This is the fifty-seventh of 87 letters exchanged during World War II between Nicholas Salvatore and Elizabeth Galloway. For more see Nicholas and Elizabeth.
December 15, 1944
In the middle of a snow globe
Dear Elizabeth,
As you’ve probably heard, our forces are dug in once again for the winter and it looks like the march to Berlin will be longer than we thought. As for me, I continue to get along pretty well. The stalemate hasn’t stopped the injuries and casualties, however. Something is always going on. No matter what I do, wherever I go it smells like death. I can’t shake it. I went out on a run to several of the local villages the other day. It’s incredible how these people live, what they have to do on a daily basis to survive. Some of the children came to the hospital today. Our soccer game quickly fell apart, turning into an all out snowball fight instead. By the time they left there an entire snowman family was built and destroyed. No word yet on getting out of here, hopefully soon. My father says he can’t wait to meet you – he’s the kind of man who gets what he wants so it looks like you’ll have to come to Chicago whether you like it or not.
Take care,
Nicholas
Next letter – December 22, 1944
Words will keep us together 