Uncovering the Story of a World War II Soldier Through His Love Letters

## A Whimsical World War II Soldier's Love Letters A cardboard box packed with over 300 love letters written by a World War II soldier has been discovered at a USO office in New York. The letters, which date back to the early 1940s, were written by a soldier known as "Speedy" to his wife, Frances. The identity of Speedy and Frances remained a mystery until recently, but with the help of an amateur genealogist, the USO has finally tracked down two living relatives who remember the soldier. The letters provide a remarkable insight into the life of Speedy and Frances, who were married for only about a year before Speedy shipped out to serve in the war. The letters are written in an evocative style, with Speedy using clever and playful ways to express his affection for Frances. He calls her by a variety of affectionate pet names, including "Dearest," "Legs," "Darling," "Knucklehead," "Shape," "the girl I care for most," and "Meatball." ## Uncovering the Identity of Speedy and Frances The discovery of the letters was made in 2022, but it wasn't until this year that the USO was able to track down living relatives of Speedy. With the help of an amateur genealogist, the USO was able to identify two relatives who remember Speedy and Frances. One of the relatives, Arthur Serota, is Speedy's nephew and remembers his uncle as a generous and warm person. He also remembers Frances as "classy" and describes her as "clearly the brightest of all the aunts and uncles." Another relative, Karen Weber Figilis, is one of Speedy and Frances' nieces and remembers her aunt and uncle drinking cocktails and listening to Frank Sinatra at family gatherings. She also has two black-and-white photographs of Speedy and Frances, which have helped to put a face to the name. ## The Letters Provide a Comprehensive Record The letters provide a remarkably comprehensive record of Speedy's time in the war. They came to Frances from Sicily, England, France, Belgium, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and North Africa. Disregarding any correspondence that may have been lost, Speedy wrote an average of roughly 100 letters each year, one every three or four days. The letters provide a detailed account of Speedy's experiences during the war, including his arrival in France soon after D-Day and his description of what he witnessed while crossing the English Channel. The letters also provide a glimpse into Speedy's personal life, including his relationships with his family and friends. He writes about his hopes and dreams for the future, including planning trips with Frances after the war. However, he also expresses his fears and anxieties about the war and its impact on their lives. ## Conclusion The discovery of Speedy's love letters has provided a unique insight into the life of a World War II soldier and his wife. The letters are a testament to the enduring power of love and the human spirit, even in the face of war and uncertainty. With the help of an amateur genealogist, the USO has finally tracked down living relatives who remember Speedy and Frances, and the letters have provided a comprehensive record of their experiences during the war.