Air Corps Technical School, Keesler Field, Mississippi

To My Valentine: Elizabeth darling,

I’m many miles from you now. We shipped Thursday and arrived here 2 hours ago. I’m still dirty (but fed) from the trip. What a field. You could put East Boston Airport in the corner and lose it. The weather here is about like Boston in June. And the fellows say that today is cold! (It’s about 50.) By the way, I don’t think I’m going to like the southerners.

Seriously, they actually gritted their teeth and gave us some pretty dirty remarks at chow. We are the first group of any size to arrive here from the North. They booed and cat called us from barracks when we marched from the station to the barrack about 1 1/2 miles. But I’m going to make them like me. I felt funny marching along carrying my heavy overcoat over my left shoulder and traveling pack in my hand and then looking at the peculiar and sometimes unpleasant expressions on their damn rebel faces.

That drawl can be dirty. Oh well, I’m sure I guess. I’ll be alright tomorrow after a night’s rest. Please write. Right down on the delta dear, you couldn’t get much farther south, except maybe Florida.

I miss you. Last night on the train, I thought back about you and I last Friday night. I closed my eyes and tried hard, and finally I got a perfect vision of your face, then I leaned forward and tried to kiss it. What a wonderful feeling it is to love someone like I love you. I get feeling a little alone now and then and all I have to do is think of you. If I could only get a letter from you soon telling me about those little things that lovers only understand. I guess I got it bad.

Since I just arrived Liz, I can’t tell you much about the place, but we did get our general orders from the commanding officer and looks as though the picnic is over. We’re really going to buckle down now. I’m glad I enlisted while the opportunity was there. By the way, you’re not mad because I didn’t phone you dearest, are you? I’d find it hard to say goodbye over the phone and I find it hard now, just writing this. (I got a lump in my throat.) I’m not a sissy, I just miss you like ______!

This field is only 8 months old, it is 90% complete. Say a little prayer that I will pass my examinations. New Orleans is quite near, but we were warned that venereal disease is prevalent there. Not that I would partake of any illicit relations (I love you too much for that) but there’s always the chance of being touched or touching things or people.

There are theaters and ball fields on the post. I’m told we will be kept quite busy studying. Reveille is 5:00 am. Lights out at 9:00 pm. Must be in by 10:00 pm. No leaves will be granted for 15 months. We might as well both understand now that we will be away from each other for a long time, unless I’m fortunate enough to be transferred north again. Maybe Mitchell Field or Boston.

I have only sent cards from Devens to my family. I don’t have much time to write letters (other than yours). Will you send me your picture and tell me about your family and of course about you. You, how I look forward to knowing everything you are doing. I tell you more about our Sgt. in my next letter. He is one of the best Sgts. here (mostly Yanks).

I’ll write again. I think you’re the sweetest person alive.
With love, Peter

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A note from the editor: read about the History of Keesler Field.

 

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