Louis Murtha | Letters

Lou was an avid writer throughout his time overseas. This is a collection of the letters that he wrote home to his family in Boston, Pennsylvania. The locations are my best attempt to piece together where he would have been at the time of writing based on the squadron's bases and other documentation.

August 16, 1944

The first mission... Make it to Georgia. He missed his plane to Savannah, but he was able to take a flight to Charleston, SC and ride a train the rest of the way. Off to an interesting start. He seemed stressed about needing to iron his clothes.

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September 14, 1944

"There isn't too much I can write about, but I can tell you about the French people..."

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September 21, 1944

He asks about how Jimmy is handling the start of school. He and a couple buddies picked up a few prize items. He found a rifle and a bicycle (one he wishes he could have had as a kid). Finally went on his first mission. Some of the guys went to mass at a local cathedral, and luckily they made it back in time for quite the feast at dinner.

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October 8, 1944

Relocated to Luxembourg, and connects some missing dots from the previous locations. Enjoyed a quick detour to Paris, but unfortunately, the women there all spoke French...

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October 10, 1944

Describes the living quarters. They put up in a monastery and bunked three to a room. His roommates lucked out finding inner spring mattresses, he wasn't as lucky, but his bed was better than the floor. They even found a few pets, Rusty, a Cocker Spaniel, and Mustang, a Monkey.

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October 16, 1944

Complains about the mail delivery... A common theme. Only news to report is ankle deep mud. Talks about sending a picture home that was taken in France.

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October 21, 1944

No more mail again. Hasn't had a chance to fly in a while, but good news, they have ice cream and beer.

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October 22, 1944

Complains about the mail again, but finally got some letters from home. Sounds like his haven't been making it back too easily. Apparently, toothpaste is hard to come by. Ken got a chance to go home for a few days before shipping out of Brazil. Looking for some perfume to send back home.

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October 25, 1944

Finally recieved some mail. Plans to get a few days leave to go to Paris. He's already seen some beautiful cathedrals, but is looking forward to seeing Notre Dame.

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October 28, 1944

Concerned that the family hasn't received any letters yet. They finally found a cat to keep them company, which tries to fight with the local dogs, and Mustang, the monkey, can't figure out what it is.

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November 3, 1944

Moved by truck to another part of the country. Picked up a pair of wooden shoes that everyone seems to be wearing to send home. Never got a chance to see Bill at the last stop, but is determined to make it happen.

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November 7, 1944

Finally got word that some of his letters made it through. A lot of interesting things have happened, but he isn't able to share in the letter. He has grown to like their new quarters, which is owned by "some rich old boy from Park Ave New York." Beautiful home with paintings and library filled with books and a fireplace. The house is managed by three women and a man who cook up some great meals. A lot of activity at night with search lights and buzz bombs lighting up the night sky.

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November 11, 1944

Had the day off to walk into a small town and found some perfume to send home along with some Colgate toothpaste that he desparately needed. Happy birthday to Jimmy!

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November 16, 1944

Just returned from a trip into Holland and Germany. Taken by the contrast between Belgium and Holland. From his short time in both places, Holland appears to be much better off. Talks about some of the destruction on the Germany lines from dropping large charges of TNT. Asks about Jimmy and his missing front tooth. Apparently cigarettes have become scarce on the front lines and back in the US, but the candy is in ready supply.

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November 21, 1944

Not much to write about, but finally received a letter from Bill, who moved again. Still hasn't had a chance to see him, but thinks he knows where he is. Heard good news of the turkeys arriving for a thanksgiving meal. His flight leader and "number one man" made captain after 14 months and 79 missions. Was glad to see him go home, but hated to lose him.

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November 28, 1944

Not much to report, but says they hardly know how to act any more. They've been in the same spot longer thank any other camp they've made so far. Waiting on a letter from home so that he has more to write back about.

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December 7, 1944

Still no letters from home as Christmas packages are now taking priority, but not yet for him. Took a trip into Brussels to see the store fronts decorated for "St. Nicholas Day." Heard from home that Ken finally made it to his new location. "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!"

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December 9, 1944

Had a big day for mail: two from the family, one from Ken and one from Duck. Had their first real snow fall. An officer suggested donating some of their leftover candy and gum to the local kids. Held the "Feast of the Immaculate Conception" mass a the local cathedral. Still in awe of how beautiful all of the churces are there. Ronnie, he's sorry he missed your birthday. Small notes to most of the family. "Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Happy Birthday Ronnie and Dad."

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December 13, 1944

The mail delivery is finally picking up around the holidays. Only took two weeks for the latest letter to arrive. Last rumor he heard was that Bill was moving close to where his is now. Used his extra money (which was won in a poker game) to buy a bond to send home for gifts. Received some packages from Thelma and Edna and one from Dores and Joe. "Say Pap, when are you going to take a day off?" Offers some advice to Ronnie about joining the Navy. Has some interesting insight on the boys that go married before shipping out...

