LOVE LETTERS FROM 1941

Embark on a romantic journey during World War II

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When Jerry was drafted into the service with the U.S. on the cusp of joining WWII, his mind was focused on one thing: his best girl, Betty. Thanks to the generosity and openness of their family, follow along with some of Jerry's early love letters home to his future wife.

THE BEGINNINGS

OFF TO EUROPE

THE ENGAGEMENT

Old postcard template with clipping path included

January 1941

Dear Betty, … I know you are a very popular girl (and why wouldn’t you be, you have everything a fellow could want) and all I can hope for is that someone else doesn’t come along and turn your head. I think I am a pretty lucky guy that you picked me out from all the fellows … this is the first time I have ever opened up to anyone, man, woman or child, and really let them know what I thought and felt inside. … You can take advantage of it or not … I am hoping with all my heart that you haven’t and never will.

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February 17, 1941

… I really think you will wait for me to get out of the army. So now I can go into it with my eyes open and no worry. I have you to look ahead to and that will shorten things considerably. In case of war Betty, I’ll still be back. I would be fighting for you and nothing could stop me then…I get deeper and deeper in love with you every time I see you or think of you and that is most of the time.

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February 27, 1941

… I have got to see the doctor again today with my knee. He says they might reject me for awhile but he doesn’t think so. I’ll know tomorrow. I will call you Friday Night. No matter what happens tomorrow we will smile even though it will be hard and even though we are not together in person, we will be in spirit, and I’ll always love you.

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March 11, 1941

I got a new uniform today. It’s a dandy and fits just fine. I at least look like a soldier now…. We drill three hours a day, practice on the 3” anti aircraft for an hour and the rest of the time is spent going to lecture. We have quite a lot of studying to do…..As for a birthday present, I only ask for one thing and that is plenty. I want your everlasting love and that will be enough present for me forever.

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March 26, 1941

Say, what goes on? I haven’t heard from you in over a week. We are supposed to do our work here and do it well no matter what goes on, on the outside. If you think that is easy when you are worrying you have another thing coming……..

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March 27, 1941

I got your nice long letter today. Please forget about the letter I wrote last night I was sick and probably wrote some hasty remarks….My arm is ok after all of the shots now and no they haven’t given us any injections for love.

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April 12, 1941

I don’t know whether I should mention this or not, but you read the newspapers so you can see we are pretty close to war. The Captain told us maybe four to five weeks will see us in it. Maybe he was only telling us that to make us work harder. I don’t want to upset you but it is something we have to face….If only I could see you it would help but I guess that is out for awhile anyway.

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April 21, 1941

Dearest Betty, If I seemed a little cool it was not because my love for you had cooled, it was because my head was full of useless warfare. … I wouldn’t be surprised if you were bored with all my Army talk … I’ve been penned up for so long … we have had so much drilled into us it had to leak out someplace. The thought of a war and having to leave the ones we love is always in the back of our heads.

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April 28, 1941

We had gas mask drill with tear gas today. While we were waiting for our turn for the gas chamber we were sprawled in the sand. My mind was a long way from gas because when I came to what I was doing I had written your name in the sand with a stick a half a dozen times. We were supposed to be a little scared of the gas but instead my mind was resting peaceably with a girl on a mountain back home. Can you beat that?

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May 12, 1941

You don’t need to ask who is my best girl. It is simple arithmetic. There is only one and she teaches on God’s Knob. Every shell that goes off is one less shell I have to fire to get back to you. My heart is in this only because I have to succeed for you.

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May 26, 1941

You may know it by the papers but if you don’t I might as well tell you now dear. I won’t be getting out of this army when my year is up unless the war stops on the other side. We are in until the duration.

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May 30, 1941

I told you in my last letter that I didn’t think I could get out in a year. You said you listened to the speech the other night so now you know for sure I won’t. We have a haul ahead of us dear … all we can do is hope and pray that everything works out okay in the next couple of years … War may be inevitable but with God’s help I’ll be coming back to you the same guy that left. All my love, Jerry
PS I will be back to you!!

