These two V-mails are samples of what to look for in every V-mail published by our local committee for our troops. Letters from home were the single biggest morale booster, and a force with high morale fights better. You will be proud of our defenders’ committee and their V-mail to the troops from Saucon Valley.
The February 1942 V-Mail talks about the War Manpower Commission’s mandate to keep war materials and food flowing to our enlisted Saucon Valley men and women and to our allies.
In the spirit of keeping our SV Troops informed about home events, the announcement was made that our high school (Hellertown) basketball team had a four-game winning streak. The local ban on pleasure driving was also announced, allowing only essential driving and no more “spooning.” Imagine hearing that great news if you were serving in Europe or the Pacific!
Hopefully, you will recognize many of the local heroes mentioned in the email: Weaver, Morykan, Gozzard, Kalynych, Kugler, Gad, Marish, and Kunsman, to name only a few. This letter is signed Faithfully Yours, Christopher Heller.
Jumping ahead to the December 7, 1942, V-Mail and the Saucon Valley Defenders Committee, it was announced that the Lower Saucon Township Civilian Defense Council was organized in October 1942. This volume dedicates a significant portion to the committee's organization and outlines those responsible for the monthly letters to our Lower Saucon troops. Many of those appointed may be familiar to you and your neighbors. The letter is signed, “Good Luck!” Robert E. Scheets, 38 Hampton Ave, Hellertown, Pa.
We encourage you to read the V-Mails and share your memories of events and conversations with family members, past and present. These V-Mails focus on Saucon Valley and community life as it changed during the war years.
The winds of war blew through Saucon Valley. I hope your posts on this blog will enrich our knowledge of the Saucon Valley community, how its members felt and lived through the impact of World War II, and, most importantly, how the community supported our local heroes!
Enjoy the read, and remember that all 80 V-Mails are currently available (now!) on this Blog site (by clicking on the REACH YOUR BOY OVERSEAS picture on the sidebar) to help you understand the War Years in Saucon Valley.
