Last Letter To A Friend Serving In Combat In France During WW2. Details in comments.

This letter was written by Kenneth Cool to his longtime friend, Elwood Dempster.

Elwood was born on April 5, 1917, in Ephratah. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served with the 315th Infantry Regiment of the 79th Infantry Division. At the time this letter was written, Elwood had been serving in France.

The letter reads:

*“ St Johnsville N.Y.*
*Oct 29, 1944*

*Hello Elwood:—*
*Just a few lines to say hello, and hope you are fine. We are all good. This is sunday afternoon and the wind is blowing hard but we havent got any snow yet. It has been a nice fall here.*

*Audrey and I stayed over to the camp last night. I am going to get a bigger bed, that one is to little for two to sleep on.*

*We was over to Monetta’s Friday night. I fixed her windows and storm door for her. She is good and works every day. She has got wood and coal so she is all set for the long winter.*

*I havent been deer hunting yet, I dont belive one has got any yet. I got a nice black and tan hound pup so you better get home and help me brake him. I would give any thing Elwood if this mess was over so you could come home, but I don’t think it can last much longer by the sound of the radio. I pray every night for it to get over.*

*I see Joel yesterday, he has been cutting some wood for me on chairs. Well old boy be good and be careful. Hope to see you soon.*

*Your old friend*
*Kenneth Cool*
*St Johnsville N.Y. “*

While writing this letter, Kenneth was unaware that Elwood had been killed in action just five days earlier, on October 24, 1944, in France. He was killed by artillery shrapnel.

The news had not yet reached home. The letter was marked “Deceased” and returned to Kenneth.

Elwood is buried in the Epinal American Cemetery and Memorial in Epinal, France.

He was 27 years old.

Kenneth would pass away in 2006 aged 96.