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June 23, 1941

I am thankful for what I have today in the army. Every time I felt like laying down a little, you came into my mind immediately and then I went back to my work all the harder. What I have earned is to help pay you back for sticking by me even though I could no longer be near you. You don’t know how much that means to me. I hope that someday soon we can be together and never be separated again.

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August 6, 1941

Did I ever tell you how much I love you? Remind me to tell you some day. The nights are good down here. The moon is really something. I lay here at night watching it and wonder what you are doing. I wish we could watch it together. Every hour that passes when you are not with me seems an eternity.

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August 27, 1941

You would be surprised if on my next trip up I came into the kitchen where your mother and father were, pulled you away from the table and kissed you. I can see the expression on their faces. I bet I could make you blush then.

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Sept. 8, 1941

Well dear, we finally had a weekend when we were nearly alone. I had a swell time and it makes me wish more and more that I was getting out soon. It’s funny, I had so much to tell you but when I saw you I was so happy everything I wanted to say just slipped out of my mind.

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Sept. 19, 1941

Well, two letters in one day. I am glad there is nothing wrong. I wasn’t afraid you had thrown me over because you told me that couldn’t happen. But you stopped writing so suddenly I thought something was wrong with you. Sometimes at night I lay half-awake on my bunk dreaming of a little white house and you. It certainly is a nice thought to sleep on but then I wonder if it will ever materialize. I guess we will have to wait and time will tell.

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Oct. 27, 1941

It was certainly swell to have you in Long Lake the past weekend. We at least had some time alone. I think I hated to come back more this time then I ever have before. We were together so much that it seemed wrong for me to leave. I guess I just can’t get along without you. We both can be sure that things haven’t changed in the past eight months and it won’t in the next four. Most of the fellows haven’t been so fortunate.

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Nov. 11, 1941

We observed Armistice Day this morning by standing in ranks at attention while taps was being played. … It made you think where will we be next year when taps are played on Armistice Day. We wondered if it would be for us or still for those of other wars. I think it affected everyone the same way.

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Nov. 15, 1941

I just happened to think that this Thursday is Thanksgiving. I only have one thing to be thankful for and that is that I still have you.

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Dec. 9, 1941

The day that we have been expecting sooner or later is here. Yesterday at 1:30 a.m. war was declared on Japan. At 3 a.m. we moved out. At the time no one knew where we were going. … Now we aren’t playing maneuvers. It’s the real thing. … I just threw away a whole page of writing. I had asked you to do something for me but when I read it I threw it away because it wouldn’t be fair to you. This war may drag out for a long time and someone else might come into your life before I get out and I don’t want to be in your way. All I can say is dear please wait for me.

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Dec. 27, 1941

We had a very nice dinner here Christmas Day. I was only off for two hours but I enjoyed it. … I guess I will have to disappoint you again. The way things are figured out now, every man gets a pass for 10 hours once in 20 days. We haven’t been able to see each other for some time and every time we think we are going to get a break something happens and spoils it. … You have been my inspiration ever since I have known you. When I came in the Army it was an awful letdown but you stuck with me. I made up my mind that if you stuck to me nobody could stop me.

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Dec. 30, 1941

It was a long trip up there and back in one day but it was more than worth it. When I saw you in the station I was so happy I had nothing to say. I didn’t even touch you because I thought I would probably let a war whoop that would raise the dead Indians out of their graves. I am waiting for the day when I come home to you and never have to leave you again. No matter where I go or how long it takes to get back my love for you will never die!

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THE ENGAGEMENT

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Jan. 4, 1942

They have a new system on passes. I’ll get a three day pass every seventy five days. …I’ll be glad when the time comes when writing you will no longer be necessary. Then I can just sit down with you and tell you the day’s happenings. Won’t that be great.

