1947

Jack Wallace and Annapolis

Jack Wallace, president of the Senior Class at Austin High School, receives word from Congressman Lyndon B. Johnson in the spring. He is second alternate for the Naval Academy appointment. Jack passes the ROTC physical and entrance exam.

On June 29, the path clears:

Jack W. received wire from Lyndon B. Johnson advising that Duke had withdrawn and that Jack was principal appointee to Annapolis. Jack answered wire accepting appointment.

On July 9, JJL and Jack visit Johnson’s office at the House Office Building in Washington. Four days later:

Went to Annapolis this afternoon and saw Jack Wallace. He was sworn in yesterday as a midshipman US Naval Academy. (July 13)

Leonora’s Surgery

In February, Leonora has her gall bladder removed at Seton Hospital. The gallstone is “about 1 inch long and egg shaped.” Multiple nurses attend her on eight-hour shifts. She is home by March 5.

The Rest

Jack graduates from Austin High on May 30, making the welcoming address and receiving the Chamber of Commerce Citizenship Award. JJL’s own health troubles continue — recurring ulcer, prostate issues, a blood count of 25,900 during a brief hospitalization in Dallas. In December, word arrives that JJL’s mother Lucy has had a cerebral hemorrhage.