Dec. 21, 1954. From Airman Charles to June. Letter 7 of 10 in collection.

Written on the cusp of Christmas in 1954, our young airman Charles stationed abroad captures the quiet shuffle of military life between global tensions and holiday homesickness. He has just been assigned to a new squadron and is adjusting to base life, where C-119 “Flying Boxcars” rumble overhead and winter orders to Germany loom. Yet even amid supply shifts and cold barracks, his heart stays anchored to the warmth of home and the hope that a letter from June might arrive with the next mail drop.

21 Dec 1954

Dearest June,

Hello, Angel. How’s my baby tonight?  I love you and miss you very much.  I didn’t get a letter from you today, but I keep hoping.  I bought these air mail envelopes today so I wouldn’t have to keep worrying about stamps.

I got acquainted with my new squadron today.  I like it very much there are 5 officers and about 95 airmen in the outfit.  The supply itself is small and my supply sgt has been in it 8 years so I shouldn’t have too much to worry about until he leaves in March.  There are also 2 negroes there.  One is a Baptist preacher believe it or not. All of us are from the south, so we should get along fine.  Also I can get a truck to go into town almost anytime I want to.  The area is close to my hut and the PX – also the mess hall.  I guess all year I’ll keep holding my breath afraid they’ll pull me out and put me somewhere else like the place I just got out of.  I’ll have plenty of time to fly and go places.  All the C47’s are to be removed from this field and only C-119 (flying boxcars) will be available.  I have to go to Germany sometime and go to school for it (C-119) for about 3 weeks.  I’ll try to go right away so as not to interfere with your arrival date.  The only trouble is it is cold up there right now, and remember, I don’t have an overcoat.

The guy here in supply doesn’t want to sign the account over until after the holidays, so it’s alright with me.

Tomorrow I am to move into the new hut.  Stevens and his dog and two other guys are in it.  I should be OK.

Are you and Dawn all right?  Be sweet and take care of yourself.  I love you very much.

All my love, 

Charles 

P.S. I love you.