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Earl Fuller was killed in World War
II, at only 24 years of age. Some 50 years after his death, a
rusty-hinged trunk belonging to him was opened. This trunk had
been cared for by his mother and held the memorabilia of his life.
It 
contained everything from his 3rd
grade elementary school achievement certificate, to letters home
just before he was killed. There were pictures, letters, Valentines,
cards from old sweethearts and friends, paycheck stubs, the title
to his 1930 Ford 2D Sedan, and personal belongings sent home after
his death in 1945.
This trunk had been soaked through and through in the Clinchco flood of 1977. But most of Earl's letters home from WWII had miraculously survived. Keep in mind that being some 50 years old, they were very brittle and faded, and some were difficult to transcribe.
When Earl reported for duty on July 26, 1943, he left his mountain farm home behind, and his father and mother Lewis Fuller and Martha Francis Harrison Fuller, three brothers, Robert, Henry and Frank Fuller; four sisters, Alta, Virgie, Marie, and Roxie Mae Fuller. Earl also had five older half brothers and sisters still living, Tolby, Perry, and Floyd Fuller; and his sisters Isabelle and Sarah.
August 21, 1943
Camp Lee, VA
Dear Dad & Family;
How's everybody out home by now? Just
fine I hope. I would like to know how Marie's arm has got by now.
Well this leaves me O.K. We had a dance and beer party here in
camp last night. We 
had a good time. I
saw Wax (WAC) girls last night. They dress in the same color clothes
as we do. I don't know how many wax girls there are here, but
they are several. They was about 200 attended the party, and it
was only one company.
They say this camp is 50 miles square. They are 1,800 boys eat
at the same mess hall I do. I worked on a truck today, and we
must have drove 25 miles on one route and still they was camp
ahead.
We have plenty of work and drilling to do. We are on our feet
about 14 hours a day. We get up at 5:15 most of the time. Some
times at 5:00 o'clock.
They are about 2 boys that I know in my barrack. We have a pretty
good time here anyway, even if we do have to drill hard. I saw
about 250 prisoners. Some were white and some colored. They wore
dark green clothes with a big white "P" painted on each
??? and one on their back. I expect we will leave here some time
next week, or either be assigned here one.
I saw Bill Harrison twice this week. Avin Rose, Wineford Mullins
and some more boys I knew came in today, but they are in Co. B
- different from mine. I heard Clyde E. was here, but I haven't
saw him yet. Earl Deel's boy is here ??? Me and him is together
all the time. Harold C.'s bunk and my bunk is beside each other.
Boon S. is in the same Co., but a different barrack. I see him
nearly everyday.
Well, I had better close for I will have to be on guard duty tonight
until midnight.
As Always,
Earl
August 24, 1943
A Postcard from Camp Lee, VA
Hello Dad & Family;
How's everybody? I am O.K. I am leaving here today the 23rd. I
will write you all later. I think it will be about a four day
trip, but don't know where I will go. N.C. Deel is with me.
As Always,
Earl
Sunday, August 28, 1943
Camp Adair, Oregon
Dear Dad & Family;
I am sending you all my insurance papers. Be sure and put them
in a safe place. It would be allright to lock them in my trunk.
Is everybody well at home now? I hope Marie's arm is better. I
am well and getting along pretty good. I have gained about 7 pounds
since I left home.
I sent you all a letter by air mail. I guess you have already
got it, so I will close.
You all write me a line soon. Tell Alta and Virgie to be good.
As Always,
Earl
Monday night, September 13th, 1943
Camp Adair, Oregon
Dear Sis;
How are you girls by now? Fine I hope. Is Dad, Mother and all
the rest well? How is Bob? Is he flirting with any girls now?
I am well and mending like a pig in the pen. Ho. Say, you all
send me about 2 or 3 of those coat hangers, and a pack of Gillette
razor blades - double edge blades. They are out of them here,
and I can't go to town now. I've just got one more blade, and
the clerk said they didn't know when they would have any.
Have you all ever got any money from the government yet? They
are some say their wives have already got paid, and they haven't.
I got it today. Well, I'll sign off. Write as often as you can.
From Your Brother,
Earl
September 15, 1943
Camp Adair, Oregon
Dear Folks At Home;
I will write you all a line or two. How are all of you by now?
Fine I hope. I am well and O.K., but really tired. I went to the
Orderly Room a few minutes ago and turned in my paper for allotment
to you all. I just got them back yesterday. But, I didn't have
time to turn them in yesterday. The 1st Sergeant wasn't in tonight,
so I left them with the Buck Sergeant. I'll know more about it
tomorrow. If they don't think you all will get some money soon,
I'll take it up with the Red Cross. I haven't got to sign the
payroll yet, but I think I'll get it straight before long. If
I don't, I am going to be in a bad shape for cigarettes.
My basic training started Monday, and I really getting plenty
drilling. I'll be a good man when I get through this basic training,
or I won't be in the Army one. I hope I'll be able to stand it.
They are some boys fall out though nearly everyday. I haven't
had to fall out at all so far. I am getting acquainted with the
officers and men pretty good now.
