Letters Home – Darrel “Happy” Neil

May 23, 1944

Dear Mom & Dad,

I have some spare time so I will drop you a line. I haven’t gotten any mail for the last three days. I don’t know what the hold up is. But I’ll get a letter to-morrow I hope.

I have been out all day. I didn’t do much but I’ve completed another day. The days seem so long and lonesome. I guess it is because I am always thinking of the good old U.S. I know how good the states looked to Dad after the last war. The American flag means a whole lot to me. I am glad that when I do come home I can say I have a share in it. That is more than some people can say. I hope my son doesn’t ever have to go through what I have and will go through. I am going to have a son when I come back home. That’s what I am fighting for. It may be a girl but I’ll think as much of a Daughter as I would a son.

I have been a Pfc. for more than a year now. But there are no openings so there isn’t much use of hoping to make a rating. But I’ll be satisfied if I can do my Job.

Well I’ll have to say “cherries.” I guess Dad knows what that means. Good nite and God Bless all of you.

Lots of Love & Kisses
Your Son

Darrel “Happy’ Neil was killed in action on July 7, 1944, in France. Read his story and others at www.mymemorialday.org.