Miami Beach, Fla.
January 29, 1944
UNITED STATES ARMY
Dear Howard,
Well, old boy, here’s a few lines to let you know I am still alive and kicking. Guess you are thinking I’m a fine one for not writing sooner.
I transferred down here the 17th of Jan. Boy! are the fellows swarming here for Cadets and they are washing them out just as fast. We spent four days getting all the mental and physicals. The first day we took a 7 hour mental test that was really a son-of-a-gun. I never thought I passed it. The second day was divided between psychomotor tests (coordination of mind and muscle) and interviews with psychiatrists (sp.). The third and fourth days were made up of physicals & and they were plenty stiff. Yesterday we found out the results. I would say that approx. 30% of the fellows made it. When 70% wash out you can judge for yourself how tough they had it.
I was one of the lucky 30% that made it. We now stay here and take basic over again until there is an opening at some college. The others who made it are classified “Air Crew” and that is as much as we know. We are classified as pilots, bombardiers, or navigators but we don’t know which. Everyone from here takes 5 months of college. I am very glad I made it because I sure wanted it badly.
How’s things going in Wis? I heard Emde & Norm were home. That about takes care of all the fellows doesn’t it? Sure bet they were glad to get home. The weather here is swell and warm and the tourist season is in full swing. We are located on the ocean front.
You should see the people around here. Young and old alike run around the streets in bathing suits. Never saw anything like it in my life. I saw an old couple the other day (65 if they were a day) walking up the street in bathing suits. I get quite a kick out of it.
We are restricted until Tues next week so I really haven’t had a chance to get out and see the sights. We take full hours of physical training per day. We are allowed to wear our swimming trunks and as we take it on the beach can go in swimming as part of the program. The water is swell & but can you imagine going swimming in the middle of Jan.?
I got the package when I got back and everything was swell. The rest of the boys & myself really feasted for a couple of days. Pass my heartfelt thanks on to your mother.
I could write for a while longer but I am pressed for time so had better be bringing this missive to a finish.
My regards to everyone except your Mother & Rena May. Write me when you have time.
Your friend
Art
P.S. – I am now an Air Student (Pilot) but even though I am in grade I still sign Cpl to my name. They call us “Mr.” now, though. Pretty elite, don’t you think?
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