Ang closed out June with a mission in his new job as navigator. As an example of the many points of mysterious trivia in my research, he mentioned to Betty in his June 25 V-Mail that he completed his 13th mission--not that he's superstitious, of course. But it appears from the records that the June 30 mission was his 13th. This is not the only time he gets dates confused or mis-states or even exaggerates things. I don't read much into these errors, except perhaps that I can imagine how difficult it was to sit down and think of things to say in letters. I know from the 340th and 486th "diaries" that the weather was terrible and there weren't any missions flying in late June, so it seems like he had plenty of time to write, but there's only three V-Mails. In his June 29th letter he told Betty that he and another navigator, Charly Vail, spent some of that time building a new "home" for themselves. Betty's routine in Los Angeles continued with movies and visiting friends. She bought the T-shirts that Ang requested in a letter. She mentions re-reading Ang's letters to cheer up, and she receives the picture of Bud & Ang in Africa. See April 19-30, "Finding Bud in North Africa". Betty closed out June with a new job back at F & G, where she worked in Chicago. ************************ Friday June 23. Cleaned the house & did some ironing. Mr. S. up for dinner. Flo Taylor etc up in evening. Had a nice time. Bed 11:30. [V-Mail, postmark 7-4-44] 6-23-44 Corsica Hi Dear: I got bunches of mail today—eight to be exact. I sure enjoyed that letter from Gail. I’ll bet she’s a scream. The poor baby, when it comes, will be smothered with affection if I know Gail. He probably will be the most spoiled brat in captivity Kay sent me another letter and enclosed three snapshots. Johnny sure does look good—I don’t guess he’ll ever lose that impish look of his. Ann sure is spreading. I think Donny is the image of Peg—he sure is cute! I also got a letter from Jen—same as ever! Example: “Don’t forget to bring me a souvenir from Rome—preferably male.” The jerk. I sure do enjoy her letters though. Say honey—in the navy, is a man promoted from second class to first or to third. I addressed Joes as Sm 1/c [seaman first class]—and now I’m worried. Oh well, I guess he’ll forgive me. I love you, Ang June 24. Wrote some overdue letters. Into Mom’s trunk and looked through my things. A’s letters a swell pick-me-up. My guy! June 25. To late Mass. I got feeling low and in ugly mood. Bot papers & to movies. Had dinner. Got tummyache—just loafed in evening. Bed early. [V-Mail, postmark 7-4-44] 6-25-44 Corsica Hello Honey: I was just starting to write this letter and tell you that I had cashed checks for a hundred dollars—when I got your letter saying the bank account wasn’t so healthy. One of these days I’ll be getting a rest trip to Cairo or Rome—and I would need a few extra bucks. So, when this fellow was getting ready to go back to the states—I cashed the checks with him. I’m sorry if I’ve put you in an uncomfortable position. If you don’t have enough to leave a hundred in the account—please write Dad and tell him to send whats needed. I’ll drop him a note to ease the shock—just in case. By the way, No. 13 is under the belt and I’m happy. Not that I’m superstitious—but! I love you sweets—Love, Ang June 26. Down to F & G, but busy so no soap. Bot some t-shirts for Ang. Home and got box ready. Fixed dinner--wrote letters and radio in evening. June 27. Mailed pkg to Ang. Also got myself a job at F & G. I start tomorrow. Picture from Bud of he and Ang. Mr S for dinner. To show. June 28. Well, first day of job is over. Not so bad. Aunt Kay is coming out on the 14th. Wrote letters in evening. Bed by 10:30. June 29. Busy at my job again—Also got ride home again. Had hair done. ironed and bathed. To bed about 10:30. [V-Mail, postmark 7-10-44] 6-29-44 Corsica Hello Honey: I know I haven’t written for a couple of days—but I did have a rather good reason. We got tired of living in a tent—so we built ourselves a house. Nothing elaborate—but nice and comfortable. Its nine by twelve—and about seven foot high, with a slanting roof. The windows go all the way around—with three foot awnings stretching over them. Its on a hill—and the view and breeze are wonderful. As I said—its not elaborate—but nice and very comfortable. The “We” is myself and the other navigator—Charly Vail. Gosh that breeze feels good! I’m rather proud of myself. Of course Vail was the carpenter in charge—but I had a few ideas myself. I love you darling—Love, Ang June 30. Worked sort of hard today—got paid—Mr. S. for dinner then to movies. Off tomorrow—thank goodness. To bed about 11:30. Form 5. C-30, Combat flight as navigator, B25-J, 2:05h [Crew sheet for June 30, 1944] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. Mission 13.] 13 6-30 Canneto RR Bridge 8/10 clouds. Hit. Heavy, scant, & inaccurate [TRANSCRIBED FROM SCRAPBOOK. (No photo on this scrapbook page.] #13 Canneto RR Bridge Flak Heavy, scant & inaccurate. Both boxes hit bridge.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
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
|