Chicago

HANK" LLEWELLYN '14, writes us from Dorr Field, Arcadia, Florida with information that will be of great interest to all "Dartmouths." Hank says that: "I am down here in Florida working as a flight instructor for the Army, and am lucky to have as much a part in the war as this, for in this business they consider a man old at thirty." He also tells us that his son, Jack, is in the Navy and in training at Newport, Rhode Island; and that Frank Jr. is with the Eighth Air Force in England, and has been promoted to Captain and Operations Officer of the Squadron. He sends us a letter from Frank, Jr. which we found intensely interesting and we quote it verbatim as we are sure that all who read this column will find it "the real thing."

November 6th, 1943

Dear Dad: "Well, how is everything going? What kind of weather are you having down there now? I don't imagine it is so good. It couldn't possibly be any worse than it is here however. We have the lousiest weather I have ever seen. The way it has been we have had to climb individually through the overcast and form on top over the Buncher Beacon. Coming back we really get in some legal buzzing, trying to get down below the overcast. Well, it is good practice if nothing else, and at any rate it proves that a combat pilot has to know instrument flying and know it well.

I guess that you have read the papers and know what we are dishing out to Germany. On that Wilhemshaven deal, the largest force we have ever sent, the sky over the North Sea was actually crowded with air planes. As far as the eye could see they were there. It was really a wonderful sight. And then thosebeautiful little P-47's came in and gave uscover and are they ever doing a swell job.

Yesterday I had a close one. We went to Munster. That is a rough spot to start with. Anyway a piece of flak came through my windshield about one inch (I measured it) above my head. It didn't hit me but it tore my mask off. Just about that time an M.E. 109 came straight in from twelve o'clock. His oldleading edge was lit up like a Christmas tree,and blinking like a neon sign. He missed us but barreled right straight back through the formation. We shot him down. My ship, "The Dutchess" has twin fifties in the nose that fire straight ahead, and the Bombardier, Lt. Street, really let go with a barrage. We had a rough time for about fifteen minutes before the P-38's picked us up. It sure is a wonderfulfeeling to see those boys come in. The Jerrys don't hang around long when the 38's and 47's are providing cover.

The raids are getting so big and so complicated that it really is a job to get everything straightened out. By the way, I have the Air Medal now, and am also entitled to a Cluster, but it hasn't been presented as yet. The Medal is for 5 missions and the cluster is for five more. When you get 25 you get the D.F.C. My crew is what is called a leader crew. There are two per squadron. On each mission the squadrons alternate the lead. When it is our turn I usually get the job of leading the group. If it should so happen that our group is leading the Combat Wing, and the Wing is leading the division, it really amounts to quite a responsibility. I am about due for another leave in London. We have been going like a house afire, and I am war weary and need a rest. Well, I must close now, going to get to bed. Happy Landings, Frank, Jr."

Let us remind you again of the regular monthly luncheons of the Chicago Association held on the second Monday of every month at Mandel Bros. Department Store, State and Madison Sts. We are particularly fortunate for our luncheon of February 14th in that Earl Brown, Dartmouth Football Coach, will be present and a report on that will appear at the earliest possible date.

Thanks again to you who have contributed news items of Chicago Dartmouth men in the Services.