'Letters from Ralph' shows journey of soldier through collection of letters
ORANGE CITY, Iowa - World War II was a time when family and friends could only hear about the whereabouts and condition of their loved one overseas through letters. Authors Lee and Bonnie Meier have teamed up to preserve the letters and the legacy of one soldier with their new book, "Letters from Ralph: A Soldier Writes Home During World War II" (published by Lulu).
The book tells the story of a young soldier from Iowa through his own letters. Ralph writes home to his parents and brothers as he is experiencing the hardships of war. The letters show the young soldier's efforts to assure his family that he was okay. "Letters from Ralph" follows Ralph through his training through his time in the European theater, including D-Day.
The authors, who were taught by Ralph when he was a professor at Northwestern College, obtained the letters from his daughter shortly after his death. It was their goal to preserve the letters so that future generations could understand war in a time before cell phones and video messaging.
An excerpt from "Letters from Ralph":
"The men are all arguing about who is going to get out of the Army and who will have to stay in for a few more years. Personally I expect the worse and rather think I'll get a peek at Japan. I've seen enough foreign countries to suit me but I'd be a little too restless to settle down anyhow."
"Letters from Ralph"
By Lee and Bonnie Meier
Hardcover | 6 x 9 in | 262 pages | ISBN 9781483418537
E-Book | 262 pages | ISBN 9781483418520
About the Author
Lee and Bonnie Meier are natives of Orange City, Iowa. Lee is a retired dentist, and Bonnie is a retired school superintendent.