Sometimes you come across interesting things on the internet. One item that was found was a letter sent home from a member of the 728th during WWII. This letter was sent via “Victory Mail”, or also known as V-Mail. The Smithsonian Institute describes V-Mail as:
Victory Mail, more commonly known as V-Mail, operated during World War II to expedite mail service for American armed forces overseas. Moving the rapidly expanding volume of wartime mail posed hefty problems for the Post Office, War, and Navy Departments. Officials sought to reduce the bulk and weight of letters, and found a model in the British Airgraph Service started in 1941 that microfilmed messages for dispatch.
V-Mail used standardized stationery and microfilm processing to produce lighter, smaller cargo. Space was made available for other war supplies and more letters could reach military personnel faster around the globe.
This new mode of messaging launched on June 15, 1942. V-Mail assisted with logistical issues while acknowledging the value of communication. In 41 months of operation, letter writers using the system helped provide a significant lifeline between the frontlines and home. (https://postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibition/victory-mail).
This particular letter reads as follows:
Somewhere in England, Feb 12, 1944
Dear Mother & Daddy:
Just a few minutes to spare, so I writing you a few lines to let you know that I am well and O.K. I hope this letter finds you all the same.
Daddy, will you send me all the candy, cake and chewing gum you can get. I sure wish you would. The ration here is so bad. Daddy if you see Clyde Robinson tell him I said thanks for the carton of cigarettes. I don’t have time to write him.
Mother how are you? I hope O.K. Daddy you take care of yourself too. I suppose it is rather cold at home now. It isn’t too bad here.
Well I must close for now, and go to chow. Here is hoping to hear from you soon. Write soon. Your son William.
After some research, William survived the war and passed away on June 30, 2014. His obituary states:
Following the war he was employed by the Former Welbilt Construction where he worked and retired as President. A talented wood worker Bill built beautiful homes in the area. After retirement he served as Code Enforcement Officer for Silver Spring Township. Bill was a member and former president of the Camp Hill Lion’s Club. He enjoy rooting for Penn State’s football team, attending games for 20 years and traveling to bowl games. Bill also greatly enjoyed the Phillies. He coached Camp Hill little league for several years. A 61 year member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he was in charge of both junior and adult ushers. He was also a member of the American Legion # 109, and the West Shore Elks Lodge.
The next step will be trying to return this letter to his next of kin.
