TRANSCRIPT
V-MAIL DATED 4-21-44
Dear Dad,
Hope this letter finds you allright and everything in good shape at home.
I’m still somewhere in North Ireland and I’m feeling allright. I guess I like it here about as well as can be expected. I rather be in the good old U.S. any time though.
Are you still working for Mr. Roberts or have you finished the job already? Sure wish I were there to help you like I used to do.
Have you received any mail at home before this from me. I’ve written several letters already.
How’s my Aunt Hattie and Larry getting along. Give her my best regards when you see her.
Be sure and write me soon and take good care of mom & Sis.
your loving son,
Earl F. [*]
[*] Beginning in his letter to his mother from 4-18-44, Earl alters his middle initial (actually “D.”) at the end of his letters to various other initials. This is because Earl is attempting to use his middle initial to gradually spell out where he is stationed so that his family knows where he is – something that would usually be censored in such letters. This is the same method that Earl talks about in his letter to his mother on 3-28-44. Earl eventually spells out “Belfast,” as in Belfast, Northern Ireland.