October 24, 1943

Dear Mom, Pop, Jerry, Mary and Mat,
   Haven't had much time to write during the week so here I am again writing in my few hours of rest. I think I have forgotten what the work "rest" means. "Trosky" our C.O. never gives us time to remember anything.
   We had a little accident here the other day. One of the boys in the platoon behind us had a crack up. Luckily he wasn't hurt bad. He was foolish enough to try and turn too close to the ground. He lost control of the plane for a few seconds and just pulled the plane up before he hit the ground with the tip of his wing. The plane did a twist in the air and landed flat. The accident only occurred a few miles from the airport so they were able to give him first aid. The cadet was in the hospital for a couple of days just as a matter of insurance that he is O.K..
   Most likely they will wash him out. The Navy doesn't have much sympathy for you if you try stunts like that.
   Didn't get any demerits this week. Maybe it was because they didn't have a room inspection.
   I just received a letter from Vin Candia. Remember he was a washout the last few days back in Troy. He is going to be shipped to Florida in a radio school.
   They are certainly breaking up the platoon out here. There are only 17 left out of 25 that started six weeks ago. Navy is getting mighty particular lately.
   By the way I received my picture and thanks again. Gene and I took some pictures the other day while we were goldbricking. They turned out pretty crumby.
  That's about all from the land of enchantment.
                                                Your loving son, brother, nephew,
                                                                                       Jim
P.S. This pen is "for the birds" I lost my good Parker pen so I think I will buy a good one.