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

Nov. 18, 1943

 

I am well and fine and getting along OK in my flying.  I have only another week or so and I will be moving on to advanced.  There I will work for two months after which I will be commissioned.  I am planning on having you and Bonnie come down to see me graduate.  I am going to pay the expenses if they aren’t too much.

I have been having the time of my life for about a month.  I have been very busy but I have enjoyed every moment of it.  I have been flying at night, flying in formation and aerobatics.

I really enjoy flying.

I have flown two cross-country trips and I have one more to fly.  One that takes two hours at night.  One fellow got lost on the flight and they used up 28000 gals of gas in searching for him.  They found his plane setting in a field down in Mexico with his parachute still in the seat and the brakes set… But no pilot.  He has been gone for three weeks now, and they still haven’t found him.

I have been off the post but I could not get to church; as I have been flying every Sunday.  I get a six-hour pass on Saturday and that’s all.  I don’t mind because I want to fly and so I’m getting it.  I have 120 hrs of flying time in now, all told.

I sure would like to see the family and all the kids.  The weather here is always the same; very cold at night and very hot at noon.  I wear a sweat shirt under my flight suit; and by noon I have to take it off.  I’ve only seen 2 cloudy days here so far; and even then I was up where the sun was shining so I wasn’t bothered by it.

Speaking of Bonnie; I think something might come of it soon.  I’ve been thinking more and more about her for some time; I think I’ve been caught… almost.  It wouldn’t take much to persuade me one way or the other.  Think it over.   You know she has been baptized into The Church, and I’ve never known anyone I like better.  I think she feels the same.  (Is possible)

I was given the chance to choose what I wanted to fly the other day.  I put down as Air Transport Command.  I may be flying Red-Cross ships, or food supply and such at the front.  Or, I may stay over here and fly __ ferry planes around.  I am doing my best to keep out of the fighter groups such as pursuit ships.  I will take anything they give me, but I would enjoy flying two or four engine planes such as big cargo ship better.

I will write again in a few days as now I get more free time.  Excuse me for everyone for I am just able to squeeze a letter to you and Bonnie.

Love, Don.

 

Nov 26

 

Dear Mom;

First of all; I want to thank you and everyone else who had a hand in the putting of that box together.  I was sure surprised.

I didn’t have too good a Thanksgiving.  I went into Tucson and ate dinner in Walgreen’s and went to a show.  I got off at 9:15 in the morning after a stand by inspection and had until 8:00 PM.  I didn’t have any time to get into any mischief.  But, receiving the box of cookies and candy squared everything.

I have got only one or two days flying more to do; and my final tests in ground school too.  Then I will be on the move once again; to advanced and then to… God only knows.

I wish you were able to experience some of the things I have been able to.  If I get to come home I will let you in on some of them.

How is Russell.  I haven’t had time until now to write anyone but I am starting in now to recind that fault.  I am spending my last spare moments to writing.  Bonnie tells me you were in to see her the other day.  I would like to have been there too.

I sure miss Autumn and the mountains.  The weather very seldom changes.  The desert is the same every day. The only thing that’s exciting is flying… that’s enough though.

Give my love to all the kids.  Tell them I’ll be home in the middle of February.  Give Carolyn a birthday kiss for me.  I have to get some sleep now so I close.

Love, Don.

PS, I am just barely getting along on what I make, but I will be sending some home in a couple months.  Don’t worry and don’t send any money.  I have to make it go around.  I’m not asking for money, I’m just excusing myself for not sending any home.

Love, Don.

Nov 26

 

Dear mother;

Well, I completed my flying here today.  I have 135 hrs of flying now.  I am being shipped out by next Sunday.  I will have some spare time this week so I will write often.  I have so much to tell I don’t know where to begin.

I sure did get a surprise when I saw what was in the box.  I am still munching in between meals. I sure enjoy the things in it; especially the caramels!

