Pvt. Charles "Ray" Johnson was a member of Company F, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Johnson was mortally wounded the afternoon of D-Day (June 6, 1944) and died that night in the medieval church in Angoville au Plain, Normandy. He was 19 years old. This is one of three letters he wrote to a family friend while training in England.

Hello Mr. Fagin,

How are you getting along these days? I am in England now and this is about the prettiest place I have ever seen, the country I mean. I can't say much for the towns and cities I have seen. I like it lots over here and I think we will have a big time once they turn us loose.

Do you hear from Richard often? I would like to have his address so I can write to him. I am going to look up Billy De-Witt and Capt. Hugh Bryan when Mother sends their address. They could probably show me around.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you how things are rationed over here. I don't care how big the army is that fights this country they can never win because you just can't beat people that just refuse to be beaten. Everyone here has a job of some kind and they do it. It doesn't matter how old are [sic] how young they all pitch in. In a field right now, less than fifty yards away there is two young girls baleing [sic] hay and they look as though they have done it all there [sic] life.

This is all for now, I will let you know when we jump in Germany.

A Friend,
Ray