Editor’s note: 8/15/42–27th Bombardment Group is moved from Key Field to Hattiesburg Army Air Field until 10/25/42.
8/18/42: At 33 years of age, John T. Shaw, Cy’s brother-in-law, enlisted with the army. He would ultimately serve with 92nd Chemical Mortar Battalion in the 30th Division after the invasion at Normandy.
8/20/42: The 12th Air Force is constituted and activated as part of “Operation Torch”, the plan to invade North Africa. The 47th Bombardment Group is attached to the 12th Air Force.
8/29/42 V-Mail
From: Emma Stafford
To: Laura and Cyrus Stafford
Dear Folks:
The birthday “V” letter and the one dated July 30th arrived. The first was only four days late and I was never so glad to get greetings before. The girls took another nurse and me out for dinner and a show on Friday, the week before and the “mess” had a cake for three of us who had birthdays in August.
Do not give up hope for Robert*for he may turn up later on. Is cousin Weston’s sow here?
Have had a picture made which you should get by the last of January.
Our mail and packages will be limited so a picture to you and Dad will have to be my Christmas for the family.
Do not sent Marty’s and Cy’s letters. They may be lost. Just tell me how they are.
After your first 4 letters which arrived in one week, nothing else came until your 2 “V” letters.
Have a family of friends who have 3 little girls, Helen, Margaret and Flora.
Love to all, especially Mother and Dad.
Emma M.
*Robert Fulton