Is it raining much out there now? It hasn't rained but just a
little bit one time since we have been here. It is really clear
here, but part of the time it is a real dark, foggy time. It gets
so foggy you don't see to tell who anyone is 20 steps away. Dad,
it is just 85 miles from here to Portland, Oregon. I guess you
have heard Elige Counts speak of Portland. I haven't been out
of camp since I've been here.
Well, I'll close for now as I have to be on my feet so much. Anyway,
I am on my feet 12 or 16 hours everyday.
With best wishes. Answer soon and often.
Earl
Saturday Night, September 18, 1943
Camp Adair, Oregon
Dear Folks At Home;
I'll answer your letter I received
yesterday. I was glad to hear all of you was well and getting
along good. I am well and O.K., except kind of sore from those
hikes I've been taking. I went on a hike Thursday morning at 7
o'clock and got in at 15 minutes after 12. We got up the next
morning at 5 o'clock and went out again at 7 o'clock. We got back
in at 7 Friday evening.
Is your cow getting along good? And have you all ever got my watch
fixed? I would have it fixed if you haven't, for it will ruin
that way.
Dad how do you think the war is looking now? I don't hear so much
news. We have two radios in the barracks, but I don't have much
time to listen at the news. But it don't look like it will last
long. I hope it won't. I haven't heard from those papers I turned
in yet about the allotment.
That place on my back has got sore again from carrying that pack.
I'll have to have something done about it Monday.
You tell Lem Perrigan that I am between Albancy and Carvalas.
Ask him which one of those places Lloyd Cantrell is in. Remember,
Albany and Carvalas.
Tell Virgie I received you all's letter and ??? you all sent to
Camp Lee. I got several letters from people after I got here that
had been sent to Camp Lee. They just changed the address and sent
them on here.
Well, I will close with best wishes to you all. Answer soon.
From Earl
P.S. Tell Alta and Virgie and Bob to write.
September 20, 1943
Camp Adair, Oregon
Dear Dad & Family;
I will write you all again. I hope this finds you all well and
getting along good. Well, I am O.K., except I have another abscess
beside my ear like I had before. The Sergeant told me to go on
sick call in the morning. I guess they will lance it, and maybe
give me something for my blood to stop them.
Dad, I have gained 16 pounds since I left home. It must really
be a healthy place out here. I weigh 156 pounds now. I think they
have got my payroll messed up some way. I should have signed it
two weeks ago. I have been called to the Orderly Room to sign
twice, but my name wasn't on the book to sign. All of them that
come in when I did got $5.00 after they signed the payroll. I
seen the Lieutenant the other day. He said I would get it straight,
but said it would take some time. So I don't know just when I
will get any money. But not until I get to sign the payroll though,
I know.
Do you guess you all could get me about 3 cartons of cigarettes
at Cowan Edwards' and have them charged. And I'll send you all
the money back as soon as I get payed. I believe Cowan would do
that. But if you can't, just let it go. I don't won't you all
to get in any hard place. I would rather do without cigarettes
than for you all to need something. But if you can get them like
that, it won't hurt you all - only the trip down there. If you
can get them, send them as soon as you get them. I would already
have been out if Perry had not sent me that $2.00. It seems pretty
bad for me to be broke and can't even buy my cigarettes for I
always had a little money to buy what I wanted when I was at home.
But maybe I'll be allright when I get started to draw my money.
I hate to ask you all to do this, but looks like I have to do
something.
I have turned my papers in. I think you all will draw some money
before long. Dad, are they any meal around home now? But, I guess
you all will soon have plenty of corn ripe enough to grind at
home. I haven't ate any corn bread in so long I wouldn't know
what it tastes like now for we never see any here. Well, I will
close hoping to see you all before long. Answer soon. Best wishes
to you all.
From Earl
P.S. Get Camel Cigarettes if you get them.
(The following letter from Lewis to
Earl was found among Earl's personal belongings returned after
his death.)
September 26, 1943
Tenso, VA
From Lewis Fuller
P.S. I don't know whether you can read this or not. I wrote it in the night. I can't see good by a lamp. We thought we would write you a few lines and put it in your package.
January 1, 1943
Camp Adair, Oregon
Earl
P.S. Dad, I'll write you if I get
my furlough on that date. Dad the sugar will be in the journal,
and I'm sending the coffee in this letter. So long for now.
December 19, 1944
V-Mail from overseas
Dear Mom & Dad;
Just a few lines to say hello and let you hear I'm well and O.K.
Hope veryone is well and O.K.
I went through the battle of ??? It was pretty rugged for me.
I saw some good Japs, but they were dead, ha ha.
Tell everybody hello for me. I would like to see you all. So long,
and write often.
Your Son,
Earl Fuller
Note: Earl Fuller was killed May 7, 1945 in the conquest of Okinawa, which was the last major battle of the war. The battle began in the Ryukyus Island Chain, which includes the island of Okinawa. Invasion began on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945, under the command of Lt. Gen. Simon B. Buckner, Jr., who also lost his life in this campaign. Japanese resistence on the island did not end until June 21. During the intense ground fighting, the Allies suffered 49,000 casualites, and more than 109,000 Japanese were killed.
