Stinson Field Texas Jan. 5, 1943

Dear Mother,
          Well here is its Tuesday
already. I said I would write later
in the week but didn't think it would
be this early.
          I have been selected to take
a 4 or 5 weeks course in Advanced
Propellers. This course is at Duncan
Field. A Truck takes us over every
morning and school is from 7 to 3.
We have to take our lunch. We
were there this morning and found
out all details. I think I am going
to like it real well. After we are
through school we will be over the


propeller shop here at Stinson Field.
There are four of us taking this
course. After our course is finished
the Lieut. tells us we will receive
our ratings. There will be two
Tech Sargents. 2 staffs and the rest
will be buck sargents. Hope I can
land one of the higher ones.
          I want you to send the propeller
books that I have at home. Please
send them at once. I forgot to bring them
back with me.
          It has been real cold here since
about 5 o'clock Sunday night. I guess
it is around 50 but the wind really
blows it right through a person. Well


I can't think of anymore to say so I guess
I will have to sign off for now. I want
to get this in the afternoon mail. Don't
forget to send the books.
                               
                                   Love Ralph.


The next letter will be posted on January 11th.

Background Information (and comments):

• This letter was written on unusual stationery. It folded up to form the envelope. 
  

• Update about Irene (sent to me by a cousin's husband who did some research). Her name was Irene F. Setzler and she was born in 1922; her sister was Irma L. Setzler born in 1923. They lived in Berkey, OH. (Ralph was born in 1919.) Perhaps other relatives will know more about her or her family.

• Here is some information about Duncan Field:

• DUNCAN FIELD. Duncan Field, in San Antonio, came into being at the end of World War I as a division of Kelly Field. It was named for Maj. Thomas Duncan, who was killed in an air crash in Washington, D.C., in 1923. Duncan Field was used as an aircraft-repair depot and was joined to Kelly Army Air Field in 1942.
• For photos, you can google "duncan field texas images"
• Here is information about army ranks from 1942-1948 and the definition of buck sergeant (since it's not in the chart):
• Newly promoted Sergeants are known as "buck sergeants". Sergeantis the enlisted rank in the U.S. Army above specialist and corporal and below staff sergeant, and is the second-lowest grade of non-commissioned officer.

1st Grade		2nd Grade	3rd Grade		4th Grade		5th Grade		6th Grade	7th Grade
										No Insignia
Master Sergeant	First Sergeant	Technical Sergeant	Staff Sergeant	Technician Third Grade	Sergeant	Technician Fourth Grade	Corporal	Technician Fifth Grade	Private First Class	Private
M/Sgt.	1st Sgt.	T/Sgt.	S/Sgt.	T/3.	Sgt.	T/4.	Cpl.	T/5.	Pfc.	Pvt.