Oberau, Germany
Dolph's Letter #99
Dear Sweetheart,
The address is different because I made a mistake yesterday. Ettal is nearby.
Honey, if Lt. Edwards + or Capt Tolliston remember you will receive a few pictures they took of me. I gave them your address.
Not much going on. I should leave here to-morrow or the next day.
Its been raining all day, quite miserable, but doesn't bother me.
Spent the afternoon in the officers day room. Even played a little bridge.
Last night I went to the movies + saw "Our Vicious Bodies." Stupid picture.
Guess I'll go to the movies again tonight. It will be a different picture but what I don't know.
I hope you are feeling all right dear. I love you so much.
Please take good care of yourself dear.
Your devoted husband,
Dolph
# The Missing Months
June 9 – October 26, 1945
A gap of approximately 138 days exists in the correspondence. The last letter before the gap is Letter 110, dated June 9, 1945. The next surviving letter is Letter 111, dated October 26, 1945.
During this missing period, the following major events occurred:
- July 16, 1945 — Trinity Test: First atomic bomb detonated in New Mexico
- July 17 – August 2, 1945 — Potsdam Conference
- August 6, 1945 — Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima
- August 9, 1945 — Atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki
- August 15, 1945 — V-J Day: Japan surrenders, World War II ends
- September 2, 1945 — Formal Japanese surrender aboard USS Missouri
Dolph's activities during this period are unknown. He likely completed his medical recovery, transitioned from combat unit to occupation duties, and began work with the occupation government. The reasons for the correspondence gap — whether letters were lost, correspondence slowed, or some other factor — remain unclear.
# Part VI: The Long Road Home
Letters 111-146 (October 26, 1945 – May 24, 1946)
Frankfurt, Berlin, and Finally Home
Note: Letter 111 is unique in this collection — it is the only surviving letter from Jean to Dolph, written while her father was visiting Atlanta and lobbying Senator Russell for Dolph's return.