March 11,
1945 Sun[1].
Dearest Bob[2]-
Received
your letter & a V mail too, all in one day. Very glad to be so popular with
you. But look my darling brother in law[3]
our mail to you will always be there even if you don’t write. We’re pleased as
punch to get your letters but realize that after all, you do have eight other
brothers & sisters & mama & your personal friends to write to. Don’t
feel as tho you have to write to us so often. Please don’t let me discourage
you tho.
Haven’t
found any navigator’s wings[4] as
yet but still looking. Rick[5]
bought 2 mattress cover & they will be on the way very soon. Their size may
prohibit sending both at once but will send them along one by one if necessary.
Don’t be surprised at some of the packages you will be receiving. Since you won’t
be able to eat every thing (sic) by yourself, you will no doubt be very popular
with your crew-mates. Good politics too. By the way, should you want more mattress
covers for your crew or barter, let us know & we’ll buy them & send
them on. Don’t misconstrue this please. The cost of one is $1.84. Not to you
but to your friends. We are only too happy to keep you supplied with any &
every thing (sic) you ask for. Don’t stop asking because it’s fun for us to be
able to send you things you want & need.
You
are not the only flying officer in the Richert family – friend husband is a
big-shot these days[6].
He flew to Washington last Monday. Really Bob, he’s working very hard on those
rations for you fellows & has made great strides in improvement of and
development of new rations. Thank goodness he’s in a spot (in the army) to give
his years of training & experience[7] to
the best possible advantage. His work has always been interesting & vital
but means even more to him now that there’s a personal interest. Mainly you.
David
Dermer[8] is
at Fort Bragg – N.C. helping to train paratroopers in defense against the
enemy. His two years overseas as a pilot makes him a perfect instructor &
the army is taking full advantage of him[9].
He likes his job. He’s become quite a bit calmed down & together with the
good medical care from the army & his very happy marriage to Doris, he’s
doing fine[10].
Enough
for now –
Love
Marion
[1]
Postmark 12 Mar 1945.
[2]
Addressed to Lt. Robert B. Richert 0-2071698; 99th Bmb. Gp. 346 Bmb.
Sq.; A.P.O. 520 c/o P.M.; New York, N.Y.
[3]
Writer is married to Robert’s brother Walter Richert.
[4]
Officers paid for their own uniforms, so this could extra wings for other sets
of uniforms.
[5]
Unknown to whom this refers, but perhaps Hubert Richert, Roberts brother. “Rick”
was a nickname that was common usage for a Richert and there could be confusion
when there are multiple brothers in context.
[6]
Flying during the war was prioritized. To even be given orders to fly, was a
sign that the person and/or task was vital to the war effort.
[7]
Before the war, Walter was heavily involved with food technology as was his
brother Paul.
[8]
Unknown relationship, context suggests family friend.
[9]
It would be very interesting to know what kind of training an experience pilot
would be giving paratroopers. Perhaps something learned in the field like
evasion?
[10]
This suggest some sort of PTSD. Since the letter is written in early 1945 and
mentions he was overseas for two years, this puts him in the time frame of the
greatest air losses.
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