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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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; May 22, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy writes his mother from Czechoslovakia that censorship has ended. He is practicing his accordian. He details his overseas service, from his arrival in England, through France, freeing prisoners of war and taking shellings. He writes about killing German soldiers and losing men in his platoon.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; May 5, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy tells his mother he's disappointed in the weather and the letters he's received recently. He talks about a package he's received and that other soldiers are hunting deer. He admits he's nervous about returning home.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; November 3,1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy wishes he would be home, but his leaving has been delayed. He comments on the points system, or the Adjusted Service Rating Score.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; November 9,1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy says he's a few weeks from being back home, and is musing on the way things have changed at home and in himself. He wants to work with his dad when he gets home, and he reacts to updates from his mother about various family members.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 1, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy updates his mother on his whereabouts in France after being moved to a different outfit. He reflects on the scenery on the way back from Germany into France and discusses how the roads look different from when they were fighting. He tells her not to write anymore.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 30, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy discusses his stay at Camp Detroit while he waits to be sent home from Europe. He mentions a string band in the camp and muses about celebrations in the United States while many solders are still overseas. He also anticipates needing to stay in the army once at home in order to afford treatment for his back injury.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 9, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy responds to letters from home and discusses his activities in France as he waits to be discharged. He mentions entertainments, the weather, European crops, and his plans for when he leaves Europe.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; September 18, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy says he is trying to take it easy, waiting for his notice to be sent home. He describes the general landscape in Bavaria
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; September 20, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy writes about a recent stay in the Bavarian Alps and discusses his upcoming move to a different outfit. He went deer hunting.
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Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; September 8, 1945
Sam Ellard Smith
Sonny Boy explains his points (or Adjusted Service Rating Score) and his likelihood of coming home by Christmas. All of the men he began serving with have been transferred, and he isn't friends with any of the existing men in his battalion. He also talks about listening to music and how his pain is subsiding.