to me? Please forgive me sweetheart. I really do love you so very much. It certainly was news—wonderful news—about Benny coming to see you. Just like an extra Christmas present. You must have felt like I did when I saw Bud over here. That ole crowd of ours is sure split into all parts of world—isn’t it? I’m going to drop him a line as soon as I finish this letter. So Frankie made it home for the New Years. Doggone it, I think I’m even happier about the fact that he finally got home, than I will be about my own home coming. He certainly had a leave at home coming to him. And, as you suggest, it ought to do both of the Grand-mas a world of good. I certainly was happy to see that letter of his. I can imagine how excited you must have been—seeing Benny and Jr. and knowing that Frankie was in the states—all at about the same time. You were probably jumping around worse than Donny. And then the phone call from Joe—wow, I bet that apartment is in an uproar. Come to think about it, I’m a little excited about it all myself. I don’t suppose you meant that your mother might go to Chicago for good—did you? It certainly would be nice if she did—ha! Now don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t want you to influence her—not much! Yep, Cahills mother gave you the right poop about how and when we quit. However, we usually have a pretty good idea about when it’s coming, so I’ll give you plenty of warning. Of course if Mother is staying in L.A. you’d better stay with her as long as you can and help keep her company. However, is she’s going to Chicago for a visit, you’d better pack up and go with her and stay there. I can just about promise to finish up before 1st of March, so you’d have to leave for Chicago by the time she got back, and that would be kind of silly. I guess that’s all the poop for now. I love you. Love, Ang [Letter. Postmark 1/12/45. Letter is again misdated as 44.] 1/11/44 Corsica Hello Darlling: Or should I say goodbye darling—because I’ll soon be on my way to you know where. I’ll write as soon as I get there, and you should get a couple of letters from me while I’m there. Do you know what—I’m a little excited about this trip. And the reason for it is that I’ll be able to see a good floor show (so the boys tell me). It’s kind of silly, but I really do have a craving for one. I’ll probably clap myself silly at the acrobats and roll in the aisles at the comedians. I did write to Benny yesterday, and I also wrote to Bud—the folks—Corsons. My conscience was bothering me. I got the orders for my D.F.C. today. I’m really beginning to get some color on my blouse—ha! I love you darling—Love, Ang January 11. Had to work hard today. To bank at noon for kids money. They’re leaving tomorrow. Helped pack in evening. 11:00. January 12. Worked like mad today - dashed home then to station with kids. To Off Club with Mrs. Henthorne - very nice. I’m treas.! Form 5. Jan 12, flight as navigator, B-25D, 8:10h [Most likely the flight(s) to R&R in Egypt. The form indicated 2 landings and a total of 8 hours. In his book "Truth Flies with Fiction," Dale Satterthwaite describes his June 1944 R&R trip to Cairo and Alexandria. He says it's 1700 miles "as the crow flies" and mentions a segment from Benghazi to Cairo.] January 13. Worked today but didn’t accomplish much. Out to U.S.O. but didn’t need me so to movie. Read in evening. Late. January 14. To late Mass. Then downtown to movie. Mr. S. took us out to dinner. Did some sewing—To bed by 12:00. January 15. No mail today—nuts. Marian drove me home. sure wish work would let up a bit. To bed by 12:00. Form 5. Jan 15, flight as navigator, B-25D, 1:05h [Probably Cairo to Alexandria. In his letters about the R&R trip, he says they were in Cairo for two days.]
|
AuthorJoni Adams Sesma, daughter of Angelo and Elizabeth Adams. Ang served on Corsica with the 57th Bomb Wing, 340th Bomb Group, 486th Bomb Squadron. April 1944-April 1945. Archives
July 2017
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed