 Ken Murray's Blackouts of 1942. This was a popular Vaudeville-type of show at the El Capitan Theater on Vine St that played from 1942-49. Betty mentions going to show on Thanksgiving. Program found in Betty's files. Stand downs for the rest of November, either due to weather or for Thanksgiving Day. Betty continued with work, Thanksgiving preparations, USO, sewing, and other usual activities. After Thanksgiving dinner, she attends a show at Blackouts. She doesn't mention her November 27 birthday at all, but Ang sends birthday wishes in a letter. She mentions pasting photos in an album -- oh how I wish I knew where that album ended up! Betty must have mentioned talking to, or maybe visiting, Tom Cahill's mother. In his November 29th letter, Ang says "Its too bad Cahill’s grandmother had to get sick. I haven’t said anything to him because maybe they don’t want him to know about it." Betty notes a visit to Cahill's in her November 30th diary entry. Tom's brother, Jack Cahill, was KIA on November 21, but they don't know this yet. Thursday, November 23. [Thanksgiving.] Had a lovely day—Herm in also had 2 servicemen. Late dinner. Then to Blackouts. Good show—bed by 12:30. [Letter. Postmark 11-24-44 11/23/44 Corsica Happy Thanksgiving hon: I’m sorry I didn’t send you Thanksgiving greetings a couple of weeks ago—but you know how I am about holidays. I didn’t even think about it until yesterday when it was announced that we would only have two meals instead of three today, so the cooks would have time to prepare the big meal. And, a big meal its going to be—Turkey & trimmings—nuts—fresh fruit—apple pie & ice cream. One of the boys is going to take the ice cream up to 15-16,000 ft—to freeze—that’s one way of doing it—the only way out here. Thanks for the card you sent me, hon. The[y] also got a load of Scotch today, and it will be available after dinner. What a drunken outfit this is going to be tonight—whoopie. I don’t think I’ve had a drink since Capri—so I guess I’ll let go for today and whoop it up. After all—it is a holiday. Its holidays like this that kind of get me down for awhile—you know, kind of homesick. However, I don’t feel too badly today as yet. I guess maybe I’m becoming resigned to my fate or something. I love you darling—Love, Ang November 24. Sure on a merry-go-round today. Marian left about 3:30. To Officers Meeting in evening. Bed by 12:15. Dead. Form 5. -24, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 1:45h [standown] November 25. Got along OK today at office. Napped in P.M. To USO in evening. Bot pair black shoes. Bed 11:30. [Letter. Postmark 11-26-44.] 11/25/44 Corsica Hi Hon: Your last few letters seem to be filled with checking account woes—and I’m afraid its mostly my fault. I meant to send you the Sept statement that they sent me—and forgot to do it. However I did tell you that I got it—the last receipt for 500. and gave you the balance for that month—maybe you didn’t get that letter. Anyway, I’m sending the whole thing to you in a separate letter. The balance as of Sept 23 was $2,127.46. Since that time I wrote a check for two hundred and the one to the U. of I.—both of which you said were included in your last statement. Since then I have written a check for $300—and that is the total of my activities. So, that should leave the balance at around $1,600.00—plus or minus your withdrawls & deposits. I hope that helps you a little. I’m sorry that I got you and the bank all screwed up. All I asked for was a statement of total after the deposit of the last 500.00—and they sent me the regular monthly statement. I’ll never ask them for anything again. By the way, the major said we might make the trip to Athens one of these days—so its on again. I went to the post office and had M.O. made out to myself. That way I can keep the money with me, and in case he makes up his mind in a rush—all I have to do is go to the P.O. and cash them. If I never go—I’ll just endorse them and send them to the bank. I wish he would make up his mind. What a thanksgiving we had—it was just about as perfect as it could be considering where we were celebrating it. As I told you, we had dug up several bottles of American whiskey (at 20.00 a bottle) and we all started drinking after dinner. Everybody, and I mean everybody, became pleasantly stewed. There were very few that overdid it—most of us were just in a pleasant mood—you know what I mean. We dug up a squeeze box—and had a jam session & community sing until the late hours. Its wonderful how much enjoyment a bunch of men can get out of a simple evening like that. First there are several popular songs to mellow everybody up—then somebody sings a dirty song or two to liven things up—then a drink or two & start all over again. I certainly did enjoy myself—even joined in on the singing after a few drinks. I love you darling—Love Ang November 26. To 12:00 Mass. Peg & I wrapped Xmas packages & pasted photo album. Some sewing in evening. Bed 11:00. November 27. Worked like a demon today—shopped at noon & also after work. Sewed on green dress in evening. To bed by 11:30. [Letter. Postmark 11-28-44.] 11/27/44 Corsica Happy Birthday, Darling: Darn it, all these holidays coming at one time—are going to have me in tears. I’ve been laying around most of the day thinking about your birthday—remembering past ones and what we did on them. I had one of my few dreams last night—one of the few that I remember. I was on my way to pick you up to take you to see Barrymore in a play. All of a sudden—the roads were blocked with thousands of Germans and they wouldn’t let me thru. I got mad and so they started shooting at me. I ran around the corner and found me a well equipped American Army [don’t ask me where they came from—they were just there.) I ordered them forward and we had a terrific battle—it really was a beaut. At any rate—bloody (I was wounded 14 time) but triumphant I fought my way to your house and took you to the theatre. I remember you had a hat with about a dozen big plumes on it—but for some reason I didn’t mind. Then we went to the College Inn—and guess who was M.C.—Bob Hope—and Joe Sanders’ orchestra. Then we went to your house and sat on the stairs. At any rate—happy birthday sweetheart—I love you something terrific today—even more than usual. I never thought I was very sentimental—but on days like this I guess I’m just a blubbering little baby crying for his wifey. I love you honey—Love, Ang. November 28. Well, got through another day. Worked awhile after hours. Then to Officers Wives dinner. Nice time—home early. 11:30. November 29. Another busy day. Got our checks. Mr S for dinner. Peg & I to movies. Form 5. -29, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 1:15h [There's a crew sheet dated November 29, but according to the diary, "Stand-down called after crews had arrived at briefing.] [Letter. Postmark 12-1-44.] 11-29-44 Corsica Hi Hon: Its too bad Cahill’s grandmother had to get sick. I haven’t said anything to him because maybe they don’t want him to know about it. Tch, tch—what a wife I have—sending me a bunch of blank checks—you should know better than that. Anyway, you were paid a nice compliment because of it. I was at dinner when I opened the letter and pulled the checks out. One of the boys stared at them and said “What a wife you’ve got—that’s the kind of woman I want to marry.” I must say, your faith in me is very touching—and I love you for it. I’ve found out the approximate location of Buds outfit—so one of these days I’ll head over and see him again. There still isn’t any new poop on a trip to Athens—but I’ll get there one of these days. I am serving as a navigator now—I’m sorry, I thought that I told you. I certainly do confuse you, don’t I? I don’t mean to, but it is kind of hard to word a letter so its covered by censorship rules. The mail situation is getting all messed up again—so I guess it is all over because of the Christmas mail. I wish my textbooks would get here, so I could start on the courses and have something to do. I’m getting into such a rut for want of something to do. I’ve read just about everything in camp—and I’ve already made out my Christmas cards—that proves something. I love you darling—Love, Ang November 30. Warmish today. Sent Johnny’s birthday package. To Cahills and had a very nice evening. Bed about 12:30.  Hard to ID these planes, but this gives a sense as to why they called stand downs during bad weather. It wasn't just the clouds over targets. Imagine taking off or landing in the mud.
