Scarce original WWII letter, written by an American fighter pilot who flew in combat against the Japanese from 1942 to 1945. This letter was written in New Guinea in 1944, where this pilot was flying in combat against the Japanese, in the 36th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group.

This pilot began his first combat tour in late 1942, flying P-39 Airacobra fighters. A few months before writing this letter his squadron had been re-equipped with P-38 Lightnings.

There is interesting content. This officer states that he had recently been promoted to captain. There is also good content about life and conditions at his base in New Guinea. 

*** This pilot served throughout the war. He began training as a pilot in mid-1941, several months before the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. His first mission tour was flown from late 1942 to early 1944, initially flying P-400 and P-39 Airacobra fighters, and later the P-38 Lightning. His first combat squadron, the 36th Fighter Squadron, 5th Air Force, initially operated from Australia, moving to New Guinea in early 1943. By the end of his first combat tour this pilot had been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, and also the Air Medal with several clusters. He had also been promoted from lieutenant to captain.

After a brief period in the United States as an instructor this officer returned overseas in November 1944, assigned to the 92nd Fighter Squadron, in the 14th Air Force in China. This squadron, flying P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, escorted bombers (primarily B-29's), and carried out attacks against Japanese forces in China. In April 1945 this officer was promoted to major and became commanding officer of the 92nd Fighter Squadron.

Scarce.

**** Ships from Canada. Free shipping worldwide by Canada Post standard lettermail.