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Jan. 7, 1942

I wish I could see you. If I could once in a while this wouldn’t be so bad. It’s hard trying to keep your mind in two places. I wish this were over and then I would have only you to think about and then I would be happy.

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Jan. 12, 1942

I had a new experience today. I was a witness at a court martial. I don’t care much about being at another one. The next time I say I do I hope it is in Glenn Falls with you.

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Jan. 15, 1942

Maybe circumstances have changed since I came in the Army but you and I haven’t. At that time we were looking forward to next month and my discharge but now we will have to wait a good many more months but you and I will be the same. Well see this through and come out smiling. Don’t you often wish time would go back fifteen or sixteen months when there was only you and I in the whole world. Someday it will be like that again.

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Jan. 18, 1942

Every time I let up or when I lay down to get some sleep I think, what is she doing now and wishing I were up there with you. What a fine world this would be if all we had to do was think of each other and be together. Betty, when this is over let’s not waste any more time. We missed the boat once. Let’s not miss it again.

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Jan. 20, 1942

There is a longing in my heart for you that I can’t explain. It just seems like I am missing part of myself. Almost a year ago now, I walked out of Murphy’s house and left the best part of me there. I still have that empty place. Some day it won’t be empty. Take it easy hon, and remember Pearl Harbor.

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Jan. 30, 1942

I wish that you could go wherever I go just by my saying you could but that is impossible. What a life that would be. It will be like that one of these days but first we all have a big job to do. If God is willing we’ll see the end of it and then make a new start. I can hardly wait for a week from Saturday. We’ll have to make up a lot of time and keep some for reserve. But I guess I’ll never have enough of you to keep in reserve. I want you at all times.

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Feb. 10, 1942

Last night, when you got out of the car I wanted to pull you back in and the two of us just take off and forget about everything ... but that wouldn’t be playing the game. No matter what happens, no matter where I go I will always love you. You said Saturday night that you already felt married. I’ve felt that way for a long time dear.

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Feb. 13, 1942

No matter where I go as soon as this is over I’ll start back and won’t stop until I have you in my arms again.

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March 5, 1942

Now hon, I am going to go to sleep and dream of the swellest girl in the world and forget all about worldly affairs. It seems like a nice dream. I hope all of these dreams come true some day.

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March 9, 1942

Some of the fellows think I am married. I guess I wouldn’t be lying if I told them you were my wife. Except for the formal trip up the aisle I am. I’m living my life for one person and you know who she is. When the right time does come we will make that trip up the center aisle.

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March 15, 1942

So I’ve never actually asked you to middle aisle it with me. From the way we talk I guess it was just taken for granted. I don’t know what I will have or what I’ll be when this mess is cleared up but dear, I want to marry you if you’ll have me. When the right time comes will you say the words “until death do us part” with me?

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March 19, 1942

Now that I have your answer everything seems fine. It seems funny to do it by letter. It probably isn’t very romantic but now everything is done different. It makes me feel very happy tonight.

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April 10, 1942

I don’t think I’ll get the urge to marry while you’re dilly lalling as you call it, unless it is the urge to marry you which has been urging me for a long time. You’ll never have to worry about me marrying anyone else. You disinterested me in playing the field a long time ago. You are the only field I have or ever want.

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April 14, 1942

You asked whether I believed in love. I do, especially where you are concerned. I love you with all my heart and again where you are concerned it’s a big heart.

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May 10, 1942

My Darling, The minute I pulled away from your house something went out of me and won’t come back until we are together again. It’s always been that way and I guess it will always be that way. I think we have figured that middle aisle for now. You can use that ring you have as a symbol for now but you’ll get another in the not too distant future. Goodnight my love.

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May 26, 1942

I do miss you very much. If you miss me as much as I miss you, I feel sorry for you. You certainly got yourself under my skin. You’re there to stay and I can’t wait for this to end so that we can be together.

