Family History;
Mary Verna Robertson Davis;
Letters from her son, Donald Charles Davis,
This, during his time in Military Service, the US Army Air Corps, 1943-1946
Forward:
At the passing of my father, Donald C. Davis; all of his family records and genealogy was passed to me… Rick.
Enclosed with these records was a shoe-box. This box contained a set of letters kept by my grandmother, Grandma Davis, Mary Verna Robertson Davis. These letters were written to her by my father, DCD, during the time he started, and continued his service to the Unites States, in the Army Air Corp, during WWII. This was very exciting to me, as I had also received a writing of letters that were also kept by my Grandma Davis, written from her husband, John Leonard Davis during his military service in WWI. Compiled by my Aunt Carolyn; Grandmother’s youngest child.
I have handled these letters with the greatest of care; for they are priceless, especially so at this day, in which we are more prone to text messaging on cellular phones, e-mail messages on computers; our communications are mere bullet points. The art of communication through well thought-out letters is a thing gone by. I have had a brief opportunity to read bits and pieces of these letters so far; and I find it so endearing to know of my father when he was 20 years old… to know of his dream to fly, to see of his aspirations, his love, his growth; as well as to get some sense of my life in his. I see the way he wrote, I recognize his script, I see in his letters some of my upbringing through his attitudes, desires, and his approach to his life.
I treat these letters, also, with a sense of sacredness; as these are of an intimate loving between a mother and her son. I am ever grateful to this blessing in my life; to know of my family history, and to feel the love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in it.
I now embark on the process to transcribe these letters….. I will write of my thoughts again at the conclusion of this process.
Sincerely,
Rick A. Davis, 4th son of Donald C. Davis
20 October 2008
First Letter:
Envelope: 4 x 6 ¾, Light Brown in color
Postmark: Mar 15, 1943 , Santa Ana, Calif , Army Air Base , Postage Free
Stationary: Standard Small Letter, 6 ¼ x 10 ¼ , same color as envelope.

Insignia: In upper Left Corner, Blue in color, The Great Seal of the United States of America, Eagle w/ Wings Spread, Olive branch in right claw, arrows in left claw, ribbon w/ motto- E Pluribus Unum.
From:
a/c Donald Davis
19116432
Sq. 8 Flight D
Army Air Base
Santa Ana, Calif
To:
Mrs. J. Leonard Davis
655 30th St.
Ogden, Utah
Friday, 12, 1943 (March)
a/c Donald Davis
19116432
Squadron 8
Army Air Base
Santa Ana, Calif

Dear Mother;
I've had so many new experiences that I’m almost
confused. First, our train was late; so I was awake until about 2:00 p.m. that afternoon. We left Salt Lake right in the middle of dinner. Then I went to bed in the upper birth. I was awakened in time for supper at 5:00 p.m. After supper I sat up and talked with the fellows and then went to bed at 10:00.
This morning I woke up at 5:50 can you imagine me doing that. Anyhow, we had breakfast at 7:00 and we arrived in Los Angeles at about 12:00 noon. We just got off the one train and onto the other and arrived here at the base at 2:30. We have been issued our bedding and after having supper, (and what a supper, WOW!) we made our beds. I wrote in my diary and then shaved. Well, it’s 9:55 so I’ve got to get in bed at 10:00 so I’ll finish in the morning, good night.
Saturday, 1:30 p.m. Well, I got up and had breakfast. We all went back and learned how to make our beds, “the right way”. We were supposed to have the rest of the day off; but instead we went over and made a movie on their reception procedure. We’ve had our dinner and now we’re just waiting to get our hair-cuts, at the PX. Then we will be issued our clothing. Well, you know what I’ve been doing. So let me in on the news from home. How are all the kids. They gave us some printed letters, so I sent one to Dee, you’ve probably seen it by now. I didn't think it said the right things so I’[ve] written a good letter to you. I have made friends with a lot of fellows; but they all smoke. In fact, I believe that of about 50 fellows I’m the only one who doesn't. I don't think I’ll have to fight it; because I’ve been around places where there is a lot of smoking and I’ve no craving for it. We have a lot of new rules here, but they are more fun than not having any. If my suit case comes, don't send it until I ask for. Take care of my income tax; and don’t worry.
Love, Don
P.S. Hurry and get one of my pictures to Bonnie.
DCD
Editors Note: Bonnie, Donald’s sweetheart, yet to become his wife; and my mother.
Also of note: On this envelope, presumably written by grandmother’s hand, the note: ‘Operation on his nose’.
March 7,
Dear Sterling;
I have learned many new things since I got here. I’ve learned to stand on my own two feet; and have had to do it many times.
I have learned to do all my housework, myself. I have learned how much friend's mean. I have learned to stand alone among many strangers and have the longing to see my friends I left just a month ago. I know how it fills to be lonely.
I suppose you are well. The family is all well I hope. I have been busy, but I am out of the hospital and have felt better than I ever have. I can breathe very good now. I have a cold but I’m getting rid of it quickly. I hope you kids stay home and make your and my mother happy. I know how much she means now. I really know what she has done for me the last 20 years of my life.
Keep digging in that victory garden.
Love, Don
Editors Note: Sterling is one of Dad’s younger brothers;
as Don was 20 yrs old at this time; Sterling would have been 14 yrs old.
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