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Original WWII soldier letter dated April 3, 1944, written by Pfc. John L. Omiecinski to his sweetheart Josephine in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Johnny was serving with Company E, 35th Infantry, APO 25. The envelope is postmarked U.S. Army Postal Service APO 25, April 6, 1944, and bears a 6-cent U.S. airmail stamp along with a purple "Passed By U.S. Army Examiner" censorship marking.
A particularly poignant passage appears near the end of the letter when Johnny writes that he has received sad news about his classmates:
"I have heard some sad news about my class-mates getting killed on the fronts."
He goes on to write about praying for them and receiving Holy Communion when possible.
The letter also offers an intimate glimpse into the emotional life of a young serviceman overseas. Johnny writes about attending church services during the Lenten season, his hopes that the war will end, and the future life he dreams of sharing with Josephine.
He closes with affectionate words including an "ocean full of love and kisses on each wave."
An evocative piece of original WWII correspondence combining the realities of wartime loss, religious faith, separation from loved ones, and hope for a future after the war.
CONDITION:
The letter is written on extremely thin, lightweight wartime paper, similar in appearance and feel to tracing paper. Johnny wrote on both sides, causing considerable show-through from the reverse that can make portions difficult to read. There is age-related wear, folding, edge wear and small losses/tears to the paper. Envelope shows expected age, handling and postal wear. Please review all photographs carefully for condition and content.
Includes the original letter and mailing envelope shown.
Part of a larger group of wartime correspondence between Johnny and Josephine that has survived together for more than 80 years.
This letter is part of a larger surviving WWII correspondence between Johnny and his sweetheart Josephine. Later material in the correspondence indicates that Johnny did not survive the war, adding historical context to the letters he sent home about their relationship, daily life and hopes for the future.
