Letter from Jerome Epstein, Jr. to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Epstein and Mr. Louis Green, dated April 17th, 1945

Item

Identifier

C0262B001F004L017

Title

Letter from Jerome Epstein, Jr. to Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Epstein and Mr. Louis Green, dated April 17th, 1945

Creator

Epstein, Jerome, Jr.

Description

Letter written by Jerome Epstein, Jr. while serving in the Italian theater during World War II, discussing the death of FDR and the conduct of the war in Italy.

Date

Extent

3 pages

Coverage

World War, 1939-1945

Subject

Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945

Source

Jerome Epstein Papers #C0262, Box 1 Folder 4

Publisher

George Mason University Libraries

Rights

Copyright not held by George Mason University Libraries. Restricted to personal, non-commercial use only. For permission to publish, contact Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries.

Transcription

C0262B001F004L017
Image 1:
Somewhere in Italy
April 17, 1945
Dear Mother, Dad, and Grandpa,
I feel badly for not writing as often as I should or would like to. I intend to write every day, and then something interferes and I never get my letter written. I have all your letters up to and including April 9, which, I think, is pretty good.
The war is slowly coming to an end, in Europe, that is, but it will still be hard and long, no matter what radio commentators say. The Germans will prolong it as long as possible. As I see it, as long as they are able to fire guns at us there is still a war on. That’s why I can’t get very optimistic over the whole thing.
I was terribly shocked when I heard of President Roosevelt’s death the other morning. He was such a wonderful person. He has to die, and Hitler lives on I don’t understand it.
Please send some food whenever you care to do so.

Image 2:
Somewhere in Italy
(2) April 17, 1945
Truman will be O.K. I think.
These people I lived with I don’t even know their last name or their address. It is nice of you to want to think It is nice of you to want to think of them. Perhaps I can get it for you from a fellow who was with us. He is of Italian descent and speaks Italian fluently.
Several of your boxes came this week and all are perfect. Everything is delicious. Yes, I received that little stove a long while ago. I thought I wrote you about it. It is marvelous.
This week a box of candy came from Sally. She always remembers me.
The camera came. I’ll get some good pictures and then send them to you. The pictures you sent are very good. And I was glad to get them. Please send some more films.
I weigh about the same as always, no more, no less, and am feeling fine.
Have they heard any more from Bob yet? Jerry Potosky went over in a hurry. That’s the way it works these days.
Please send some food whenever you care to do so.

Image 3:
(3) Somewhere in Italy
April 17, 1945
Yes, it is nice of Charlie Smith to write his friend.
I will write Jean Daniels and thank her. Had a letter from Harry today. I must write so many people.
That’s a good picture of Nancy and her husband. I too can’t imagine her being married. She’s the first one of the old gang.
I haven’t seen Jack Comey for years. Maybe he is smart.
Mother, I believe the Mayerson boy you speak of is the brother of the one I know.
Funny about the Major, isn’t it?
I imagine you have read in the papers about events going on over here lately. The fireworks have started, and the “Krauts” will pay plenty for their evil.
Well, I’m afraid this letter isn’t very interesting and it is pretty short, but there isn’t much to write about. Keep writing yourselves—I enjoy your letters so much. Love to all of you.
Lovingly,
Jerome, Jr.
P.S. Please send some food whenever you care to.

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