Grab the Tissue Box, Because these Historical Letters are Heartbreaking

Grab the Tissue Box, Because these Historical Letters are Heartbreaking

Shannon Quinn - October 31, 2022

Grab the Tissue Box, Because these Historical Letters are Heartbreaking
Pauline Elliot wrote letters to her husband Frank during WWII. Credit: The Washington Post

The Elliot WWII Love Letters (Part 1)

During World War II, a woman named Pauline Elliott wrote letters to her husband Frank. He was killed on D-Day; June 6, 1944. Pauline held on to all of their letters that they had sent to one another throughout the war. Their daughter, DeRonda “Dee” Elliott, uncovered the letters after her mother died, and she was blown away by the tragedy and the romance. These letters were later published in American Heritage magazine, and they were even quoted during a speech by Bill Clinton. There are a total of 7 letters available, which can be read on The Washington Post.

“May 6, 1944

Dearest Darling,

All day I have been fighting the feeling which has been dominating me of late. I keep continually thinking of home and longing for home in the worst way. All your letters of how beautiful my daughter is becoming by the day. The realization that I am missing all these months and years of her formative growth is actually gnawing at my heart. . . .

I love you,

Frank”

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