Dear Dick,
It has been only recently that news of the invasion of France has been broadcast throughout the states. Though few details have been given to us, what I have managed to glean from newspapers and radio broadcasts makes the whole thing seem fraught with immense danger.
I decided to go ahead with my plans and joined the Waves. Have only been with them a week or so but I have yet to meet a finer bunch of young women anywhere else. At the moment, they have me doing only clerical work, processing forms and such, but it seems a useful means of employment.
Two days ago, I was walking through town and spied a kitten huddled under a nearby tree. The poor thing looked so lonely and miserable and I could not bear to leave it there so home with me it went. Mother says I have too much of a soft spot in my heart for such cases but I couldn't have stood knowing I had left the poor thing there. It's grey all over with little white paws, just the cutest thing you've ever seen. I decided to name him Lucky. I know you love animals and I am sure that when you return home you'll be as taken with him as I am.
With regards to your last letter, you mentioned that combat had already changed you, though I hope not too much. However, no matter how much you've changed you'll always remain my dearest friend.
Well, I should close now. Be safe and vigilant.
Yours Always,
DeEtta
P.S., I went outside last night and looked at the constellation. I thought of you.
Dear DeEtta,
Congratulations on joining up with the Waves! Knowing you, you'll make a difference in your own special way. Your mother is right by the way, you are a softie for animals, however, it is a trait of yours that is quite endearing. A friend of mine once advised me never to get a cat, so I guess I shall just have to content myself with your Lucky.
We have continued our advance in France, and just finished securing a vital town the other day. It was quite a struggle, but we got he job done. Caught a piece of a bullet in my leg while we were securing the place but it is nothing too serious. Just aches a bit and I'll have a scar there, that's for sure.
The weather here has been grey and dreary for the most part. I am almost beginning to long for the days back at Toccoa where the sun was so scorching hot and the days were long and sunny.
About a week ago, Easy Company received some replacement soldiers to fill the vacancies created by the heavy casualties we took on D-Day. As a whole, they are a fine bunch of men, just inexperienced beyond belief. I hope to be able to set up some training and field problems for the men to complete so that the new fellows won't feel like they are at such a disadvantage.
Take care of yourself, DeEtta and know I think of you often. Remember, I'll be looking at the stars with you tonight.
Always,
Dick
Dear Dick,
I was hard at work today sorting through endless stacks of papers when an officer came and dropped a thick packet of papers on my desk. Bored as I was with sorting through the rest of the mess, I decided to leaf through the bundle. Oh, Dick, it was horrible. In that stack there must have been over a hundred letters, all to the families of men who had been killed in action. My job is to put each one in an envelope with the proper address so that they can be delivered by some official. I can't stop thinking about those letters, about all the young men who will never see home again, all the families that will never be reunited. I shall never forget seeing all those names and knowing none would be coming home again. I am afraid that this duty will now become a regular part of my job. I'll do it, of course, but it tears at my heart knowing there is a war raging and that you are in the midst of it.
I'm sorry I don't have anything else to write you about. I feel bad unburdening myself and my problems onto you when you already have so many worries. I'm not even certain whether or not I'll actually send this to you.
As always, you are in my thoughts. Do take care and I miss you.
Yours Always,
DeEtta
Dear DeEtta,
I am deeply sorry to hear you have to deal with such things in your job. I have no advice to give you or words that will make it better. Just keep this in your heart and mind-none of those men died in vain, I can assure you. Each of them made a difference and fought bravely to the end. I know that hearing this will not make it any easier to bear, but keep your chin up and stay strong.
We've been lucky lately and had a bit of down time if you can call it that. Have done a bit of training here and there and made a practice jump with full gear. I haven't the slightest clue if we'll be moving out soon or not. I have enjoyed this period of rest but am becoming anxious to do something once again, to be on the move.
That's all I have to share with you at the present moment. Oh, and don't ever worry about burdening me with your problems. If I can help you to sort things out even a tiny bit, it is worth it. Do take care.
Always,
Dick