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December 16, 1944

Finally received a package from home that he'd been waiting for. Heard word that he may be shipping to England. Still hasn't seen Bill, but they seem to be running similar curcuits. He has seen quite a bit across the German lines, which are mostly in ruins "Why they don't give up, I'll never know." The John Murtha in his squadron sent a letter home to see if they are related somehow.

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December 17, 1944

Recieved another package and now has enough candy and stuff to last quite a while. The trip to England was put on hold, and he is still determined to take a trip to see Bill.

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December 30, 1944

"Having a wonderful time in Mary (Merry?) old England."

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January 9, 1945

Had a great three weeks of leave in England, but had some trouble getting transport back. Spent a few days in London, but the rest in Liverpool. When he got back, he had to dig out his plane that was buried in snow, but it was covered again that night. Went hunting with some of the other fellas and mangaged to get a couple birds. Back to complaints about the letters, but finally received his package with toothpaste. Got a letter from Bill that he had recieved his watch (almost too nice to wear).

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January 14, 1945

Finally recieved two letters and a Christmas card thanks to "this darn mail system." A little worried that his bonds that he sent home haven't made it through yet. Talks about a picture for Luxembourg... not sure what that would be.

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January 18, 1945

They are moving the post office again (a never ending battle with getting enough mail). Got word from Bill, who is still in France. They finally located the squadron's footlockers, but they still haven't arrived, so still no addresses and birthdates...

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January 21, 1945

The footlockers finally arrived, along with his book of birthdays. It was a little late, but Happy Birthday Bobby! They have had some snow, but still manage to get some flying in. Went down to the little village to watch a movie "that stunk," but they did show a Charlie Chaplin movie from 1918 - "I imagine the boys saw it in the last war."

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January 25, 1945

Another day with no mail. Had a quick layover in Holland as he ran into some engine trouble on one of his missions.

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February 1, 1945

Finally received "about 20 letters." He and a buddy Art were invited to dinner with local family with two girls and three boys. The youngest of the two were quite the characaters. They chewed down the gum the soldiers gave them and tried to stick it in each other's hair. Must have finally received some letters from Christmas time, and quick updates from Bill and Ken. Little comments to mutliple family members - Bobby, Jimmy, Glenn, June, Ronnie. Sending another money order home. Despite spending all of his money while on leave in England, he got "lucky" in a poker game with the fellas and figured it best to send the money home rather than spend it.

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February 5, 1945

Warmer weather has melted the snow and brought back the "miserable mud." Some of the fellas managed to find a piano that is now being played non-stop, "I don't mind fellows that don't know how to play, it's the fellows that can't that makes things bad." Received an Oak cluster medal, but was most excited about getting to borrow his buddy's inner spring matterss while he was on a mission.

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February 9, 1945

Received some more letters from home, only a month after they were sent. Found it pretty amusing to see a man urinating off the side of the road on his way home from a movie at the Red Cross, all while the man's wife stood there waiting for him to finish. Congratulates Mother and Dad on their 25th wedding anniversary!

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February 11,1945

Something must of gone wrong, the mail arrived in less than two weeks this time! Still a little worried that some of his bonds haven't made their way home yet. Heard from Bill, who sent him a recent picture. Ken has sand, he has mud. Wonder which is worse?

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February 13, 1945

Mail is finally starting to come through regularly. Since returning to base from England, the squadron has been busy passing the 500 mission mark and he's flown about 15 missions since leave.

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February 17, 1945

Recieved more letters from home and a Christmas package from grandmother. Unforunately, the package was in rough shape, so he had to throw it out. Wonders if Glenn will be able to finish school before entering the Navy. Mother is trying to figure out his taxes, apparently they follow you accross the ocean.

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February 20, 1945

Not too much to report, but looking forward to the night's steak dinner (hopefully better than the last one). "Happy birthday Glenn!" Sounds like he had another run of luck at the poker table, "If I'm lucky enough to collect all the money that is owed me on payday..."

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February 25, 1945

"Today was the beginning of a great offensive against Germany in our sector and I believe it's the beginning of the end." Flew over some of the offensive, "..it looked like every town between the Rhone and the Rhine rivers was on fire. It was a terrible yet awe inspiring sight. When I saw it I just wondered how long they could take such a pounding - I hope it isn't long. I can't see how any nation could take much of the barrage they are getting now and still go on fighting. A person can't imagine what it's like until you have seen it with your own eyes."

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February 27, 1945

Put together a small package items to send home, such as the bottle of perfume he picked up some time ago, the lining to his trench coat (thought mother could use it to make a shirt for June), and his air medal. "The war in our sector has been pretty much going in our favor since the start of the big push." Took a trip to the nearby town and is amazed by all of the destruction. Duren and Julich towns they fought for that are now reduced to piles of rubble.

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March 2, 1945

Mail has been slowing down again, but he did receive word that Ken has now moved to England. Was testing in his previous letters to see if anyone noticed that he was promoted to 1st Lt. on February 15th. Was grounded with a cold for a few days, but has been pretty active. Watched a tank battle the previous day, which was quite a sight. "That Jimmy sure is a little brat isn't he?" Should have been a picture of their new "home" in the letter. Dad must have broken some eggs as this leads into a discussion of eggs and the local cost ($0.50 a piece).

