Monday, January 10

Thank God for a day of rest - a day spent only in sleeping and a little work on my plane and two briefings. Bought me a pair of boots today - a combination between a military dress shoe, riding boots, and cowboy boots - they are the most comfortable things I have ever seen. Met Louie Ralsh who washed out at primary and is now navigating in B-26 Replacement group.

Have been eating fresh pineapples, oranges, bananas, mango s - all grown around here - they are really wonderful. To bed early for tomorrow we head east across the pond. Rest of squadron is now here - finally caught up with us.

Sunday, January 9

On South again today to Natal - the eastern tip of Brazil and jumping off place to Africa. This part of the country is just like Texas - sandy waste land with some shrubs, enough to make it wonderful cattle country. Flew over Fortaliza - second largest city in Brazil - it is much like Long Beach. Natal is hot and dusty with a steady east wind blowing in off the ocean. It is fairly dry and cool at nights though tonight is the most beautiful night I have ever seen. Full moon, 72 warm breeze, a 300 mile visibility - oh what a night for romance. Went to an outdoor movie and saw best demonstration of morale I have seen in the army. They had a community sing and everyone actually sang - the first time I have ever seen that. The fellows like it here although it is almost completely isolated from civilization. Natal is very small.

Saturday January 8

Brazil with all it's "scenic grandeur." Off at 5:30 on the Colonel's wing. Flew 5 hours over the top and on instruments so didn't get to see Devil's Island off the coast of French. Flew over 400 miles of dense steaming jungles without any habitation whatsoever. Crossed the equator - over 100° and 99% humidity - God. On down across the Amazon - 100 miles wide at the mouth with the huge ever-changing delta. One island 75 miles in diameter of the most fertile delta land in the world - all flat green grass with huge herds of cattle. To Belem and landed. This is Malaria infested country -sleep with mosquito nets and taking atabrine. People here are pretty dark - mostly Indian and speak Portuguese. Had the darndest time with waitresses at dinner trying to learn a little Spanish. Finally learned how to get more water etc. Tried to go to town but no soap. Belem is 3rd largest town in Brazil – 250,000 and is large rubber exporting city. All buildings red tiled roofs and no windows in any buildings - too hot. Rained 2 inch in about 3 minutes this evening - that's a lot. To bed at 8:30. Saving currency of countries we go thru - a short snorter indeed.

Friday, January 7

Off at 5:30 and headed nearer the equator. Passed over Martinique and Santa Lucia which is a really beautiful island. On South to Trinidad where we stopped for gas and lunch. Visibility was 200 miles on most of trip. On from Trinidad down along the jungle covered coast and swamps of South America to British New Guinea. Passed over huge banana plantations & rice fields with their native huts built upon stilts & thatched roofs. Air field where we stay over night is carved right in the middle of the jungle. Surprising as it is everything is modern here at base - very modern barracks, theatre, club and everything.

Even have a multitude of native girls - almost white working here on the base. They are of Portuguese origin and very beautiful. Heat is terrific - so sultry you can hardly breathe. It seems-like an age since we started but was only yesterday. Trip is so exciting never have time to even think. To bed at 8:30.

Thursday, January 6

One of those unforgettable little incidents of human interest. Was at breakfast at the P.X. when a cute little girl came in and sat at the booth next to ours. Naturally I was the wolf and made eyes at her but could only catch hers by accident. As we arose to go I again looked her way and she looked right back and with a damn nice smile she said almost under her breath "Good luck - soldier." The only person who even took the trouble to think of us as we left for the war.

Came down over Nassau again and then over 4 hours of overcast to Dominican Republic and finally Puerto Rico with their high jungle covered mountains and small patches of sugar cane. I have never seen a more beautiful ocean with brilliant blue water, white sand bottom, and beautiful palm trees and green grass.

Air Base is really beautiful. Oh yes - got our secret orders today - will enter destination later. Early to bed & up at 3:30 tomorrow. Staying at Hotel Stevens - one of army barracks so marked each with a name instead of a number.

Wednesday, January 5

Busy as heck with last minute details-briefings, buying clothing and film etc, drawing equipment, a final medical exam and so on. Reloaded my plane for my convenience and got it all repaired - had so many things wrong which I discovered yesterday. Last day in good old U.S.A. but no celebration, feasting, wining, or even reminiscing - too busy. To bed at 9:00 PM - to arise at 4:30.

Tuesday, January 4

Worked like a fool getting ship weighed and loaded. Was issued ammunition, field glasses, etc. and took possession of my plane. Left Savannah at 2:00 PM on a 4 hour fuel consumption flight. Went to Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Ft. Meyers, and across the gulf to Key West, up the keys to Miami and landed at Morrison Field at West Palm Beach which is P.O.E. They mean business here-took our A.G.O. passes and made crew post its own guard. Beautiful set up though. Won $35.

Monday, January 3

Loafed most of day but had the usual paper work to go thru. Saw a good picture "Destination Tokyo." Full of propaganda but was really a true story of many very unrelated true events of the war all knit together in one plot. Won $20.

Sunday, January 2

Started processing today. Spent the usual 8 hours in lines but finally got thru. It was just like Christmas Day - receiving so much equipment. Got a new pistol, knife, parachute, new clothes, including, boots, 2 jackets, flying suit, sun glasses - everything one could possibly need. More fun. Lost $20.

Saturday, January 1

The moving finger writes, and having writ, Moves on:
Nor all your Piety nor Wit, Shall lure it back to cancel half a line, Nor all your Tears wash out a Word of it.

A new day on a new year and a new day on a new post. Slept 12 hours on New Year's Eve while the rest of the boys were celebrating at the Officer's club indulging in tie cutting and beer throwing.

Spent the day writing letters and heard U.S.C. beat U. of Wash. 20-0 in Rose Bowl. Processing starts tomorrow - turned over my new plane to base for modification. Won $30 tonite playing poker.