August 8, 1944 -- a V-Mail from Freddie

In August my Uncle Freddie wrote a letter to my grandmother that was sent to them via V-Mail. What is special to me about this letter is that he gives some great details about his visit with my dad, which just happened to take place when my dad was receiving his Bronze Star. I am going to put pictures of the letter, and both sides of the envelope it came in, so that you can see what V-Mail looked like and also how my grandmother and aunt would mark the envelopes they got from their men who were off fighting in Italy. The V-Mail is small, just 4 1/4" wide and almost 5 1/2" long. A transcript is at the bottom.

 

  

From: 36690797

Pvt. Fred Haferkamp

A.P.O. P.M. N.Y. N.Y.

Aug. 8 - 44

To: Mrs. C. Haferkamp

621 N. Laurel St.

Staunton, Ill

Italy

Dear Mother.

Just a line to let you know I am well and hope every one else at home is the same I got a letter from Gus the same day I wrote him I found out where he was so I went Sunday to visit him he sure was surprised to see me he was decorated with a Bronze Star when I was there he whent and asked for a pass to visit me so they gave him 7 days so he came Monday and is staying with me he sure looks good and has put on a little weight since the last time I seen him It sure is hot and dry here and guess it is the same back home I haven't been getting much mail lately got two papers today of June 8 - 15. Gus said he got some dated later don't know of any more news now so tell Henry and the rest hello till later as I will close

From your Son Fred.