05/09/2026
Tuesday, September 5, 1944
Still raining.
The 435th (indeed, the entire 3rd Army) is at a standstill awaiting fuel. They are about 10 miles outside of Verdun - the site of one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I. The 7th Armored Division and the 5th Infantry Division had recently taken Verdun and apparently the Germans had been using it as a major logistical hub. According to "XX Corps: Its History and Service in World War II": "In capturing Verdun, XX Corps seized warehouses bulging with food and clothing and a huge arsenal of heavy German guns and ammunition."
PFC Clair Simpson wrote home to his wife.
“My Darling Wife:
I received a v mail from you today & one from home. We had more damp weather today. I stayed in my tent most all day. I wouldn’t keep that girl if I were you, it will just mean more work for you & you seem nearly worn out as it is in the evenings. What did Auntie think of Claire Louise? Has she much hair yet? Is it red like Mary’s? (Editor's note: Yes! Claire Louise has red hair.) I am glad you got the stove.
The war over here is going to end soon & if they don’t keep us over here for occupational troops it won’t be so long untill I will be home. Then we can make up for this being apart. I sure do miss & need you darling. How are you & Claire Louise? Just between you & I I am glad you didn’t take that job a Superior. I would have felt kinda funny your giving up our home so easily.
I love you Shirley more each day. Some day I will try to show you just how much. I hope Claire Louise gets used to her buggy soon, so you don’t have to carry her. I love you darling.
Love,
Clair”
At home, Shirley received Clair’s August 24th letter. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14qswtQ9zuf/
Captain Franklin also wrote home to his wife.
“Somewhere in France
Tuesday Sept 5, 1944
Hello Darlings
There hasn’t been any mail today, but it’s a usual thing these days so we’re not a bit disappointed. Our Company today fell heir to a lot of fur coats. Yes fur. Apparently they were owned by the Germans and their warehouse was taken by the Yanks. There was all kinds, some white ones with hoods, apparently available for fighting in the snow. Others were of varied colors, sleeveless, to be worn under the coat as an inner lining. An unusual thing about it is that they are worn with the fur on the inside and leather on the out. Apparently it is best to have it that way because of the air space the fur affords. of them, one a white, the other a mink color, and the third a sheepskin – all sleeveless. I’ve cut the sheepskin one to make an inner lining for my jacket and sewed buttons on at the proper places so it will fit snugly around the chest. The other two, the white and bron, I’ve put in a box and as soon as I get some wrapping paper, I’ll send them on their way to you. I thought they might be used by both you and Jimmie. You might take the brown and make yourself a hat and m**f outfit or something like that and the white could be made into a little suit or coat for Jimmie. Of course, dear, they’re not the very best of furs but even if they’re used for inner linings for coats they’ll be of some value. However, I think they’ll be nice to use otherwise. I’m sure you’ll know what to do with them when you see them.
At first I didn’t have but one, the brown one. But later I noticed Sgt Johnson (1st Sergeant) (Editor's note: 1stSgt Fay C. Johnson was the Company First Sergeant - the senior enlisted man - for the 435th) with the white & said I’d like to have it for my little boy so he gave it to me with his compliments. Then, rummaging thru the lot, I found the sheepskin which I thought I could use for myself. So that is how I got 3.
There is a lot of German captured stuff floating around and occasionally it comes our way. Apparently, in their rapid retreats, they had not chance of taking equipment with them. Most of the stuff is in good shape & is being used to advantage.
So, dear, you can expect to get the furs in the near future. I hope you don’t expect them to be too much but I do hope you can use them. . .
The weather has been very nice. It rained a little today but it has cleared up & is very nice now.
The news has been very good today. Even we in France have to listen to the radio to get the full picture of the progress. But its really good. I hope it continues this way. Then I’ll know we’ll be together again soon. Gosh, you don’t know how I dream for that. Its uppermost always in my mind.
Well my dearest, I hope you and Jimmie-boy are fine & dandy tonight. I am okay too. I’ve got to close now as its getting dark. So until tomorrow, I’ll say good night sweetheart.
Regards to Ma and Pa,
Love & Kisses
Daddy”
