The Letters of Roy J. Diehl (Jay Roy Diehl)

From 1917-1919, Roy J. Diehl, a railroad worker from Pennsylvania, wrote a series of letters to Stella Custer, his future wife, while he was enlisted in the 281st Aero Squadron. Most published letter collections consist of letters penned by men of education, rank, or fame. Roy J. Diehl was neither highly educated, highly ranked, nor famous, but his letters provide an interesting and valuable look at the life of an ordinary enlisted man, untainted by the notion that he may be writing to a wide audience or that anything beyond his relationship with Stella, his future betrothed, rests on what he says. Still, his letters display the usual characteristics of war-time correspondence; Sergeant Diehl omits potentially sensitive information about activities in his Squadron, treats probably disgusting or horrific situations with a certain amount of nonchalance, speaks in cliches of patriotism, and continually thinks of movement and distance.

April 12, 2010

Claysburg, PA November 18, 1917

In his very first letter to Stella, Roy seems unsure of himself, saying that he isn't sure she'll be happy to hear from him and that he's a "very poor letter writer." He is very polite, beginning with "Miss Custer" and ending with "May I expect a reply?"

Dear Miss Custer:

I may be presuming too much in thinking you might perhaps be pleased to hear from me and of Claysburg, but I sincerely [hope] you will, at least, not be offended. I should have asked your permission to write but I did not get back from my trip last Sunday evening as I expected to do. In time to say "Good-bye and may I write." I did get back before the train left but you folks had already gone to the station. Ethel told me I should write and I wanted to do so all last week but I am a very poor letter writer as you will learn after reading this and so did not get started until this evening.Today was a dry Sunday after spending the last so pleasantly. All the folks at the house were away this afternoon except Sylvia, Mr. Gardner I and I slept until time to start on my trip. How is your friend, Miss Marian? Give her my best regards and I hope I may see you both soon again.William tells me he enjoyed the music immensely. I too must thank you. May I expect a reply?

Roy Diehl

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