World War II was not always about guts, glory and heroics. It was about the men and women who, without hesitation, answered their country's call to arms. It was about orders, good buddies, lonely hours, fear of a faceless enemy, and an intense desire to make it back home. 190 Letters: A Soldier's Story of World War II tells how one soldier, through his letters, made the life of an Army infantryman become real to his family, eased their fears for his safety and kept them hopeful for his eminent return home. With obvious pride, Elvin Ball often regaled his family with innumerable tales of his service in World War II. Inspired by his father's service and courage in the face of combat, Monte Ball offers readers a real glimpse of war through one soldier's eyes. Through Elvin's letters, readers of all generations will gain a deeper appreciation for anyone in the military whose sacrifices ensure and protect our great liberty. Elvin's story mirrors those of countless soldiers, all of which testify to the endurance of the human spirit. Though their lives may not have been particularly glamorous, their actions—facing various hardships and even death for their beloved country—were heroic and should never be forgotten. From April 18, 1941 to June 13, 1945, Elvin dutifully wrote his parents 190 letters. These letters relate every soldier's longing for home and the hope of going home that so often preserved them.