Author Bungay discovers the story of a wounded American airman during World War II

Earl G Thurman grew up in Georgia, USA before enlisting in the 82nd Airborne Division

Andy Garner Black and white photo of Private First Class Earl G. Thurman of the United States 82nd Airborne Division during World War II. He is wearing a garrison cap. — Earl G Thurman grew up in Georgia, USA before enlisting in the 82nd Airborne Division

The story of an American airman who was wounded in Arnhem in 1944 was rediscovered after sending a box of letters and photos to a World War II enthusiast.

Andy Garner, 60, from Bungay, Suffolk, has written a book about Private Earl G. Thurman, who was parachuted into the Netherlands during the ill-fated Operation Market Garden.

Garner discovered these letters in a box of souvenirs he received from the United States, but didn’t understand the whole story until he started transcribing them in 2022.

He said it was “an honor to have these letters” and wrote the book to “remember these people forever.”

His letters were discovered in the US and sent to Andy Garner along with other memorabilia

Andy Garner A letter written in a flowing font, in blue ink, on light brown paper. It is addressed to Dear Daddy and dated March 21, 1943, written by Earl Thurman to his father and describing his life in the US Army. — His letters were discovered in the US and sent to Andy Garner along with other memorabilia

Garner said he was struck by the contrast in Pte Thurman’s writing before and after the injury

Andy Garner A letter written in pencil and dated October 25, 1944. It is addressed to Dear Mother and is written with careful blocking of the letters. It was written by Earl Thurman to his mother after an injury. — Garner said he was struck by the contrast in Pte Thurman’s writing before and after the injury

The box contained not only Pte Thurman’s letters and photos, but also his Red Cross bag, a telegram sent to his parents regarding his injury, and a medical badge pinned to his shirt as he returned to England for treatment.

Garner said: “His mom was told he was ‘slightly injured’ but some of his fingers had to be amputated and he had a pretty bad stomach wound.”

Pte Thurman survived but spent months in various hospitals.

The box also contained a telegram sent to Pte Thurman’s mother informing her that he had been “slightly injured”

Andy Garner Close-up of the Western Union telegram sent to Mrs. Launatt G. Thurman informing her that her son had been slightly wounded in action. Its background is brown and the font is written in capital letters — The box also contained a telegram sent to Pte Thurman’s mother informing her that he had been “slightly injured”

He was transported back to England from the Netherlands with a tag tied to his clothes describing his wounds

Andy Garner A whitish medical envelope containing a list of Earl Thurman's injuries, including information about a chest wound and the amputation of his index finger — He was transported back to England from the Netherlands with a tag tied to his clothes describing his wounds

Garner researched the airman’s background and discovered that he had grown up in East Point, Georgia, before enlisting in the 82nd Airborne Division in June 1942.

In 1943 he was in the UK, living near Nottingham, and his letters to his mother, Launette Glass Thurman, show that he was “captivated by the beauty of the English countryside, the people and even the local dialects,” Garner said.

At the age of 20, everything changed when Pte Thurman took part in the largest airborne operation in history.

Garman said he wants to make sure the stories of World War II military personnel are recorded

Andy Garner Earl Thurman garrison hats. One is dark brown with blue trim in the center. The second one is light brown with blue trim in the middle. Both are folded flat and lengthwise — Garman said he wants to make sure the stories of World War II military personnel are recorded

Mr. Garner’s interest in American war personnel first emerged when he attended the unveiling of the 446 Bomb Group monument in Bungay 20 years ago. known as “Bungay Buckaroos”.

“American veterans and relatives participated, and every year since I was there I put up a poppy cross,” the mechanic said.

“And every year I took photos of the memorial and posted them on social media for the 446 relatives who couldn’t come.”

As a result, Anne-Marie Brown contacted him from the United States and sent him a box of souvenirs she had collected from second-hand clothing and antique stores.

Garner self-published “All American Letters Home” by Private First Class Earl G. Thurman and is currently working on another set of letters featuring the interwoven stories of two American soldiers.

“It’s about memory, whether it’s written in a book or online, their story will be written forever,” he said.