WW2 Era V-Mail Letter written by U.S. Soldier while in Africa, 1943.

[Heartfeltzero]

To:
Miss Mayme Huesman
341 Upland Ave.
Dayton, Ohio U.S.A.

From:
PFC. D.C.Howell 15087197
Band 531st Eng. Shore Regt.
June 30th 1943

The letter reads:

“My dearest Aunt,

Just a few lines to let you know
your boy, way over here in Africa, hasn't
forgotten you.

I know I should write to you
more often, but under our conditions
we just don’t have the time. I do
hope you will write, even if you
don't hear from me. I still have the
prayer you sent me and I read it
often. It is very nice + helpful.
I must close now leaving you in
Gods care until we meet again.

Write often

Love,
Donald”

Donald served with the 531st Engineer Shore Regiment. They participated in the invasion of Africa (Operation Torch) as well as other operations during the war. I’m unsure if Donald survived the war.

[Tank Destroyer]

Great letter. The aunt written him a prayer and Donald saying that he reads it often was an insight to the life of the soldier and the love is an aunt.

Marty

[Willmore]

Hi there.

I had a search for Donald and I think this is him.

Name: Donald C Howell
Race: White
Marital Status: Single, without dependents (Single)
Rank: Private
Birth Year: 1921
Nativity State or Country: Ohio
Citizenship: Citizen
Residence: Montgomery, Ohio
Education: 2 years of high school
Enlistment Date: 22 December 1941
Enlistment Place: Fort Thomas Newport, Kentucky
Service Number: 15087197
Branch: Branch Immaterial - Warrant Officers, USA
Component: Army of the United States - includes the following: Voluntary enlistments effective December 8, 1941 and thereafter; One year enlistments of National Guardsman whose State enlistment expires while in the Federal Service; Officers appointed in the Army of
Source: Civil Life
Height: 68
Weight: 113


Name: Donald C Howell
Race: White
Age: 23
Birth Date: 25 December 1921
Birth Place: Dayton, Ohio
Residence Place: Dayton, Montgomery, Ohio
Registration Date: 7 September 1945
Registration Place: Dayton, Ohio
Employer: Discharged
Height: 5'' 8
Weight: 113
Complexion: Ruddy
Hair Color: Blonde
Eye Color: Hazel
Next of Kin: Zelma Howell
Household Members (Name)
Zelma Howell (Mother)

[Willmore]

From the 1950 census, it looks like he was a barber and may have had his own shop, he was married to Dorothy, had a son called Donald and a daughter called Diane.

Name: Donald C Howell
Birth Date: 25 December 1921
Death Date: 11 February 1974 (Springfield, Clark, Ohio, United States)
Cemetery: Milledgeville Plymouth Cemetery
Burial or Cremation Place: Milledgeville, Fayette County, Ohio, United States of America

Donald C Howell (1921-1974) - Find a Grave Memorial.

Kind regards,

Will.

[Heartfeltzero]

Thank you for this information!