The year is 1944. A wheat farmer walks to his roadside mailbox and reaches inside. Amid a small handful of mail, he spots it--a colorful postcard from his son who is stationed somewhere in the Pacific. The message is brief, but warm and reassuring, and for that instant, although thousands of miles from home, that son has reached out and hugged his dad. Postcards from World War II offers an invaluable collection of actual postcards that were sent between 1941 and 1945. Through their images and messages, these cards provide a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of the servicemen and women who lived during this historic fight for freedom. Their written words enable us to peek into their souls. The postcard was a quick, convenient means for soldiers to communicate with distant loved ones, and no matter what the message, each card was a way of saying, "I'm okay." In a world of doubt and devastation, it was an affirmation of life. Also included throughout the book are fascinating insets on such topics as women and the war effort, the role of the USO, the creation of V-mail, and so much more. Postcards from World War II helps recapture the triumphs and the tragedies of this turbulent time. Collectively, the postcards found on the pages of this book reveal the humor, the raw loneliness, the simple honesty, and the hearts of the men and women who sent them. Each card is truly a part of our collective American history, a tangible memory of the heroism of the "greatest" generation.