Anatoly's journal

Dear journal,
Today May 15, 1943

Hello, I decide I write to you since I have huge chapter of me life ahead of me. My papa and mama are big nationalists. They love Russia. Papa says all the time "my boy, there is nothing i want you to do for me more than become of the army" you need fight for our beloved & precious country. Eventually I was forced by papa and family to join. Two years ago, it was invasion and fall of France. Hitler hoped Britain would agree to settle war. We all had feeling that not happen. So I felt like it was best time to join. Just in case Russia got in something.

Dear journal,
Today May 16, 1943

I forgot to tell you who I am, I might be famous in the future for my journal entries. My name Anatoly Demidov, I am young boy of 19. I live with papa, mama, and pregnant sister. I have finished my school, I not sure I'll be put through college, since I am apart of Russian army now. I've dreamt of moving somewhere else always. I want to experience life outside of my country. Those silly dreams of mine are crushed now. Although I'm going through this and changing my life for my father, he still doesn't have one bit of respect for me. He says that I'm not true Russian and that I will never make it in the army. You probably thinking if I will go safely through the upcoming events. To tell truth, I am scared very much. I will try writing soon.

Dear journal,
Today February 23, 1944

I haven't wrote in long time. I explain now. My sister has brought beautiful baby girl into world. We named her Vania. She is most precious person in my life. I got caught up with Vania past months. The crew I'm with has been getting ready to go into battle, probably next month or after. I'm terrifiedto tell you. I don't want anything happen to my family and young Vania. I love her like my own, I write soon.

Dear journal,
Today May 28, 1944

My general/embassador telling us to be prepared. For what, we don't have clue. It's like he has idea of something happening, We sleep at camp tonightm just in case. Very many things are going through my head right now I dont want to be here. I love my Russian people and country but I'm forcces to risk many things. Hopefully I'm alive to write down my experiences. I share my bunk with boy named Bogdan. I wasn't paying attention his talking of his past and background of his lastname. He is very nice man, says his name means gift from god.

Dear journal,
Today June 7, 1944

Yesterday was worst day of my life. No words can explain what happened. There was so much bloodshed. I'm missing my left arm. Nothing compares to this pain I feel. Yesterday was invasion of Normandy. So many people died and lost life. The U.S and Britain launched the invasion. Said to be the greatest single allied operation of World War 2. This operation was postponed before and final date turned out to be June 6th, 1944. My arm is not there anymore and the left side of my face is is burned very badly. There were 6 divisions who participated in teh initial amphibious assaults. 61.7 miles was the total width of the destruction left from D-Day Operation Overlord. My family was near, I no longer have papa, mama, and sister in my life. No life or family for me here in Russia anymore. Luckily baby Vania was at the neighbors house for the day. I'm planning on taking Vania and moving, far away from these horrid memories.

Dear journal,
Today is November 29, 1944

I'm on boat right now. I'm hoping to call America my new home. I have brought Vania with me. We're going to live in Albany New York.