Among The Leaves

[mgc1961]

Here are some of the letters that compose my current research project. The first letter is from Jake to his mother at the close of 1943. The second letter is from Jake to his father. The third letter is to Jake from his friend in New Guinea. The fourth letter is from Jake's friend in England to his parents after Jake was listed as missing. I'm posting them without comment.

Dec. 1st

Dearest Mother,

This is to you personally. I know you read all of Dad's and you should but after all I haven't written you in about a year.

Haven't heard about the Xmas cards yet. I should be getting mine out. May not be here the last minute. Send them as soon as possible. Need about 50. Prefer ones with name n them. Could use some calling cards with Lt. Jake S. Colvin, U.S.A. Air Forces.

The cake finally came and it was the best I've ever eaten. All the fellows like it too. Just like at school it didn't take long for it to become just a few crumbs.

My Thanksgiving dinner was in Redmond Oregon. We had a regular G.I. dinner but it was good. Wish I could have been at home with you folks but I'm thankful that we are well and happy.

What are we going to give the ole man for Xmas? Let me do my part or if you can think of something let me get it.

As for my Xmas I don't know just what I want. There is very little except maybe a pair of leather gloves, with no lining size 9.

What have you to suggest for Margaret Neeley. I've got to get something nice. Penny & Jessie and grandmother will have to be looked out for. Sister's is the trunk which will be home soon.

Well, Mother, time to go to work -

Love to all,

Jake Jr.

This letter was postmarked two days before Jake's airplane was shot down:

Friday (2/25 is penciled next to date. It was probably done by Jake Sr. in 1944.)

Dearest Dad,

Just returned from a two day pass. Had a fine time. Didn't go to London but had just as much fun in Norwich on a lot less money. There were two days of complete rest. I needed it too.

Should start out on my fourth mission in the morning. The first three were full of events of which I'll tell you when that happy day comes for me to return home.

C. C. is ahead of me on missions. He should be up for an air medal now. Have been seeing a lot of him lately.

Tell Mayme that the visiiting cards came today. The paper stated today that summer is going to start on April the 2nd. This will a happy day. I'll be a year older and then maybe we'll have some good weather to do some bombing in.

Mayme asked me was I near Liverpool. No, I'm quite a way from there. In fact, I'm on the opposite side.

Not much news. Let me know if you see any thing about any of the fellows. Hugh Jameson went down on his first raid. Don't say anything about it until it comes out in the paper.

Send me the pecans or cake or candy. Write soon. Love to all -

Your devoted son,

Jake Jr.

This next letter reached Jake Sr. from the 672nd Bomber squadron via a San Francisco APO. Jake Jr. never got a chance to respond because the letter arrived at his parents home about two weeks after his death.


Dear Mr. Colvin,

Please address the enclosed letter to your son. I went to Clemson with Jake also flying school. I didn't know his address and I would appreciate this favor.

I trust all is well with the family and dear ole South Carolina. That's a damn good place - wish I were there now instead of New Guinea.

Sincerely,

Ben C. Blackwell


New Guinea
February 22, 1944

Dear Jake,

It's been one hell of a long time since I heard anything from you so I've decided to see if I wouldn't get a letter in the wind to you. Thins here aren't heaven by all means but on the other hand we enjoy ourselves. There are three boys here that were at George Field. Two flying A20's and one flying B25s. Soulters(?), a Clemson boy, class of 41 is here also flying 20's. He has a broken leg now but expects to fly again soon.

I'm still flying A20's. I've had one crack-up in them and one in the B25. Been reported missing in action and pronounced dead. It seems they can't keep a good man down.

Had a letter from Adam Parsons yesterday. He's in Charlotte N.C. flying troop transport. He said he expected to be over seas soon. Jim Blanchard is in England flying B24's. Doesn't particularly care for them according to his letter. Tucker Brunson(?) wrote to me some time ago from Fort Benning, Ga. He's still para-Inf. Likes it fine.

Jake, I'd like a long letter from you. We don't get very much mail here and since women aren't in my line any more I've gotta resort to boys. No S - , tell me where Lt Boy and all the rest of the gang are.

I've been a first Lt. for some time. I have my own flight and the job calls for Capt. You know the ole story - "There are no promotions across the oceans" well by God that's true enough.

Be a good boy and write often. I'm sending this letter to your home because I don't know your address.

Your Pal,

Blackie

This last letter is from Jake's friend who was stationed with him in England and mentioned in the second of these letters. If you read the previous posts you'll note that this young man was KIA the week after this letter was written.

March 16, 1944

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Covlin,

At last I can write to you about Jake since the time limit has passed. I think you both understand that I would have written sooner if I could have. The little information I can give you won't satisfy you as much as it does me since it will leave many of your questions unanswered.

I was on the raid that Jake went down but I did not see him go down. The boys that did see him gave me all the details that were available which makes me very optimistic. As you know I would be the last to try to build up your hopes falsely.

It might help you some to know that Jake did hit the target and I will give you the number of raids that was for him. Off hand I believe it was number four.

Jake was my best boy friend and it was a blow to me when he went down, but we had agreed not to let it get us if it did happen to either of us.

My next raid was made in tribute to Jake and wherever he is I know he was pleased with the results.

There is not much more for me to say since I am limited as to what I can say. I hope the day will soon come when Jake and I can come home: you can be sure we are all trying with all our might to hurriedly bring about that day.

One little fact I might mention is that Jake and I were together in church the Sunday before his last raid. He was one of the most popular boys in his squadron.

If there is any question you wish to have answered and I can answer it, I will be more than glad to upon request. In the near future you should have additional information about him.

I hope I've eased your minds some Mr. & Mrs. Colvin.

Love to all,

C. C.