28 January 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated January 28, 1945. He apologizes for not writing sooner, he received the box of cookies and clippings and all the cookies survived shipping. He will be sending a birthday card for Susan soon he wasn’t able to find one last time he was in town. He received letters from Lorraine Fencil and Dottie Erickson. Lorraine included photos and he was surprised how much older she looks. He showed the photos to some other service men and they wanted her address. He also mentions Dottie Shearer, Joann, June Walter,…

GLC09611.398

31 January 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated January 31, 1945. He sent the pictures of Lorraine to them but would like them back to add to his album. He thanks Susan for the large letter that she sent him. He received that along with letters from Mrs. Stouffer, Marguerite Graeff, Florence Huber, Aunt Mabel, and Dottie Erickson. The letters he received updated him on friends and family. He mentions Stanley, and Melvin. As well as Ruth, his grandfather, Herman Klopp, Mrs. Winemiller, and Russell Brady. He mentions sending Valentine's Day cards…

GLC09611.399

7 February 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated February 7, 1945. He writes that the mail has been light lately but he received a letter from Arvilla Good with photos of her, Johnny, and Ed. He received letters from June Walter and Orsyulak who has gained a Metalsmith 3rd class rating. He complains that his shop on the submarine base seems to be the only one not getting promotions, and fears that at the end of the war they will all still be Seamen first class. He sends a money order and comments that at least he is saving money at the base. It…

GLC09611.401

9 February 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated February 7, 1945. He received their letter; it took over 10 days to get to him. He comments that he is lucky as there were only four or five letters for men with a last name starting with G. He answers Susan that he still loves pineapple. He also mentions Lorraine Fencil, Joanne, Ms. Hoffman, Mrs. Brady and Mike Riccruit. He does not have any more information on Mike and believes that his censor is more strict than Leonard's and that is why he has not been able to tell his wife a lot. He also inquires…

GLC09611.402

14 February 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated February 7, 1945. He received their letter and went to return it but started copying down addresses and reading old letters. He has all the letters he received since the last time he was home. He comments on the picture of Lorraine Fencil and the family that he sent in a previous letter, and that Rosalina looks better than expected but Melvin looks old. He was also surprised to receive letters from Mabel Graeff and Mildred and Stewart Hettinger. He remarks on how much he does not know about his…

GLC09611.403

18 February 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated February 18, 1945. He recently received 10 letters and two valentines day cards one from June Walter and one from Mary. The letters were from Dot Runk, Mary, Mr. Bowman, and a church bulletin. He mentions Uncle Peter and Miss Hoffman. He also reassures them that he has not been shipped out and he would let them know whatever way possible if that were to happen. He once again mentions Lorraine‘s photo and that fellow servicemen keep asking for her address. He mentions that Dot Runk still writes to…

GLC09611.404

19 February 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated February 19, 1945. He is suffering from sunburn from working as mess cook at a picnic for his shop. The shop was divided into four groups, each group having a picnic and he volunteered to work one. His group’s picnic is another day. He read the clippings about the fire. He’s glad to hear that Raymond wrote Uncle Peter. He explains that he hasn’t gotten a higher rating because there are no openings. There can only be so many men at each rating on a base and there are too many men already on base with…

GLC09611.405

23 February 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated February 23, 1945. He attended his picnic on the 22nd and is now on liberty so he’s having a mini vacation. He is glad they liked the Valentine V-Mail he sent. (GLC09611.388.02 ) He received a Valentine’s Day card from Dottie Shearer. He remarks that he is worried about Mike Riccuit and Bretz. He is reading the news about Iwo Jima and it is hard to think of two men he saw recently being there. He heard a man he was in service school with was on base briefly. He received a rating at graduation and was…

GLC09611.406

26 February 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated February 26, 1945. He received letters from them, June Walter, Florence Huber, Marguerite Graeff, and Mrs. Winemiller. He also received a church bulletin and the Bethlehem Review. June just took her mid-terms and thinks she did well. Mentions that Marguerite wrote that Melvin is in Germany, and Stanley may be stationed near DC. Floyd visited Marguerite and gained weight. Leonard also mentions the photos Susan and Raymond sent. He declares that it reminds him of the snow they had in 1936. He inquires…

GLC09611.407

2 March 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated March 2, 1945. He mentioned receiving letters from them Lorraine Fencil, Marguerite Graeff, Florence Huber, Robert Winemiller and Dick Miller. Dick, Robert Winemiller, and Wayne Stouffer are all in the same sector around Luxembourg. Dick is trying to visit them but having no luck. Dick also mentions an engagement to his girlfriend of two years from England. He has been trying to get back to England to get married. Leonard thanks Susan and Raymond for the newspaper clippings and photographs of snow.…

GLC09611.408

7 March 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated March 7, 1945. He updates them on his most recent liberty; he went to the movies, ate lunch at the U.S.O., bought Easter cards and went to Waikiki to listen to an orchestra. Received letters from them, Doris Bixler, Dick Miller, Dottie Erickson, Ed Zell, Bertha Hutton, Dot Runk, Mary, June Walter, Orsyulak, Mrs. Moyer and Brenners. He also received photos from Mary, Dottie Erickson, and Dot Runk. He mentioned that the photo of Runk was her in a hula skirt. Erickson sent him cookies. Mrs. Moyer reports…

