I Hate to Say Goodbye

In 1945, at the height of WWII, groups of men from all over the United States were shipped overseas to live combat. These men came from different states, different backgrounds, and different upbringings, with the same purpose of fighting for our country. These men became brothers while they battled alongside one another, and the women waiting for them to come home were their reasons for forging on.

In the first section of this book you will find a combination of love letters and recollections of wartime experiences Buddy kept in a journal. "I wanted to put my heart on paper and fill the gaps in which our lives have been separated," he wrote. Included in the second half of this book are poignant compilation of notes and letters addressed to Buddy and Dolly from the men who served with him. It becomes clear that, although Dolly was his greatest love, she was not his only love. Buddy's tremendous respect and admiration for his "fellow GIs" can be seen reflected in the soldiers' tribute to him and his young wife waiting at home.

Subject of book - Buddy Barnard was born in Archie, Mo. He married Dolly April 22, 1944, only two months before becoming a soldier. After his service, he farmed for two years and completed his Master's Degree from William Jewell College in Liberty, Mo. He became an ordained minister of the Church Church (Disciples of Christ) and preached for the next 35 years. Dolly died in his arms after 57 years of loving marriage. Less than a year later, he died 20 feet from where Dolly had passed. Author - Greg L. Barnard is Buddy and Dolly's son. He was born Feb. 3, 1947 in Butler, Mo, only ten months after Buddy's return from the war. Greg is retired and lives in Danville, KY.