Tag: 1944 March 26

1944 March 26 84th Squadron relocates to Naples

3/22/44:  84th Bomb Squadron is now stationed at Capodichino [Naples], Italy

3/24/44 V-Mail, Italy

Honey:

What a life.  I came back from OS to pick up my leave orders (10 days) and found everything in a hell of a flap, although a damned interesting one.  It looks like I might go today.  You’ll read about it in the papers one of these days.

I’ve been reading the February 28 Newsweek.  It says there is “near starvation” in Southern Italy.  That is a lot of cock.  Most of the people are eating as well as I did a year ago.  Of course, they don’t eat like kings, but they never did.  Ring Lardner also had an interesting article.

Ooooh!  Was I drunk three nights ago.  I went to town to officers’ club (in former #1 night spot) and ran into all of the old pilots in the squadron.  They’ve all finished and are awaiting orders—so we really hung one on.  Strangely, I had no hangover.

I’m still out of a job.  The promotion is “in process,” and I’m getting a little less griped.  I’ve about decided to take full advantage of my status and get as much rest and relaxation as possible.

All my love, kitten.  Cy.

Author’s note:  Also in early 1944, Jackson Pollock completed one of his most famous works entitled “Mural”:

“Mural” by Jackson Pollock
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1944 March 26 On leave in Africa

3/26/44  Africa

Angel:

I feel like a heel.  Here I sit at Gozland’s table writing.  They have fixed up the guest room and insist that this is home and I stay in it.  I am eating out as much as I can for the food situation is not such that guest can be lavishly entertained.

Gabby (Ruth Hathaway) and Eva Floyd are yet here, although Butch (twin) (Edith Butcher) has been transferred to Sardinia.  I am going to eat some of my meals over there at the 54th Stn. Hosp.* (not Sardinia, goof).

I showed the folks your picture, and lady, you are it.  There are words in French and Italian which we have not in English.  “Tres fin” and “molta simpatica” predominated in their comments.  In a word, they saw in your picture all of the fine characteristics which predominate in your character.  Of course, I sat around grinning like the cat who caught the canary.  P.S., they think the canary is beautiful as well.

The war is remote here.  I got to fly over in one of my babies.  I smacked into 2 snowstorms and a rain-squall on the way—annoying the people who don’t know an A-20 will fly in bad weather.  Just before I left, I had a long talk with the OM.  One of the newly made LC’s (class of 42 B) pulled his “rank” on me and I didn’t like it.  The OM called him and told him it was only through accident that he got promoted before I did and to remember I ranked him by much experience.  I don’t know what to think.  OM also is trying to get me an engineering development job in Air Force which might be interesting.

I shall not count any chickens before they hatch.

Marcel is wonderful.  You must know him someday—a devoted husband.  Mama Barber spoils me no end, and the 13 yr-old maid remembered me from last year.  Nouro, the long-haired Airedale terrier, didn’t even bark at me.  Took one snif, & lay down to sleep.  Rita is still not well, but the Army docs have diagnosed the trouble she’s had for twelve years as a result of an old bone fracture.  The local docs have been treating her for cancer!

It’s 11 P.M. and bedtime.  I have about another six days before I try to go on home.  When I get there I think I shall try to go OS with the Navy for the experience.  Also, they have good food & a nice place to eat it.

I love you more with each added campaign star.  Cy.

*This hospital was located in Oran, Algeria until about March of 1945.

Oran Harbor
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