July 27, 1945. From Bill to his wife. Letter 6 of 6.

Just twelve days from coming home, US serviceman Bill writes to his wife with equal parts grit and charm talking sweat, bad chow, blueberry pie, and dreams of peace and quiet on the farm. It’s a letter full of longing, humor, and the kind of details that make history feel personal.

Historical note: In July 1945, Americans were holding their breath. Germany had surrendered two months earlier, and President Truman had just met with Churchill and Stalin at the Potsdam Conference to discuss ending the war with Japan. Back home, families waited anxiously rationing continued, war bonds were still being sold, and servicemen like Bill were counting down the days, hoping that peace was finally within reach.

Thursday

Hi hon—

My only letter today but better late than never. Nothing much to talk about except we brought our blues to be pressed and cleaned which means it’s one step closer home. Everybody’s getting anxious but it’s still about twelve more days to go. Got a tough week ahead of us with more drilling than we ever had in one week. After this week is over (over next Thursday) we’ll be on easy street.

One thing about this place I don’t like is we can’t take off our shirts when we’re out drilling. If we could, I’d have a slick tan by now.

We/I was up the tailor shop today, I asked a train conductor about what time we’d get to Worcester and he said we ought to be there anywhere from 10:30 to 12. I’ll find out more exactly when we get that train ticket.

It sure will be nice to get home again, better still to have this war over and get home for good. From the looks of the war news, it’ll be over soon, I hope.

The chow has been lousy lately. Some of these new crews coming on are just a bunch of bastards for they don’t dish out enough to eat. I’ve been stuck a couple of times. I forgot whether or not we had that rooster we got from Sulo, but I would like to have a good chicken to eat. You don’t have to figure on too much food for I haven’t actually starved up here. Ought to have some blueberry pie tho.

It’ll be okay if Arthur can come to Worcester for we can go straight up the farm and go to bed.

Has Arthur got all the hay in? Hope so. I don’t expect to do much visiting for I want to stay up where it’s peaceful (you know what I mean). Just got to visit the shops to see how the machines are working.

Got to go to sleep, so got to close.

Still miss you + love you—

Love, 

Bill