Apparently all the pilot training slots were filled. I was given 45 days furlough and arrived in Louisville March 28 1942 when I gave Wanda an engagement ring. If you haven't lived through a time like this it is difficult to understand the pressures. Many, Many military boys were being killed. Do you marry your sweetheart and leave her a widow in just a few days? Is the risk worth the fulfillment of your love? Pilot training took nine months, so the chances were better that I would live and enjoy a wife that long. We decided to grab the brass ring and live while we could. We decided to be married April 18, 1942.
The Army regulations stated that an aviation cadet could not be married. Evan though everyone knew that I had a wife, (in fact the Army sent her an allotment check every month) when I was discharged to receive a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Air Corps the discharge papers said I was single. We disregarded the regulations and were married. While marriage plans were being worked out I stayed with Amzel and Russell Walts in Buechel, Kentucky. Amzel was Wanda's sister. Even though I was in the Army I got a job at Belknap Hardware Company and went to work. I was earning about $29.00 a month from the army.
When the 45 day furlough was up I hitchhiked to Detroit, Michigan and reported for duty. I was handed another 45 day furlough and told to expect a call any day. What a way to win a war. I did receive my call in a few days to report back to Detroit. I boarded a train and after three days on the train arrived at Kelly Air Base in San Antonio Texas, June 9, 1942. In my first letter home to Mom I stated, "I already feel superior to most of these cadets, even the ones who have been here for a while. Bear in mind that most cadets were college graduates.
The time of this writing is July 5, 1986. Last evening we watched the celebration of the 100th birthday of the Statue of Liberty. As the military units were performing, Wanda asked if that made me feel good. I was always bursting with pride to be in a parade with Old Glory. Last night I had that same great feeling. We did a lot of parade marching at Kelly Air Base.
I stated earlier that I arrived at Kelly Air Base about June 9th. A few days later I received a very, very unexpected phone call from Wanda. She had decided to come to San Antonio to be with me as much as she could. Cadets could have visitors one or two evenings during the week and cadets could go to town on Sunday. She was a foolish girl to appear in San Antonio alone knowing no one and with very little money. But that is her story. We were gloriously happy to be together.
I completed pilot pre-flight the fist week in August, 1942 and we headed for Chickasha, Oklahoma for primary flight training. Wanda and I could not go together so she got a ride with another wife. The stay in Chickasha was short. I got in a few hours flying and was asked if I would like to change to navigation training. I accepted without a fuss because I knew that I was not really in control of the plane the way it should be. The plane was more or less controlling me. it was even that way somewhat with automobiles.
Wedding
Newlyweds
Cadets (Lee, second from left)
June 9, 1942
San Antonio, Texas
Monday Nite
Dear Folks,
Well here I am. Where? At Kelly Field, Texas where I sorta wanted to come of course.
We sure had a pleasant trip down here even if it was tiresome the first day. Hit 3 new states already, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. We're only 10 miles from San Antonio and a bus runs right pass here. They haven't gave us any low-down yet but I expect they'll pour it on heavy tomorrow.
Discipline is really going to be strict here. Just for example one can't hold his bread with the left hand while he eats. The left hand is to be used only in the case of pure necessity. No talking except when asking for something and then you say "pass the please mister." Everyone is mister here and to think I thought I would never be a mister again. All the silver ware has to lay at a certain angle on the plate unless in use. None on the table. When you're done it has to be at another angle. Instead of girls for waitress we have Mexicans which doesn't make it taste any better. You can't judge much from one meal but it should be all right. We're allowed a 1.00 a day for food compared to $.44 in the regular army.
Don't send my stuff just yet. You'll hear me again one of these days.
We get a new issue here. In place of the O.D. we get forrest green blouses, trousers, mackinaw, and socks. I don't know just yet what I'll have to turn in. When I do I'll let you know.
I already feel superior to most of these cadets even the ones that has been here for a while. Of course I don't show it and it won't go to my head. A man's going to have to take a lot to get through here for the first few weeks but it’ll sure be worth it. It gives one a great feeling to think maybe I'll be flying one of those babies with my own lily white hands.
I haven't even got my bed made yet. So I'll close.
By the way it didn't make me the least sea-sick to ride and sleep on that bucking train. What I mean it really bucked to, most of the time for the last 36 hours we did 75 and 80 and that ain’t creeping. All in all I really enjoyed the train ride. At last at the ripe old age of 25 I get on a train. What a shame.
Good bye again
Lee
By the way I am at Kelly Field even if it isn't on my address.
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