"Damaged in Transit" Letter, January 10, 1944

This series of John Burns’ letters were written to Irene Jennings while in North Carolina. In mid-October 1943 John was transferred from Cherry Point Air Station to New River Air Station, both in North Carolina. The letters speak of life on base, provide detailed accounts of John’s trips while on leave, and express the feelings he has for Irene. John is beginning to get more honest and comfortable with his true feelings for Irene. Once he arrived at New River Air Station, John was assigned to a squadron and began combat training. This series also contains a letter that was partially burned in transit but kept mostly intact by the United States Postal Service. The letter reveals that marines left North Carolina and began their move to California but were quickly turned around hours after their departure.