“My baby, just a wrote me a letter…”[1]
#52Ancestors – Letters and Diaries
Letters are a goldmine for genealogical research. Unlike dry official records, letters capture the raw emotions, everyday experiences, and personal connections that defined our ancestors’ lives. And if you happen to have a collection of wartime love letters, well, you’ve hit the jackpot.
I’m lucky enough to have a series of letters written by my maternal grandfather, George Dubinsky, to my maternal grandmother, Eva Marcisak, from January to August 1945. These letters aren’t just sweet nothings (though there’s plenty of that, too); they’re a firsthand account of life as a 1st Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the final months of World War II.
Returning from the Pacific
After spending twenty-nine months in foreign service in the Pacific Theater, from March 1942 to August 1944, George returned to the U.S. with a new assignment. The transition from the battlefields of the Pacific to life on a stateside military base must have been jarring. He was stationed first at Camp Ellis, Illinois, and later at Camp Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he was assigned to Percy Jones Convalescent Hospital. His letters paint a picture of military life—tedious assignments, camaraderie among soldiers, and his longing for Eva back in New York. He also shares his thoughts on world-changing events like VE Day and VJ Day, giving personal context to moments that history books often summarize in a sentence or two.
A Soldier’s Longing
One of his earliest letters, dated January 21, 1945, is full of longing. He writes about a trip to Peoria that left him feeling more lonely than before and confesses that he tried to drink his way out of his melancholy—only to end up thinking about Eva even more. It’s endearing and relatable; who among us hasn’t tried (and failed) to distract ourselves from missing someone we love?
By February 12, 1945, George had been transferred to Camp Custer in Battle Creek, Michigan, a transition he wrote about in great detail. The train ride from Camp Ellis took a grueling seventeen hours, and he humorously noted that even an “old Grandpa” could have made better time. Once there, he described Percy Jones as one of the largest veterans’ hospitals in the country, specializing in amputations and reconstructive surgery. He was struck by the sight of so many young men who had lost limbs, a sobering reminder of the war’s cost. He explained that while he wasn’t there as a patient, his administrative role placed him at the heart of operations, overseeing payroll for convalescing officers. The shift in responsibility was daunting, but he took pride in doing his part.
Coping with Challenges
Despite the heavy realities of his work, George’s humor and affection for Eva remained constant. He joked about trying to find clerks and typists, even teasing Eva about how she’d make a great typist if she were there—though he admitted he’d likely be too distracted to get anything done. He also compared Camp Custer to Camp Ellis, noting that the barracks were much more comfortable and the food was a significant improvement. However, he lamented the local prohibition on alcohol, quipping that it would be a dry and uneventful time for him.
Then came May 1945, a significant turning point. In his May 11 letter, George reflects on returning to camp after a trip to New York, only to fall ill from what he suspected was a combination of exhaustion and overindulgence in celebrations. However, given his history, it’s likely that this episode was related to the malaria he had contracted while serving overseas. He describes his struggle to recover, recounting how he arrived back at camp at 5 AM, too drained to sleep properly. His body ached, and he shivered in bed, only to be woken up by his roommate. Though his condition worsened, he tried to push through, but even writing Eva took more effort than usual.
Despite his frustration with his health, the letter reveals George’s unwavering devotion to Eva. He reassures her not to worry, even as he admits feeling physically miserable. His words reflect the way soldiers often downplayed their struggles to avoid causing concern for loved ones back home.
The End of the War
This letter also gives insight into how soldiers coped with stress and homesickness. George mentions drinking and celebrations as a means of release, but his thoughts always drifted back to Eva. He recalls their time together with a mix of nostalgia and longing, describing how much he looked forward to the day when they would no longer be separated by war. The depth of his feelings is evident, especially as he reflects on how much she means to him—more than any fleeting comfort he might find in a night out with fellow soldiers.
As the months pass, his letters shift between humor, frustration, and deep affection. He jokes about being given “the dirtiest job” in the company—assigning soldiers to kitchen patrol and garbage duty. Not exactly a glamorous role, but one that speaks to his leadership. He reassures Eva that, despite his responsibilities, the soldiers respect him because he’s been overseas and knows what they’re going through.
Then, there’s VE Day—May 8, 1945. George’s reaction? A mix of joy and exhaustion. After years of war, victory in Europe felt like a relief, but he knew the battle in the Pacific wasn’t over. His letters reflect that uncertainty: Would he be sent overseas again? How much longer until he could be with Eva for good?
Finally, in August, VJ Day arrives, bringing with it the long-awaited end of the war. George has returned home, having been discharged from the Army just a week before. George’s excitement is palpable, but so is his impatience. The war might be over, but military bureaucracy moves slowly. His August 15 letter, written just one day after the official surrender of Japan, captures this perfectly. Instead of celebrating, he was sitting at home alone, writing to Eva and feeling “sick as heck” from the previous night’s festivities. He describes listening to the radio, hearing about the celebrations in Times Square, and feeling an overwhelming sense of homesickness. Despite the joy surrounding the war’s end, he just wanted to be with Eva.
A Love That Endured
His August letters are particularly touching because they are among his last before he and Eva were finally reunited. He speaks of winding up his affairs and making plans to come to New York. His excitement about seeing Eva again is almost tangible, as he counts down the days until they no longer have to rely on letters to stay connected. He even mentions wedding plans—proof that, despite all the waiting, uncertainty, and separation, their love endured.
Reading these letters, I can’t help but feel transported to 1945. They remind me that history isn’t just about battles and treaties—it’s about people. Young men like George, dreaming of home while doing their duty. Women like Eva, waiting for their loved ones and holding onto hope with every letter received.
Letters like these add heart and soul to genealogical research. They turn names into personalities, dates into stories, and ancestors into real people with joys, struggles, and dreams. And for that, I’m forever grateful to have them in my collection.
[1] Wayne Carson Thompson, “The Letter,” (Mala, 1967); lyrics at LyricFind (https://lyrics.lyricfind.com/lyrics/the-box-tops-the-letter-1 : accessed 12 Feb 2025)