A letter my dad, Lt. Ernest A. Erickson wrote from Horham, to his folks, and kid sister Dian (Dinny) in Bismarck, ND, on his 22nd birthday, August 4th, 1944 after completing his 30th mission. In this specific letter he mentions some interesting experiences and thoughts. Adding a photo of him receiving the DFC which he discusses in letter and the painting on his leather jacket. I transcribed here: Dear Folks & Dinny August 4, 1944 England Being that today is my birthday, I’ve decided to write again. I went on my 30th mission yesterday. 35 is now the limit, but there’s a possibility I may get by with two or three less. The sun is out real nice today. I was out laying in the sun for an hour. But the sun isn’t out enough over here to get a tan or hardly even sun-burned. I was just thinking last night that it was over six months since I’ve had any milk. We’ve been told not to drink the English milk. There’s supposed to be a high T.B. content. It’s been mentioned that after I’ve completed my missions that I may take a job as an engineering officer for the squadron. I would take planes up with new engines and ‘slow time” them. Would check all the instruments and such. I could learn a lot! I haven’t decided definitely to take it yet. It means I would stay here after my tour of duty is completed. I will receive the D.F.C (Distinguished Flying Cross) sometime within the next ten days. They give them for completing 30 missions. I figure all that get them, deserve them. However, the missions the last few months have been quite a bit easier than they were my first two or three months. The mail today is late so i won’t know if I got any letters until after I mail this letter. I got two letters from you yesterday. Dad wrote a half of one of them. I’m getting some designs painted on my leather jacket, so when I get home you can see what it is. The name of our plane is ‘Lili of the Lamplight.’ The name isn’t painted on the ship yet, but we’ll have it put on and want to take some pictures of us and it. Right now, Dick, a co-pilot on another crew is laying on my sack. We’re going to go over and eat pretty soon. Will stop and mail this on the way over. Also look for some mail. Signing off for now. Love, Ernie
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 13:32:48 +0000
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