Letters Home from WWII

1.  Decide if you are participating in the European or Pacific Theater.

2.  Use the Internet to research battles, battle strategies, personal accounts,  etc. connected to the theater you choose.  This site may be of use:  http://fas-history.rutgers.edu/oralhistory/orlhom.htm

3.  Write at least six (6) letters home to friends or loved ones telling about your experiences as an American GI from the time you enter the military to the time the war ends. Letters must cover at least a two year time period. 

  4.  Be sure to answer the following questions in your letters:                           

·        What branch of service are you in?

·        What is your rank (at the beginning and end of the war)?           

·        What job were you trained for? 

·        In what battles did you participate? (choose 2-5 battles)  What was battle like?  Explain the strategy of the battles and the outcome.

·        Describe your daily military life when not in combat.

·        What is it like being away from loved ones?

5.  All letters should:

·        Include date (month, day, and year)

·        Be historically accurate

·        Be written in first person

·        Be a minimum of 250 words in length

·        Include examples of military terms and 1940’s slang

Remember, you are covering a 2 year time-span.  During that time you might get a promotion, watch a close friend die or have a change in commanders.  Things might change at home also – births, deaths, weddings, etc.  Use your creativity but remember your main focus is the war itself.