Melvin G. Thompson letters, 1943-1945

This is a nearly complete collection of letters from Melvin G. Thompson to his wife, Hope, while he was serving in World War II. Also included are a letter to Melvin Thompson from his mother, a few "vmail" letters, and a couple telegrams to his wife, likely written to assuage her fears for his safety. In addition to the correspondence, the collection includes two scrapbook pages with pictures of Melvin G. Thompson, and two editions of the 83rd Division newspaper.

Melvin Thompson's first letter to Hope Thompson is dated September 12, 1943, and was sent from his Army basic training post at Fort Lewis, Washington. His letters are mainly declarations of love for his wife, inquiries about their infant son, Scott, and general descriptions of the weather and camp life. Throughout his deployment, he appears to have followed military rules about appropriate letter information, as none of his letters seem to have required official editing. Only once did he mention a letter returned to him due to military information contained within it. Later in September 1943, he went by train to Fort Van Dorn, Mississippi, where he mentioned the possibility of training for a cannon company. In October, he became a squad leader, receiving an $80 monthly allowance, which he sent home to his wife.

In February 1944, Thompson went by train to Camp Breckenridge, Kentucky, and at that time he mentioned attending radio school. He was able to visit his wife while on furlough in March 1944. Also that month, he moved to an undisclosable location on the east coast of the U.S., in preparation for shipping overseas. By July 1944 he was stationed in France, then Luxembourg. By December, he was in various parts of Germany, and his letters contain complaints about moving around so much. He wrote that he had seen combat, but did not elaborate. He also wrote of sleeping on the ground, severe cold, lack of bathing, and lack of electricity by which to write. Thompson thanked Hope Thompson often for her care packages of cigarettes, candy, and cookies. In January 1945 in Belgium, he complained of lightly frostbitten feet and bad conditions. By February, he was back in Germany, then in Holland by March, where he wrote about buying small wooden clogs for their son. In May, he received the Bronze Star, although he did not specify the reason for the award.

In May 1945, Thompson went to Czechoslovakia, then France. At this time he expected to to ship home on October 2. He continued to write letters, expressing more and more frustration over the delays he and his fellow servicemen experienced as they waited for departure. Delays continued, while at the same time Thompson saw ships idling in the harbor, and others with less points than he (80 points, versus others with 60) shipping home before him. His last letter is dated October 18, 1945, the date of his fourth wedding anniversary.