Wartime Love Story

When Mary arrived at UNH for her sophomore year, she found the campus teeming with soldiers like Bill. The two met when he “cut in” at a dance in Durham; soon they were engaged and writing letters almost daily. He wrote on Sept. 29, 1944: “Dearest Lovelyone, … Our love is so unique, so great, so uncommon that nothing can withstand it … I’m just existing until the day when at last we are married and never have to part.

Meanwhile, Mary was working toward her bachelor’s in English at UNH, while also studying history and French (her grandfather had been a professor of French at UNH from 1918-1924). She enjoyed figure skating, music and hiking, and was a member of the Outing Club and the Glee Club.

The dreams my father shared with my mother came true: He returned and married her, earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree, and became a high school teacher specializing in African history, a subject dear to his heart. Teaching allowed him the free time to write. His first novel “Fire Mission” was about the war. He continued to write almost every day throughout his long life. “The Sands of Kalahari” became a Paramount picture in 1965. He also frequently wrote a column for the Sag Harbor Express newspaper. Mary worked as head of the proofreading department for a chain of Long Island newspapers, from age of 46 to 77 — she also provided proofreading, editing and typing support for Bill’s manuscripts.

My mom Mary is now 99 years old, and she brightens as I read her the tender words she cherished so very long ago. I am moved beyond measure; I never could have appreciated my parents’ sacrifices and the depth of their love as I do now, having at last read the beloved letters, wrapped ever so tenderly in delicate white ribbons. Ready to die at any moment to liberate Europe from fascism and to defend democracy with his own precious young life, his heart was overflowing anyway with love and promise. Mary waited and waited, as they wrote back and forth every day that they possibly could while she finished college and prayed in her deepest heart for his survival.

They were married for 58 years; he always said their relationship was one of the greatest love stories of all time. Now I truly believe it.

Are you celebrating a milestone anniversary soon or just getting back from your honeymoon? Whether you’ve been together for five years or 50 years, we’d love to hear your Wildcat love story. Email us at alumni.editor@unh.edu with some info and a photo, and we’ll include you in an upcoming edition!