Letters to Home
Richard's mother, Signe, saved all the letters and postcards he sent home during the war. In 1963, she had her granddaughter Judith type them into a single volume. It is from this precious compilation that these letters have been preserved and shared.
November 1942 – November 1943
During Training
From basic training in Utah through radio school in South Dakota and gunnery training in Arizona.
November – December 1943
On the Way to England
The crew's journey across the Atlantic via the southern route through Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Morocco.
December 1943 – April 1944
Stationed in England
Combat missions with the 445th Bomb Group. These were Richard's last letters before being shot down.
May 1944 – January 1945
As a POW
Censored postcards from Stalag Luft IV revealing glimpses of daily life as a prisoner of war.
May – June 1945
Liberation & Homecoming
Letters after being freed by British forces and the long journey back to America.
"These letters are a window into history, written by a young man far from home, facing the unknown. They have been preserved so that future generations may understand the sacrifices made by those who served."