ALLENDER, Howard to Elizabeth Sanderson - 1945-02-21

From Gauss and his Children

Jump to: navigation, search

1 Letter
2 Source
- 2.1 Transcriber's Notes
3 References

Letter

1st LT. Allender H. F. 0-889106

HQ. 14th Air Force

HQ. Flight Section

APO 627 c/o PM

New York, N.Y.

21 Feb. 1945 China

Dear Mrs. Chambless:

I've received your Christmas card and gift -- a very wonderful book.

For most people like myself, who are inveterate "book-lovers and collectors," there is always one book which is THE book. "Floridays" will always have a conspicuous place in my growing library at homI've often pondered the practibility of writing and illustrating one's own book. But I see now that the author-artist angle has definite advantages. He expresses himself in tow mediums.

As an epic poem of Florida, Don Glanding should be raised to Poet Laureate of the state for his work. Perhaps his recent coming to Florida enables him to see beauty in many things that the home-steaded Floridian regards as too commonplace to be worthy of seeing. At any rate, the book is capable of producing a demoralizing homesickness, for the born and bred Floridian, where little else could. And suddenly I've felt a longing to return to Florida, not so much to see old friends, but just to see Florida.

Thanx a lot for the very excellent selection.

Instead of going home - like I was supposed to, I've involved myself with at least another year overseas. But under the circumstances I'm quite pleased.

For the past 3 months I had the very interesting experience of working with the Chinese Army in the forward areas. It was a very nice vacation for me. About 2 weeks ago I received a radiogram asking if I'd go on a special mission as an Air Navigator, and a few particulars were stated. I grabbed by toothbrush and in a short time was back at my base.

So with 130 missions of experience in China I was transferred from my squadron to the Headquarters of the 14th Air Force. When I can be relieved of my new job, I hope to work again with the Chinese Army doing Air Support work. Then I may be ready to go home.

Unfortunately, I have lost your address, so I can only think of forwarding this letter to the last-known station of Gaby Lundquist. I'm sure she'll know your address, and will mail the letter safely to you.

I'm enclosing $30.00, in two bills. don't get the idea I'm just filthy with money, tho' 'cause (at the present rate of exchange) the total cost to me is about .06¢. Because of this tremendous inflation a good -- meal in a restaurant costs only $1,100.00.

Howard Allender