March 15, 1943

Dear Mother and Dad;

Today I was issued enough clothing to keep me for years; and tomorrow we start our regular army life.  Up at 5:30, in bed at 10:00, make our bed right ;  and clean up the barracks.  We have our daily inspections, and Boy! are they strict.  For every “Gig” we have to walk an hour with a broom on our shoulder.  “Gigs” are the same as de-merits.  I’ve still got $16.00 of the $20.00 I left home with. I was reinstated $5.00 for the day I traveled getting down here.  (Boy, how I rattle on.)  I had my hair cut.  It isn't too short.  It was cut down to the first wave of my waves.  I got my things on the way home and they should get there inside of a week. There are two of them.  Has my leather bag come from Spiegel’s?  Has my check come from Hill Field?  Did dad take care of my state income tax?  If he has, tell him thanks.

I haven’t found Gene yet because I haven't had a chance to look.  I’m trying hard to find time but there are so many things to do.  I suppose you have my pictures fixed up.

Tell the kids hello; And don’t worry because I’m being well taking care of.

Love, Don

P.S. My Address is:

a/c Donald C Davis

Squadron 8 Flight D

Army Air Base

Santa Ana Base, Calif

a/c means:  Aviation/Cadet

March 16, 1943

Dear mother;

I should have stayed home from the way I feel now.  I got up this morning and out at 5:15 for roll call.  Then I went back in the barracks and made my bed and help[ed] clean the barracks.  Then at 7:00 A.M. we had breakfast after which we went to a film and learned how to do maneuvers on the drill field.  Then we went out and practiced what we had learned.  At 11:00 we went and had a lecture by a captain on orientation. Then we went to dinner after which we went to another film on marching and then we went out to the drill field and practiced some more.  Then, right in the middle of that we had a gas drill and our flight had to run back to the barracks on double time and put on our overcoats and gas masks.  Then we went back and drilled some more.  After that we came back and changed uniforms for retreat and after that we went to supper.  From supper until now I’ve been fixing my foot locker.  We have to put everything in rolls.  Every single sock has to be in a separate roll.  I sure could use that bag if it has come from Spiegel’s.  When you send it, put as many extra coat hangers in it as you can spare.  These items are scarce. I have only 2 of them and need about 12 of them.

Give my love to all the kids and my friends; I’ve got to go shave now, so I close.

Love, Don

March 22, 1943

Dear Mother;

I just received your letter to-night and would I have been disappointed if it hadn’t come.  Boy! it was a welcome.  It takes four days for a letter to come to me.  I must be quite a distance from home.  My days are sure long.   I’m only concerned with one placed 24 hrs a day and it sure has me going every minute.

I’ve received two letters from Bonnie so far. They've been welcome like water to a thirsty man.  I wish I had more time to write.  They give us about 2-1/2 hours leisure just prior to bedtime so you can tell how I’m on the go all the time.  I have to find time to shower and shave during that time too.

I’ve had all but my physical test so far.  Today I had my blood test and one shot for desert fever.  I also had an x-ray taken of my chest.  They wanted to see about my lungs.  Fellows were passing out right and left; but I didn't even have a flicker. Most of those who fainted will be washed out.

I don't have a chance to chase girls yet;  I’m in quarantine for 45 days so I don't get a weekend off for quite some time.  I found that Aunt Vera lives about 20 miles from here on the route to L.A.  The Chaplin’s talked to us the other day and issued little New Testament books to those who wanted them.  I got one and they sure are good little books.  I’ve been to outdoor meetings the last two Sundays because we're in quarantine. Tell Dee to write to me as I would like a letter from him; Don also.

Give my love to everyone.

Sincerely, Donald

PS, Send a pair of pajamas.

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.

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.

March 15, 1943

Dear Mother and Dad;

Today I was issued enough clothing to keep me for years; and tomorrow we start our regular army life.  Up at 5:30, in bed at 10:00, make our bed right ;  and clean up the barracks.  We have our daily inspections, and Boy! are they strict.  For every “Gig” we have to walk an hour with a broom on our shoulder.  “Gigs” are the same as de-merits.  I’ve still got $16.00 of the $20.00 I left home with. I was reinstated $5.00 for the day I traveled getting down here.  (Boy, how I rattle on.)  I had my hair cut.  It isn't too short.  It was cut down to the first wave of my waves.  I got my things on the way home and they should get there inside of a week. There are two of them.  Has my leather bag come from Spiegel’s?  Has my check come from Hill Field?  Did dad take care of my state income tax?  If he has, tell him thanks.

I haven’t found Gene yet because I haven't had a chance to look.  I’m trying hard to find time but there are so many things to do.  I suppose you have my pictures fixed up.

Tell the kids hello; And don’t worry because I’m being well taking care of.

