Philip C. Sprawls papers, 1940 July 22-1943 June 29.

ArchivalResource

Sprawls, Philip C., b. 1915. Philip C. Sprawls papers, 1940 July 22-1943 June 29.

Philip C. Sprawls papers, 1940 July 22-1943 June 29.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/31060563

Correspondence and photographs sent to Miss Lillie Henderson [later Mrs. Edward M. Craig], of Columbia, S.C., re Sprawls' successful efforts to join the Army Air Corps, and descriptions and impressions of his training with the Army Air Corps flight school, life at Randolph Field and Brooks Field (Texas), and Hickam Field (Territory of Hawaii); topics include early flights, his admiration for the aircraft, "as to the airplanes - they're honeys - I love 'em tenderly!!" and other aspects of military life during early days of World War II. Topics discussed include social life at Fort Sill (Oklahoma), and at Randolph and Brooks Fields (Texas); also includes letter, 9 Dec. 1941, Hickam Field, Hawaii, re the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor: "Most everyone was still in bed when the attack began: 7:55 am (1:25 pm your time).... couldn't believe what we were seeing - it just didn't make sense!... [returning from the hangar to his quarters] I got caught half-way when the second attack came!!... I was nearly covered by debris from a bomb!... I had only a lamp post between me and the machine gun fire!!... I imagine tension is quite high back there, isn't it? I suspect I'd be worried if I were there. However, here, I think everyone is quite calm, and is ready to enter upon the big task that is facing us. At least, we're not left in suspense anymore!" Sprawls' letters hint at homefront activities of Lillie Henderson in Columbia, S.C.; Sprawls comments on the impact of his wartime experiences in a letter, 20 Feb. 1942, "I may still resemble a fellow you once knew, but One's Soul can surely be warped!"

45 items.

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