DIY History | Transcribe | World War II Diaries and Letters | John William Graham letters, May-June 1945 | 1945-05-26 John W. Graham to Mr. & Mrs. William J. Graham Page 2

Transcribe
Translate

John William Graham letters, May-June 1945

1945-05-26 John W. Graham to Mr. & Mrs. William J. Graham Page 2

the time except for a few weeks spent at Giara near Bari when we first arrived here and were waiting for our runways to be completed. We landed in Naples, came out here to Bagdalio for a day or so then went by train to Bari & then by truck to our base. This time we came all the way in trucks and saw a lot of beautiful scenery. Went by different routes so saw a lot of the country. I think when we get located will have different airplanes. Cargo ones no doubt for they will carry so many more men tho perhaps our old twenty fours will be modified. Our ships have all been flown back with the combat crews. My old "Pistol Packin' Mama" was among them, she was the only original ship we had left. When she was changed over to a cargo I got another ship which was shot up so badly it had to be salvaged. When you get the box I sent home you will find several picture of it showing the worst holes. Since last December I've been building up engines and like it better than crewing a ship. Bill & a bunch more of the fellows flew to Trinidad ahead to get things set up for us. I'd have liked to have gone but I guess someone had to stay. Reckon they are there by now. Have no idea how long our trip will take us, depends on whether we go in a transport or a liberty ship. I hope we get a liberty, they are slower but one has

Saving...

the time except for a few weeks spent at Giara near Bari when we first arrived here and were waiting for our runways to be completed. We landed in Naples, came out here to Bagdalio for a day or so then went by train to Bari & then by truck to our base. This time we came all the way in trucks and saw a lot of beautiful scenery. Went by different routes so saw a lot of the country. I think when we get located will have different airplanes. Cargo ones no doubt for they will carry so many more men tho perhaps our old twenty fours will be modified. Our ships have all been flown back with the combat crews. My old "Pistol Packin' Mama" was among them, she was the only original ship we had left. When she was changed over to a cargo I got another ship which was shot up so badly it had to be salvaged. When you get the box I sent home you will find several picture of it showing the worst holes. Since last December I've been building up engines and like it better than crewing a ship. Bill & a bunch more of the fellows flew to Trinidad ahead to get things set up for us. I'd have liked to have gone but I guess someone had to stay. Reckon they are there by now. Have no idea how long our trip will take us, depends on whether we go in a transport or a liberty ship. I hope we get a liberty, they are slower but one has