Love, Don

P.S. My Address is:

a/c Donald C Davis

Squadron 8 Flight D

Army Air Base

Santa Ana Base, Calif

a/c means:  Aviation/Cadet

March 16, 1943

Dear mother;

I should have stayed home from the way I feel now.  I got up this morning and out at 5:15 for roll call.  Then I went back in the barracks and made my bed and help[ed] clean the barracks.  Then at 7:00 A.M. we had breakfast after which we went to a film and learned how to do maneuvers on the drill field.  Then we went out and practiced what we had learned.  At 11:00 we went and had a lecture by a captain on orientation. Then we went to dinner after which we went to another film on marching and then we went out to the drill field and practiced some more.  Then, right in the middle of that we had a gas drill and our flight had to run back to the barracks on double time and put on our overcoats and gas masks.  Then we went back and drilled some more.  After that we came back and changed uniforms for retreat and after that we went to supper.  From supper until now I’ve been fixing my foot locker.  We have to put everything in rolls.  Every single sock has to be in a separate roll.  I sure could use that bag if it has come from Spiegel’s.  When you send it, put as many extra coat hangers in it as you can spare.  These items are scarce. I have only 2 of them and need about 12 of them.

Give my love to all the kids and my friends; I’ve got to go shave now, so I close.

Love, Don

March 22, 1943

Dear Mother;

I just received your letter to-night and would I have been disappointed if it hadn’t come.  Boy! it was a welcome.  It takes four days for a letter to come to me.  I must be quite a distance from home.  My days are sure long.   I’m only concerned with one placed 24 hrs a day and it sure has me going every minute.

I’ve received two letters from Bonnie so far. They've been welcome like water to a thirsty man.  I wish I had more time to write.  They give us about 2-1/2 hours leisure just prior to bedtime so you can tell how I’m on the go all the time.  I have to find time to shower and shave during that time too.

I’ve had all but my physical test so far.  Today I had my blood test and one shot for desert fever.  I also had an x-ray taken of my chest.  They wanted to see about my lungs.  Fellows were passing out right and left; but I didn't even have a flicker. Most of those who fainted will be washed out.

I don't have a chance to chase girls yet;  I’m in quarantine for 45 days so I don't get a weekend off for quite some time.  I found that Aunt Vera lives about 20 miles from here on the route to L.A.  The Chaplin’s talked to us the other day and issued little New Testament books to those who wanted them.  I got one and they sure are good little books.  I’ve been to outdoor meetings the last two Sundays because we're in quarantine. Tell Dee to write to me as I would like a letter from him; Don also.

Give my love to everyone.

Sincerely, Donald

PS, Send a pair of pajamas.

March 23,

Dear Mother;

By the time you get this, my operation will be over.  I’m in the hospital as a result from my physical examination.  They said my polyp had to come out.  That is the little growth that’s in my right nostril.  They are going to x-ray my sinuses and then put me in the pressure chamber to watch my reactions; and then my operation comes.  I’ll have the best specialist in the army, Major Wright.  I’ll be well taken care of, so don’t worry.  This major is a nose, throat, ear, and mouth specialist; so I know he is good.  I’m sitting on the edge of my bed writing tonight.  One of the boys just gave me some candy.  This hospital is first class.  I’m in a ward of about 40 follows.  There are several nurses around.  Most of the fellows have gone to a picture show given by the red cross. I had already seen it so I stayed to write.  I’ll probably be out of here and back in circulation by Saturday.  I’ll let you know how I come out.  I’ll have to close, lights out at 9:00.

With love, sincerely, Don

March 24,

Dear Mother;

I haven’t had my operation yet but it comes up first thing tomorrow.  I have been busy though.  I had 5 x-rays of my head and sinuses taken.  I also went up to 20,000 ft. altitude in the pressure chamber. I had 2 diagnoses in the medical laboratory also; 1 on my blood and the other on sinus discharge. The total cost of all this work out side of the army would cost me about $200 dollars.  I sure am lucky.  Also I’ll have the best specialist the army can supply.

I went to a Red Cross picture show this afternoon.  I get exceptionally good food in here. They sure watch one close.  I’ll bet I’ve had 6 different nurses in this ward.  All good looking, so far as California women go.  I can’t even compare them with those in Utah. Those there are first rate.  I have to get in bed now so I’ll write tomorrow if I am able. Sincerely, Don

PS, give my love to Carolyn, and every one.

Editors Note:  Carolyn is Donald’s baby sister;

As Donald was 20 yrs old at this time, Carolyn would have been 2 yrs old.

March 25,

Dear Mother;

I have been dissected today.  I don’t feel so well mainly because of the pill they gave me to make me sleep.  That’s all I’ve been doing since I came from the operating room.  I couldn't eat any breakfast this morning, orders.  About 10:00 I was wheeled on a cart, all wrapped in a blanket, to the ward nurse's office where I was given a sleeping pill and a shot in the arm to quiet my nerves, then I was taken on this cart down to the operating room.  There, the doctor put a crystal like anaseptic in my nose to deaden the nerves. Then, he took a little loop of wire instrument and put it around my polyp and pulled it out.  I could hear it rip; but could not feel anything.  I then was told to look at it.  It was about like the size of a giant olive; and all yellow and spongy looking.  After that he took 3 more smaller ones out.  They were about the size of peas.  Then he jabbed an instrument through the bony tissue and washed out a chamber in my nose.  I was then brought back. I don't know how to feel with [a] clean nose for a change.  I’ll have to close now, I’m getting weak from sitting up in bed.  You can probably tell by my writing.

