James W. (Jim) Townsend

January 28, 1943

JIM TOWNSEND who was stationed at Hendrick’s Field in Sebring, has been transferred to Embry Riddle school of aviation in Miami. A card received from Jim this week states that he "'likes it fine."

June 3, 1943

Another letter comes from JIM TOWNSEND, who has been at Miami in the army air corps several months, but is now stationed at Tinker Army Airfield, Oklahoma City, Okla. Jim said he failed to get The Tribune for a few weeks during his transfer "and missed it lots." Jim adds "somehow, I can find more news in it (The Tribune) than I ever did before."

(Glad you do, Jim. We know how good anything from home seems when you are "in the service")

September 2, 1943

Pvt. JIM TOWNSEND is here on a short furlough visiting his parents, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Townsend.

October 7, 1943

Well, a couple of fellows in the army have notified us this week that they want The Tribune sent in "care of postmaster." Pfc. Owen O. Thomas now will get his through the San Francisco postmaster and JIM TOWNSEND through New York. Incidentally, Jim has been promoted from Pfc. to Cpl.

(Good luck, fellows. Let us hear from you when you can)

October 14, 1943

A short letter from Cpl. JAMES TOWNSEND giving us his new address which will be in care of the postmaster, New York City. Since James evidently was located in a staging area he did not give his present whereabouts.

(We are changing the address, James. Hope you continue to receive the paper and good luck)

November 25, 1943

Cpl. JIM TOWNSEND has written his parents here that he has landed safely in England.

January 13, 1944

V-Mail from Cpl. JIM TOWNSEND this week saying "I am sending my new address so I
may receive The Tribune again. I haven’t received one since I arrived in England and I really miss the news. I am getting along fine and like England fine, but never forgetting, you folks at home."

March 2, 1944

A letter from Sgt. JIM TOWNSEND in England for the past six months, to his father here said that he had just received the first Tribune since arriving there. The paper was dated December 16.

(Well, Jim, we are glad you got that one and hope you continue to get 'em)

May 11, 1944

Received a letter today from Cpl. JIM TOWNSEND, stationed in England, thanking us for the "promotion." Recently we mentioned him in, the column as Sgt. There are so many titles to keep up with we are afraid we get them mixed up too often, but maybe the Army will get around to it and make it official.

June 15, 1944

Also from Public Relations at "Headquarters Air Service Command, U. S. Strategic Air Forces in Europe," we are advised that! Cpl. JAMES TOWNSEND, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Townsend and is (or was?) in England.

Public Relations says "Cpl. Townsend is one of the men recently commended by Lt. Gen. Carl Spaats, commanding general of the U. S. strategic air forces in Europe, when production at the depot (at which Jim is stationed) was increased by more than 100 percent.

(Ed Note: Strikers in the United States please note)

August 24, 1944

A letter from Sgt. JAMES W. TOWNSEND, who is, for far as we can learn, in England. Jim said:

"It has been quite a while since I wrote to you, and The Tribune has me writing this time.
How are you, and everyone there? I've heard from lots of the boys - or about them - but not like the paper gives it. It has been quite a while since I received a paper but am hoping they all come finally - probably a bunch at one time. Every time I read The Tribune I go leaving England, and take that time for home.

It is always nice to have the paper. I am just OK, and always think of everyone there."

(Ed note: We note a slight difference in your present address, therefore we hope you will get the paper hereafter more regularly. As you know, the address must be perfect for mail to reach a fellow in the service. We are glad to know you are OK and all of us here hope you will be back soon.)

November 23, 1944

Kinney Townsend left Monday for induction into the navy at Jacksonville. His brother, Sgt. JAMES TOWNSEND, is in England.

November 30, 1944

It hardly seems like Christmas is so near, but we are reminded of its nearness by a Christmas card from Sgt. JAMES W. TOWNSEND with the army in England. (Thanks, Jim).

March 1, 1945

From public relations of an Air Service Command Depot in England advises that "the overhaul department at which Sgt. JAMES W. TOWNSEND, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Townsend, is serving, has been one of the most important factors in the intensified air assaults on Germany, according to figures on 1944 production. Working at record speed, he and his fellow technicians overhauled more than 4,000 engines totaling almost 7,000,000 horsepower and sent them back to combat units. Sgt. Townsend has been a soldier since October 1942, and overseas 16 months."

September 27, 1945

“Poix, France. Sept. 14, 1945
Hello, Folks:

Thought it was high time I was writing to you, as it has been quite a while since I last wrote.

I have missed getting The Tribune since I left England, and this is to give you another address. It is always good to get the paper, to know the news, and to read the whereabouts of the other boys from home.

I hope lots of the boys are beginning to get back home now, and know they are glad to get back. Rather anxious to get back myself but just don't seem to have quite enough points YET.
I am getting along fine and hope all of you are well.

Thanks for sending the paper. I enjoy it very much and shall be looking forward to receiving it again.
Sgt. JAMES W. TOWNSEND."

(O. K. Jim, we are sending The Tribune to you as we are always glad to do. Yes, a number of fellows are getting home, in fact nearly 20 per cent of them have already been discharged. Hope you will be coming in soon.)

October 18, 1945

A V Mail letter from Sgt. JAMES W. TOWNSEND who is stationed at Frankfurt, Germany:

"Just a few weeks ago I sent you a new address, but have to send another one now. I think this should be permanent for a while too.

How is Bunnell? I hope that storm a few weeks ago didn't do much damage as I read it passed right through there.

I think winter is already coming here, for today was almost a December day at home - like at home.

I enjoy the paper very much, and am looking forward to receiving it again.

Sincerely, Jim"

(Well, Jim, the storm did very little damage here. It passed out into the Atlantic then turned back and struck the Carolinas with much greater intensity).

December 27, 1945

Sgt. JAMES TOWNSEND is now at Blanding awaiting discharge which is expected today.

January 3, 1946

Discharged from the armed services this week .....

JAMES W. TOWNSEND