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The orders and official citation for Ang's Distinguished Flying Cross Award have the date as November 22, 1944 but on the order Ang wrote that it should be 11/18 which is the date of his mission to Novaska (or Novska) Yugoslavia. His mission on November 22 was to Faenza. I don't have an explanation of this discrepancy except that I've learned that "100% Accuracy" in the Army seems to be more of a goal than a reality. In any case, Ang wrote "DFC" on his log book page for 11/18; the order and citation say it was for a mission to Novska; and the Group and Squadron diaries mention a mission to Novska on the 18th. And so, I'm posting all this material here. He finally received the medal in January 1945. He doesn't mention the mission in his 11/18 letter. It may have been written before the mission flew. Note that this is another letter that was not received by Betty until January.
Saturday, November 18. Off today—downtown with Peg. To USO in P.M. for Wives Club. Then hostess duties. Home by 9:00. Wrote Ang & to bed. Form 5. -18, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 4:40h [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION #48.] 48. Nov. 18. Novska, Yugo R.R. Bridge. No flak [R.E. Jardine, W.E. Barnard]
 Last page of 11/18 letter, showing stamp; with envelope. [Letter. Postmark 11/20, “1-22-45 OK” written on envelope and stationary stamped Jan 8 1945] 11/18/44 Hi Hon: Well, the trip is off for awhile. This damn on again-off again of the army gets me down. Oh well, there isn’t much I can do about it. I am going though—sometime. I guess I’ll go down to the post office and send the money back to the bank. I sure am giving them a terrific amount of business lately, but there is no sense in my carrying all that money if I don’t go for a month or so. I don’t know if I told you—but Arne is back on flying again—has to fly more missions. It sure gets me mad—but such is war and the army—and he might still make it home for Christmas yet. As I’ve told you, I’ve got a lot of lessons on the correspondence courses, but I still haven’t got the text books so I can’t do very much. I wish they’d get here—I’m anxious to start. I haven’t taken any pictures with the film you sent me as yet—but I think I’ll get started this afternoon. There is no sense in it just laying around. I wonder how many rolls uncle George sent me? In case you need another request—Please send me some film—size V-127 or Kodacolor C-127. Does that sound official enough? It looks like I’ll definitely be home for my birthday now—so you can plan accordingly. I love you—Love, Ang November 19. To Mass at 12:00. Read papers - then to movies. Bot Bar Be Que home for dinner. Wrote letters in evening. November 20. Mr Latimer back—worked hard all day. Another package from Rome. Addressed cards & wrote letters. Bed 11:00. Form 5. -20, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 2:00h [Squadron diary indicates no mission this day. "A dreary day, no mission." In his letter, Ang writes that he flew on this day and got lost, so it's likely it was a practice mission.] [Letter. Postmark 11-22-44.] 11/20/44 Corsica Hi Hon: I got your letter of Nov. 2—and all I’ve got to say is “Et tu Brutus.” Imagine—agreeing with the doctors. I suppose you know that every week I spend on rest—I loose a couple of missions and have to stay over here so much longer. Oh well, as you say, I guess the doctors know what they are doing. I got a kick out of Margies letter and your comments about it. I guess maybe we did hold them back all last year. I guess that’s the only way to get ahead in this army, and that’s why I wouldn’t want to stay in it—not being able to do it, I mean. My face is still burning—I got lost on a routine flight today. Being a little cocksure—I threw my maps aside and when we came out of a bank of clouds—there I was (or wasn’t). As I said—is my face red. Don’t worry, hon, I’m far from being careless on a mission—this was far behind the front lines. Even so, I don’t think I’ll ever live it down. I also got your latest snapshot—mailed I think, on the ninth. You do look kind of awkward—but even so, still good enough to eat. Darn it, hon, I sure get a terrific kick out of every new snapshot you send—but they also give me a few bad hours. Keep on sending them hon. I got a couple of boxes of Christmas cards today—so I’ll send them out to everybody. You send yours too, but I thought a few of them would like to get one from this side of the water. I love you darling—Love, Ang November 21. Ordinary day - worked steadily. Shopped after work. Had light supper. Worked on bk statement - ugh. To bed by 11:30. Form 5. -21, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 3:50h [We have a crew sheet dated 11-21-44, but the diaries indicate no missions. The crew sheet shows Ang as Navigator on 6X. It's likely these are the crews that flew on the 22nd -- the pilot and bombardier names match Ang's 11/22 log. I don't have a crew sheet dated the 22nd, but the diaries show all of the 340th squadrons flew on the 22nd. See below] November 22. Worked like mad today. Home from work. Just snack supper. Worked on dinner for tomorrow. Bed 11:45. Form 5. -22, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 2:25h [Note that the DFC citation gives the date as Ang's November 22 mission, but should be the November 18 mission to Yugoslavia.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION #49.] 49. Nov. 22 Faenza Troop Concentrations. Frags. Heavy, Moderate, Accurate---- 2 ships holed [D.V. Wheeler, F.B. Sedach] [From the 340th diary: "Faenza defense area number two was thoroughly carpeted with fragmentation bombs by the 340th today, and personnel and stores there were undoubtedly hard hit."]