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March 7, 1945

Rough weather has grounded the squadron, so most of their time is just laying around. Made his way to town to see "From the Bowery to Broadway."

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March 15, 1945

Moved to Germany to become the "first squadron of the first air corps group to be operating from Germany." Sounds like the field they are staying at is in pretty rough shape, but he hasn't made it out to see much beyond that.

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March 17, 1945

Finally recieved a package he had been waiting for and couldn't figure out why it had been glued shut, but soon discovered that it was the syrup he had requested that broke open. Sent a pamphlet that he picked up that may be some US propaganda that was dropped in bombs and a certificate that the German kids get for keeping areas clean.

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March 21, 1945

Back to Belgium for a short while. Flying just about every day, but a lot of down time when not in the air. Made it to another show in town that had a warmup act of boxing and a hill billy band. Included a clippping from the Stars and Stripes about the squadron.

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March 23, 1945

"Up until tonite, I have never been in a house that reminded me so much of home as the one I am in now. We have taken over a German house as an officers club, and is it beautiful!"

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March 27, 1945

Crossed over the Rhine and excited that it means they are nearing the heart of Germany. He and his wingman flew over the Rhine to see the glider troops and paratroopers landing (wishes he could have picked up some of the parachutes to send home for mother to make clothes for June). Heard word that Glenn had quit school to enter the Navy. Mentions a picture with a forced grin, but not sure which picture he's talking about.

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March 30, 1945

Things are looking up after being grounded for a few days and hopes the end is coming. Finally heard for sure that Glenn has shipped out. It will be coming up on three years since he enlisted. Reunited with his instructor from Key Field, but this time he's in charge.

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April 1, 1945

He the mail jackpot today - 5 letters and 2 Easter cards. One of the letters was from Glenn to let him know that he is getting along just fine. Picked up a new bicycle on a trip down the Rhine, "...Besides that it's a girls bike, but tha won't hurt any." Heard some news about Alvin? who may have been killed, but he holds out hope that he is just a prisoner somewhere.

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April 4,1945

Today is lazy but the day before yesterday flew a mission over the Rhine and beyond to Wesel, "...where they made the landings, and since I have been over here, I haven't seen any place that is as beaten down as it is." Many mixed emotions when seeing the damage, "A person gets so that he feels a little sorry for them, but when you think of all the miseries they have caused, they aren't to be pitied. It doesn't help any either when you know that they are still fighting and won't give up a lost cause." Recieved another letter from Glenn who is still getting settled into his new post, "He says he doens't like all the orders they give, but he'll get used to it. I doubt if they will change them for him."

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April 8, 1945

It has been a lazy couple of days with few missions. Got a quick update from Bill who is doing fine and simple notes to Mother - enjoy the quiet time before we all get back, and Dad - "...if I ever see one of those pipes, I'll try to get it for you."

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April 13, 1945

Woke up to hear that President Roosevelt had died. The march to Berlin is making progress and his missions are starting to get longer.

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April 18, 1945

On the move again, which is becoming more frequent as they make the push to Berlin. Finally made it to part of Germany that hasn't been blown to pieces and is quite impressed with how nice it is. The differences between Germany and Belgium are night and day. Had a visit to Venlo, Holland a while back.

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April 22, 1945

"We haven't been doing too much over here of late. Maybe in a short while they won't need us at all over here. I sure hope that is soon." "Some people back home may think that all of theses stories you hear about concentration camps in Germany are propaganda, but they aren't." Many of the German prisoners have been freed and are staying near their camp and causing a stir with the locals, but doesn't seem to have much sympathy for the Germans' woes.

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April 29, 1945

Moved again to a new camp of a town that is still in good shape, minus the damage done by the Russian slave laborers after they were freed. The new location is an aircraft factory. Upon arrival, they met with number of English POWs. Some recently arrived, while some had been there for for five years, since the evacuation of Dunkirk.

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May 3, 1945

Put together a box of "junk" to send home, and is planning a trip to the Riviera in Southern France on Sunday. Had some more luck and the poker table and another money order should be on its way home, and now he's trying to compare how much he made as a civilian to what he's making now. Had plans to paint his plane and name it "Miss June," but by the time he made it down to the field he discovered that another fellow borrowed it and it was now in pieces.

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May 16, 1945

Finally made it through on his promise and got down to see Bill after the squadron got permission to make cross country flights. Found him in Frankfort, Germany. Made it there by noon and got to B.S. until 6:30.

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June 13, 1945

Started the journey home from Braunswich, Germany and had hoped to surprise everyone, but couldn't quite make it all the way back without writing (I imagine you can only assume the worst after no news for a month). "Hope you have the summer clothes of mine all cleaned and ready to go, as I'll be needing them."

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Dear Mother, Dad & All