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The following letter appears courtesy of and with thanks to Harmon Buckley and Michael P. May

Harmon Buckley wrote this letter to his infant son, Russell Evan, before the invasion of Sicily.

1st Lt. Harmon L. Buckley 0-427802
Company "I", 179th Infantry
A.P.O. 45
New York, N.Y.

Russell E. Buckley
Box 347
Ballinger, Texas.
June 29, 1943.
Somewhere in N. Africa
My Dearest baby boy,
Russ. darling I received your letter today and no one one knows how happy it made me. You know that I am the happiest daddy in all the world to have such a precious baby boy, as you, and such a darling Wife as your mother. I know you are proud of her because she is so pretty and sweet and will be the best mother that you could ever find. I love her with all my heart and Son no one knows how I miss her. She is the sweetest person in all the world. Your mother and I are very proud of you and we love you so very much. You, mother, & I will have so much fun & happyness soon.

Sunny I am sitting here in my little pup tent, somewhere in North Africa, writing you. I would give anything in this world if your daddy could be with you & mommy tonight. I wanted to see you so very much before I came over here but it was impossible so just remember I will be home to you and mommy just as soon as I can. I can hear the boys from a distance singing "God Bless America," and it really sounds beautiful. I am proud that I can do my part to keep this world free for my loved ones. After it is all over we (3) will make up for this delayed time. So until I return to take care of you & mommy you take good care of her for me.

Russ. I know you are getting the best of care from momy, Aunt Faye, & mother Evans. I am kindly jealous but I received the same attention before you came to us. They are so wonderful to take such good care of you and mommy till daddy gets home. So you say daddy Sam wants you & mommy to spend some time with them? I think you will enjoy it very much because they are really proud of you. They think your mommy is precious also. I know you will be in good care there also. Tell them all hello for your daddy & not to worry about me. I know you will be crazy about Aunt Billie Jean because she is an awful sweet person.

You know you have two of the sweetest Grandmothers in all the world. They think quite a bit of you. I know you love for mamaw Evans to walk with you at night & sing to you but you shouldn't keep her up to much.
Russ. I can hardly wait for the pictures of you and mommy. I want to see you so very much & a picture of you two would make your daddy very happy. I have a picture of mommy and I kiss her each nite before I go to sleep and tell her how much I love her. I pray for you & momy each night. I ask "The Dear Lord" to watch over you two until I get back. "He" will take care of me also and protect me and see that I return to you and mommy safely.

Big boy I must close now so remember I love you & momy with all my heart. Take good care of mommy for me and tell her not to worry about daddy because he will be careful & take excellent care just for you & mommy. I will write you all every chance I get and let you know that your daddy is thinking of you all.
Tell all hello for me and kiss your precious mommy for daddy. I love you all so much & miss you more that one realizes.
Be a good boy now and remember your daddy will be thinking of you & mommy.
All my love to my baby boy,
Daddy.

Continued...
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