Last Letter Home from John Henry Reardon, Jr.; WWII Soldier, Killed in Action

John Henry Reardon, Jr. “Junie” Christmas Letter 1944 United States Army

Junie Reardon, a US soldier was killed by shrapnel from a German motar shell a couple of weeks after this recording was made. He died Jan 5, 1945 near Strasbourg on the German/France border, according to what his family was told by one of his buddies much later after the end of the war.  This was in the "Battle of the Bulge,"; Germany's final desperate effort before collapsing.  His brother Robert Reardon recalls that Junie’s parents, John and Caroline Reardon, didn't receive this recording until after his death due to the time mail took coming from the fighting.

TRANSCRIPTION:

Dear Family,

Through the courtesy of the Pepsi Cola Co you are hearing what I hope is an example of my best diction. This is Junie speaking. I received Mom’s package today and I must say the fudge is very delicious. When it comes to making candy, she wins first prize. If Dad is expecting to hear me play revelry on this recording, I’m afraid he’ll be disappointed. Why to do such a thing would be all my life is worth. You know how the song goes.

How’s “Casanova Bob” making out at Saint Mary’s? Confidentially, there’s no need to tell me because I’m pretty sure that I can answer that question myself.

I hope that you have a lot of nice snow this winter. Not to make you cold, but so that Billy and Joe can have a lot of fun sliding and skating. And I want Joey to learn how to skate this winter.

As you know, Christmas is drawing near and I don’t expect to be able to spend it with you. However, if you will play this record on Christmas day, I may at least be with you in voice and as always in spirit. Perhaps next year, with the help of God, Ed and I will be home with you all at Christmas time. I wish you all a happy and a holy Christmas.

Well, that’s all for now folks. So I’ll say blessed be God and lots of love to all.

END