Camp Valley Forge
January 19, 1778
...the Physical Department is the most disagreeable of any in the Army-must be at the Call of Everyone and hear so many Groans and be so Ill Provided for the Relieve the distressed- beef and Flour is the only Provision the sick are allowed-Many of our men have died at Various Hospitals - Hope the many deaths around us Prepare us all for a dying Hour- I have nothing of News to Write- scarcely Worthy of Notice- Congress have Allow'd us one months Wages Extraordinary for our activity in Building Huts- Corpl. Cole of our Regt Who was Taken in Novr. Last Am informd died Lately in Prison Owing to his being treated so severely-the Man that made his Escape Inform'd that before he died he was so hungry as to Eat off the Ends of his Fingers and to begin to Knaw his shoulders- Will the World believe that Britons are so Abandond to all Humanity- I very much Want to see you all- Hope the Length of time will make our Meeting sweeter-Hope if we are all no more to meet on Earth we may be Prepard to meet in an Eternal World of Rest-Where there is joy forever----------
your Obedient son,Written by Jonathon Todd, surgeon's mate, Colonel Heman Swift's 7th Connecticut Regt. Sent to his father, Timothy Todd. Submitted by John Rees, Independent Writer / Researcher, Interpreting the World of the Common Soldier (1775-1783). New Hope, PA
J Todd jnr.
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Examine a Civil War soldier's Rebus, sent to his sister.
Written while marching in Virginia
April 21, 1865
My dearest Annie,
We are on the march and the Johns are getting out of the way so fast that you can hardly afford to stop even for dinner let alone write a letter, but I will pencil a few lines as I best can, but can make no precautions to answer your letters except to acknowledge the receipt. I am very uneasy about you my dear and hope you will have the goodness to consider your own happiness. I can hardly sleep because I know the danger you are exposed to. You have not been vaccinated and I have seen so many cases of small pox within the last year that I have a perfect horror of the very thought. For heaven's sake if you are yet well when this reaches you get vaccinated without delay. Anything to prevent small pox. Go to the country to Juaniata or anywhere to get away from it.
Annie I do not know what the result of this campaign will be but I am building on big things...I believe the war is coming to a close and cannot last until July. I believe we will have an easy conquest and Richmond if it is not already in our hands will not hold out long. We have a rumor that is was late Saturday but we are moved so far away from Richmond that anything could take place and we know nothing of it. Annie take care of yourself. I want to find you well and healthy when I return. I have comparatively easy times although our marches are difficult and long. I have nothing to carry except a blanket and hardtack. I am a man of the quill and do the writing and that is all and whereas but laughter (?) on march. Write me often and I may not have a chance to do so but I will write as often as I can. Remember me kindly to Mother and "Lide" and tell them I cannot wait until we get to some camp and soon as ever you learn that the Army is lying quiet I will have time to write.
Many kisses to you my dearest.Written by Daniel Henkels of Philadelphia to his sister, Annie. Submitted by Capt. Damien Henkel's great-granddaughter, Mildred Bartud, of Philadelphia
Capt. DHH
...I have seen a great gun boat I gess it is verrey near all the -----talk. It is all the talk here about the moniter. It has two guns and all you can see of it is around place where the guns is in and that was putts me in mind of these covers that is over the cheese in the stores. All the wrest is level with the water. The way we got to see it was we was had to go to fortress for grub and it was laying there.
Written by Leybrand Hufman. Submitted by Vivian Lane
Camp Holmes near Rolly
State of N. C. Wake County
October the 20 Day 1862
...I am very weak at this time for I have not got over the measles yet. I have not drill eny yet hit has been a bout two weaks since I have drill eny. I stade in the camp til the mesles broke out and all dried off an then I went to horse pittle and stade six dayes at the horse pittle. I am at camp at this time. I hope when these few lines comes to hand you will be all well an a doin well....Stephen, I think you had better get well before you try to go to camp for hit is a bad place to be sick in camp. I received the letter you sent by here and a bottle of brandy. Hit come in a verry good time for I was a bout out of eny thing to drink at that time...
Submitted by Vincent Gilpin, Jr. Written by N. F. Butler to his father R. Butler
Decem 15th 1864
My Dear Wife
The weather is awful never saw the like in my life. Rain, snow and sleet all the time and the roads are awful. I have used up two horses on this campaign, already in fact if it was not for horses we captured from the rebs every day we would have been dismounted long ago. We have not been in camp two days together for three weeks, on the go, all the time (we the Calvary) are operating in Hoods rear and we are more than knocking it to them and I must say I rather like the way that Hood has been playing into our hands. This time it is a big thing for us. I do not think he will ever get over the Tenn. River again if he does he will have to drive us over before him for we are between him and it, we have captured lots of guns, men and flags and wagons without number and will get more before we stop.....
Submitted by Lois M. O'Brien. Written by William Whitehead Bardsley to his wife.
June 12, 1865
....Well Geo., Old Abe is dead and gone to hell where the whole race had ought to go. Well I would like to hear from you but I hain't got time to stay now. I am just on my way to regions unknown. I don't know where I will land yet it may be in hell with Abe but I hope not....Well for some of my foolery now you tell them abolishing friends of mine that when I dye that I want to be burreyed with my face down so they can kiss my ass without turning me over.
Written by Andrew Osborn Stoan
Submitted by Joan Violante
Washington
March 10th 1864
All Uncle Sam has us for is to eat up his rations. I like soldiering first rate. I would rather be out here as home as we have more fun out here. I ain't done nothing but drill since I been out here. We have a nice time out here. I have been all around the forts. I have been to Fort Lincoln, Fort Totten, Fort Slemmer, Fort Saratoga. We can go for miles around. If the rebels come down here the Washington Home Guards as they call us will soon put them out.
