2/10/44 Missions: TACTICAL OPERATIONS (Twelfth Air Force): Light and medium bomber missions are aborted because of bad weather. In Italy, P-40s and A-36s support an unsuccessful attempt of the US Fifth Army’s 1st Infantry Division to stem an attack in the Carroceto area; P-47s fail to locate their target (Sora) and
drop bombs on targets of opportunity.
2/11/44 V-Mail, Italy
Marfy:
Just received your #25 & 28. You sound like you’re enjoying yourself no end.
What a business. On a recent flight, I lead 36 ships in over an overcast, topped by light haze. After 10 minutes, during which time it became obvious that we wouldn’t be able to hit the target without staying up at 15,000 feet without oxygen, I turned around and went home, fully expecting the younger flight leaders to bitch at me for not going on in anyhow. Imagine my amazement when they bitched—but about going into “bad” weather! It was about the same as a “clear” day at Savannah.
The old man came down for a gong-hanging* yesterday and mentioned that I had a DFC** pending. The SS must have bounced. The only thing I want hung on my chest is yours, and constantly.
Rumor has TP back in the Pacific. Is it true? What’s his address?
Some of these kids are a riot. Imagine me calling Lefty Parker “Maje”?
Well that’s the latest! You know more Army than all of my officers put together. Time to go up to the club (no foolin’). All my love, Cy.
*This is British military slang for “hanging a campaign medal” on a soldier’s chest.
**Distinguished Flying Cross medal