My Thanksgiving was a little disappointing;  but you made up for it in the letter of yours.  When you tell of turkey & pumpkin pies, and especially Parker House rolls; you make me very home sick.  I kind of miss the Autumn weather too.  We have the same kind [of weather] here every day, no grass to grow brown, no leaves to fall and turn colors, no frost in the morning.  I am hoping I will get up north for a little while soon.  I kind of think it will be eastern Colorado.  Just a rumor though.

I flew this morning for my last flight.  If you had been around to witness some of the paces I put my ship through, you would have been thrilled or frightened to death.  Dives at 200 mph, loops, slow rolls, snap rolls, vertical rolls, immellmans, inverted flight.  I told you about the things I did the last hour with my instructor in primary.  Well, I was doing all the same and more myself, and all alone. HP, that’s me.  I am all through though.

Tell all the kids hello for me and give my love to you know who.

I hate to think of Clarence going into the Army.  I thought Russ and I be enough.  It will be hard for him because he dislikes the army anyhow.

Keep your hopes up as I will be home in a little over two months.

I have to go to bed now, so…

Love, Don

Pecos, Texas

Hospital

Dec 21

 

Dear Mother;

Merry Christmas to all of you.

I got your letter today and I’m sending my best Christmas present to you and the family.

I’m writing lying down because I just got a good cussing for sitting up.  I’ve been in bed 8 days and I expect 6 more.  I’m thankful I’m able to write though.  I have had a chance to think and I realize there are a lot of fellows that are in my fix and there are a lot that are worse off than I am.  I’m glad I have someone looking over me as no one human can do.  I am recovering very fast and I give all the credit to Him and the way I was taught to live.

I hope you all have a lot of fun on Christmas Day.

I will be there on Christmas Eve and on the morning.  I will be just as sleepless as I was every time before.  I will be up plenty early that morning with all the kids.  I will be there in spirit with all of you.  I wish you all a happy day.

Love, Don.

Dec 23

 

Dear Mother;

Well, I feel OK today.  The doc took out my stitches today.  I’ve got quite a scar to show for my trouble.  I’ve only got 4 more days to stay in bed so I guess I’ll be able to stand it without going nuts.  It was close; several times it looked like I was going to loose.

I’ve got quite a few Xmas cards from people I thought I was forgotten by, but I’m glad they didn’t.  I got one from Uncle Lloyd, and one from the Ninth Ward.  I got one from Aunt Vera, and one from Ronald too.  I got a very exciting looking package from Bonnie to open in a couple days.  It’s going to be a little different from other years, but I’m glad I’ve got some pleasant memories to fall back on.

I understand from the weather-man, you aren’t having any snow for xmas; but I haven’t seen a year yet that it didn’t snow the night before.  We had some hail here this afternoon.  It’s been very depressing and cloudy all day.

I got a letter from Russell, and some pictures.  I think you have some of the same.  It looks like Russell alright; but Russell looks like a little boy in a sailor suit going out to play.  Imagine, Russell is a Gob.

I’ve had a radio to listen to here and a lot of swell companions also.  I keep the [medical] ward lively with all my various talents… talking is my best talent.

I enjoyed the paper Mabel sent; especially the pin-up girl in it.  Those home town girls have something no others can have.

I will drop you another line after the nurse gives me my bath in the mornin’.

God watch over all of you.

Love, Don.

PS, The nurse is a fellow.

Jan 6 – 44

Dear Mother;

I have to tell you right away so that you will know.  I don’t get my leave like I expected.  I was very disappointed when the doc told me.  He said the train ride would be too hard on me.  I would have like very much to get home but I guess I can stand the wait.

I got a letter from you today.  You were wondering what I am doing.  Well, I work around the ward during the day; and then take a long walk in the afternoon.  I have to exercise that way to get my strength back.

I hope you are all over the flu now.  We have a couple cases of bronchitis in the ward.  Other than that; it’s all good here.

I will be going back to duty next Monday.  I will be in class 44C instead of B.  You remember Gene; well, he graduates tomorrow.  I would be too if I hadn’t had to go in the hospital a couple of times.  Who knows, maybe for my own good.

I’ll write again soon.

Love, Don.

