A Gift for Mother

Decorative pillow covers were a favorite choice of souvenirs among soldiers during World War II, and my grandmother received several from her two sons who served in the US military. This one came from the eldest of her three boys, (then) Cpl. James H. (“Hank”) Mills, who later became my father. The package was postmarked “Goldsboro, N.C.” In addition to providing technical training throughout the war, the base had a unit known as the Provisional Overseas Replacement Training Center, intended to prepare officers and enlisted men for overseas duty. Even as he sent his gift, he understood the probability that many months would pass before he saw any of his family again.