Dear Mother and Dad

The letters Donald wrote to his Mother and Dad during his service in WWII show what life was like in the Army, what was important for a 19 year-old in those years, and what he did during the war. From guarding German Prisoners of War in Kansas, to serving in the occupation forces in Germany at war's end, you will travel with Donald around the US then to Europe and back home again. The letters chronicle his experience as a soldier practicing Army drills, making new friends--even the meals he ate. Not a hero in the traditional sense, this collection of letters shows the everyday heroism that he and many young people displayed in service to their country in the midst of war. The letters also reveal the man himself with moments of humor and personal tastes which give the reader a sense of who he was. In the Appendices of the book are letters from Donald's friends from home, and his parents including their response after he met "the one."

The letters Donald wrote to his Mother and Dad during his service in WWII show what life was like in the Army, what was important for a 19 year-old in those years, and what he did during the war. From guarding German Prisoners of War in Kansas, to serving in the occupation forces in Germany at war's end, you will travel with Donald around the US then to Europe and back home again. The letters chronicle his experience as a soldier practicing Army drills, making new friends--even the meals he ate. Not a hero in the traditional sense, this collection of letters shows the everyday heroism that he and many young people displayed in service to their country in the midst of war. The letters also reveal the man himself with moments of humor and personal tastes which give the reader a sense of who he was. In the Appendices of the book are letters from Donald's friends from home, and his parents including their response after he met "the one."

Donald Barrett Vail, Jr. (Barry) was born in Schenectady, New York, during the post war years of WWII. He grew up and was educated in California, then served as a Lutheran pastor for more than 30 years. He retired to Stockton with his wife, Allison.