EDITOR’S NOTE: Below is Winfred’s first letter home from his new base, Gowen Field (near Boise, ID), where he will begin Phase 1- Bomber Training.
Jul. 23, 1943 0380 WM Gowen Field, ID
Winfred lets Margaret know he is at a new base in Boise, ID – Gowen Field for Phase 1 training (where the B-24 crews are assembled and trained). There will be more processing/classification; he’s out ranked by everyone; there are young pilots and crashes; it’s a good camp, but no furlough.