November 24, 1945 (John to Betty)

This letter is a part of the Gilson Collection at Florida State’s Institute on World War II and the Human Experience. John, a reserve officer in the Navy, writes to his wife Betty. He begins somewhat annoyed as many have been sent home from his ship because the war is winding down at this point. John hints that he is not as well respected because he came from the Navy reserves. John is in limbo to some degree because his orders have recently changed and he is waiting on an update. Despite his situation, John is not angry and he is only slightly annoyed. His words give off a tone of indifference, as if the Navy and this war can longer surprise him.

This everyday writing reveals a man that has been broken by his battles. The last paragraph is a beautifully romantic love letter, in which John expresses his excitement to call Betty tomorrow. He also mentions the sadness he is already anticipating when they will have to hang up. He longs for her more than anything and needs that emotional connection to keep making it through the war. John is tired and somewhat defeated at this point, clinging to the though of returning to his wife. This piece reveals the mentality of a soldier that is too emotionally drained to continue, one very common at this point in the war. Also, the importance of having someone to come home to cannot be undervalued.