Flight School

After basic training and flight school at Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas, Vic had completed the first step in the process of becoming a combat pilot. Vic’s next stop was Thunderbird Field in Glendale, Arizona where he begin Advanced Flight training. He graduated from the West Coast Training Center at Thunderbird Field in the class of 42-F on June 23, 1942. In the following months he would begin the journey to his combat post in Tunisia. (Click on images to see larger version)

Invitation to graduation from Advanced Flight Training

Postcards Home

During his training Vic stayed in touch with his family and fiance back home in Texas. Below are images of the postcards he sent home describing his experiences. The postcard were sent from San Antonio during Vic’s time at Randolph Air Base. The first gallery shows the front of the postcards. The second gallery shows the back. Click on the images to see a larger version.

: Thunderbird Field Administration Buildiing. This is the front of the postcard to Vic’s sister Amy Jean sent Dec 22, 1941.

: Planes lined up on the airstrip. This is the front of the postcard to Vic’s sister, Amy Jean Wilson, sent Dec 3, 1941.

: Planes on the airstrip. This is the front of the postcard to Vic’s fiance, Majorie Beck, sent Dec 22, 1941.

: Training plane.

: Aerial view of the air field with planes on the runway. Front of postcard to Vic’s parents, sent Dec 1, 1941

: “Kissing the Rope” (caption on back of photo)

: Caption on back of photo: “This is a “brace” given a dodo for violating some regulation small or large.

: Aerial view of Randolph Field where Vic completed Basic Training. This is the front side of the postcard sent to his sister Amy Jean on Dec. 5, 1941, two days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

: Dec. 1, 1941 Dear Folks, I’m so busy I’ll have to write Sat. night. We are scrubbing the barracks tonight. We are going over to Randolph Field Sunday to march. Glen [indecipherable[, the first wing aviation cadet, is retiring & they are putting on a show in his honor. We get to go to town Monday & fool around. I made 98 in a final exam in military organization today. Haven’t had a cold or hay fever since I’ve been here & feel good. Looked for a letter from you today but guess I’ll get it Sat.

: Dec. 3, 1941 Dear Sisy: Here’s another picture. Pretty aren’t they? Over at Randolph Sunday planes were stretched for 30 miles in teh air & they all flew over real low (about 30 ft.) Wish you could have seem them. Write me. Love, Son

: Dec. 22, 1941, Sat. nite. Dear Sisy: I’m sending this card mainly to show you the mountains aroun dhere. Gosh, you sure would like it out here. Maybe soemday we can manage for you all to come out here. Now Sisy, study hard & be a good girl & keep ma & pa company. Love, Son

: Dec 22, 1941. Here’s just a card showing teh type of plane we are going to fly. Are you having a good time at home? I wish I were there with you. I’ll write you a letter in a minute. Love, Vick

: Postcard sent to sister Amy Jean Wilson, Dec. 5, 1941, two days before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Dear Sisy: Here’s a picture of where we live. It’s bigger than it looks when you start marching around it. Show it tot he folks. The O (circle on picture) is our barracks. When are you going to write to me?