ONE DAY NEARER TO VICTORY
WORLD WAR II THROUGH A PERSONAL LENS
World War Two was a tense period for people globally, with millions of soldiers having to abandon their homes and families to serve. Limited to letters, communication with loved ones became a lifeline for these soldiers. The military mail system became an integral aspect of the war effort, with the Postmaster General stating that “frequent and rapid communication with parents, associates, and other loved ones strengthens fortitude, enlivens patriotism, makes loneliness endurable and inspires to even greater devotion the men and women who are carrying on our fight far from home and friends” (Guise). Step into this time capsule of World War II, where handwritten letters illuminate humanity amid the chaos of war. This exhibit brings to life the voices of soldiers, sharing their experiences of hope, homesickness, and the moments of normality that persisted despite the turmoil.
People
Throughout the letters, there are a variety of people mentioned. George E. Wolf is the correspondent of the majority of the letters, and his loved ones are who the letters are addressed to.
Harry John Wolf
He was the father of George E. Wolf and head of the Wolf family.
George Edward Wolf
A soldier in WWII who is the main focus behind this exhibit. He started off as a private, but gained the role as a sergeant later in the war.
Carolyn Alice Wright
She was the mother of George E. Wolf. The image above shows Carolyn along with the rest of her family on a consensus (the second family down).
Jane Roberts Molleson
She was George E. Wolf's sweetheart and became his wife after the war. The image above shows the marriage certificate of her and George E. Wolf after the war.
Hope
The letters in this exhibit feature hope in various ways, from George E. Wolf's signature phrase, "One Day Nearer to Victory," inscribed in each letter to the focus on life's positive aspects and the inclusion of humor. These expressions of hope serve a crucial purpose: to maintain high morale among soldiers and their loved ones. V-Mail, a new form of sending mail, "was introduced to handle the increased amount of overseas mail exchanges" (Klug). V-Mail stood for Victory Mail, showing the connection between letters and ideas of hope and victory. It is also likely that this optimism was sometimes embellished to reassure families back home. Real or not, this positivity acts as a beacon of light amid the darkness of World War II, offering comfort and strength to all affected.
"One Day Nearer Victory"
This phrase appeared in nearly every letter that George E. Wolf wrote during World War II, symbolizing a stamp of hope and providing constant optimism. It represents how hope at the time was often intertwined with victory and patriotism.
Training in Fort Dix (7.17.1942)
In a letter from Harry J. Wolf, George E. Wolf's father, he describes his hope that this war will end soon for everyone. George is apparently sick but still being forced to train in preparation to join the fighting in Europe. George's father also mentions how his mother prays often for her son's safety and that soon George will be able to come home to her.
Parade in London (12.14.1942)
"Things look a lot better. I am quite well and the food remains good"
In a letter from Sergeant George E Wolf, he discusses a church service in England and their upcoming Christmas singing. The military hosted a parade and things are a lot better. George's attitude demonstrates that, in hard times, it is still important to hope for better days. At the time, England was a home front supporting global efforts like the Battle of Stalingrad and North African campaigns, while the holiday season faced wartime rationing.
A Happy Birthday (9.9.1944)
"Today is another historical date! A very Happy Birthday to you, sweetheart. May everyone be happier and brighter than the one before"
In a letter from Sergeant George E Wolf, he wishes his mother a happy birthday. He recalled seeing a show sponsored by ENSA and Special Services. Even during wartime, soldiers remember their family's birthdays and have entertainment services. At this time, Paris had recently been liberated from German rule, and the war was progressing well throughout Europe, including in Italy, where this letter was written.
Homesickness
Homesickness was a common emotion in World War II - when many were displaced ("Homesickness"). Thus its sentiment is seen throughout the letters. V-Mail was a more efficient form of mail that allowed for millions of letters to be produced and sent during the war since it "combined the letter and envelope into one piece of paper" (Guise). V-Mail "was seen as less than a 'real' letter", but people continued to use them since they were "sure to be delivered" (Guise). Soldiers sent V letters so they could write to their families everyday, so much so that "1.25 billion V-Mail letters were microfilmed in the 41 months of operation" ("World War II (1941-1945)"). This constant correspondence, filled with details of mundane events from their own lives and those of their loved ones, reveals how strong this feeling was. This homesickness highlights one of the many overlooked challenges soldiers faced during World War II, emphasizing the emotional toll of being far from home and the enduring bond with those they left behind.
Temporary Peace - France 1944
On the western front in WWII, around the time of George E. Wolf's letter during Christmas of 1944, there was a brief peace between allied and axis soldiers in the Battle of the Bulge (Fitzgerald, Clare). American and German soldiers met in the Hürtgen forest where three soldiers from the U.S. found shelter from the snow in an isolated farmhouse with a German family. Hours later, four Wermacht soldiers came to the house as well, also looking for shelter. The two groups of men agreed to share the house and all celebrate Christmas together until they went their separate ways.
