June 3, 1945. From Marvin in the Red Cross hut to his Folks

On June 3, 1945, only weeks after victory in Europe and while the war in the Pacific pressed on, a young American soldier wrote home from a Red Cross hut, describing the strain the front lines had left on his nerves. His note offers a glimpse into the quieter, often unseen aftermath of combat during a world still at war.

June 3, 1945

Dear Folks,

I am still in the hospital but feeling better. Hope you are all well at home.

The Dr. came around the other day but didn’t reclassify me. He said he thought the front lines were too much of a strain on my nerves. I guess that is what made the pains etc.

It is still raining here. I guess it must be the rainy season. If it is I sure don’t want to be here when the rainy season does come.

I haven’t gotten any mail for a long time so there isn’t much I can write about. It makes it a lot easier when one has a few letters to answer.

I am writing this letter in the Red Cross hut. They sure do a lot for us here. All our cigarettes and candy is free.

Well I guess I will close for now. I’m O.K. so don’t worry about me.

Love to all,
Marvin