Written by Andrew Baird to his mother
Submitted by Jane P. Keim
Camp near Belle Plains
Virginia
March 22, 1863
There is more done on Sunday than any other day of the week. Inspections, reviews are almost invariably conducted on this holy day. It has pained my heart beyond expression--so very often--well, almost hourly--to witness this recklessness amongst our commanders- thereby exerting--a most wicked influence for evil--among the soldiers. Would to God that this stupendous and abominably wicked practice might soon be checked. Then another evil which goes hand-in-hand with Sabbath breaking is profanity oh how alarmingly great is this sinful habit increasingly young men--mere boys--who received excellent training at home and whose moral character -were indisputable-soon become infected with this most degrading of all vices. Almost daily I hear expressions something like these "To remain here in camp, would send us all to h-l." In writing home many write as a heading "Camp Near H-l." Think dear Sister how desperately wicked must be the heart of a soldier who can utter such language as this-I almost blush to pen it on this page.
Written by Charles Spare to his sister
Submitted by Richard Spare
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Somewhere in France
1915
[dear brother]
...The bombardment is just like hell itself, as the saying is. There are a lot coming down wounded day and night. I saw a lot of German prisoners when we were on the way up here. Some of them looked very young, also small, but they seemed pleased to taken prisoners. I wouldn't have missing the sight round here for anything. It seems all like one large machine, men, horses, motor transports by the thousand. If you could see it you would wonder where it all comes from. If you don't hear from me for a week or tow try and keep mother and dad cheered up as much as you can, if I come through it all right I shall send a p.c. as soon as I can. But if you don't hear from me, don't be alarmed, because there's a chance of getting wounded and several things without getting killed. Of course, if it's my luck go to under you must all take it as well as possible, because whatever happens it's God's wish, but I have good faith in coming through all right. I hope we can push them right back when we are at it. There's no mistake our artillery is playing havoc with them. One can't describe what it's like unless they are here to witness it.
Many kisses to you my dearest.Last letter written By English Pte. Arthur Harland to his Brother, Sam, before being killed in France in 1915. Submitted by Pte. Arthur Harland's niece, Elizabeth Shema, of Levittown, PA. Mr. Harland died long before Elizabeth was born. However, she has saved this letter that was attached to his obituary in 1915.
Capt. DHH
...I'm feeling fine although I just returned from the front line trenches, it has been raining for the past few days. The mud was knee deep and the boche (?) was busy shooting shells all around us, the ground would tremble every now and then as if and earthquake had taken place...
...I'm in a dug-out writing this letter with two candles furnishing the light with rats and lice all over. In a few days we will leave for the delicing station where we get new clothes. That station is the fountains of youth to us. You mentioned in a number of letters how I feel in health. I never felt any better. I would surprise my folks the way I have developed. I eat more than I ever ate before, we get plenty of good substantial food and we certainly go for it...
Written by Samuel Brody, US Army 4/26/1918 - 4/9/1919. Sent home to various family members in Philadelphia during WW I. Submitted by Norman Brody of Philadelphia, PA; son of Samuel Brody
Camp Mills
Long Island, New York
Dated: 5/15/18
My Dearest Gladys:
At last we are settled in the promised land. The fact is we got in Hoboken night before last about twelve bells. We slept on the cars til morning and then detrained. We took a ferry to Brooklyn. New York proper was on our left as we came down the East river and you may be sure we got our eyes full. I saw about a dozen Woolworth buildings it seemed, I couldn't tell which was the real one. We saw the famous Goddess of Liberty Statue.
From Brooklyn we took the Long Island train to camp. We had to walk a considerable distance before we got to our particular camp. But paved streets extend right up to the limits of the camp so the walking was fine.
Once more we found ourselves housed in tents on the ground just as we were in Nevada. But we have cots to sleep on. It got awfully cold last night anyhow and we nearly froze. But it is a pleasure to be where there is a little damp weather for a change. Although our clothes again seem as if they had been soaked in water over night my slide action is perfect (Moses played the trombone).
We played a concert last night, our first night here. A dinner was given Teddy Roosevelt at the Garden City Hotel and we played during the meal. Our chief and Teddy got real chummy talking about the Spanish-American war in which they both took part.
Then we got a real feed at this hotel. Believe me it felt great to eat like a white man once more. Only I couldn't persuade any of the waitresses to get me any champagne for love nor money. Garden City Hotel is a real joint. It is sort of a pleasure party Hotel for New Yorkers.
It would be impossible for me to tell you all the interesting things we saw on the way here. It was the longest trip I ever took and would be worth the money at any price.
Camp Des Logettes, France
December 16, 1918
Number 21
My Dearest Gladys:
I must be going to be sick, I feel too good these days. The boys all say I am going crazy, I raise so much Cain around here. I am trying to learn to beat a snare drum and I practice on everything from stoves and mess kits to the boys' heads. The weather is warm and very rainy, the water gets in our mess kits when we eat, the ground is ankle deep in mud, we are still stuck up here in the woods with only a hope of ever getting out, and then we might go to Germany, the boys are cussing the weather, the country, and the army, so why shouldn't I be happy when everything else is out of sorts? Or do you agree with the boys that I am somewhat dippy?
Submitted by Sally Foster-Chang, written by her grandfather, Moses Foster
Camp Hancock
October 25, 1917
Dear Mother:
...I have bought a Liberty Bond yesterday for $100 so that is some show for me when I get home. I got it on time that is I am given ten months to pay for it so that makes it ten dollars a month laid aside for some good, because it is such that I can not stop it after it is started until the full amount is paid, ...so now I am getting five dollars a month for my personal use, such as toilet articles and such stuff and another thing I very nearly forgot. I was promoted to first class private a few days ago which raises my salary $3 more a month although I don't know how I got it because I am the only one of the five of us who got it, that didn't have any body to help me out, that is I'm the only one that didn't have any pull that got a promotion... I will try to send at least one dollar of it [home] just to make myself know that I have a home which is more dear to me that the one I am living in at present even if we have about the best camp in the United States. I call it so because there were different people, were down this way and said they had traveled through most all of the camps in the U.S. and never saw anything as good as this one. You may think I am bluffing, but I'll tell the truth, we have electric lights in the tents, (everyone) and have wooden floors and expect to get our side walks put in by tomorrow which are made of good pine floor boards and are made air tight that is no cracks where the wind can blow in and then the canvas roof which makes it a fine and comfortable little home only for we have too many in each tent...
