Letter, Michael Hughes to Franklin D. Roosevelt

25-HH H August 17, 1942 My dear Mr. Hughes: Your letter of August eleventh has been received and I want to thank you in the President's behalf for your kind thought in send- ing on to him a copy of your son's letter. You and Mrs. Hughes may justly be very proud of your son. Very sincerely yours, Grace 6. Tully Private Secretary X Michael A. Hughes, Esq., 2404 North El Dorado Street, Stockton, California. artie Hughes dd x act 8/17/43 stockton, balif aug 11, 1942 To The President of the limited states of Cemerica Dear mr. President, who we belowe is now Somewhere in the the last letter we received from our only Don, we are enclosing a copy of United states of america. Inasmuch aske was British Islands with the air Corp of the only 18 yrs of age last nov 16, and enlisted on Dec 16, 1941 we are both very proud ofhim and we think that you well be too yours Truly Michael a 2404 north stockton balef Thursday, July 30, 1942. Dear Mom and Dad: Today we received our own rifles which will be ours for the duration. We have been practicing with borrowed rifles. This is a absolute cinch that I will be going across with this outfit. There was a slight possibility of my staying because of over- strength, but it has relieved me when I was issued this little gem. We are still getting practice in shooting and gas drill. The main thing now is to get going for right now I am raring to go. It doesn't help any to stand around just thinking for you do get a little scared and nervous at times. Still who wouldn't be just a little. I have stood the strain well and am rather proud of myself for not being so scared. I'm not yellow. I've got the gutts for I have tested myself. I think the feeling I have of scared is only nervousness & anxiety. I've never been so far from home before or so far from you. The boat ride also had something to do with it. Collaborate all of this and I've detected that I'm just nervous and not scared. I'm also anxious to knock those hienies for the well known loop. It won't be hard for me to shoot them for they have caused so much suffering to Mothers and I know how Mothers and Fathers can suffer when a love one is lost. They are ruthless and their attack on civilization must be stemmed. We are to do this and by the mercy of God I will get my share of the rotten Maniacs. We have so much to fight for and if we aren't willing to sacrifice, even if it maybe death, we aren't entitled to live, in my opinion. I could have stayed back and been drafted. I always said that it is not your age but how you act. I would have no right to stay out of this for I'm strong and steady. I've seen boys, and I mean boys who are 24- yes 24 who act just 16 years old. I've seen 18 year old men and I mean men who are equivalent to 24 & 26 year old men. They are well built and healthy, strong and can take it. They've also got gutts, just plain gutts & plenty of them. Were out to win and we 'll do it for we are on the side of God. It thundered and rained yesterday and it was really terrific. The Post Commander's house was struck by lightning and burned. A soldier was also struck by a bolt and suffered severe shock. If we are here we are going to N.Y. Saturday to see the Cards and Giants play ball. Thats all for now. Write often. Love & Kisses Artie.