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June 8, 1942

I know the only way to be really settled is to get married but for your sake I couldn’t see it. You always wanted a big wedding but we couldn’t have it that way because we wouldn’t know when we could have it. We’ll talk it over….if you want to get married this summer it’s okay with me. Maybe I could get three days off some way. But darling, I don’t know what to say because all I want is to see you happy and we would be getting married under a very different set of circumstances. The only thing I do know is that you will be the only one in my life as long as I live.

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June 14, 1942

They are playing “This is Worth Fighting For” on the radio. If every fellow had what I have to fight for what an army this would be. I wonder who she is I am fighting for? You can only have one guess.

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June 27, 1942

There are only eight more days and you’ll be down. They will be long ones but after you get here we’ll make each night a month.

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July 23, 1942

My new address: Battery C 52nd C.A. (A.A.) APO Box 1268 c/o Postmaster NYC Darling,
We are pulling out shortly. Keep that chin up and keep smiling.
All my love forever, Jerry.

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OFF TO EUROPE

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Aug. 4, 1942

Just in case I don’t get another chance to write before we leave, don’t forget to keep that light burning because I will be looking for it… Keep that chin up high and before you know it I will be home… Good night Darling and never forget our plans for the future.

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Aug. 18, 1942

When I kissed you goodbye Sunday and started for my train I couldn’t turn around and look back. I knew if I did I would have gone back and taken you with me. I’ve never done anything harder in my life.

As I sit here tonight your face comes up to me out of this paper and I wonder how a dumb bloke like me ever ran into a girl like you. I’ve devoted my life from herein to you and I, and no Jap or German or anyone else is going to interrupt it for long.

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Aug. 30, 1942

If I can’t get letters off regularly don’t lose heart or hope because you are with me at all times. I love you so very much.

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On the Queen Elizabeth across the Atlantic

Sept. 7, 1942

Everything is fine and there is nothing to worry about. We have a little job to do and then back to the good old U.S.A. We probably won’t be here too long. No matter how long it takes I will be coming back.

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Southwest England

Oct. 11, 1942

Last year we were wondering what we would be doing this Christmas. Now we know. Each year since I have been in the army at this time has taken us farther apart. Maybe next Christmas will see us closer together again. If at any time my letters stop coming for a while you’ll know that we are trying to end this war as soon as possible so as to head for home.

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Southwest England

Early November 1942

I hope my writing will be readable. It isn’t so easy writing in a bunk that rolls with the sea. I am enjoying the trip very much. I guess I am an old salt at heart. We of course can’t say where we are going and none of us know. We only hope it will hasten the end of the war so we can go home.

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Somewhere at sea

November 17, 1942

I always did want to see Africa but of course not under these circumstances. A week from Thursday will be Thanksgiving. Last year I was in North Carolina. We are figuring on being home to see it next year. Do I have a dinner date with a certain school teacher? It is hard to write as there is so little that we can say. The main thing is that everything is fine and I am in good health. This is the longest we’ve ever been separated but now my resolve grows more each day that when this is over we’ll never be separated again. All my love, Jerry

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North Africa

Dec. 3, 1942

The other night five or six of us were sitting around a fire and one of the fellows had a mouth organ. He played a lot of popular pieces and looking into the fire took me back to the places we used to go. It brought back a lot of happy memories. Memories that each night I dream about. … The happiest days of my life have been spent with you and I can hardly wait until we get started again.

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North Africa

Dec. 17, 1942

Keep those home fires burning. I hope before too many months I’ll be able to gather myself around it. I miss you all together too much. Maybe it won’t be long before we are together again.

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North Africa

Dec. 25, 1942

Instead of driving along towards Glenn Falls this afternoon in my Buick with the radio going, I am sitting on a box on the rim of a mud puddle but knowing that things are the same as I left them in Glen Falls makes everything okay.

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North Africa

Dec. 30, 1942

My New Years resolution is to be home with you before another year rolls around. Is that okay by you?

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North Africa

Epilogue

The love so evident in his letters home to Betty did not — as Jerry promised — die, but rather endured to leave a loving family as their legacy.

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A FINAL NOTE

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