PS, tell this to Arlene only.  They are going to send all the able body GI’s overseas from here and put in limited service men.  Maybe Clarence will be limited service because of his dependent infant[s].  I know he will.  I doubt whether he will ever get overseas.

DCD.

7 Feb. 44

Dear Mom;

Well, I arrived safe and sound.  I had a swell trip; although I didn’t get much sleep the second night on the train.  I made very good time.  I arrived here Friday night and stayed in the hospital that night.  I had to take a couple of physical exams and then I was returned to flying status.  The afternoon of Saturday I spent getting settled in my new squadron.  In a couple of days I will be sent to 44D Class to start my advanced training.  I have seen all my buddies leave as officers and I feel as I was not held back without good cause, so I don’t feel bad.

Did Russell get home.  I hope he has as good a time as I had.  Tell dad to take two of my tires down and have them re-capped when he has some spare time.  Tell him to take the one on the left front and the spare.  Tell him I will send some money in a couple of days.  I do have to file an income tax blank, but I don’t have to pay anything so don’t worry about it any more.

I want you to give my love to all the family and give Carolyn a kiss for me.

I’ll be home soon.

Love, Don.

Feb 13  (Pecos, Texas)

Friday.

Hello Pop,

I am always writing mother, and never you, so I thought I would consider you for a change.

I went through the usual routine today, up at 5:50, breakfast, had my picture taken, had an hour lecture, had my flying equipment issued, had a few spare minutes to get settled again after changing beds; other than that it has been very dull.

I am sending a couple of dollars to you to distribute for me.  I want my tithing paid for last month; and get those tires fixed.  It should not take over 12.00 for the tires; and 7.50 for tithing.  If it takes more for the tires you will have to rake it up as I can’t spare any more.

I hope all the family are feeling fine.  I am OK.

I will start flying probably next Monday.  I can hardly wait.  I am so anxious, I go around in a dither.

I will be home soon, only 8 more weeks.

Keep the family perkin.

Love, Don.

PS, How are the rabbits.

15 Feb. 44

Dear Mother;

I have got into the swing of things again and here comes the old story of no time to spare.  I received your letter the other day and was very happy to hear from you.  I have got to go to another two-hour lecture tonight; but I’m up pretty much so I’m going to take this along.  The lecture is on mechanics; and already knowing more about it than most guys, I don’t need to worry.

I am happy to know that Russ got the chance to come home.  How was his vacation spent?  Did he have as much fun as I did?  Wait till I get home; and see if I stay in on account of a mean cold.  I would like to see the picture of him.  I will soon.  Russ is sure trying out his theory on women.  He is sure shopping around.  I’m glad I don’t have his worries on women.  They don’t mean that much to me.  I have my flying to fill in the place I desire for a thrill.

I got to go up again today.  The first time for over 2 ½ months.  I wasn’t a bit rusty.  In fact; my instructor said he didn’t have any worries about me washing-out… O Boy!

I’m sorry the car won’t work for Russell or you.  I told you to have dad take the starter off and have the rotor on the armature re-surfaced.  He may have to get Clarence to help him as it is no easy job.  And, he will have to get someone with a metal lathe to do the job.  It will put the starter in shape.  Also, get the tires re-capped… remember… I hope you do.  I’m sure giving you some work to do.

I’m in that 2 hr lecture, so if from here on I don’t make sense, just ignore it.

I hope Russ likes the sea, and as for his sinuses, maybe the salt water will do him some good.  He has my prayer every night.  I am also remembering you and the family.

I had a hard time getting rid of all the candy and popcorn so as much as I like your cinnamon-rolls I can ask you to send some.

The weather is very warm down here too.  I hope we go into our sun-tan’s soon.  It is very cold in the morning and by 11 o’clock it is terrifically hot… Texas, Bah!

I am sleeping under two blankets and a quilt now.  I’m afraid I’ve got a good sun-burn on my face too.  Some fun.  I got the burn Sunday afternoon; it sure makes shaving a pleasure.  Oh yeah, ask Dad?

I’m thinking of you and I hope there is another letter tomorrow.

Love, Don.

 

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