Monthly Archives: October 2011

World War II Letters: Discharge Papers and a Letter from President Truman

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Engraved WWII Canteen Cup: Please Help Find Owner

Tom Cushing, in Griffith Indiana, is still trying to find the owner of the World War II canteen cup, inscribed with the places the war took the owner of the cup. He purchased the cup from an Army surplus store … Continue reading

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World War II Letters: A 24-Year Old Soldier is Almost Home!

Like every other soldier still on duty, Dad longed to be home with his family.  He and his twin brother Eddie would turn 24 on November 30, 1945, and Dad wanted so much to celebrate that post-war birthday, though Eddie would be … Continue reading

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World War II Letters: A Soldier Thanks His Parents

Missing home!  In this letter, Dad expresses his deep gratitude to his parents for their kindness for his childhood and for their taking care of Bonnie, his wife while he was far away.  My mother moved in with Dad’s parents … Continue reading

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World War II Letters: Getting Excited About Going Home!

In this letter, Dad expresses his excitement at the thought of getting together with his dad and brothers for another of their all-night gab fests.  Though a usually quiet man, when Dad was with his father and brothers, he became … Continue reading

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World War II Letters: The Things They Carry

Elwood carried the above drawing that Bonnie made in 1944 with him, through the war, until he sent it home in a letter not long before he was discharged from the war.

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World War II Letters: Frustrations and Waiting!

 When not on guard duty, Dad was in charge of the engine supply room, but after the war ended, there was much less to do, and he began to feel as though there was nothing of importance for anyone there to … Continue reading

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World War II Letters: Almost Home, But Starving in the Meantime

I think if Dad had been able to swim back to the United States, he would have given it a shot.  He and the other soldiers in his unit were very tired on the island of Guam and truly ready … Continue reading

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World War II Letters: Food, Glorious Food!

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World War II Letters: How to Earn Points, Gee Whiz!

Like the other soldiers during WWII, Dad kept careful track of the points he had accumulated in hopes of returning home after the war.  I don’t know if the Navy and the Army used the same point system, but for … Continue reading

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