James “Jimmy” J. Ley attended Grinnell College for two years before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942. Ley’s papers include an extensive series of correspondence written by Ley during his time at Grinnell and in the army air force, as well as personal items, photographs, and military documents.
Jimmy just arrived at Barksdale Field, LA and has not yet been moved to a squadron. He praises the architecture and atmosphere of the Barksdale camp. On the way there, they got to stop in New Orleans.
They have been moved to their permanent squadron. Jimmy describes what is ahead at the new field, including studying the B-26 and being assigned to a combat crew.
Jimmy has been flying every day and being assigned to a combat crew. He thinks they will ship to the overseas squadron shortly and thinks there is a good chance of a furlough before then.
Jimmy was pleased about his newly repaired and engraved watch. The group has been flying eight hours per day. Jimmy praises the crew and the pilot, Lernmond [partially legible].