 The Distinguished Flying Cross Citation. The date and description of the mission may not be 100% accurate, but the description of Lt. Adams is accurate. "His outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."
During this middle part of November 1944, Ang writes again to Betty about his hopes for making a trip to see his grandmother in Greece. He doesn't talk much about the weather, but we know from the 340th BG histories that there were many stand downs during November. Sometimes planes would take off for a mission and have to return due to weather. Sometimes they wouldn't even get off the ground. I believe this explains the flights listed on Ang's Form 5 that are not recorded in his personal log book. In his letters, Ang tells Betty he received his lessons from the University but no books; and discusses his hoped for visit to Greece; receipt of the infamous "Five Generation" picture (see my 8/2/2016 post, "Five Generations: A Moment in Time."); a Christmas package Betty sent that included a wreath they hung at their window. Betty continues working, helping out at the USO, attending Wives Club meetings and talks about luggage and storage. I'm not sure what that's about other than perhaps trying to make room in a cramped apartment. Friday, November 10. It surely did rain today - golly. To USO to have pass made. Lost a whole evening. Read for while. Bed 12:00  Ang's November 10, 1944 letter that wasn't received until February 1945. Betty must have been amazed to read the line, "Did I tell you that the mail is really coming thru on time again. Seven-eight days--praise the lord." [Letter. Postmark 11-11. “OK 2-16-45, written in ink on the outside of this envelope. The letter was stamped Feb 3 1945, Los Angeles] 11/10/44 Corsica Hi Hon: Did I tell you that I finally got the camera—it sure is about time. I also got the two boxes of cookies and the whole camp wants to thank you. Say, if you made them, you not only are improving, but you are already an expert. I don’t know what to do with the colored film. I guess I’ll save it until I get ready to come home and bring it with me. If you can get anymore of it, I sure can get some beautiful shots with it. I guess I might as well make it a formal request—send me some film. I also got my first lessons from the Univ. However, I haven’t received my textbooks yet, so I can’t get started. I hope they get here soon, because I sure would like to get going. Did I tell you that the mail is really coming thru on time again. Seven-eight days—praise the lord. Yes, we do have the tent pretty well winterized now—its pretty comfortable. It’s a good thing too, because winter is sure coming along. I don’t guess it really ever gets cold (not like Chicago) but just enough to be uncomfortable. I’ve gotten a couple of pair of “winters” from Q.M.—so I’m all fixed up. Say, hon, on your Xmas list—don’t forget my Godson and my Godparents. Sorry to add to your troubles, but I can’t very well forget them. I’ll bet you do have your troubles with that list. I don’t know what to do with all the baby’s—as usual—I’ll have to leave it up to you—Sorry! I love you darling—Love, Ang November 11. Sewed all A.M. and odds & ends. Cleaned up & out to U.S.O. Rained all evening. Folks picked me up—thank goodness. Early.  Flight log. Mission #46. November 11, 1944. Form 5. -11, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 3:40h [Crew sheet under "Official Documents" tab. Photo from Ang's scrapbook below.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION #46] 46. Nov. 11. Piazzola R.R. Bridge. Heavy, scant & inaccurate. Span down. [J.D. Smith, Capt D.J. Satterthwaite, F.J. Gowiski]  From Ang's scrapbook. "46" written on back. Mission 46. [Letter, postmark 11-13-44] 11-11-44 Corsica Hello Honey: Just as I finished writing the date, it struck me that today was Armistace day—ha, what a joke. If you could only know what we did today. I guess that’s a dirty trick, knowing what your curiosity is like, but everything can be blamed on the censor. By the way, this letter is being written on the very nice writing folder you sent me, and I don’t believe that I thanked you for it. Thanks a lot, hon, it really comes in handy. It a relief to have something to keep all my writing materials in so I won’t have to hunt all over when I want