I haven’t updated my WWII letters in ages! But I still have them and every once in a while compare the events of the 1940’s to what is happening in present day. Here’s a letter from Harry in 1945. He’s already been away from home (and his wife Helen, in Indiana) over a year after leaving his bread delivery truck route to do his part for World War Two. I expect that his frustrations with his chatty soldiers would equate to the things we read on social media. Maybe the propaganda leaflet (which unfortunately wasn’t included in the letter) to the media.

March 16, 1945
Somewhere in Germany

Hello Darling,

Once again I am writing to you under trying conditions. Our German generator has refused to cooperate any longer. The foolish motor runs but no juice is produced. Maybe our boys will be able to fix it up. Right now I am using kerosene lights of doubtful and ancient lineage. So pardon any more errors than my usual quota.

Didn’t get any mail today, except two papers, Dec. 11 & 19th. The December 19th tells of the 1st army’s retreat. The worm has surely turned since then. Thank Heavens!

This stationery I’m using is some I found. German style. Guess I’ll use it up before starting on what you mailed me. I’d like very much to have my hands on a German pistol. So far I haven’t been successful. Don’t worry - I don’t take chances to get one.

Today was a beautiful day again but it’s now trying to rain. April showers and all that stuff. There are lots of strawberry patches around here. Hope I’m am around some strawberries when the time comes for them to ripen.

I boiled some socks tonight. They were really rank. Some of these guys around here are giving me a pain. They are batting their gums about some of the most silly and nonsenical things. Really browns me off at times. Some of them are so damned stubborn they won’t let anyone express an opinion. So I just sit and let them bat their brains out. I think what I please. That policy never gets me into trouble. Only occasionally do I blow my top. Helps the nervous system!

I am enclosing a propaganda leaflet that Germans are throwing at us. They must think we are all crazy. The average G.I. will pick them up, read some, and then laugh like hell and throw it away. I think the family will get quite a bang out of this one. I can see Mom and Pop E laughing. Surely the Germans don’t believe that we are that crazy.

If I ever get to Paris or Brussels you shall have your Chanel #5. Money here is a useless commodity. There are rumors that we are to see a movie tomorrow. Probably one we saw back in the states two years ago.

We honey, the space is getting short and my eyes tired from the dim light. However, if it were pitch dark I could still write that I love you and always will. It is the realization that with each passing day bring us one day nearer victory and consequently home. I’ve had lots of experiences over here, but I’d trade them all just for a glace at you and the sound of your voice. So honey, I’ll do the next best thing. I’ll got to bed and dream of you.

Eternally and Ardently, Harry

Sara Paper