LETTER From a B-17 Bombadier

 

2nd Lt Rasmussen was a bombardier on B-17G “Kinda a Ruff” along with Staff Sgt. Horton (see his profile). The letter is amazing, truly like something out of a Jimmy Stewart film. We have changed as a society and it doesn’t seem like an improvement, especially when you reflect on what these soldiers endured, yet still write such a warm, gentle letter. this is a letter to his sister Velma, dated Feb 23, 1944.

ENGLAND

Dear Velma,

I was plenty glad to get a letter from you and its nice to hear you are still in Indian Head. Bob was lucky to get leave and I’ll bet Kitty was plenty glad to see him. Boy! He isn’t going to have it easy in cadets. That’s the roughest outfit a fellow can get into but its sure nice to get winds and become an officer.

I got a letter from Ginny today and she told me about Bob. Man, she sure thought Bob was something and told me I ought to be proud of him because both of the Rasmussen’s might be officers. Just one to go and I wish Bob all the luck I can because I’ve been through it and its plenty hard. Have you got a picture of my bunch that’s flying over her together? Ginny has one if you are interested to see out good outfit.

By golly, I’ve really been in combat and I don’t mean maybe. You ought to see a bit air battle. Mom would be plenty worried if she could see me now so I didn’t write to her. Velma, I got up at 3 O’Clock in the morning and ate breakfast, never showed up for dinner and finally got back by night, so you can see what a fellow goes through. It’s T.S. and I should see the Chaplain. Well, people don’t understand what we face so it isn’t much use to explain it. Ginny probably thinks I am having a good time with the English girls but is just so happens that I don’t go out. I’m so damn tired that I hit the bed and never wake up till I’m ready to fly again.

I guess Bob will probably be a San Antonio. I sure hope he sends me his address? Are your eyes okay, I’ve been thinking about you quite a bit because I sure realize how good you were to me. I hope I come back and don’t get shot down over enemy territory.

Well Velma Carrol, ought to make out okay also so be c good girl. Goodby Sis

     Norman

 

The crew was killed when the plane was hit by enemy aircraft, exploded and crashed March 4, 1944.