to write a letter. The picture you enclosed—its still one of my favorites. I finally went to see another movie last night—“Bride by Mistake” or something like that. Its really very good, or else my sense of judgement has gone from bad to worse, because I sure got a kick out of it. I was sitting around with some of the boys that have been back to the states, and they were talking about the social errors they made. For instance “Pass that _____ butter” etc. Some of them were really funny. I bet I’m going to have a heck of a time for awhile when I get back. Over here, practically every third word is a cuss word. However, I know quite a few in Italian now, so maybe I can use those and it won’t be so bad. Still no deal on an Athens trip—but I’m still trying. So you’re going to see “Winged Victory”. All I’ve heard about it is good—mostly raving—so I’m sure you’ll like it. If its still around maybe I’ll take you to see it again—anyway, the picture. I love you darling—Love, Ang November 12. Up about 8:30—to 10:30 Mass. Herm in about noon and stayed all day. Nothing accomplished. To bed about 12:00. [Letter, postmark 11-15-44] 11/12/44 Corsica Hi Hon: Well, it looks like my Athens trip is in the bag—I’ve finally got the major interested in it and he’s quite an operator. It seems that the Greek girls he knew in Cairo were really hot stuff—so all I had to do was to assure him that Athens was chock full of them. I guess I’ll have to cash another check before I go though. If they are as bad off as the newspapers report them over there—I’d better go really loaded down. I plan on buying most of the stuff from Q.M.—such as several pair of long winter underwear for my uncle and cousins—a bunch of stockings etc—and maybe a couple of heavy jackets—the fur kind. I hope to stop in Naples and Rome and get something for my grandmother and aunt—maybe a couple of dresses—stockings—and several yards of material of some kind. I suppose it sounds kind of silly preparing to go loaded down like that—but from all I hear they need it bad. I’ve talked to several officers that have been there—and they say even the richest people are in rags. They say that they haven’t been able to buy a stich of clothing since the Germans took over. I guess all that stuff will cost quite a bit—but what the heck—we can call it our yearly good deed. I sure wish I knew what their sizes were—I could take them some shoes. However, I’m not on my way yet—so I’m not getting excited until I am. You know the army. Its going to feel kind of funny walking in on them—I hope I can remember enough greek to carry on. I wonder what they’re like—after all I don’t know much about them—for that matter, I don’t even know if they are all still alive. I hope they are not like most of these foreigners I’ve seen over here. What if my little cousin comes running yelling “cigarette, Johnny” or “Wanna woman, Johnny?”. By God, I think I’d shoot the little jerk. Oh well, there is no sense in working my imagination overtime—is there? I’m glad you like the pictures I had taken at Capri—that’s in answer to where I took them. Yes that is my dog tags—its more comfortable than around my neck. It’s the new style, over here. Thanks for the address book. Do you remember the article you sent me about the Chicago boy that came home from the wars? Well, just change the name and it will be my story when I come home—the no. of missions—the decorations—everything except the 21 days leave instead of 10. I love you darling—Love, Ang November 13. Mr. Latimer out of town - all week. Marian had car and drove me home. Wrote letters & bed by 11:30 November 14. Rainy again today, but cleared up. Marian picked up my luggage this evening. Peg & I to movies. And bed very late. [Letter, postmark 11-15-44.] 