TRANSCRIPT
V-MAIL DATED 4-28-44
Dearest Mom,
Hope this will find my best girl in good spirits tonight and every one at home allright. I’m feeling fine as usual and I am having a nice time. I’m still in school.
Here’s a list of some articles I want you to send me. (I want a dozen pair of heavy wool socks and a razor. (Double edge type)) It doesn’t make much difference what make it is I need a spare one. And a box of candy. I guess that will be all. Don’t forget to make the socks heavy wool or work socks like dad used to use all the time.
I heard from Lee yesterday so now I feel lots better. I was real worried about her for a few days. Tell everyone hello and take good care of yourself till I see you again.
your loving Son
Earl T. [*]
[*] Beginning in his letter to his mother from 4-18-44, Earl alters his middle initial (actually “D.”) at the end of his letters to various other initials. This is because Earl is attempting to use his middle initial to gradually spell out where he is stationed so that his family knows where he is – something that would usually be censored in such letters. This is the same method that Earl talks about in his letter to his mother on 3-28-44. With this letter, Earl has successfully spell out “Belfast,” indicating that he and his squadron were stationed in Belfast, Northern Ireland.