Give my love to everyone.

Love, Don

March 29,

Dear Mother;

Just to let you know, I’m alright; and will be. I received a letter from you yesterday.  I sure was glad.  It had been so long since I got the first one.  I had a good-sized piece cut out of my nose last Thursday; but I had good care.  I wasn't as sick as when I got my teeth fixed.  I won't be classified until after I leave the hospital. I don't have to worry though because I’m being looked over and taken care of by someone greater than any mortals.  I have felt help wherever I went.  I thought my eyes would fail so I wore my dark glasses until the eye exam came up.  Also I went into the test with a little prayer in my heart; and it was answered.  I passed, exceptionally well, I was told.  The nose trouble is the only thing that’s holding me back.

I don't get to say my prayers on my knees at night because some one comes around to see that where in bed, but I say my prayers just the same.  I don't think you'll have cause to worry.

You can wear the wings that are like this.

I have another operation coming up tomorrow but it’s about as serious as the other one. They are going to take a little of the bone of my nose.  I’ll be alright; so don’t worry. I’ll be back drilling and marching by the time you get this.

So; I could use about $5. Please,

Love, Don

I had to get my uniform pressed and I’ve used my cash.

PS, The polyp they took out was about 2.5 cm long, about the size of a large olive.

April 3,

Dear Father;

I have had so much spare time in the hospital that I have used most of it up by writing. I have written to you every few days.  If I wrote any often-er, I would not have enough to say.

I have had two operations in a week and a half.  I get out of the hospital tomorrow.

I will be so busy that I won't be able to hear the conference broadcast.

I hope I get classified now.  I will be sent back with my old bunch.  They are all waiting for another class to start.

I haven't found Gene yet; but I will now that I get out.  I am sure glad that I can get back to work.  I would like very much to make something of myself now that I have the chance.

I have a slip saying that some insured mail is in the P.O. for me.  I’ll bet that it’s the fruit cake.

The weather here has been hot.  I have sweated every afternoon.  I wear pajamas’ and a bathrobe here in the hospital, but it’s still hot.  I dread getting back in O.D.’s.  We will start wearing Sun-Tan’s about the middle of the month. I just ran out of ink and had to borrow some.

I hope you are enjoying your work.

Love, Don

April 10,1943

Dear Mother;

I just received one of your letters that was held up in the hospital.  It was post-marked March 30.  I found out why my bag has not come.

The check you got from Hill Field is okay.  Take it and all the more that come and pool them together; then hire someone to take care of the family and you come down and visit Aunt Vera.

I got my first pay, for the month of March.  It amounted to  $80.00.  I have needed some of it.  I put $50 in my money belt and am not planning on spending it.  I only carry it for safety.  I would send it home, but I might need it.  When I get my next pay, I’ll send home what I have extra.  I plan on seeing Aunt Vera next weekend.  This weekend I am in quarantine for 5 days for scarlet fever.  I am confined to barracks and won't be able to get even to the P.O.  Someone has come down with the disease and so all leaves are canceled.  I am going on guard duty tonight; I have the shift from 12 midnight to 2:00 in the morning.  I will have rifle, shells, helmet, gas mask, and cartridge belt and bayonet. I am expected to stop everyone I think is suspicious.  Ask dad if he ever had guard duty. If he has; get him to tell about it.  I’ll bet he had as interesting experiences as I am having.  I would like to see some pictures of the family, get the old camera out and waste a little film.  I would sure like to see Carolyn right now.  I miss the lot of you.  I’m in an entirely new life.  I even forget how to drive a car, I bet.  I am having a lot of fun.  When I get into pre-flight school I will have to settle down and work hard.  I haven’t had a letter from Dan Henninger yet, get him to write if he is not too busy.  I ran into several fellows I went to school with and fellows I knew in Ogden.  I even ran into one of the fellows I worked with at Hill Field.

Give my love to all the kids, and Arlene, and family.  Don’t worry because I don't write.  I have to wait 3 or 4 days to find something to tell you about.

Love, Don

PS, The insignia on the letter-head is the insignia of the Aviation Cadet.  If you see Bonnie with a large pair of wings and a propeller on her coat; you will know the kind I wear on my cap.  Hers’ has a different clasp, that’s the only difference.

Editors Note:  Arlene is Donald’s older sister;

As Donald was 20 yrs old at this time, Arlene would have been 23 yrs old

Next:

We have no other letters through the remainder of April 1943 and through the month of May 1943.

A “V-Mail” was received by Donald, from his Uncle Clifford (Clifford L. Davis).  This v-mail is apparently opened, ‘viewed’ and censored by the army, for it has a stamp indicating: ‘Passed by Army Examiner’ US 16009.  Clifford was apparently in the US Army, recently stationed in New Guinea.

Also, we have a program of the local Sunday School.

Sunday School Program

June 20, 1943

Invocation: by Air Cadet, Donald Davis

The programs also has a poem dedicated to Fathers, called, ‘Only a Dad’