8-18-1944

Dearest Mother, Dad, Shirlee, and Rhoda;
I know how you must feel about Don’s new assignment but I don’t believe it is what it sounds like, altogether. Sure, it is going over seas possibly, but, it won’t be actual combat for quite some time. His group will probably get to Hawaii or some other “South Sea Isle” to train and learn more of the job they have to do. His is a good, important job, and we all feel proud of him for doing as well in it as he has. He has been pitted against college graduates, highly qualified electricians, and so forth all through his training period—and he has come out on top. Another thing to consider is that it is what don wants—he is happy because it is what he has been training for for so long.
When I was in Frisco he was always talking about how much he wanted to apply his knowledge to the “real thing” and now that it has come I am sure he is more than pleased. Of course, it will be a great adventure for Don and a great experience. He never would have been happy if he had missed this show and I am sure I won’t .
I, as well as you, am anxious to hear where, when and what—but we know that that information is confidential so we will just have to wait. He will let us know just as soon as he can.
I go a special liberty approved today for Saturday and Sunday—so I might be lucky and see Don. I am up against it for reservations on the train but maybe I can coat the porter with a couple of bucks. I am sure I will get up there, and I think I will see Don. I received another letter from him today saying that his bunch had been held over for a little while longer so I think he will be there this week-end. If he is I will get all the dope first hand and let you know as soon as possible. I also have my reservation for SALT LAKE CITY so I will be there soon. You can expect me the night of the 25th on the Challenger. I hope that his time we will meet in the station O.K. If we do it will really be funny-won’t it. Don’t worry if I’m not on that train—oh, hell! I’ll wire you if I’m not so until you hear anything different I’ll be on it. (haha)
So Hubert is going over seas, too. I think I will be going to Middy’s school, too so I can do something worth doing. Hubert must really be a good officer—and I can see why. He is a lot like Don, sincere as the dickens, quiet, and very very intelligent. Both he and Don will do well in what ever they do and both of them will come out of this war with twice as much knowledge, twice as much experience, and the same amount of “faith”—Is say the same amount of “faith” because they both have a maximum amount of it—and that is what counts in the long run.
So please don’t worry too much –“all will be well” with Don, I guess even with me. So, until next week (when I see you all)
Best of Love, Bill