REMEMBERING THE WORLD WAR II SACRIFICE

DAD'S LETTERS

A Behind-the-Lines View Like Never Before

Edgar J. Houglum, served in World War II and earned the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart.

Like many soldiers after the war, he settled in a small town and was committed to his family and community. This book uses letters written to Dad and by Dad while he was in the Army, coupled with specific battlefield information from other sources, to tell the story of the sacrifice made by World War II soldiers and how the war changed their lives.

Order Today

$10.00

*All Taxes and Shipping Included

Excerpt

“Attacks by the enemy resulted in men being killed and captured, and eventually the order to withdraw back across the Blies during the night of December 23rd. This was the only withdrawl from its combat position for the 324th Regiment during World War II. It was with these recent events that Dad spent Christmas 1944, a couple miles from the German border.”

Now that we know what history has shown us, it gives us a window into why my Dad would write this V-mail. Here are the first couple lines:

About the Author

Joel E. Houglum

After his dad died in 2006 and the discovery of 150 cards and letters that were written during WW II, Joel decided to write a book to fulfill a promise he made to his dad to keep the memory of his WW II sacrifice alive in his grand children and great grandchildren.

"

Merry Christmas, to you all!
Christmas Day, 1944 – a day I’m quite sure I won’t forget and hope its the last one there is with the world in the condition it is. I’m afraid I picked a poor time to write – not in the mood I guess…

5 Responses to “A Behind-the-Lines View Like Never Before”

Monica says:

What a wonderful memorial of your dad!! And for those of us who were fortunate enough to have known him, this is such a rare gift! Thanks so much for publishing this book!

Wil says:

This book blew me away. It was easy to read and showed me a side of WWII that most books do not: the communication from a solider on the front lines and his family. Ed got letters from all kinds of friends and family and what he wrote back was amazing.

I couldn’t believe the last letter from his buddy, letting him know that the “kraut” who shot him was “left on that hill.” That means they were fighting so close that you could see who shot whom and who was left behind.

For a non-WWII buff it give just enough background for you to follow.

Did I say “amazing” already? Kudos to the author.

Larry Wasfaret says:

Joel:

I wish I would have known more about your Dad when we were kids. To think that our mailman for all those years was a WWII hero. I am honored to have known him (and you). I am very proud of my Dad (as most boys are) but I can’t even imagine how you must feel. Let us hope that men like him are never forgotten.

Friend and classmate,

Larry

Vicki says:

Hi, Joel! We’re anxious to read your book; hope you are having a great new year! God’s blessings to you and Rita!