Letter from William H. Gernert to Richard T. Gernert, November 25, 1942

[top right] Wed Nov-25-42 [end top right]

Dear Dicky Boy-

[unsure br]

cranking, and working in general like a one armed [illegible] hanger. Finally (I'm making this sound good) with very little gas left we came in for a landing, wheels up, according to tower instructions [unsure sp]. An aviation cadet, L.E. Miller was with me. We came in on a regular approach and I'll admit I was a little apprehensive. Just before we hit, I cut the switches and in we slid - bouncing along the turf. You couldn't guess the slight damage done the plane - Just [unsure leg] bout cowling and prope [end unsure]. Miller and I climbed out and wended out way thru a traffic jam of ambulances, fire trucks, wreckers etc. Boy, those guys were on the ball. Before I unbuckled my safety belt (Miller and I shook hands where the ship stopped) There was a fireman, with fire hose unreeled, standing right beside our gas tank. It was good experience [what in heck does he want for his money. Pop] and I know now that those ships will land just as well, if not better, on their bellies than wheels. Miller sends his regards - he is from Wadsworth, Ohio, near Akron - we are finishing way ahead of schedule and Miller and I might be able to fly up in December".

[centered] -2- [end centered]

We are telling people that you are in the Pacific, that possibly, according to the map, you might stop at P.H. for a time. Thats all. Thanks a million for writing old uncle Harry, he will get a great kick out of your letter and will have all the relatives on the ding-a-ling country phone within the hour.

[unsure br]

That episode about "Little Jones", in your battery, was pathetic and I shed a few tears Just [unsure cap] reading about it, plus the fact that my [underlined] son [underlined] is human enough to be kind to an enlistid man - remember they are human too, but are where they are because they maybe didn't have the home life you have had - always be kind to your men and show a personal interest in their welfare - you will never know what dividends it might pay.

Dont [underlined] forget [underlined] to drop a line to that "Little Jones". He wont ever forget you, for it.

Dont worry about x mas, buddy boy. We wont be together physically but by the "Eternal Toads", we will be together in spirit [underlined x2] - this x mas and every xmas for years + years, wont we, Sonny? I'll take care of mom + Shirley for every body. You are darned right, your mother is [underlined] one in a Billion. Shirley is a swell kid, too.

I saw Shirley in a high school play yesterday, without she knowing it, and boy, she was good. Dont send any money orders - I'll let you know when that is necessary.

Be sure to write the Nortons - especially the little girls. Maybe you could send them some little thing made on your island. I haven't asked many questions have I? How are your superior officers? Hit the ball - sell yourself, sonny boy - you've got personality and ability, dont let it go to waste. Remember your prayers always and write all you can. Get a promotion out of it, too. 

[bottom right] Best wishes and oceans of Love to Pops swell son - a grand boy.

Pop. [end bottom right]