Written by Earle Patterson, Submitted by Cindy Howe
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From somewhere in the South Pacific, WWII
Dear mother and father,
This is a letter I hope you never get! Funny way to start a letter, isn't it? But it's the best I can do under the circumstances, because if you do get it, that means I have been very unfortunate. Tomorrow I will have the great honor to participate in Uncle Sam's first move of retaliation against the Japs. And believe me I can't wait!! Oh, boy, oh, boy, have they got a surprise coming to them...
Written by Henry H. Glorch and given to his friend John Damarski before departing to invade the Japanese-held Solomon Islands. Mr. Damarski mailed the letter to Henry's parents after Henry was killed in the attack. Collected and submitted by Mary Drayton, of Edgemont, PA.
On the Japanese Mainland
November 10, 1945
...I am in a city by name of Kure that is Just about thirteen miles from Hiroshima, that is where the first atomic bob, was dropped, and what a mess it made of that place, if looks to me, like a monster out of the dark ages went through that city - it is really a bad sight to see, because you can imagine how many people was killed in a place like that, but one thing the atomic bomb did was stop the war, and that was a very good thing, because the longer the war went on, the more people would have been killed. And the main part about it I was going to be in on the invasion - and what I saw coming into Japan, the Japs, was going to be waiting for us, and that would have been too bad for us - that is one of the reasons I was so glad that the war is over - and may it never come to us again.
December 8, 1945
...Well pal I am still sweating this army out and trying to wait for my turn to go home. I did have great hopes of being home for Christmas but it looks as though it is going to be a little longer now. And guess what they are doing now to the Negro soldiers that are going home with the white soldiers they are separating them on the boat because I guess they do not want to be with the negros. But when we came over seas we were all as one. But now that the war is over they feel as though they are better than us. But I guess we will have to take it until we get home and then I am quite sure that we will try and get things on the ball...
Written by Sgt. George H Purnell from Nurnberg, Germany. Sent to Robert Thomas Bailey. Submitted by William HT Bailey, of Laverock, PA; son of Robert Thomas Bailey.
May 31st, 1945
Dear Johnny,
At this writing we are on our way for Leyte for several days of repairs and then off to the races again. We have just left the graveyard of Owkinawa Shima. We spent 65 days at Okinawa. We spent 65 days of sheer misery. During that time we were under constant attack by suicide planes.
...I'll tell you what it is like living on a destroyer attached to the amphibious division. We live in compartments with all hatches dogged down so if the ship gets hit it won't go down too fast. In comparison with the penitentiaries and prisons in the United States is much worse.
...Ninety percent of the time we've spent has been in actual combat with the enemy. The other ten percent of the time is spent working like hall carrying projectiles and stores. Sure we get to see movies but that's not very often. We've had a couple of hours recreation on a little sandy atoll with a couple cans of warm beer and a host of tiny crawling little insects and lizards.
We've suffered many casualties, everyone of us a squadron of nine have been hit. At this writing there are but three of us left. Remember the battle of Suragio straits, the truth never did come out about that. It was a night that every man on this ship will remember into eternity, I can't express in words what really happened nor in speech. We were ordered to attack the Japs at half the distance of all the previous distances with torpedoes. The Grant was a few yards astern of us and the squad dog was ahead of us. The Japs were hit but the only way to sink them was to get in close. We got so close that we got into the screen of the Jap cruisers and cans. The Grant got hit with a salvo of Jap Shells. After that it was pure unadulterated hell. Our own ships mistook us for Jap destroyers and opened up on us. We zig-zagged like hell. It was an awful feeling, the Japs and our own ships blasting away at us. We let go our fish at close range and hit the Yamishiro and headed away. The shells were hitting and screaming all around us. The Grant was hit pretty badly by our own cruisers.
...I'm glad we left Owkinawa because I feel as though our luck has just about run out. We've survived more than twice the operations of most of the destroyers. Some of the cans don't even last one of the operations. It's been a tough 65 days. We've been under air attack almost every day and we're damn tired.
Written by Lenny Posniak, sailor on the USS R.P. Leary to a friend. Submitted by Lenny's brother, Boris W. Posniak, of Cinnamisnson, NJ. *Note: This letter made it to the U.S. without being censored by the military
December 22,1945
The thought of coming home is all that keeps me going--that and the realization that the long, sickening, criminal, hideous nightmare has finally come to an end. Till the moment when the three of us embrace over the threshold at Montrose Avenue, good-bye and God bless you both.
Your grateful son,Written by and Submitted by Robert Harrell, serviceman / entertainer in the European Theatre in WW II. This letter was sent to his parents en route to America after the war.
Robert
Sunday, May 27,1945
Germany
Dear Mother,
It has been some time now since I have heard from you, but of course, it's been some since I have written you.
.... During the Battle of the Bulge I was on a roadblock helping to defend the main road between Bastogne and Nuef Chateau. The 101st Airborne was trapped at Bastogne. The Germans were 3 kilometers from our roadblock. They were to our front, left flank, right flank and were not sure of the rear. We were alone. There were only 43 of us. It was Christmas Eve when I left the tiny village of Vlisart and headed for the roadblock with my radio. It was cold and clear. The stars were bright and one in particular was the brightest of them all was hanging so low in the West you could almost stand up and touch it. I didn't know where I was going. I knew it was a dangerous situation but that was all. One thinks of many things at times like this. I thought, of course, of home and what you were all doing and of the past Christmas Eves I had spent. Finally I looked at the bright sky and that star and thought of the old carols we used to sing.
