Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection
Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language. Unless otherwise noted, this is the language used by the record creator(s) and not imposed by the Beulah Culbertson Archives and Special Collections. Visit our website to read our harmful language policy.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 17, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy has received a watch from Woody, and tells Pauline about his friends on the squadron. He comments on farming practices where he is.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 21, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy tells his mother he's getting restless and unsure of how he'll be when he gets out of the army. He recalls action during a few instances of combat, who was injured or killed, and how he handled it.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 2, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy tells his mother that men from his outfit are starting to go home. He sends her a book of information about his company's formations. He tells her about some of the wreckage he has seen in Germany.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; June 29, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy writes his mother about the weather, his new duties in his platoon, and singing hillbilly songs with a colleague in his platoon. He tells Pauline that some men are visiting Hitler's Den on sight seeing passes. He also speculates about his near future.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; March 22, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy updates his mother about the weather and his health. He asks about acquaintances and tells his mother his experiences.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; March 31, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy expresses condolences for Chris' miscarriage, and talks about letters he's received. He says he has been too tired to write a thank you letter for a Christmas package, even though he knows he should.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; March 4, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy writes from Germany, updating his mother about playing instruments, sending money home, and breaking his watch. He hopes the war will end soon.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; May 13, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy expresses worry and weariness from being involved in the war. He admires the Russian soldiers.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; May 16, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy responds to some letters from family and updates his mother on his activities in Europe. He writes about his feelings about the war being over in Europe and says there were no celebrations.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; May 19, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy says he has not visited a concentration camp, though some tankers from his outfit did. He tries responding to his mother's question about all that he has seen, but he says he has a hard time remembering as it's all run together. He asks to be sent pictures of home. He describes the family he stayed with in Luxembourg.