11-14-44 Corsica Hi Hon: I got your letter of the 31st today—with the picture of the five generations. So it's gone nationwide now, has it! Boy, the family is sure going up in the world. If I’d know it was going to get all that publicity, maybe I’d have gone to work and beat Peg and Joe to it—ha! Every time I look at that picture, I get a greater urge to see Donny. He sure is cute and I bet he and I are really going to get along. I’m sorry if I didn’t tell you about the check to the U. of I—I thought I had. By the way, I cashed a check for 300 bucks today, Wheeler cashed it for me—and its made out to Mrs. D. V. Wheeler. I know it’s a hell of a lot of money—and maybe I’m just getting excited for nothing—I hope I am. But they may really need a lot of help the way I hear it. If I have to spend all of it, I’ll mention it to Dad and Uncle George and maybe they’ll reimburse me for part of it. Jen wrote and said that they had received all the presents that I had sent from Rome—and she sure was plenty excited over the silk stockings. I guess they were all satisfied. They also got your grandmothers package and she was taking it over to her. I love you darling—Love, Ang  Five generations of Betty's family. May 1944. November 15. Nothing much doing today. Did some shopping after work. Washed head and wrote Ang in evening. Bed 11:30 Form 5. -15, flight as bombardier, B-25J, :30h [340th and 486th diaries report stand down on the 15th.] November 16. Shopped some more but didn’t accomplish anything. Mr. S’s birthday tom - had a cake. Wrote letters. Bed 11:30 Form 5. -16, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 2:40h [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION #47.] 47. Nov. 16. Faenza R.R. Bridge Heavy, intense & inaccuarate. Two ships holed. Span out of bridge. Jardine, Barnard [crew sheet under Official Documents tab.]  Flight log. Mission #47. November 16, 1944. [Letter. Postmark 11-18-44.]
11-16-44 Corsica Hi Hon: I got your Christmas package today—and because of it, our “home” is the most talked about in camp. We are the only ones who have a Xmas wreath hanging from our window. I might donate it to the officers mess a little later on, but for the moment I sort of enjoy the sensation our shack causes. Ha, just wait until the colonel pulls an inspection one of these days—we’ll probably get another cluster to the Air medal. I also appreciate the “Boy Scout” knife—it’s a beauty and a good knife comes in mighty handy over here. I noticed, though, the absence of such little things as lipsticks—etc. it’s a hell of a note when a mans wife won’t even send him a few seducing “tools”—ha! I know you—you want Bud to have all the fun. Thanks for everything, hon. By the way, we had no place for the little Xmas trees, so they decorate the top of the stove when its not in use. I haven’t mentioned the election in my letters, but not because I wasn’t interested. We just slobbered over every bit of news we could get. Remind me to tell you where I was when I got the first flash that Roosevelt was elected. I did tell you that I sent my ballot in, didn’t I? No, dear, you are not boring me with Donny’s going-ons—I get such a kick out [of] it—I really do! its almost as good as playing with him myself—with none of the “dangers” usually attached to such play. Believe me, not a single sentence of your letters bore me—not even on subjects that would have me tearing my hair out in the states. You would never believe the enjoyment we get from letters—especially the pleasure I get out of your letters. Enough of that stuff—you know what I mean. I love you darling—Love, Ang November 17. Worked pretty hard today and sure was tired. In traffic jam which made things worse. Officers Wives Club meeting.  From Ang's scrapbook. In his 11/1/44 letter, he mentions nose art on planes. This is Devil's Helper of the 486th Bomb Squadron. 100% accuracy refers to the 340th Bomb Group claim to bombing accuracy. It does not refer to the accuracy of mail delivery between Corsica and Los Angeles! Two of Ang's November letters were finally delivered in late January and February, 1945! He mentions that the incoming mail service was good, but later it’s slowed down again, and it stays that way through the holidays. Note that in previous months, the AAF Form 5 (Individual Flight Record. See them under the Official Documents tab.) listed flights with the date preceded by C (for Combat) or T (for training) but starting in November they only list the date. (So my notation for the November 6 mission is now Form 5. - 6 instead of Form 5. C-6) Also, there are more flights on the November Form 5 than Ang lists in his flight log. We can assume the "extra" ones were Administrative/Practice/Training Flights or scheduled flights that got cancelled or aborted after takeoff. On the other hand, he mentions a practice mission on