...That night we sweated it out on the roadblock. The Germans came within 200 yards of our outpost and put up flares but did not attack. Early in the morning the great 4th Armored Division arrived at our post and spearheaded from there all the way to Bastogne to relieve the encircled Americans there. It was a miracle we were not attacked there.
Christmas night 200 prisoners were brought to our post. I helped guard them and while we had them lined up a German plane came in and strafed us. I hit the ground and instantly thought "The Lord is My Shepard." I saw the Germans falling all around me. The plane came in twice and when he finally left and all the faces were counted he had killed 20 Germans and not a single American. Think of that for awhile.
Written by Joseph E. Brown when he was 25 years old while serving as a radio operator with the 178th Combat Engineers Unit under General George S. Patton. Submitted by his daughter, Nancy J. Bleakley, of Kennett Square, PA.
August 1st, 1945
Germany
....In our rations this week we received one bottle of American beer. If I had an eye dropper I'd probably still be drinking it. Dad, you better start stocking up on beer because when I do come home I'll probably drink the brewery dry.
Written by Joseph E. Brown when he was 25 years old while serving as a Written and submitted by Mitchell Furman, of Glenside, PA. Mr. Furman enlisted in the Army on his 18th birthday and was a combat infantryman wounded in the Battle of the Bulge.
Dear Mother,
Shorty is the little guy in the kitchen who makes the best gravy ever mopped up by bread. He was made a Sergeant by virtue of this culinary art and he's not telling any of his gravy-bread fans the secret of that delightful "French Cuisine" flavor. Just evades, as you might, Mother, saying, sort of off hand "Oh, I just add a little of this and a pinch of that."
...On today's strike, after we'd home off the bomb run, shook the Zeros and came out of oxygen altitude, I was, as usual, starved. In desperation, I broke out an emergency field ration--Army K--to be exact. The little cellophane packet containing about two teaspoonsful of what the not described as "Bullion Powder" ingredients: dehydrated onion juice, concentrated vegetable proteins, artificial this and that--various spices--mix, it said, with hot or cold water. Needles to say, cold was it--0we had just been in way below zero temperature. I mixed, I stirred, then with misgivings, tasted. Starving not I am, as you well know Mother, a particular hombre, but this bullion was jake. Delectable, indescribable - yes, a different flavor and yet familiar. Of course--Shorty's gravy.
But I'm not telling anyone, not even him---he's too nice a little guy.
Love, HarWritten by Lt. Harry M. Stoll, a Philadelphian navigator on a bomber in the South Pacific. Harry's plane was shot down over the Pacific. He was never rescued. Submitted by Harry's cousin, Frank McGinty, of Philadelphia.
Sunday February 6, 1944
Seymour Johnson Field,
Goldsboro, NC
Dear Florence, (letter from husband to wife)
....It would be heaven to be able to spend a few days with you. When I realize that after this war is over we will have the rest of our lives to make love and live together I get to feeling all a tingle.
Today I bought you a Valentine. Am not going to mail it until the last minute. Somehow I have the hope that I may be able to deliver it to you in person. Nothing could make me happier...
Written by Private First Class Wilmer S. Smith to his wife, Mrs. Wilmer S. Smith. Submitted by Wilmer's niece, Elise L. White.
March 18, 1945
Molucca Islands
My Dear Daughter
I received invitation to your first birthday party and I am deeply sorry I am not able to attend. Circumstances beyond my control require my presence in these Molucca Islands but I assure you my spirit and thoughts are with you on this day (and everyday) that marks the start of your second year as an individual.
World conditions are not what I and many other people would like them to be. However, I have in my experience passed through periods when the outlook was brighter and periods when darkness crowded all around us. My hopes, wishes and desires are that the errors that were made when the world was made peaceful in 1918 will stand as a guide to the world leaders when this present conflict is ended. The world at peace is my desire for your future life and this thought makes my present life bearable...
Written by 1st Lieutenant Henry P. Fulmer to his daughter, Miss Mary F. Fulmer. Sumitted by his daughter, Mary F. (Fulmer) Calter.
August 16, 1945
Pacific
...We out here received the news of Japan's acceptance of our terms on Monday night about eight o'clock (1:30 E.W.T.) and it started the largest celebration I've ever seen in my life. Our camp is situated up on a hill overlooking world famous "Pearl Harbor" on one side and Honolulu on the other, and I don't believe as long as I live I will ever witness what I did last night. It seems like the whole harbor lit up at once; hundreds of ships were shooting rockets in the air of every size and color, sirens were wailing, whistles blowing, search lights criss crossing through the air and the drone of hundreds of airplanes in the air. It was like one great big enormous Fourth of July and lasted for almost twenty-four hours. Everything on the island went haywire, yet through it all we still found it hard to believe that war was over...
Written by William Lindsay EM 3/c to his Mother. Submitted by William Lindsay's wife, Grace M. Lindsay.
August 12, 1944
Guam
Dear Mom:
Well I got a chance to write a regular letter so here goes. Mom, your son is very lucky to be able to write and say he is well. Dad used to say he didn't think any of us kids would go through what he did in World War I, but I doubt it. No sooner had I gotten on the beach of this island it was hell. I saw my buddies killed and wounded 5 minutes after we landed. I had machine gun bullets go through my pack and one dent my helmet. Boy and I sure was scared. One thing they got the wounded off to the ships quick.
