The following is a translation of a letter written during World War II.
My Dearest Mother,
I was just handed your much anticipated letters today. It took quite a while. From now on don’t expect any more letters from me and don’t send me any letters.
The Russians are planning something, and we will hold out to the very end. This was the solemn oath we swore to uphold. On November 14th I sent you 105 Pengő (currency), use it to buy little Ági (Agatha) a handkerchief. I hope my younger brother Pista will manfully assume my place in the family. I leave him my pocket watch.
For you my dearest mother, I can only give you my eternal love and last smile. I love you unconditionally!
It’s terribly cold here. I’m sitting next to my machine gun and my hands are freezing to the empty mess kit.
I know that by the time you receive this letter I will not feel cold and my hunger will subside.
We are going to die here. Please don’t be mad at me.
I kiss your hands:
Your loyal son, Joseph
January 11, 1943 Russia
vitéz József Bányai was a machine gunner platoon leader NCO who died a hero’s death a few days after the impending Soviet offensive at the Don river. As commander of his platoon v. Bányai stayed behind as the last man to defend his comrades and save their lives.
The Hungarian Second Army, as almost all of the armies protecting the flanks of the German Sixth Army, was annihilated when the Soviets launched Operation Uranus, Operation Saturn, and Operation Little Saturn.
Eternal honor for our heroes!
This is the link to the letter in Hungarian.
