Finding Aid for the Ann Volk Second World War correspondence 2017.324.w.rd

Contributing Institution: Center for American War Letters Archives

Title: Ann Volk Second World War correspondence

Creator: Langerholc, Philip

Creator: Langerholc, Larry

source: Beaven, Phyllis

Identifier/Call Number: 2017.324.w.rd

Physical Description: 0.08 Linear feet (1 folder)

Date (inclusive): 1943 September 16 - October 5

Abstract: This collection contains letters and a funeral card from SSgt. Philip Langerholc and Sgt. Larry Langerholc to their sister Ann Volk during the Second World War.

Language of Material: English .

Container: WWII 20

Container: 9

Container: 1

This collection is open for research.

Gift of Phyllis Beaven.

This collection is arranged by author and date.

As given by the donor, who is the daughter of Ann Volk, the sister of both Philip and Larry, "Staff Sgt. Philip Langerholc: Born in Johnstown, PA and graduated from Johnstown High School. He was a marine in World War II and was 19 years old when he was killed in action at Guadal Canal [sic] on September 21, 1943, just 5 days after he sent a letter to my mother. The … letter .. was addressed to my mother, Mrs. John (Ann) Volk, and my dad. It was dated September 16, 1943, and postmarked the next day. A few days later he was killed in action at Guadal Canal [sic] … Sgt. Larry Langerholc: Born in West Newton, PA. He graduated from Johnstown High School, Johnstown, PA. He volunteered for the Army in 1941. He landed in France on VE Day. He spent time in post-war Germany. Upon an honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to Johnstown, PA, where he lived for the rest of his life. He married and fathered 4 children… The… letter… was addressed to my mother (his sister), Mrs. John (Ann) Volk. It was dated October 5, 1943. He had recently learned that his brother, Philip, was killed in action in September 1943."

[Item title, Box number, Folder number], Ann Volk Second World War correspondence (2017.324.w.r), Center for American War Letters Archives, Chapman University, CA.

This collection is available online in Chapman University's Digital Commons: https://digitalcommons.chapman.edu/avolk_correspondence

This collection contains two letters written to Ann Volk from her brothers Staff Sergeant Philip Langerholc and Sergeant Larry Langerholc during the Second World War. The collection also contains a funeral card from Philip with a picture of him on the back. Enscribed on the funeral card is, "In Memory of S. Sgt. Phillip Langerholc Born May 25, 1923 Killed in action September 21, 1943 'He gave his life for his country; his memory will live forever.' Meek Funeral Home Johnstown, PA." The first letter of the collection was written by Philip to Ann. On the envelope there is a message that seems to have been written at a later date that reads, "Last letter re'd from Phil. Killed in action telegram rec'd Sept 30." In this letter, dated September 17, 1943, Philip talks about how happy he was to receive letters from Ann and Fran saying that although they were nice letters, "just to see the envelopes was enough to make me happy." He talks about how he has not heard from Rudy and that he does not write enough but surmises that " I sometimes wonder how in the world I can ever find anything to write about my self." He ends his letter by writing these sullen words: "Please don't worry about my being in action. Cause I'm not (not exactly anyway). All I see is a few bombs dropped now and then. Those Japs sure are pests – all they do is keep us awake all nite." Philip died a few days after this letter was written, on September 21, 1943 at the Battle of Guadalcanal. In the envelope along with this letter was the previously mentioned funeral card. The second letter from this collection is written by Larry to Ann and Larry discusses Philip's death. He writes, "I'm sure you and Juel are taking it ok but I'm really worried about Mother. All she would talk about while I was home on furlough was about him, and wishing he could be home too. I was looking forward to his home-coming too, and was planning on coming home on furlough when he did. But that is war, and it can't be helped. He did his share I'm sure but I do wish he could have had his furlough." He also talks about how helpless people feel during this time, with a woman named Pauline (relationship unknown), "Said she knows she should try to help if she can but doesn't know what to do about it. I'm sure I don't know either." He also writes how worried he is for his mother, "I think that Mother shouldn't be alone for a while, at least till she gets some of the grief out of her system. I'm glad I'm not home. I couldn't do anything to help, and it would just make me more miserable to be around a lot of crying. Juel wrote me about Mother having all of Phil's pictures in front of her and crying. Gosh! I'd give anything for her not to have to go thru that. How is Dad taking it? I guess he's ok cause he's a man, but poor Mom." He also tells Ann that he will not write Rudy, who is mentioned in Philip's letter but their relationship is unknown saying, "Maybe its best he finds out for himself, when he gets one of Phil's letters back. Which reminds me, I'll be getting one back too. I didn't even get to thank him for the wedding gift."

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