Verniece Morrow (nee Ensinger) was a friend and sister to several servicemen during World War II, as well as having a husband in the service as well. Verniece wrote to her family and friends regularly, and the letters she received and saved provide a comprehensive description of the American war experience. Verniece's husband John was sent to Australia by the close of 1943 as a member of the 186th Infantry. Being older than most servicemen, 38 by the end of the war, John was primarily assigned to non-combat duties, frequently working as company messenger, mail clerk, and barber. In May of 1944, he received the Combat Infantryman Badge for his role in the Hollandia, Dutch New Guinea operation. John was able to visit his brother, Van Morrow, in Australia before moving on to the Philippine Islands and Japan. John returned to the United States in December 1945. Verniece's two brothers, Earl and Charles Ensinger, also enlisted during the Second World War. Earl trained as a radio operator at numerous airfields across the United States (Scott Air Force Base included) and in October 1945, he was relocated to the island of Saipan where he worked as a carpenter. Charles Ensinger was not stationed in the South Pacific, but served on the European front with the 19th Armored Infantry. After crossing Italy and France, he entered Germany and sustained injuries to his right forearm and thigh. Charles rejoined his company as they were occupying a Nazi school in Sonthofen, Germany, and returned home in December 1945.
From the description of Verniece Morrow collection, 1943-1946. (Southern Illinois University). WorldCat record id: 316236826
