Letters to home

Editor's note: The News is sharing these letters with our readers in the spirit of Valentine's Day, and will continue to run them leading up to the big day.
Stan Dudka writes his wife, Alice, after he escapes captivity in the Second World War...

Dear Mom and Alice,
I hope this letter finds you in the very best of health. I am feeling great. I know you will be glad to hear from me as you probably think I am dead. I was taken prisoner by the Germans on the 7th of June. I escaped though and am now at Bill's unit with him... I had quite a chilling time escaping from the Germans. It wasn't very easy either but the good Lord was with me. The Germans treated us real bad, just like in a movie only twice as worse. However it's over with now but I will never forget them bastards for what they done to us. Tell Henry White's folks that he is a prisoner of war, he is quite well... I tried to escape three times but I got caught. I was away from them ten days but I couldn't get through the German lines. We are sure giving them hell now... I was wounded a couple of times but all that is left of them is scars. I am completely better. We had an awful battle on D. Day and the day after. We had a real important job to do also. We suffered heavy though but we done our job. We met the S.S. troops. They are real bastards. The main thing though mom is that I made it and am safe and sound... I don't think the war will last much longer. I hope not anyway. Mom, I wish you could see the priest and have a mass offered for my safe return in thanks to God because without him I don't think I would ever have made it. He was with me all the time because I was in some pretty tight spots... Well Mom I guess I will have to close for now with all my love to my dear wife and baby and Dad and you Dear Mom and the rest of the family.
Your loving son
Stan