The Wartime Letters of John Brey, Jr.: November 2043

JOHN BREY JR.

This is a posthumously published blog of letters written by SSG John Brey Jr. to his wife Peg between March 1943 and July 1945, covering training in USA, Deployment to England, France, front line service up to being wounded at the battle for Metz on Nov 13, 1944, and 7 months recuperation in England, and Topika Kansas. His wife delivered his first son, Jack in March 1945 while John was in route back to the US from England. After convalescent leave in May 1945, John remained away from his new family in an Army Hospital in Kansas until his discharge at the end of July.

This blog is maintained by Ken Brey with thanks to Jack Brey who did the scanning and organization, Dot Fulks who holds the original letters and Ed Brey who helped with the technical aspects of creating the blog.

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	I Love You!!! Your Ole Man Sunday My Darling Wife: Well the surprise is broken – I finally got a letter from you – and just what’s bothering me is what happened Wed-Thurs-Fri+Sat?? Did you forget about writing? Of Course I can still realize how difficult it is to write everyday when there are so many other things to do! Today I realized how you must have felt whenever I’d write & say furloughs were cancels etc… because I received your answer to coming here the 17th or so—just very unfortunately I’m getting that pass this week & now & don’t know what to do with it – I just know I’ll take it because shortly I’ll be insane staying in here all the while-- I had planned very strong on you coming – but if you feel you can’t make it – all there is to say is to bad!!! So far as finances go – it’s bad – I’ve got more money than my wallet can hold –But there is one thing that
	bothers me most of all – and that is the great possibility of over seas shipment before long. and as I wrote before – next Friday may be the last 3 day pass any one would get – Now we have one Prayer and that is that I get a furlough. the way I feel tonight I could take one right now without the leave & not five a damn – well Darling as I said it’s your choice – and I’ll naturally abide by it – And perhaps it maybe for the better – but I know to me it has been heartbreaking- There have been a lot of accidents around here lately – the guys are hard to get along with.. about 5 {???} would sum it up – and I imagine there’ll be a lot more before the month is over. Honey I feel so darn ugly (resulting from a detail today) that I’d better not write today – tomorrow we’ll have a 24 hour Endurance test so you’ll be minus a letter.. Keep your chin up Honey - God Bless You Love &Kisses Johnnie.

	I Love You!! Your Ole Man Saturday Eve. My Dearest Darling Peggy! Had expected a lot of time to write this tonight – but I was just informed I’ll have to arise at 4:45 AM to go on pit detail in the morning – Yes Honey – after all these months of work on Sunday – I’m so damn mad I could go up to the orderly tent & turn around about twice & I’d be the only one left! This Armey as me disgusted! Honey today makes 5 letterless days for me – and am I ever lonesome! Can’t understand it – unless you just forgot my address – but I’m sure something has happened - It can’t be bad however as I would have had word!. Honey I love you with all My heart! Gee My Darling – I’m now wondering if you’ll be able to be down here next week – gosh I sure do hope so as I’m really counting on it! I Love You!
	We’ve really been working hard – today we ran two combat problems – and Honey the Ammo used weren’t blanks – they’d fire at us & some were to close for Comfort! Well My Darling Wifey your Ole Man must close as It’s pretty early at 4:45 AM – and sleep is essential-- Darling I Love You with all my Heart!! Love Me?? Love & Kisses Your Hubby Johnnie.

The Wartime Letters of John Brey, Jr.

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JOHN BREY JR.

November 14, 1943

November 13, 1943

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