Murray and I slept in a foxhole together and for three nights the japs had "banzai" raids. They shout "banzai" and charge your foxholes with knives, pistols and grenades. Banzai I think means "blood for the emporer." Those japs sure are crazy. A lot of them were drunk. Of all we killed none had water in their canteens. They drink a thing called "Saki." One day we hadn't any water and we drank some of it. It tastes horrible. We had a grenade go off on the top dirt around our foxhole. It stunned Murray and I. We were sure thankful when daylight came. Then when daylight came you had to dodge snipers from caves where the japs were dug in. There were as many japs behind our lines as were in front of us. Then we hit rain and we had to sleep in mud and water all night. One day I never thought it would stop raining. We were all soaked to the skin. We had one laugh one Jap tank got caught behind the lines and almost ran into us. Two of our tanks finally caught it and destroyed it. One Jap was hanging out of the top of the tank dead. Speaking of dead I never thought I would see men shot up so bad as some of the dead japs I saw. They certainly died hard.
Well Mom, my news is all for today. I will send you this money and hope I will be able to write soon again. I sure miss all of you and I pray to God our George [author's brother] doesn't have to go through any of this life.
Love to all,Written by Private First Class Andrew W. Houser, Marines, to his Mother, Mrs. Andrew Houser. P.F.C. Andrew W. Houser was killed in a foxhole in Iwo Jima on 1945 when he was 22 years old. Submitted by Eileen Kaminski, Andrew W. Houser's niece.
Your son, Andrew
(cont.)
Hello,
Well I am glad you still love me. Because I still love you. You better stop listening to them stories and put some music on because when I get home I will take charge of the radio. And you better get better quick so you can get smart. I wish I could see that Blondie book.
Well I hope Santa Claus brings you everything you ask for but you better be a good little girl or you will not get nothing. I don't think your big brother will be home this Christmas because our training here ends a few days after Christmas. If I get a chance I will send you something...Well you be good and I'll come home to see you.
Love,Written by Private First Class Andrew W. Houser, Marines, to his 10 year old sister, Barbara Ann Houser. Andrew W. Houser was killed in a foxhole in Iwo Jima on 1945 when he was 22 years old. Submitted by Eileen Kaminski, Andrew W. Houser's niece.
Andrew
X X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X
X X X X X X X X 25 KISSES
January 22, 1945
Sunday Evening
Somewhere in France
Dearest Daughter Judy Lee,
Since you are not old enough to read this letter your mother will have to read it to you. Someday when you run thru your scrapbook which Betty is fixing for you, you may run across it. Therefore I will inform you that I am in some place of France, sitting next to a stove in a hospital. No, I was not wounded. Only bad blood has been running thru my veins causing sores on my legs, making it so sore that I couldn't walk . Outside the snow is four to five inches deep. Men from all parts of the states are fighting for the security of your hom e and future life which will be free from horrible cruel deeds.
Right now, Russian troops are making one of the greatest drives against Germany that the world has ever seen. They are putting joy in the hearts of all the free loving people.
From now on, you can tell your mother not to expect so many letters for I am expecting to aid our fighting men on their march to Berlin.
Therefore I ask of you to make a small prayer for your mother and me. Someday I will tell you what the old world is like. I will tell you how fortunate you are to live in a country like the United States. I want to tell you that from you and your wonderful mother I draw my courage to withstand all the hard ships of war. For you I am so happy that the fighting is here and not home.
Among the other things I wish to tell you, never forget God. Be sure to study the Bible. If more people had studied the Bible and Christian religion, I believe that I would be home with you now to play with you, help teach you, yes also punish you when you misbehaved.
Sending you all my love Judy. I remain as always.
Your Loving Daddy,Written by Rusty, the Father of Judy Jervis who submitted this letter.
Rusty
May 23, 1945
Germany
My Darling Daughter:
Hello dear, how are you getting along in your schoolwork by now? Mother has been giving me very good reports on your progress, and needless to say, I am proud of you. Daddy is sitting here writing to you from a little town by the name of Bortfeld, here in Germany. You should be here with Daddy to see it. There are all kinds of animals around. We have horses, cows, goats, sheep, geese, chickens and even doge and cats all around us.
There are two pairs of mama and papa geese running around here with their family of eight to ten goslings. If you go near the goslings, papa goose gets right after you for fear you are going to harm his family. The fields are nice and green and the whole town looks like a storybook. The girls and boys over here don't have candy, ice cream, sodas and all those good things that the little children have back home. They are healthy looking and strong though because they drink plenty of milk an eat many eggs because these are the foods that make you grow big and strong.
Mother tells me you haven't been feeling well lately. Is that true? You shouldn't worry about Daddy. I am feeling just fine. Of course I miss you a lot and those little sessions we used to have before you retired each night. Do you remember when we used to sit together and you would recite nursery rhymes to me, or I would read you stories? You remember how we used to get on Mother's nerves playing hide and seek and tearing the house apart...Maybe if you pray real hard, Daddy will turn up like a bad penny one of these days. Be a good girl and brush your teeth twice a day at least.
Your Daddy.Written by Edwin Forest Rauch, Father of five year old Carol Anne Rauch. Submitted by George Charles Boehmler, the husband of deceased Carol Anne Rauch Boehmler.
Love and Kisses for Carol.
June 1945
Philadelphia PA
FOR FATHER'S DAY
WHO'LL BE THE GREATEST DADDY
OF ALL?
WHO'LL WATCH HIS KIDS GROW STRONG
AND TALL?
WHO'LL TEACH THEM TO BE AS FINE
AS CAN BE?
TO LOVE TRUTH AND HONOR, DEFEND
LIBERTY?
WHO'LL TEACH THEM TO KNOW RIGHT
FROM WRONG?
TO HATE INJUSTICE, FIGHT ON WITH
A SONG?
WHO'LL TEACH ALL THAT?
THE ANSWER IS CLEAR-
MY OWN SWEET MAN -
MY HUSBAND DEAR!