"Sorta makes one homesick to see you in those old familiar surroundings"
To George E. Wolf's Parents (1.19.1944)
In a letter from Sergeant George E Wolf, he discussed an image of his mother from home he received which made him homesick. He received many letters from home, which made his service more bearable, but constantly reminded him of home. When this letter was written, Italy had just begun the Battle of Monte Cassino- an effort to reach and overtake Rome.
"This season always adds to my home-sickness" whiihjgghjgghjjifejijiief
Written from Northern Italy (4.6.1945)
In a letter from Sergeant George E. Wolf to Jane R. Molleson, he describes the spring weather in Italy, reminding him of home and revealing his homesickness. He also discusses the war's progress, the Easter service at camp, and some films he saw. At the time, significant advancements were happening in both Eastern and Western Europe during the war, and this letter was written just before Mussolini and Hitler's deaths (both occurring in late April 1945).
Normality
The average U.S. soldier served for 33 months (The National WWII Museum). Long, difficult times merit clinging to the ordinary aspects of daily life to counteract the negativity of war. Their letters recounted mundane tasks and everyday occurrences, which created a sense of normality amidst the chaos of war. Writing letters became a routine for these soldiers, offering a brief respite and connection to home. Most letters barely referenced the events of the ongoing conflict, rather focusing instead on the small, familiar details that brought comfort and stability. The habitual back and forth of letters reveals that humanity persists, demonstrating the depth of life beyond the suffering and turmoil of war.
"Naturally, I am glad to hear from you whenever you have time to write, but do not feel that you must writer if time is short, or if you are tired out."
A Father's Letter to His Son (7.21.1942)
In a letter from Henry J. Wolf to George E. Wolf, his son, he writes about letter delivery, who George should prioritize, and more. Henry begins the letter by addressing that George's previous letters had arrived and that he had read them. Henry also compliments George's penmanship and how detailed his writing was. In recognizing his son's other relationships, he tells his son to write to Carrie rather than himself if a choice must be made. He finishes the letter with a query for George about taking a famous picture from the war if he can.
A Funny Story From Fort Dix (8.1.1942)
In a letter from Private George E. Wolf to his parents, he recounts a funny story about someone at camp, the work he has been doing, and a conversation he had with a sergeant about motion pictures. Even before leaving the U.S., he wrote letters detailing his daily activities which helped to maintain normality and stability for both himself and his parents. At the time, Fort Dix was a major U.S. training center and the U.S. was fully mobilized for the war after its entry the year before.
"Did you hear about the private who went in to see the company commander to ask for a week-end pass? Well the commander refused the pass and gave the private a long lecture on “This is war” and one shouldn’t be thinking about himself, but should keep on the job, etc. As the private left the room, he heard the commander say to his clerk, “If my wife calls this afternoon, tell her I’ll meet her at the station.” !!! A good scene for my picture."
""Here is a rule I think we should follow to avoid delays and insure delivery"
Protocol on Supplies Delivery (6.15.1944)
In a letter from Harry J. Wolf to his son (George E. Wolf), he discusses the restrictions on letters, package sizes, and quantities. Then, he addresses the protocol for simplifying the notation of item requests and accelerating delivery. Letter communication and requests for supplies from back home were regular for soldiers. This letter was written shortly after D-Day (6.6.1944).
Works Cited
Beevor, Antony. The Second World War. Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 2012.
Gilbert, Adrian. “Battle of Monte Cassino | World War II.” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/topic/Battle-of-Monte-Cassino.
Guise, Kim. “Mail Call: V-Mail.” The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, 7 Dec. 2019, www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/mail-call-v-mail.
“Homesickness.” Perspectives.ushmm.org, perspectives.ushmm.org/tag/homesickness. Accessed 17 July 2024.
The National WWII Museum. “Research Starters: US Military by the Numbers | the National WWII Museum | New Orleans.” The National WWII Museum | New Orleans, 2000, www.nationalww2museum.org/students-teachers/student-resources/research-starters/research-starters-us-military-numbers.
“World War I and World War II Photographs in the National Archives.” National Archives, 13 May 2020, www.archives.gov/research/still-pictures/world-wars.
“World War II (1941-1945).” Postalmuseum.si.edu, postalmuseum.si.edu/exhibition/about-philately-covers-and-letters-in-times-of-trouble-conflict-mail/world-war-ii-1941.
World War II Foundation. “Timeline of WWII.” WWII Foundation, 2020, wwiifoundation.org/timeline-of-wwii/.
Fitzgerald, Clare. “On Christmas Eve 1944, American and German Soldiers Came Together for a Temporary Truce in the Hürtgen Forest.” Warhistoryonline, 9 Dec. 2023, www.warhistoryonline.com/world-war-ii/christmas-truce-1944.html.
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