Mail to the European front was erratic. In February 1945, Harry received word from my mother that Eddie had had a relapse and died in the Topaz Hospital. Previous attempts to reach Harry by telegram and letter as Eddie’s condition deteriorated had been delayed.
Despite support from his commanding officer, Harry was denied bereavement leave to return to the States.
Harry had often wondered about his own chances of making it through the war, but had never expected to lose his brother. Now he was the only Oda boy left.
March 14, 1945
To Tomi, 4-5-E, Topaz, Utah
From Harry
Tomi, I don’t know how to thank you and the folks for all you did for ed and I. I don’t know what we would have done without you. Thanks ever so much…
These were the kinds of stories that were withheld, only to come out many years later, or sometimes, not at all. Some stories survive only because the letters did.