November 4 & 12, 1944

Below is the text from the letter.
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Dear Wilma:

I got the telegram about Mom this aft. and I haven’t heard from anybody for quite a while and didn’t even know she was sick or maybe she had another sudden attack. All the telegram I got said was that she died Oct. 29 and nothing more.

I put in for an emergency leave just as soon as I could but they didn’t seem to think I could get one. I certainly hope I can because I know it will be a couple of weeks yet before I will be able to get any news from home.

What will Dad do now?

I’ve been trying to hold the tears back because I know I’m so far away. I can’t possibly get there, but sometimes I just can’t do it. It seems like there won’t be very much to come home too now because about all I talk about here is getting home and getting some good food again.

I can’t write tonight Wilma. Maybe in a few days I can do better.

Love
Elmer



November 12, 1944

Dear Wilma:

I got the last letter from Mom. The one you had written on the bottom of the other day but I haven’t had one from anybody except Aline since. What is Dad going to do now? Is he going to stay there on the farm? I sure will be glad to get a letter from someone back there telling me a few of the particulars.

I guess you have all been pretty busy though and haven’t felt much like writing. Mary said in the last letter I got from her that you were about sick with your nerves or something. So you had better be careful or you’ll be having a nervous breakdown.

I put in for an emergency leave but I didn’t get it. As long as you have some other close relatives in the states. They won’t let you go back unless the Red Cross telegram you get states that your presence is requested. I know that before but I never dreamed of anything happening like it did.

I guess it is too late to tell you now, but I will anyway. If Dad should get sick or anything telegram me through the Red Cross and state in the telegram that my presence is requested then.

I don’t think I will have any trouble getting back in fact I would probably fly all the way. I would really have liked to get back but they said no.

How is Judith and Bill making it. I guess Judith will be so big I won’t know her when I do get back.

Write every chance you get.

Love
Elmer