------------------------------------------
It wasn't our fault
The world changed our plans,
The simple dreams
Of a girl and her man.
-2-
Dreams built of love,
Thoughts of children, a home-
Of security and quiet
When the day's work was done.
-3-
But how could this be
With Fascism alive in our world?
Gaining strength and power
Banner of black death unfurled?
-4-
So fight it we had to,
And fight it we WILL-
With all of our wisdom
Our guts and our skill.
-5-
Then we'll have the right
To return to our dreams,
To fashion a world
Free of all fascist schemes.
Written by Mrs. Evelyn Alloy to her husband, Captain Jack Alloy.
Sept. 8, 1945
Yokohama, Japan
Dear Mom and Dad,
....Last night was the first night we have had a comfortable sleep since Pearl Harbor. It looks like the whole Navy is here with so many wagons, cruisers, cars, etc. As yet I haven't been able to see Mt. Fujiyama as it has been hazy. I heard they were sending all men with 2 years sub duty back to the states. If so I'm eligible. Guess we won't quit standing sound watches until all of the subs are accounted for. Will possibly be a few weeks before we get mail. Have seen quite a few Japs in small boats riding around inspecting boxes American ships throw away. They must be looking for food. It will seem funny sealing my own letters again....[Censorship had been lifted 9/2 in the Navy]
Written by Robert Vickery, U.S. Navy WW II.
February 28, 1942
...Last Tuesday, we had French 75s shooting over our heads. It was fun listening to the shells whistle over your head and land about five hundred yards in front of you. This was supposed to get us acquainted with having a barrage laid in front of us so that we could move into a new position. It's getting nearer to the real thing every day.
Written by Herman (Dutch) Helwig, U. S. Marine Corps to his friend Harold (Teener) Howley
3 June 1946
...Be certain, Dear Frau Dressel, that I could wish for myself no small plot more beautiful than this resting place of your beloved husband. As often and as long as I am able, there will be fresh flowers there as remembrance from you. I myself lost my father and my brothers in this war, and know what suffering is.
Written by Elisabeth Kapita to Mrs. Dressel, aunt of Elise W. Murray
December 31, 1942
...in the morning came the F.B.I. again and told my wife: you pick up your things and get ready to go to Ellis Island to wait there with the other bunch to go to camp....why take me away from my job when the country needs all skilled labor and I am willing to help?...The first aim this country fights for in this war is to preserve humanity and Christianity, I believe in these ideals too...Mr. President, my three children are born here and I feel that they should at least have the right to grow up free and enjoy having a father and mother with them. ..Mr. President, I hope, and wish you have time enough to read and study our case and I am sure that you will help us, and I would appreciate very much a speedy reply.
Theodor Graber to President Roosevelt.
May 18, 1945
Pacific
Dear By,
The attitude concerning Roosevelt's death must have been universal. I heard about it on the flagship in the early morning. I couldn't believe it when I first heard it. We had absolutely no indication of him being ill and the report was a mere statement of his death, without any particulars. I went over to one of our other ships to do some Radar repairs and carried the news. We were eating breakfast and not a single person believed me. A few did get the Radiomen on the job and we soon got an official report. No one felt very well about it particularly since Truman was an unknown quantity with a lot of unfavorable publicity. A couple of rock-ribbed Roosevelt men foresaw the end of the world but most just thought it was very unfortunate.
In the afternoon a South Carolina Democrat and Roosevelt hater ventured to say that maybe things wouldn't be so bad and started a swarm of protest , but then the gang on that ship always take things to extremes. Everyone out here is very well impressed by the efficient and capable way in which Mr. Truman stepped in and took over...
I guess you can start on some post war planning... VE day was greeted without anyone batting an eye- of course it was pretty much an anticlimax, since there had been so many previous reports, - like Mac Arthur taking Manila...
Written by Lt (jg) W. Spencer Bloor to By Morehouse.
August 26, 1945
Dear Ed,
We originally of the 432nd Medical Collecting Company (Sep), have been in the service 4 years 6 months, 2 years of which, have been served over-seas. Part of our company landed in France on D-Day, and the rest on D plus 28. We have participated in five (5) major campaigns, which carried us thru France, Germany, Luxemborg, Austria, Belgium and Czechoslovakia. Records will prove that we did a very good job over here.
...our company had the point average of approximately 94. Why should we be stranded in this hell-hole called Carentan, [France] so that low pointers [those with less service] have left here for home? Are we the forgotten bastards of 41, or is it that no one gives a damn now that the war is over.
To-day we were asked what size overcoats and overshoes we wear. I suppose we are to spend the winter here. Now if some one will be so kind as to send us some lumber and blueprints, we will either build our own boat or else build homes, take out citizenship papers and forget the whole dam thing.
We believe this should be front page material so that the people back home can see what is taking place and what is laughingly called demobilization. By doing this, it would help out the other small units here who are in the same fix that we are,
Signed by,
The men of this unit and Kirk Baumeister's father, who was a staff sergeant.
June 17, 1944
France
...As you probably know already, I am someplace in France on another maneuver and we are all looking forward to a rapid conclusion.
There is really little to write about and what progress that is being made can be read in the news.
I am in the best of health and have been eating exceptionally well for this outdoor life does build up an appetite. There is no need for worriment for everything possible is being done for us and with the helping hand of God, Government and Country we will prevail.
Your loving Son,Written by William Duffy Jr. to his Mother. He landed at Normandy on D-Day and mailed this letter ten days later.
