Letters Home

 The letters contained within this collection offer a personal and poignant glimpse into the life of Cpl. Richard Rosa during his time stationed in Korea from July 1954 to April 1955. A member of the 57th Field Artillery Battalion, part of the esteemed 7th Infantry Division, Cpl. Rosa's correspondence to his family in Schenectady, New York, reveals both the daily realities of military life and the enduring connection to loved ones across the globe.

The 7th Infantry Division, known for its distinguished service during World War II, was an integral part of the U.S. military presence in Korea following the end of the Korean War in 1953. During this period, the division was stationed primarily along the heavily fortified demilitarized zone (DMZ), which separated North and South Korea. The 57th Field Artillery Battalion, equipped with heavy artillery, played a key role in the division's operations, providing critical support to infantry units and ensuring the security of the area.

Through these letters, we gain insight into the life of a young soldier in a foreign land, navigating the challenges of military duty, the uncertainty of the post-war Korean peninsula, and the emotional toll of separation from family. Rosa’s words capture not only the routine of military life but also the longing for home, the camaraderie between soldiers, and the sense of duty that defined his service. These letters serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless individuals during a time of global tension and conflict, and they provide a personal account of history from the perspective of one soldier far from home.

 This collection of letters, written by Pfc. Rudy Nedvidek to his family in Schenectady, New York, offers a personal look into his experiences while stationed in Japan from October of 1945 to July of 1946. Assigned to the 306th Engineer Battalion, Nedvidek’s correspondence paints a vivid picture of life in the aftermath of World War II, as the world began to rebuild and soldiers adjusted to peacetime duty.

The 306th Engineer Battalion was part of the United States Army’s 85th Infantry Division, and during World War II, it played a vital role in the European theater, supporting infantry divisions with crucial engineering tasks such as constructing bridges, fortifications, and clearing obstacles. After the war ended, the unit was reassigned to the Pacific theater to assist in the occupation of Japan and help with the massive rebuilding efforts in the country following its surrender.

During this time, the 306th Engineer Battalion took part in a range of activities, including assisting with infrastructure repairs, maintaining supply lines, and supporting the efforts to rebuild a war-torn nation. Pfc. Nedvidek’s letters offer a unique window into this transition period, where soldiers moved from the intensity of combat to the challenges of post-war reconstruction.

Through these letters, we gain not only a glimpse into the daily life of a soldier in a foreign land but also the emotional journey of a young man far from home, coming to terms with the end of the war and the beginning of a new chapter. His correspondence with his family reveals the human side of history, filled with moments of humor, homesickness, and a deep sense of duty during an uncertain time in global history. These letters stand as a testament to the sacrifices of those who served in the immediate post-war period and provide invaluable personal insight into the experiences of soldiers during this historic moment in history.

 This collection of letters, written by Anatole Deconinck during World War II, provides a personal account of his experiences as a prisoner of war (P.O.W.) in a German camp between 1944 and 1945. Addressed to family or friends in Dunkirque, France, these letters offer insight into the hardships faced by a soldier separated from home and trapped in enemy captivity.

Anatole’s letters, penned in French, offer a unique perspective on the experiences of French soldiers who were captured by German forces during the conflict. 

These letters serve as an invaluable historical document, shedding light on a personal side of the war often overshadowed by the broader narrative. Translating these letters from French into English will provide an even deeper understanding of the sacrifices, hopes, and resilience of those who endured such profound hardships during World War II.