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

Next:

Envelope:        4 x 7 ¼ , Light Cream in color

Postmark:        Mar 23, 1943 ,  Santa Ana, Calif ,  Army Air Base ,  Postage Free

Stationary:       Standard Small Letter, 7 ¼ x 10 ¼ , same color as envelope.

 

 

Insignia: Letterhead, at top center of letter.

Wings of the Aviation Pilot.

 

Containing 3 letters:

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.

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.