Bill
Pacific
Dearest Grace and Family:
Am free from the Japs at last. The Army sure pulled off our relief at the right time as we were just about starved. 87% of our camp had beri-beri and very few of us could do more than the lightest kind of work. I weigh about 88 pounds but will soon be O.K. again on good chow. The Japs were giving us only 150 grams of rice, no meat and very little vegetables per day. We were eating snakes, rats, cats, slugs, dogs, banana roots and stems, all kinds of weeds as greens, in fact almost anything, even garbage. We have had no sugar for months and not even salt for the last few days. I have been eating copra cake (stock food) to cure my beri-beri and have reduced it very much. Can get my shoes on for the first time in three months. Have had two good meals and am feeling much better. The Army sure pulled off a fine piece of work to get us out from behind Jap lines. We came across Laguna Bay in amphibian tanks.
Received one personal package and three letters from you and have written you every chance I get. Am proud of my family, and hope to be with you soon.
I was sent from St. Thomas with the first 800 and for six months I did the sewing for the whole camp. Over 800 pieces of clothing repaired by hand in six months and I worked 8-10 hours a day. Had to get a pair of glasses from Art Fisher and have had to use them ever since for reading.
A Navy officer is contacting Washington to see what is to be done with us. I hope we are to be sent home for 6 months leave.
Barton Fonger and Betty Lou Gewalt both died in Los Banos. Mr. Foley was killed and Mrs. Foley had an arm shot off on St. Thomas when the Japs shelled the camp.
I am sorry that most of my news is bad but we sure went through Hell. My next letter may be more cheerful.
Lots of Love to you all,Hugh Martin Cooper was a civilian employee of the U.S. Navy stationed in the Philippine Islands. During the war, U.S. civilian families were evacuated to the U.S. Cooper stayed in the Philippines and was taken prisoner by the Japanese.
Hugh
August 10, 1944
Burma
....We were here in India for a short time and have now moved into Burma. What I saw of India certainly seemed strange and entirely different from the good old U.S.A. The country and people are very dirty, poorly dressed and very poor. Sanitation seems to be unknown in this country. I never saw so many beggars for every place we stopped the people would run to the train looking for something for nothing. The trains in India are very comfortable compared to the ones in the States. I thought those day coaches used to be uncomfortable but they were parlor cars compared to the ones we rode on over here. Also there doesn't seem to be any time schedule at all and it certainly took us long to travel a short distance.
While in India we lived in bamboo huts with twelve men to a hut... Since we have been in Burma, we have been living in tents, sleeping on cot beds and using a mosquito net. The mosquitoes are certainly bad here. Also, it has rained everyday and I mean really rained. This is the monsoon season which you know means rain and besides that mud which is over... deep and sticks like glue. Of all the places to be I think this one is the worst and the sooner we get out of here the better I'll like it. Of course, I'll never be satisfied until I put my foot on U.S. soil once again. Although nobody likes working in this rain and mud we all do it and make the best of the situation...
Written by Cpl. Walter J. Paule to his sister, Ruth Townsend. Submitted by Alice Altman.
May 11, 1945
South Carolina
Dear Mary and Lennie,
I have been waiting to write because I thought each day I could tell you when we were having the memorial services... I would love to see you if you can- It seems so much longer than two months since I saw you last. The month of April was such a nightmare and so-o-o long.
I still can't believe it really -- It is so hard to understand when they are way off. I guess I might realize it more if Jack hadn't kept telling me that he was coming back and I believed it with all my heart and Fred [died at age 19] was such a baby. I just didn't think God could take him away. I guess all of that is selfish in a way- Each day I would read about those things happening but yet I didn't dream they would happen to us-not like this anyway.
My work helps me so much- I work as hard as I can and as late in the afternoon as I can. When I'm not busy I think too much. Thank you for telling me to come up there. I try to hold myself together on Mama's account. Maybe later on I can go and stay a while with you....
GladysWritten by Gladys Britton, who lost her brother and husband. Sent by Lennie Ashburn.
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June 6, 1965
Well, I finally arrived here. If I didn't have to carry a rifle I wouldn't mind touring the country. It is a very beautiful place and the people seem quite friendly. Grandmom would have a fit cause all the people would be skinny according to her standards. The weather here is very hot all the time some times there is a slight breeze. I keep telling the squad how we used to go down to Ford's pond and swim on those hot days I tell them about how it is to live on a farm. Almost all these guys are from big cities. They wouldn't know a groundhog from a ground squirrel. Well you can tell Granddad all the time he put in teaching me how to shoot finally paid off. They sent me to sniper school and now I can shoot man from three hundred yards and you would never hear the shot. We got silencers on our 306 rifles. I sure wish I was back home I sometimes close my eyes and I can hear you calling Dad. I can almost smell Grandpop's pipe. To tell you the truth I am scared! I am scared of running away when I hear the first shot I am scared of disgracing my family by being a coward. Oh, the guys in the squad all talk big but they are as frightened as I am. Yesterday we saw the choppers bring in about a dozen body bags and we just stared. It was a most sobering sight. This is real!
...You know what I pray to God for? That I never see anything in my rifle scope to shoot at I don't want to kill anyone, but what can I do? Hell, I never even heard of this country...
Submitted by Sal Darigo, of Philadelphia
Sept. 6, 1972
Dear Bob,
You didn't come home to cheering crowds and waving flags and that's a shame. That is the least we could do to honor someone who has given four years of his life in service to his country. Even though there was no outward recognition, it does not lessen the debt that we owe.
You have honored me as a father. I can only wish that you have sons that honor you as much--but hopefully in ways that do not require bearing arms. I am proud of you as a son. Please accept my sincere good wishes to you now.
With much affectionSubmitted by Robert T. George of Kennett Square, PA
Dad
11 May 1966
Chu Lai Hill "69"
Vietnam
Dear Ralph,
....Many times I go through the villages and see the little children naked with swollen bellies from malnutrition, and covered with sores. I tell them to wash and keep clean, but I wonder what good it does. They don't have soap or medicine. Some of the sights are very sad. Here are people who have been hidden from progress and used for personal gains. The land looks like it could produce a lot of food if only the people had the know-how and equipment. It's hard to feel for these people unless you actually see the way they live. When we (Americans) sit back in our easy chairs and turn on a T.V. set and enjoy a cool beer; somewhere here a baby dies from malnutrition or a Marine collapses from heat exhaustion and our morale dips to the depths of disgust.
