“Letters of a World War II Airman” shares original letters to and from my uncle, Frank Ebner Gartz, from 1943-1945, tracing the course of WWII, life on the home front, and the evolution of a neighborhood kid into seasoned airman.
My mother writes Ebner a newsy letter updating him on the World War II home front—everything from the progress of his father's knee condition to my parents' leisure time activities.
My dad, Fred, is working on a new oxygen regulator that his younger brother, Frank, may very well use at some time. (Dad had a deferment from military service because of his defense work.) He updates his brother on the improvements being made on this essential piece of equipment for airmen, or order to save more lives. It's an example of how two brothers were closely bound in World War II service, even though only one was actively in the military.
Letters were special for World War II servicemen. That’s why Miss Hartley, Frank’s division teacher from Austin High School, made such an effort to write all her “boys.” She starts this letter (her eighth to former students) with a reference to listening to “Charlie McCarthy,” a famous ventriloquist act that was popular, even on the radio, a conundrum to many.
Ebner at six months: Nov., 24, 1924 What a cutie! Today, May 14th, is the 90th anniversary of my Uncle Frank's birth—but back in 1944, he had just turned twenty. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, UNCLE EBNER! I'm posting these two [...]
Ebner’s feeling homesick—missing being near family on his 20th birthday and Mother’s Day, which in 1944 was May 14th. His sweet side sure comes through. Phone service was sketchy and made communicating difficult. No email or texting ease like today! Like all our World War II soldiers, he’s really still a kid doing a man’s job.