Letters Home from World War II St. Louis by Christopher Alan Gordon

Paperback

A Few Precious Lines captures the experiences of St. Louisans who served in World War II, sharing their struggles, fears, and hopes through letters sent home. Scattered across battlefields, remote bases, and ships at sea, these men and women endured the hardships of war, finding solace in the letters they received from loved ones. Meanwhile, families in St. Louis anxiously awaited any news confirming their safety.

This book tells the war’s story through firsthand accounts—letters written by those who lived it. From the city’s neighborhoods and surrounding towns, brave individuals answered their country’s call. Alphonse Andrews, a civilian worker, witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Adela Scharr, a pioneering female pilot, ferried fighter planes as a WASP. Omar Kolkmeier, a farm boy from St. Charles County, stormed the beaches in Italy. Charles Waugh, an attorney turned intelligence officer, flew dangerous missions over the Hump to China.

Through their own words, these St. Louisans bring history to life, sharing the horrors of war, the pain of separation, and encounters with distant lands. Their letters preserve a deeply personal and powerful perspective on World War II.