Here I sit and complain because my feet hurt and my head is hot. I'm thirsty, tired and confused. There are 150's 81's 60's and Ontos's (all big artillery) being fired all around me. The tremendous sounds is enough to drive you mad. But I have one consolation. Thank God, I can return to civilization in about one year and hope that I have my sanity. I can take advantage of the good life, for certainly I have seen how miserable life can be. It is a valuable lesson I'm being taught. Please keep this letter personal. I don't want to worry Mom too much. I've told her everything is OK.
Submitted by Louis I. Matetsky to Ralph (his brother?)
June 1, 1972
Last week I took a trip out into the boondocks with my Vietnamese counterpart. We were going out about 30 minutes from Saigon into a district called Rach Kien. Plenty VC in the area so we were armed to the teeth, machine guns, grenades, pistols, grenade launchers. We were going out to check up on some of our "people" I'm sure you know what I mean by that. Our roads were just one shell hole after another, and after we got to where we were going, my conterpart told me we had just passed a whole VC Company hiding in the woods off to the right about 500 yards! Instantly I was elevated about ten feet on a spiral of dung! All I can say is it's a good thing they weren't interested in a lousy jeep! After we met our people and concluded our business, we went to my counterparts' grandfathers place for a snack. Well, it turned out to be a drinking contest, as usual. For some reason the Viets always try to ourdrink the Americans,... After fried fish, chicken and some kind of God awful chicken and noodle soup, plus two cases of beer and a bottle of gin, we all staggered into the Jeep and after numerous piss stops, and flipping off a few bursts of marchine gun fire into the surrounding bushes just for good measure, we finally made it back to Saigon. It was really nice to get our of Saigon and smog into the country and meet some of the country folk. They're really nice, hospitable and all a lot friendlier than those in the big city! I wish I had my camera then. I coul have gotten some great shots-like waterbuffalo shitting on the hood of our jeep etc. I'll send you some pictures as soon as I figure out how to use the camera, its pretty complicated. I'm used to an instamatic and when you get a better camera there's so much more involved....
October 2, 1972
...It looks like things might get pretty hairy around here in the next few weeks, with the elections and all coming up. We think that the NVA will probably rocket Saigon, not because it's such a strategic position but it will look good in the papers as a high visibility target. From what the Old Ones [parents] have been telling me, it seems as though the papers over there are making a big deal about the possibility of Saigon getting hi, right? Let me tell you, its not as bad as they give the impression. I'm not particularly worried about it so I should see no reason why you should be. The only thing that might happen is an unlucky shot from a 122 mm Rocket, which if it landed anywhere within one block would do quite a job. But Saigon is a big place and the chances of one landing on my head aren't too good. There's also all sorts of rumors flying around that there will be a cease-fire soon, every time that Henry the K. [Kissinger] goes somewhere, the same thing happens, as I'm sure you're well aware. So much for war news....
Young Edgard the SlickSubmitted by Ms. Kathryn A. Engle, sister of Edmund Engle who was on an Intelligence Assignment in Vietnam.
30 Sept. 69
I just wish I had a camera now. I can see for thirty miles at least. Vietnam just doesn't look the same from the top of this mountain. There are rolling hills cut by a lazily winding river. It's difficult to believe there is even a war going on here. So it looks as if the next few days are going to be pretty peaceful for me.
Submitted by Robert T. Pullen Written by Himself
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February 22, 1991
6:00 am
Somewhere near the Iraqi / Kuwaiti border
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hall
I write this letter of behalf of the men of our section to thank you for the care package we received yesterday. Your generosity and support for the men and women here in Saudi Arabia is a great morale booster to us. I myself believe in liberating Kuwait. I hope a peaceful solution is made but if not, we are ready to move in.
Once again, thank you and the city for backing us. Take care. We will win! Iron Soldiers!
Written by Roland Alba, staff sergeant in the 1st Armored Division out of Ansbach, Germany. Received by Janis and Jim Hall, of Cherry Hill, NJ, after sending a care package to "any soldier" during Desert Storm.
5 December 90
...It will take all of us doing what we must to end this as soon as possible. The support of the people at home is probably the most important factor; it's all we have to remind us of what we must with every ounce of strength protect.
Written by Jeff Norman to June Otto
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20 Feb 2002, North Arabian Sea
Dear Connor
Greetings from the USS Bataan. Your mom said you saw my picture on Yahoo. I had no idea that my picture was on Yahoo. It is probably from when I was at Kandahar last month or in December. Thank you for sending me the letter. I no longer have to write on the back of food cartons and instead have this fancy Russian paper to write on. I have no idea what it says, but I found in in a hangar in Afghanistan. How is everything in Conshohocken? You know the NASCAR season just started and I'm pulling for Mark Martin again this year. Who are you pulling for? Say Hi to your mom for me.
Love, Uncle Kenny20 Feb 2002, Arabian Sea
Dear Kyra
Thank you for the letter you sent me from your school. I am back on the boat now so I do not have to write on the back of food packets. Instead I have some paper that I found in a bombed out hangar next to where I slept in Kandahar. I'm not positive, but I think this paper came from the logbook of an Afghani M16-21 Fighter plane. The typewriting is Russian. I do get e-mails from your mom and get more mail through the computer than I do from regular mail. The regular mail is very slow. It is getting better, but it still takes 3 weeks or more. Good luck on First Penance. Keep the list short on the first one. I will be home for Ashtyn's First Communion.
Love, Uncle KennySubmitted by a WHYY employee whose brother is involved in the current conflict in Afghanistan. Written by the soldier to her children.
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