What follows is a transcription of the last letter received by
Andrew's wife prior to his death.
Exp: Sgt A. J. Speese 38544452
Co 357th Rgt
A.P.O. # 90 c/o P/m N.Y.C.
Dest : Mrs. A. J. Speese
Way Side Drive
Phoenixville PA
Darling,
I am lying out in the open ground (very close though to
my fox hole) on a shelter half and drying out in the
warm sun. It has been raining here for the past two days and is now drying
up a little. There is an artillery
barrage being laid on enemy positions and the firing has been continuous for
many hours. An attack is in
progress and I expect that we will be moving up later this evening, our
objective is a town a few miles away.
I should like to tell you more but security regulations don't permit the
mentioning of towns or sectors until
our unit (in this case division) has been disclosed as operating in a
certain sector, at that time, I believe, we
are permitted to mention towns etc.
Still no mail, but don't think I am kicking as I know its
not your fault and that you are and have been
writing faithfully, my morale isn't lowered either by the lack of it. A
clear understanding of anything even
battles and combats reduce the element of fear and apprehension, I am most
glad in knowing I applied
myself during my basic training. It's stand by me no end.
Incidentally, I am now a Sergeant and have heard rumors
floating around that we are to be either combat
or expert infantrymen but for the life of me have not found out what if
anything it means ! When I do, I'll let
you know. You can let Sandy wear the counterparts of whatever it is. I am
entitled to wear if you want !
So far, I believe he can be a buck Sergeant and wear an ETO ribbon with two
bronze stars and this new
infantry ....(illegible)... and came October 16, a good conduct ribbon, for
I have been a good G.I. Joe and
expect to remain one !....
...Today is the 4th of July and I am writing this while
shells are dropping in the next field. I did not get a
chance to finish it yesterday afternoon and it's doubtful if I shall get it
censored and mailed to nite.
I am wearing a German officer pistol. I got it this morning, also a compass
and a lot of other junk like a
sub machine gun and a telescopic sight. I am going to try and send a lot of
the stuff home. If it ever get
there, save it for my home coming. I picked up in the enemy fox hole, a
little watch, a broach and some
German coins. I'll send them to you at the first opportunity. Darling I miss
you like the very devil and
constantly wish that I could be home with you to share the sorrows and joys
of life and not cause you
mental anguish by being overseas as a doughboy in a tough war.
See, if the kids could see this 4th of July celebration (just the noise and
pyrotechnics) they would have all a
youngster could dream of, but I hope they never have to see it up here !
Darling, I think I'll knock off for now and get back to my job of
communications. So, I say ...(illegible).
With all my love,
Andy
