February 9, 1942

Monday, February 9, 1942 – Leaving Home

Dear Elizabeth,

Please excuse this ruled paper. It is all I could get (borrow) in the barracks. We have been ordered not to leave the barracks.

Well, I passed the exam. The last man to examine me was a French doctor. He tested me for nerve reaction. He was swell. He told me I was a good specimen. I was surprised myself.

We were shipped to Devens at 12:30 and arrived here in the pouring rain. I had on an old pair of shoes. Did I get soaked. We had to walk to the barracks from the station where the trucks unload and did I get wet.

Well, I am an enlisted man and we therefore were pushed through ahead of the draftees. Eight of the original eighteen sent with me from Boston are still with me in the barracks. All except one are out for the Air Corps. The 8th is going to be a parachutist.

I’m sorry I had to leave without saying goodbye on the telephone. But I couldn’t stay very long on the phone and so I killed three birds by calling my home. They phoned the office to tell them I was joining up, and I told my mother to phone you.

The barrack that I’m in is for enlisted men only. The selectees are in different barracks. There are showers and dressing facilities — a mirror and washbowl.

We have to rise at 4:30 wash and dress and be ready for inspection at 5 am. I learned to make my bed, and are they fussy!

I may be here 8 days, but I really can’t say just how long. Eventually we will be shipped to training stations and assigned to a regular company.

Elizabeth, thank you very much for the wonderful picture and frame. I’m crazy about it, and about you too as a matter of fact. I can’t take that picture along however. I treasure it. Thank you darling thank you very much.

I shall let you know when I am to be shipped out. You were exceptionally nice last evening, and I’ll never forget just how nice you really can be.

The language is pretty strong around here. Wow! The Sergeant especially. Every second word is a curse, but he’s a good scout.

Please excuse the writing. I’m using the top of my toilet set as a desk, sitting on top of my bunk. The Sergeant took a look at my toilet set an asked me how long I expected to keep it in this _____ hole. They issue a kit anyway.

Well dear, there’s the bugle for late mess. I’ve got to sign off. I’ll write again soon. Please write me.

With love, Peter