11/2-23/43: In Pacific, US forces attack and capture Makin and Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands.
11/18/43 Mission:
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force): Medium and light bombers of the XII Air Support Command and RAF attack the airfield at Larissa, Greece, a billeting area at Rivisondoli, Italy and road, railway and town area W of San Vito Chietino and at Lanciano, Italy. In Yugoslavia, fighter-bombers hit a ship in the Krka River, trains at Knin marshalling yard and between Knin and Kosovo, the landing ground at Sinj, harbor and vessels at Sibenik, and defended points and gun positions along the battleline in Italy.
11/19/43 Mission:
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Air Support Command A-36's and P-40's bomb a bridge E of Cassino and the bridge and village of Pontecorvo, and, along with RAF DAF fighter-bombers, hit strongpoints around the village of Barrea while supporting ground forces. Fighters (mostly RAF DAF) also strafe trucks and trains around Rieti, Italy and Metkovic, Yugoslavia.
11/20/43 Mission:
TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force): In Italy, XII Air Support Command and RAF DAF fighters carry out uneventful armed reconnaissance; the NATBF hits the Porto Civitanova railway junction, Pedaso, Giulianova, and Loreto.
11/20/43 V-Mail, Italy
Marty:
Gee, I’m happy. Received your letter of November 4 telling of your receipt of the packages from Malta. My only regret is that I wasn’t there to see you get them. Well Merry Christmas anyhow. Your Scotch (genuine) plaid skirt should be along by Dec. 25th.
Yesterday I was able to get hold of a beautiful green tunic from one of the Irish guards complete with insignia. It is so constructed that Frank can cut it down to your size. I believe it is the same color as one of the stripes in your skirt.
I got a couple of chocolate bars yesterday and took them down to Vulcano’s. Honey, it was pitiful. None of that family of six had had any chocolate for 4 years.
There is a growing desire here for Italy to become the 49th state. It may be a pipe dream, but it has much to be said in its favor.
Who is “Louis” who brought the slide rule by? Louis Kopinski from JEFCO? Sure am glad it is on the way. Thanks!
My pen is a joy which words cannot express.
Yesterday I gave myself an exam and found I know 338 Italian words. There were 100 others which I knew but misspelled.
I am much relieved to know you got the stuff. I knew you’d love it and I did so want to know you had it. Did Mother like her collar and cuff (linen) set? All my love kitten. Your Cy.