Tag: Edith Huntoon

1943 April 28 “Stuck again—behind a desk”

4/27/43 Mission:

In Tunisia, NASAF B-25's hit shipping W of Zembra Island off Cap Bon.
Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) planes (fighters, A-20's, and
medium bombers) hit numerous tactical targets in NE Tunisia, including Sidi Ahmed Airfield and troops, tank, trucks, and gun positions at Massicault, on the Pont-du-Fahs road, Ksar Tyr, Bir Meherga, and other points along the battleline. From:http://www.milhist.net/usaaf/mto43a.html

4/28/43 Mission:

Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) aircraft bomb concentrations near Saint-Cyprien and Ksar Tyr, shipping off Tunis, and numerous positions and vehicles along the Tunisian battleline and surrounding areas as the US 9th Infantry Division continues W astride the Sedjenane River and the 1st and 34th Infantry Divisions continue to face fierce opposition S of Jefna in Sidi Meftah area. From:http://www.milhist.net/usaaf/mto43a.html

4/28/43 Tunisia

Hi Honey:

I don’t know when this will reach you as I have no V-Mail blanks or stamps.  Those are luxuries for people back at Casablanca or one of the other deluxe joints.

About 4 of your letters came in day before yesterday.  I also got one from John and 1 from Mom Huntoon.  A happy birthday was had though I didn’t get to fly.  The perfect staff officer is stuck again—behind a desk.  But I shall fly a few more sorties.  They’ve jacked up the requirements for an Air Medal from 5 to 10 sorties & I have 3 more to go.  I’ve already done more to earn that one than some of the lads did for DSC’s and DFC’s in the early stages of the war.  Frankly, I think they just had to create a bunch of glamour boys to feed the people back home.  Now they’re settling down to serious business.

Pleasures over here are enlightening.  People back home have so many “necessities” about which we never think over here.  A shower, hot or cold, is a luxury.  A haircut is a national holiday, meat which has not been ground up & stuffed in a can is rare, a cot is rarer and only the privileged get to sleep on a floor instead of on the ground.  A glass of beer (British) is unheard of.  Water without chlorine, or some real milk would be heaven.  Clean clothes are only for a few.  Baby, when you people feel sorry for yourselves, forget it.  We’re getting along swell without most of the things considered essential there.

Permanent sounds good.  How about some pictures of same?

Hospital insurance is a good idea as we probably won’t be in the army after the war.

The radio says we’re giving Jerry hell.   All I can say is “Amen.”  But Jerry still has lots of fight left in him & it is not going to be a pushover.

Present boss is Van all over except the other extreme.  All ideas & decisions are his or wrong.  But I’m getting along famously anyhow.

I love hell out of you, Toots,

Your wing dingy.

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1944 March 8 Listening to Axis Sally

3/8/44 Italy

Hi Angel:

What a life.  Your little boy is very lucky.  Last night, while coming home from dinner on board with Howard Cadigan (RN* friend of mine), my driver went to sleep.  Fortunately, I had him driving on 20 mph as I always do at night.  Aside from a few minor bruises and 1 scratch each, no damage was done, that is to us.  The jeep is a wash-out.  There was an American outfit a mile down the road, and their doc gave me a complete check-up, and could find nothing.  I saw Vulcanos for 10 minutes today, and they were most solicitous.  They made me promise I wouldn’t tell you for fear you would worry!  Well, we can both laugh at it now, as I have a bruise on each cheek, and I don’t mean of my face.

You should hear Howard tell jokes from the deep South!  His negro accent isn’t bad.  He’s a bit Irish and has a keen sense of humor.

The enclosure is a nice piece of eyewash.  It is an extract from the order which awards it to me.  I only hope the last sentence has been true for that is my aim.  That’s the flight for which I received the “wing & a prayer” write-up in the news.  I also have my second Air Medal Cluster—so what.

I had another long talk with Bob Paul yesterday.  He will not take a stand but I feel that he wants me to quit trying to accomplish anything before I get hurt.  I can’t agree with him even if he sincerely has my well-being at heart.  For the time being, I shall sit and wait.  I’m on OS and shall attempt to stay here until my promotion either bounces or comes through.  After that, I shall ask for a bathe of leave and then see what cooks.  I’m getting a nice rest and am about ready to start all over.

We’re listening to “Axis Sally.”**  She’s a hell of a good announcer and plays only the best—the best jive.  The propaganda she puts out is good but not good enough to fool anybody.  Back in Africa the men were so pleased to hear an “American” voice (female) that what she said didn’t enter into it.

Damn it, listening to good dance music makes me so damn homesick for my little ol’ wife.  It sure would be nice to have a handful of Little Martha, all decked up in an evening gown, with a flower in her hair, with a good floor and good music.

I just called Burt and told him about the wreck so he wouldn’t worry if he heard any wild stories.  He looks after me like a Mother, in a not obnoxious way.  He’s excellent.

I’m asking Mom Huntoon to send me a subscription to GE News for a year and send you the bill.  Don’t let her forget it.

And don’t forget I just love hell out of you, Snooks, no matter whether I accomplish anything here or not.    Your Cy.

*Royal Navy

** See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rita_Zucca;

3/8/44 Italy V-Mail #86

Hi Gremlin:

Just got a letter from John.  He figures maybe he will get sea duty one of these days.  That might be an interesting baby to raise the last half of the year.

Why don’t you let Beverly eat shells?  You’re mean!  They’re probably good for her, calcium etc.  Snails are good too.

I’m looking forward to the color pictures.  They are so much more life-like than the black & white.

The jungle cruises sound interesting.  You should also take a bus over the Tamiami trail—maybe see George & Katherine, as well as on down to Key West.  Something you’ll love, and do it, is go to Pan-American’s Miami Terminal & see the big flying boats come in.

Pan American Miami Terminal

We listened to radio Budapest tonight.  I hope we can cover all this country someday.  I’ve learned that only real lesson in enjoying travel—enjoy trying to speak the language and don’t be embarrassed.  A foreigner will treat you wonderfully if you try to understand him and his country.

I’m going to ask Dad to get me some ribbons soon.  Write to him and tell him where to get them made up.  The last ones were well done.

All my love, Cy.

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