July-Aug. 2007 / n°45
 
   
 
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.
  
 



" George Marshall, the Chief of Staff, is visiting camp "
March 23, 1943
Dearest Opal,
A.M. Today George Marshall, the Chief of Staff, is visiting camp. Our battalion is staging a battle for him, and we're firing the ammunition. I may get a furlough after that.
P.M. We staged our battle today, but General Marshall never did come. He is coming tomorrow, for sure, and we have to go through the whole thing again. Yesterday it snowed hard for half an hour, and I could hardly see my hand in front of my face. Then the snow stopped, and the weather began to warm up.
Thursday we go on maneuvers for seven or eight days. Please continue to write, and I'll get your letters when I return to camp. I'll write every day if I can and mail all the letters at once if I have to. I haven't heard anything about going to the new outfit. So long, and stay as sweet as you are.
Remember Sadie Hawkins, the kid you met in front of the theater one night? He sleeps next to me, and if I catch him looking at your picture, I make him bow his head and say, "I'm sorry I allowed my profane eyes to rest on your divine beauty, Mrs. Bonilla. Please forgive me."
I love you.
Nicky

" (We) boarded a plane, and made a jump "
March 25, 1943
My Darling Opal,
Today we went down to Pope Field, boarded a plane, and made a jump. We attacked an airport about 50 miles away. Of course, we captured it. Now we're in camp. I'm writing from my tent. I have a candle fixed inside a shiny can, and it gives good light. All the boys asked me how I thought of that, and I told them that a good soldier always comes prepared.
Have to close now; blackout.
I Love You,
Nicky


To be continued in September