Letters Home

Because letters home were often censored, families and friends of soldiers were often unaware of their loved-one's location and duties. Nevertheless, the words of the soldiers relay the many emotions experienced by the men who fought during World War II. Many of the details of the war were only learned by friends and relatives long after the battle ended.

Jan 4, 1944

Feel pretty good right now, outside of the fact that I haven't taken a bath in weeks but I've become used to that and don't mind it too much. A guy gets used to lots of things in this army mainly because we have no other choice. You can just imagine how we shall feel when we get home and have all the conveniences we did without. Things that we took so much for granted.

A few nites back I slept at the home of a swell Belgium family and they certainly treated me swell. Even had a New Year's party and didn't go to bed till 2AM. Had to get up at six too.

Lots to talk about but am not allowed to - as usual.

More tomorrow
Love Bill

Jan 8, 1944

Gave myself quite a treat today by making ice cream from cocoa powder, condensed milk, sugar and snow. It looked delicious and I must have consumed over a pint by myself. When we have any spare time we try mixing one thing with another. Sometimes we discover a new dish while other experiments result into powerful explosions. We also manufacture new colors for the rainbow.

Nothing new with me worth talking of, feel in the best of health and spirits. The latter is quite difficult to get here, costs too much.

Keep your letters coming, you are doing a good job of it.

More tomorrow
Love Bill

June 24, 1944

I know you must be quite anxious of news of certain things that you no doubt can see that I never include in my letters. They will have to wait till the end of the war as it will be safe to talk about it then.

Anyway censorship is very strict here and everyone must be on his toes and not let anything slip that might be of aid to the enemy therefore I feel that all the interesting and exciting stories can wait till later.

I'm writing this letter mainly to let you know that I am OK and not to worry. I'll do my best to write you again in a few days.

Till then
Love Bill

July 4, 1944

Am really surprised to find the time to write you again soon. Usually the situations forbid it so I guess I'm lucky to get the opportunity.

I know how the GI's in World War 1 felt as I'm going through the same stages myself. Mud, filth, slime, rain - and more mud where ever you go. I haven't washed properly in three weeks and all that we can do is to soak our towels (also dirty) and wash ourselves as best as we can.

However with all the inconveniences I find that I'm getting used to even all this and have no trouble at all to lay on the wet ground and get a good night sleep. Sounds ridiculous but nevertheless its the truth.

So help me when I get home and if I hear someone set off one little firecracker I shall gently but firmly cram it down his throat. I've heard enough noise to last me till kingdom come.

Guess that's all for now and one more thing. If you don't hear from me for long periods don't become alarmed. Its simply because it is difficult to get mail on its way.

Till my next letter
Love Bill

Aug 22, 1944

Receiving all of your letters in fine style and thanks for writing so often. Its something to look forward to at mail call.

Last night we were very pleasantly surprised indeed. First of all, the Red Cross wagon pulled up and the girls dished out some swell doughnuts and coffee and it sure hit the spot. Then later in the evening we could hardly believe our eyes when a troop of USO players moved in and gave us one of the best shows we have ever seen. We certainly appreciated it coming up so close to entertain us.

I'm feeling fine and am looking forward to the climax of the war very shortly. Hope to be seeing all of you soon.

Love Bill

Oct 9, 1944

Just a few lines to say hello and also a big secret. I wish you would hold from the folks.

I received the 'Purple Heart' today for wounds in Normandy a few months ago. They were very slight and it wasn't even necessary for me to leave the front. I'd rather not tell the folks anything about it as it would only increase their worrying and they probably do plenty as it is. I already wrote Sarah the whole story and I know she will take care of her part. Frankly I'd need a magnifying glass now to see any of the scars. Normandy was the closest to hell all of us have been and we certainly are glad it is over.

Nothing else to report and as soon as I complete my letters I intend to take in a show.

Till my next letter
Love Bill

Dec 10, 1944

Am writing this letter in a nice warm room and glad that I am inside. Its really a pleasure to go to sleep and wake up knowing that your shoes and socks will be dry and comfortable.

Boy, that sure is one lousy feeling to watch your foxhole disintegrate from the seeping water. Seems as though the mud always follows an army. Its already waiting for us when we arrive. About myself, there isn't much to report. Doing my daily chores which is very monotonous but by now I'm used to it.

Hope there is more to write in my next letter. Till then.

Love Bill

Dec 31, 1944

Am glad I can resume my letters to you and the folks once more, for awhile there things were hot and heavy and I wasn't in the mood to do anything but watch for moving objects.

Your packages are coming in swell and I have a good supply of writing paper, would have used it had it not been at the bottom of the pile.

Winter has finally set in and although we have seen little snow, the nites have been terribly cold. It isn't much fun to sleep in the open field on cold steel. Boy, that is rugged.

Will write more tomorrow
Love Bill

April 10, 1945

At the time of this writing I am enjoying the comforts of sunny England and wishing I were back in France and Germany. It is positively the dullest place on earth. I know I spent many, many months here before D Day.

I wasn't injured too badly, at least I am able to be up and walking around and I'm thankful for that The food here is excellent however the head of this place must pay for the food out of his own pocket, we get so little. Imagine me starving in Britain!

The war news is definitely encouraging but I also read something not so hot. As soon as it is finished over here there will be a quick shift of combat troops to the Pacific. Wonder what a guy can look forward to these days. Only hope I get a few days in the states, won't mind it so much then. Oh well, let the future take care of itself.

Have to write to the folks yet so I'd better close here. I'll drop you a line again soon.

Love Bill

April 20, 1945

In a few days I believe I'll be able to write you more. Still a bit hard to do it just yet, but I'm improving fast and ready to roll in a couple of weeks - I hope.

Its been almost two months since I've heard from anyone so you see I don't know the score at home. When the mail does catch up with me what a picnic I'll have. It'll be swell to read them. I imagine by the time you receive this I'll be quite caught up with the letters.

The only real thing I miss is the wonderful hospitality of my French and Belgium friends. I've made many friends and spent my short passes and leaves at their homes, they treated me like one of the family and I always felt bad when I had to leave. Someday I hope to return and visit them again. I really look forward to it too. They speak only French and have written to me many times and believe me, I'm glad I took it up in school, otherwise I wouldn't be able to answer their letters.

Guess that's all for now, I'll get another off to you shortly.

Till then,
Love Bill

Sgt. William Teicholz never returned to the war. His injuries were more severe than he had led anyone to believe. He was evacuated to the United States on May 7, 1945 and received an honorable discharge from the Army on July 28, 1945.