December 2006 / n°38
 
   
 
As the greatest war in the history of Humanity raged, Nicholas and Opal fell in love. Nicholas trained in Fort Benning and Fort Bragg, he was based "somewhere in England," he fought through D-Day in the 502nd PIR of the 101st Airborne Division, then during Operation Market Garden. During these months Opale and Nicholas wrote many letters about their love, their faith, and their hope.
Many years later their daughter read the letters and met for the first time a man and woman whom she had never really known.
This is the story of a man who went hungry, cold, and sleepless, a man who was willing to die for his wife and child, his friends, and his country. It is the story of a woman who gave her heart to a man who risked everything.
  
 


Foreword

August 1942, a whirlwind Romance
When Opal met Nicky in June 1942, she had been dating a man nicknamed Elmo. Elmo cared for Opal deeply, and he respected her family. Opal cared for Elmo, but she was not in love with him, and she had not considered marrying him.
Opal was attracted to Nicky more than she had ever been attracted to a man. He was handsome, confident, experienced, and greatly attracted to her. After dating Nicky for a few weekends, Opal stopped dating Elmo. Elmo was hurt and angry that Opal had rejected him for a soldier whom she had met only recently. Elmo told Opal that he hoped "the-son-of a-bitch [would be] killed in the war." The remark ended Elmo and Opal's friendship.
Soon, Nicky asked Opal to marry him, and within a few weeks, she accepted his proposal. They dated every weekend, but wrote few letters until the end of August

August 25, 1942
Dear Opal,
I arrived safe but sleepy in Fort Benning. As I rode toward camp, I thought of you. You're a lovely girl, and I have a wonderful time with you. I will see you again Saturday night, and we'll go out to dinner.
Here's a sad story. The other day, a soldier came out to the field in a jeep and told me that Butch, my English bulldog, was hurt. I rushed back to camp, and I never saw such a pitiful sight. The dog was bleeding from the mouth, and his leg was hurt. Butch broke his leash and a mule kicked him in the face. I was mad. My men were standing around like a bunch of dopes. I borrowed a car and rushed Butch to town to the vet. The vet says Butch has a 50/50 chance. I told the vet to do everything he could for the poor dog.
When I come Saturday, I'm bringing your little wings. They will be a symbol of our engagement until I can buy a ring. And I have a surprise for you.
Always thinking of you,
Nicky

P. S. Pardon the stationery, but I don't care for fancy stationery. Do you?