This chapter examines the impact of the drafting of fathers on their families in the U.S. during World War II. Just the thought that their fathers might be drafted was enough to terrify some children but they were eventually to be reasonably comfortable with the idea of their fathers leaving provided that their fathers would be returning soon. Letters were the only contact between men in active duty and their families, and most of these men took every opportunity to write letters home.

This chapter examines the impact of the drafting of fathers on their families in the U.S. during World War II. Just the thought that their fathers might be drafted was enough to terrify some children but they were eventually to be reasonably comfortable with the idea of their fathers leaving provided that their fathers would be returning soon. Letters were the only contact between men in active duty and their families, and most of these men took every opportunity to write letters home.