November 1 which is not listed on his Form 5. Finally, the Form 5 lists him as Bombardier on his November flights, but the crew sheet copies I have from the 57th Bomb Wing, list him as Navigator. He tells Betty he's flying as Navigator in his 11/29 letter. Ang begins to mention his efforts to go to Greece to see his grandmother. I'm not sure which one he's referring to because both were still living. This plan never comes together. He seems to know how bad things were in Greece, but we now know it was much worse than he imagined, which is probably why they didn't let him go. It's a sad postscript to his war story. He finally made it back to Greece in the 1980's. Betty is busy helping her sister, Peg, with her son Donny. As usual, she's busy with work, and now has added the U.S.O and Officer’s Wives Club activities. Wednesday November. 1. To Mass this AM. My cold has developed a hacking cough! To movies in evening with Peg. Mr. S for dinner. Ang snaps from Capri. [Letter. Postmark, 11-4-44] 11-1-44 Corsica Hello Hon: I’m enclosing a few of the pictures I told you about. The censor said most of them were O.K. The three fellows are the enlisted men of our original crew. The other three are some of the “cute” pictures the boys paint on their ships. I’ve got about a dozen more—but I’ll send them in small bunches so we’ll be sure to have some of them. Be sure and save them all for me—I’ve got ideas about my den. Arne is still around sweating out his orders to go home. I sure hope he gets them in time to get home for Christmas. In case you are wondering which ship is mine in the pictures—they all are—I mean I ride them all. I know this is short honey, but I’ve got to go up on a practice mission. Maybe the pictures will make up for it. I love you darling—Love, Ang November 2. Overslept—and had everything go wrong this A.M. Another busy day at office. Wrote letters in evening—bed by 11:30. November 3. Very busy day at office. Sure am getting tired. Tried to write letters but not much accomplished. Bed late. [Letter, postmark 11-5-44] 11-3-44 Corsica Hello Darling: Just got your letter in answer to mine about Capri. When I stop to think about it, I guess I was a little gushy or something—but that’s the mood the place gave me. I thought that article you sent me was kind of cute—but as far as the Wacs are concerned—there weren’t any. If there were, the enlisted men sure kept them well hidden from the officers. Not that I blame them. As far as describing the blouse—you should know me better than that. However, I’ll give it a try. Its very light pink of material that shows thru (tch, tch)—short sleeves and beautiful designs (flowers) woven in all over. I thought it was very pretty. As far as getting table linens go—they really are wonderful over here, but the ones I like have prices way over a 1st Lts. pay. There was one set—completely hand made for $260. I believe it was well worth it, but - - -. Prices are swollen to the sky over here—and if you want anything really special you have to deal with the black market. For instance she would have gladly trade me the set for 50 lbs of sugar—but woe is me if I were caught. It just isn’t worth it. Its too bad I have a conscience because I sure could get rich over here. We can easily get 10 dollars a carton for cigarettes—but as I said - - -. I got a letter from Bud and it seems that he too visited Rome just about the time I did. Oh well, I’ll get to see him again one of these days. I love you darling—Love, Ang November 4. Helped Peg with laundry—downtown then to Servicemen Wives Club. Hostessed at U.S.O. in evening. Herm in L.B. November 5. Rainy all day & had storm in P.M. Loomis up in P.M. Sewed a little in evening. Washed head & laundry. Bed late. [Letter. Postmark 11-7-44] 11/5/44 Corsica Hello Hon: Excuse the pencil—out of ink. The enclosed picture is one that was sent to the Chicago papers just lately by the public relations office. I got a copy to send you just in case (as is probable) it won’t be put in the paper. You will notice the little article on the bottom—we’re not conceited—at least not very much. I figured the picture would let you know what a hot-rock your husband is—even if the rest of the world remains ignorant of the facts—ha! Anyway, it will give you an idea of the stuff that is being sent