DIY History | Transcribe | World War II Diaries and Letters | Burton Jay Smith and Willametta Turnepseed letters, January-May, 1943

Transcribe
Translate

Burton Jay Smith and Willametta Turnepseed letters, January-May, 1943

1943-01-07 Page 1

Postmarked 1/8/43 4 p.m.
Aviation Cadet Burton Jay Smith
Squadron F-2
A.A.F.C.C.
Nashville, Tenn.
Dearest:
Although I have been here two days this is the first opportunity I have had to write anything ... save answer questionnaires. The above is my address but there is no way of 
(much later)
knowing how long we'll be here... perhaps 2 or 3 days, perhaps 4 or 5 days. This is an Air Force Classification Center where we will, at least, be checked physically, mentally and physiologically.  We will then be classified and it will be decided what we are to be in the Air Corps.  
I wasnt able to package the mimeograph and equipment.  I left it where Dad could find it and we will hope that he'll get it sent to you before fall.
Dont know yet whether I'll like it or not although that doesn't matter.  One just does what one is told and it doesn't occur to you to think whether you like it; you do it anyway. 
For the first few weeks a Cadet is lower than a worm or the famous yard-bird. They invent unpleasant things to be done. Then after a while they'll ease up I hope.

Saving...

Postmarked 1/8/43 4 p.m. Aviation Cadet Burton Jay Smith Squadron F-2 A.A.F.C.C. Nashville, Tenn. Dearest: Although I have been here two days this is the first opportunity I have had to write anything ... save answer questionnaires. The above is my address but there is no way of (much later) knowing how long we'll be here... perhaps 2 or 3 days, perhaps 4 or 5 days. This is an Air Force Classification Center where we will, at least, be checked physically, mentally and physiologically. We will then be classified and it will be decided what we are to be in the Air Corps. I wasnt able to package the mimeograph and equipment. I left it where Dad could find it and we will hope that he'll get it sent to you before fall. Dont know yet whether I'll like it or not although that doesn't matter. One just does what one is told and it doesn't occur to you to think whether you like it; you do it anyway. For the first few weeks a Cadet is lower than a worm or the famous yard-bird. They invent unpleasant things to be done. Then after a while they'll ease up I hope.