Winfred to Margaret

Apr. 11, 1943                    0210      WM       AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD Winfred writes to Margaret he has been sick for two weeks with laryngitis and feels sorry for himself. He thanks her for the candy; has passed his gunnery exam; and has heard from Clifford.

EDITOR’S NOTE: It has been 19days since Winfred last wrote home. Apr. 7, 1943                       0200      WM       AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD Winfred writes Margaret that a bunch more of his class has been shipped out because of low grades. He heard from Cliff in boot camp and several other friends; Dick is in Alaska, Alvin in the air corps near Denver, Monk is an aviator cadet – going to be a pilot, Bob is still in S.D., and Stack has shipped out.  Winfred is going to town tomorrow for his day off. a. c. = air corps

Mar. 19, 1943                   0160      WM       AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD Winfred writes Margaret.  He is almost halfway done with Radio School and is tired of the ‘Santa Claus’ weather in South Dakota.  He comments that Clifford is now in the army and will have to make some changes.  Winfred says he would make someone a good wife because he now knows how to keep up the home. He apologizes for a short letter but received 8 letters yesterday that and needs to respond.

Mar. 7, 1943                      0150      WM       AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD Winfred thanks Margaret for the candy; asks about her work; and has heard Cliff goes in on the ninth. He stood inspection in the subzero weather; struggles in code & theory; and built his first working radio. They are out of envelopes in the camp; he was ‘arrested’ yesterday and put on K.P. (Kitchen Patrol). EDITOR’S NOTE: Today, March 9, 1943 is the day that that Clifford S. Maxwell enlisted into the United States Army at Jefferson Barracks, MO.

Feb. 24, 1943                    0110      WM       AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD Winfred writes Margaret; letters have been scarce; he describes camp conditions, school work, missing friends, and the need for sweets. He is still wooin’ Lois and hasn’t looked at any other girl (There aren’t any there!) He misses Missouri and no one even mentions it there!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Two letters were written and sent home on February 18, 1943; one by Winfred to the Folks and one by Bob Merrill to Clifford. Feb. 18, 1943 (1)              0080      WM       ARMY TECHNICAL SCHOOL A. A. F. T. T. C./SIOUX FALLS, SD Winfred writes to his sister, Margaret. He comments on their younger cousin Erma (Irma Dickey); guesses their brother Clifford will like the army; mentions the names of several of their friends from Irondale and where they are currently posted; hears daily from his girl – Lois; will try to get his picture taken today and will send some ‘mills’ to their little cousin Eddie.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The letter below was the first sent home by Winfred from his new base in Sioux Falls, S.D. where he began training to be radio operator.   Feb. 5, 1943                      0060      WM       AAFTS/ Sioux Falls, SD Winfred writes Margaret that he went from hot FL to ice covered SD in three days.  Went through Irondale at night. He likes the new camp; better food, no K.P. or guard, can sleep until 7:00.  He is going to radio mechanics school. The course should last 18-20 weeks. Afterwards, another camp or across.  Some will fly, the others will be on the ground. No chance for a furlough while they are there.  Asks about her work and their brother Clifford. Comments that is hard to work your way up in the air corps.  Brags about all the travelling he has done already.

Feb. 1, 1943                      0050      WM       Clearwater, FL                  POSTCARD 4 Winfred sends a postcard to Margaret saying he’ll be on the move again to somewhere. He’ll let her know when he gets there.  Just feels lucky to get out of basic training early. This is the last postcard sent by Winfred from Basic Training in Clearwater, FL.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This first/oldest letter in the collection was sent to Winfred’s 24-year-old sister Margaret who was working in St. Louis, MO. and living with her Aunt and Uncle. Jan. 23, 1943                     0020      WM       Clearwater, FL Winfred writes his sister Margaret. He has had a sore throat and cold since he got there (FL); everybody does. He is writing on his knee because he can’t get a table.  He can drill and exercise all day now. He can lie on his back and hold his feet 10 inches off the ground for a hundred count.