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July 2nd 1944 'My Dear Boy'





July 2 1944

Luther My Son-
It is indeed a pleasure to have your lovely letter of June 6. Even tho we are far apart I could feel your wonderful spirit while reading. It seemed that you were talking to me rather than writing. How happy I shall be when I can really hear your voice again and feel you near to me.

A few days ago one of my new friends who is here with the Millspaugh mission had the thrilling experience of having his son fly in from Russia, and call him on the telephone from the air field. Then they were together for two or more days.

I met this splendid young aviator and had dinner with him and his father. He is just your age within a few days, and he made me think of you so much I fear I was quite lost in thought a few times, and I guess my eyes were moist several times too. For I could not help but put myself in this happy father's place, and picture what i should do under similar circumstances.

Your new A. P. O.  address card has just arrived so I am wondering where you are and ----------

God bless and protect you my boy and preserve you for a long life of useful service. The world will need you even more after the dark clouds of war have cleared away. So I feel confident that your life will be preserved.

I do not need to ask that you do your duty faithfully for you have always been unusually mindful of doing your part at any cost. Be prudent and maintain the same cool-headed attitude that is second nature to you. Have full faith in the Power of God to pull you through, and approach your task with a prayer in your heart for guidance and all will be well with you.

I hope that you find companions who are congenial and who have the same high standards of life that you have always maintained.

For nearly three years I have been deprived of the blessings of sacrament service and the help and renewed strength that partaking of the emblems of our Savior's Flesh and Blood gives one. Two weeks ago today, June 18, I met 3 young men of our faith who felt the same as I. So we came here to my quarters and held a sacrament meeting and each one bore a splendid testimony. We sang our old hymns, prayed together and had a real feast of good fellowship and the blessings of ??? spirit. I'm enclosing a picture of this little group that probably held the first LDS meeting in Persia.

Last Sunday we repeated with 8 in attendance and today they are coming again, in just a few minutes more. I've very thankful to have the friendship and association of these splendid young men. It thrills me thru and thru.

You will be able to find a branch of the LDS church almost anywhere you may land in Europe. Search them out and drop in for SS, for Sacrament meeting when you can. It will give you a good feeling and will help you to carry on.

Send me a "V" mail as often as you can. I shall always be watching for word from you and shall ever be praying for your safety and welfare. I shall be waiting patiently for the safe arrival of your (our) child. I'm glad that Leona is keeping up her courage.

God bless you both-
Lovingly, Dad

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