5-17-1944

Naval Flt Prep School
Batt. 5A-44, Plt. 3
Wildcat Brks, Room 30
Calif. Polytechnic
San Luis Obispo, Calif

Dear All,
Well, this is the only time during the whole day that I can sit down and scribble out a few letters—or I should say notes.
Our second day of education is over and it is really a hard deal we’re in. However, all of the courses are very informative and we get a standing college credit for most of them.
Our physical training takes up 2 hours of our day and they really pour the coal on during that time. (chow-down-finish-later)
Well, I just got back from chow…it was really good. We had spare ribs, potatoes & gravy, bread & butter, milk, pea soup, corn, jello, pie, lettuce & vegetable salad, and an apple. That is one thing we get good here & that is chow & living room. There are two to each room & they are quite nice—nothing like Sand Point—However, I had a very good time at Sand Point.
As I said before, it was surely swell to see Don again. I am looking forward to a week-end pass as soon as I get settled & we will go all over Frisco together. Got to go study—will finish later.
Well, I just finished with my 2 hr. study period & I accomplished quite a little I now have 30 minutes before tattoo & taps so you can see how they account for every minute.
I guess you would like to know a little more about the set-up here—Well, there are 257 cadets and about 30 officers. It seems that there is an officer to every cadet & they are always watching us. We will be here from 11 weeks to infinity so there is nothing very definite about that. They are trying their darndest to wash us so everything is hard but it is interesting and I know I will do O.K. unless some natural indifference comes up—that can’t be helped.
They emphasize Navigation, Officer aptitude and Physical training. All of which are touchy subjects.
I am with a very good bunch of fellows & we all get along good together so that helps a lot.
Well, I guess I had better say good night to you all & I hope you are all as well as I am-------
Lots of Love, Bell
tattoo