Catch a glimpse of Erwin Blonder's combat experience and discover why he grew so fond of the people of Southern France.
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Letter from Erwin Blonder

Sunday, August 27

Dear Jerry,

Today is the first time I have had to sit down and write some letters. I know how anxious everyone at home must be about me since I am now in combat. They will have to trust in God as I am doing and hope and pray that this mess is over soon and we can all come home.

I am allowed to write of my own personal combat experiences and I can say that I have been fortunate so far. War is like something you cannot imagine. I had no idea what it was about and still don't.

The day I landed I got my first baptism of fire. When we hit the beach a few German shells came screaming in and one hit about 20 ft away from me. I was well protected because I still was on the boat but it sure scared the hell out of me and I never sweated so much in my life. I hope I never get that close to one again. As you know I am with the Service Company of our battalion and my job is to find out where the supplies are located and get them for the battalion. It's kind of risky when you go through an area where German shells a falling. While driving in a vehicle -he only thing to do is keep moving. The other night we were driving on such a road and wham came a few shells which landed about 100 yds up the road. Well, until I had gone a 1/4 of a mile I had had another good sweat and praying to God for all it was worth. I haven't encountered any small arms fire as yet or have come across any snipers and hope that I won't have to.

There are things I have seen here that I will never forget as long as I live. They are the things I finally feel we are fighting for. The French are wonderful people. I admire them a great deal. When you see the cheering throngs lining the streets of every village, town, and city you realize that the faces of these people tell you what this war is all about.

For four years they have waited patiently and with hope for liberation. They haven't smiled and keep their eyes on the ground where they walked. When we enter their towns they smile for the first time and they now walk with their heads up. They have done a wonderful job helping us and are saving us a lot of hard dirty work. They are true friends and ask for nothing. They shower us with flowers, fruits and tomatoes. They yell Viva La American. I will never forget these people here in Southern France as long as I live.

Don't show this letter to Shirley or Mom because I don't want them to know about my combat experiences.

I hope that this letter finds you all well and fine at home. I know that I will be back and when I get home I want to spend every minute of the day with my wife. I miss her tremendously and never knew that I could yearn for a person so darn much. I think of her constantly and feel that I really have her here next to me.

Take care of yourself and write me a letter.

Mom wrote and said she is going to Battle Creek with Dad so make sure they do it. Give my love to Dorothy and Karen.

Your brother,

Eric

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