No. 8 29 GOV. WASHINGTON, D.C.
3:08 PM.
JUNE 19, 1945
MRS. MARTHA FULLER
TENSO, VA.
VIA CLINTWOOD, VA.
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON PFC. FULLER EARL WAS KILLED IN ACTION OKINAWA SEVEN MAY 45 CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS.
J. A. ULIO
THE ADJUTANT GENERAL
IN REPLY REFER TO:
AG 201 Fuller, Earl
PC-OA065 June 20, 1945
Mrs. Martha F. Fuller
Tenso, Virginia
Dear Mrs. Fuller:
Sincerely yours,
J. A. Ulio
Major General
The Adjutant General of the Army
1 Enclosure
WD Pamphlet No. 20-15
APO 77 c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, California
20 July 1945
Mrs. Martha F. Fuller
Tenso, Virginia
Dear Mrs. Fuller,
It is with deep regret that I write
this letter concerning the death of your son, Private First Class
Earl Fuller, in the course of battle for Okinawa, Ryukyus Islands.
I realize there is very little I can say to lessen your grief
at this 
irreparable loss.
In the battle near Awacha, Okinawa, during an attack on a desperately
held enemy position, Private Fuller, while performing his duties
as automatic rifleman was in the lead of his squad where he could
bring full fire power to bear on the enemy. He was wounded when
enemy artillery shells landed nearby, and died without regaining
consciousness.
His courage and coolness while under fire and the aggressive manner
in which he always performed his duties was an inspiration to
all of us.
Your son was buried in grave 228, row 7, plot 1, in the United
States Cemetery on Okinawa, Ryukyus Islands. His burial was conducted
in a military manner and the Catholic Chaplain officiated at his
services.
As his Commanding Officer, I wish to express the deepest sympathy
of all the officers and men of his company. His passing was a
personal tragedy to all who knew him. We all lost a good man and
an excellent soldier.
Sincerely Yours,
William B. Cooper
Captain, 307th Infantry
OFFICE OF THE CHAPLAIN
HQ 307TH INFANTRY
APO 77 c/o Postmaster
San Francisco, Calif.,
10 September 1945
Dear Mrs. Fuller:
Some weeks ago, you received an official
letter of condolence from your son's Company Commander explaining
the details and circumstances of his heroic death.
Spiritually, I want to inform you that I believe Earl was fully
prepared to meet his God. Prior to entering combat I offered Masses
and gave the men ample time to receive Confession and Holy Communion.
During combat I offered Mass where ever possible and gave the
men General Absolution and Viactium both night and day, therefore
I feel sure he took advantage of the opportunity. During combat
a soldier keeps close to God.
Enclosed you will find a picture of the 77th Infantry Division
Cemetery on Okinawa, R.I., where he is buried in Grave #228, Row
7, Plot 1, in which I thought you might like a copy of.
May I express to you my deepest sympathy in your great loss. May
Our Blessed Mother comfort you and his loved ones.
God bless you. Pray for us.
With deepest sympathy,
DANIEL J. HUNT
Ch(Capt) 307th INF Regt
Catholic Priest.
(Note: Nearly nine years later Earl's body was moved to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, for eternal rest on American soil.)
5, February 1954
Mr. Lewis Fuller
Tenso, Virginia
Dear Mr. Fuller:
A photograph of the grave of your
loved one, Private First Class Earl Fuller, 33655227, in the National
Memorial 
Cemetery
of the Pacific, Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii, and a descriptive
folder containing a brief history of the cemetery are enclosed.
The National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific is one of the most beautiful of our national cemeteries. Provision has been made to assure that it will be maintained and cared for in a manner befitting the last resting place of our honored dead.
JOHN D. MARTZ, JR.
Colonel, QMC
Chief, Memorial Division
The Obituary of Earl Fuller, written by his father, Lewis Fuller, for inclusion in the Minute Book of the Sandlick Baptist Church.
It is with a sad and aching heart that I attempt to write a short obituary of my son Earl Fuller. He was born July 18, 1920. He died May 7, 1945, making his stay here on earth 24 years, 9 months, 11 days.
Leaving Father and Mother, four whole sisters and three whole brothers. Earl was a good boy who stayed home and worked for his father and mother and little children until he was called away by the government. He had to leave his home on August 16, 1943, never got to come home but one time in his training.
The last church he ever was at was this church, that was while he was in the United States. He wrote me for one of the song books like Reane and the Primitive Baptist used. He said it might be pleasure to him in the spare hours he had to read, so I sent it to him and he never lived to get it. We received it back after his death.
The last letter I ever received from him was April 27, 1945. He wrote and said, "Dad I am well as far as health, but am tired and exhausted over the two hard battles just gone through." And said, "If the Lord had of not been with me, I would of not been around today."
He got killed May the 7th, 1945. We hope our great loss was his eternal gain.
Lewis Fuller
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