to the newspapers back home. As I’ve told you, the colonel is determined to let the whole world know that he has the “Best Damn Group There Is.” Just the other day we got another letter from Gen. Eakers giving us some more praise—and we were also put in for another Presidential Citation—and (so rumor has it) the French are going to award us the Croix De Guire (I guess that’s the way its spelled). So, there is just no holding the Colonel down. As far as your own hubby goes—he’s doing O.K. too. I guess I’ll have an Air Medal & 6-7 clusters and probably a D.F.C. before I come home—although at present I own nothing—everything is in channels or somewhere. I haven’t gotten any mail for the last two days—so not very many comments. I will write to Gail one of these days though. I love you hon—Love, Ang  This is probably the "article" and photo Ang mentions in his letter. "AT A 12TH AIR FORCE BASE: 1st Lt Angelo Adams Bombardier with a B-25 Mitchell Medium Bomber Group in the Mediterranean Theatre helped make bombing history when his Group piled up a record of 100% target hits in a full month of operations. Lt Adams’ home is at 1911 N. Francisco st., Chicago Ill."  Flight log. Mission #44. November 6, 1944. November 6. Clear but cool—at least no rain. Left work early and out to O’Briens. Herm there. Home at 12:00. Donny was an angel. Form 5. -6, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 3:45h [Crew sheet under Official Documents.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION #44.] 44. Nov. 6. Padua RR Bridge. Inaccurate flak. Bridge destroyed. [Led group. Capt. G.B. Thabault. Dozier. Capt V. Meyers] Form 5. -7, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 1:50h November 7. Home today. Up about 10:00. Took care of Donny. Did some sewing in P.M. Wrote letters in evening. Listened to radio. Bed 11:30. [Letter, must be misdated, postmark 11-9] 10/7/44 Corsica Hi Hon: I’ve just finished writing a letter to Gail—and I sure had a heck of a time trying to decide what to write to her. I finally got it finished—I know you’ll be glad to hear. This must be one of my writing days—because I’ve also written to the folks and probably will get a couple more off. I got your letter of the 30 Oct (fast service again, did I tell you) and found out about your cold. You know what my favorite cure is, but since I can’t give it to you, you’d better use orange juice. Now, don’t give me any trouble—just do as you’re told. I certainly was happy to hear about Frankie—it certainly is about time. I only hope he’s still there when I get home—I sure would like to see him. Yes, I did get Pegs letter—and I’m a dirty dog for not answering it. However, I will. I’m glad you got the package from Rome. The stamp on the back of the rosaries is of one [of] the biggest catacombs where I bought them. I hope it doesn’t take away the effect of them (the stamp, I mean). It shouldn’t because all the catacombs are considered holy by the church and are conducted by the church. This particular one is the one where the bones of Peter or Paul (I forget which) are supposed to be. I suppose the rosaries would have been better plain, but I just hadn’t thought of it. I certainly am sorry. If I hadn’t told you, I’m planning on making a trip to see my grandmother one of these days. However its just about impossible right now so its still just a plan. I’m afraid this is about all I can do now hon. I love you very much—Love, Ang  November 8. Sure was pooped today when I got home—for no reason either. Peg & I to movies and bed by 12:00. Tired too. FORM 5. -8, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 3:50h [Crew sheet under Official Documents.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION #45.] #45. Nov. 8. Casarsa RR Bridge. No flak. Bridge down. [Led group. Capt. G.B. Thabault. Lt. Col. Ruebel, Capt. V. Meyers]  From Ang's scrapbook. "45" written on back. November 9. Worked hard today - arranged about storage and packed things in evening. Home from Rowena’s about 9:00. Typed cards. Late.
Form 5. -9, flight as bombardier, B-25J, 1:00h [According to the squadron diary, missions were scheduled and one took off but was aborted due to clouds over target.] |
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
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