A letter, written from the front, can be found in a glass box in a back room of the Heart of Texas Historical Museum in Brady, Texas.
The letter was written by US Army Lt. Col. James Earl Rudder, a military leader during World War II. His son, also named James, read the letter on the 75th anniversary of allied troops landing on the beaches of Normandy.
While his father returned from his service during WWII, many did not. The letter is one of countless pieces of correspondence of its kind that arrived home in the place of the sons who were sent to war.
In the letter, Rudder explains to "Mrs. Caperton", a mother who's son would never return home, described by many as a nightmare for any family with a loved one serving overseas.
The letter begins: “No commanding officer can ever find words to adequately express his deepest sympathy with those whose sons, husbands or brothers finish their earthly tour of duty while under his command."
The letter goes on with Rudder sharing memories from fellow solders about times spent with her son.
In closing, the letter states: "We, with whom he shared his life ask only now to share his memory that it may inspire us all to the gaining of an early Victory and the making of a lasting peace."