GLC09611.409

12 March 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated March 12, 1945. He received letters from them, June Walter, Dottie Erickson, Mrs. Stouffer, Mrs. Winemiller, Edna Klopp, Mrs. Brady, Doris Brady, and one from Lorraine Dayhoff who wrote for Melinda Graeff. He inquires about Lorraine as he has never met her before. He also mentions Russell Brady, the Hutton family and Kennith Moyer. Edna sent a photograph of Herman Klopp and a letter from Stanley Klopp. He mentions that it has been a year since he’s been home and that he went to church and there were…

GLC09611.410

17 March 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated March 17, 1945. He has received their letter number 68 and comments that he is in a rut, and is having trouble starting letters. He mentions that their letter marked a year since he had been home and comments, "you’re right about the time flying around too fast. In fact, much too fast when I think I’ll never be able to live that year over as a civilian and normal." He comments that no matter how fast the time has flown it seems very slow when he thinks of how much longer he will be away. The worst…

GLC09611.411

19 March 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated March 19, 1945. He had liberty in Honolulu and it was very busy. About double the amount of servicemen compared to when he arrived. He inquires about Susan's visit with Lulu Graeff and Dorothy Bates. He also admonishes her for telling Melinda Graeff that he didn't receive a Christmas card. He comments that it was nice of Maurice to give them meat when he butchered. It's good for them since the meat ration is being cut. He really misses home made meals and hearing what they have at home made him miss…

GLC09611.412

24 March 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated March 24, 1945. He complains about his mail now being delivered to his shop instead of a main shop. He received a letter from Russell Brady explaining where he, and what he is doing. He also received a box from Dottie Erickson. She sent cookies, Hershey bars and an Easter card. He received letters from Robert Winemiller, Marguerite Graeff, Mary Mrs. Moyer, and a box from Edna Klopp. He thanks Susan for the photographs she sent, and asks who is on the steps in front of the house. He also inquired about…

GLC09611.413

30 March 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated March 30, 1945. He received the Easter card and pictures from them. Also received letters from Viola, the Weavers, Marguerite Graeff, Mary, Dottie Erickson, Lorraine Fencil, the Hutton’s, Dot Runk, and June Walter. He included photographs of Herman and Edna Klopp, one of Doris Brady and one of Mary. He’s glad Susan is feeling better he wasn’t aware she was that sick. He discusses Russell and Doris Brady and their family and situation. He also comments on Lorraine Dayhoff and her situation and asks for…

GLC09611.414

1 April 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated April 1, 1945. He mentions that even though nothing special is happening it feels like a holiday. He went to church. It was very crowded and a bunch of Waves attended. He mentions Jo Gassert, June Walter, Thomas Gassert and Dottie Erickson. He also comments he’s really confused as to what happened to Lorraine Dayhoff. He is sorry to hear that Harrisburg is always filled with servicemen on liberty. He is glad they liked the card he sent, and to get the Fencil photos back.

GLC09611.415.01

1 April 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Pamphlet

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One Easter services program sent by Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated April 1, 1945. It features a cross and lilies on the front. Inside it lists the procession of the service, and the presiding ministry.

GLC09611.415.02

6 April 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated April 6, 1945. He attended a showing of "National Velvet" featuring Mickey Rooney and greatly recommends it. He apologizes for being so anxious about the photos he had sent to them. He wanted to make sure that they hadn’t forgotten he wanted them back. He also commented on his future. In the past you could expect to be on his base for 28 to 30 months before a leave and rotation to another base. The officers have been working on a plan to shorten this time and rotate to more bases. He lists the new…

GLC09611.416

9 April 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated April 9, 1945. He is sorry to hear about the chaos in Harrisburg, with storms, company, and a power failure but is glad they wrote. It has been raining a lot and he borrowed a raincoat from his shop. He forgot to return it, and had to go back later to sign it back in. He received a V-Mail from Florence Huber, and letters from June Walter and Dottie Erickson. Dottie updated him on Lee Hoover who is now stationed near Iwo Jima. He comments on Susan and Raymond visiting the Klopps and inquires how they…

GLC09611.417

12 April 1945

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated April 12, 1945. He reacts to President Roosevelt’s death. He comments that he wished Roosevelt had lived to see the peace talks and ensured a good outcome. He writes "As far as I’m concerned he was a good man and it won’t be fully realized till after he is gone now. He was strong enough to buck up against all those European countries and their dictators and rulers and that was what we needed most." He mentions that Lulu Graeff’s box arrived but nothing from Susan yet. He also received letters from…

GLC09611.418

3 June 1944

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated June 3, 1944. Mentions buying a new pen and inquires about the pen that his parents recently purchased. Also mentions selling his car and how high the price of 1200 dollars seems to him.

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4 June 1944

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated June 4, 1944. Mentions that he sees many ships leaving port and some part of him wants to go with them. On the other hand he is getting letters from friends describing life on a ship and that tempers his excitement to go to sea.

GLC09611.329

12 June 1944

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated June 12, 1944. Mentions newspaper clippings that his parents sent to him. The articles are concerned with the D-Day invasion. He writes, "At first The Invasion seemed to be quite a spectacle with about half the guys on the verge of packing their sea bags and getting ready to head home for they felt pretty sure it would be all over in no time. The attitude of people at home and here too is generally the same that is, that this invasion was a rather serious thing to think about. There will be a lot of…

GLC09611.330

10 June 1944

Graeff, Leonard Eugene, 1920-2016

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff

One letter from Leonard Eugene Graeff to Susan Prowell Graeff and Raymond James Graeff dated June 10, 1944. Mentions that he understands why someone would want to go AWOL as he misses home so much. Also mentions that he received letter 10 but he had yet to receive letter four and excited for its delivery

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