Vintage Postcard 1946 Soldier Mail Yakima Valley Apple Blossoms Fort Belvoir VA

Social History: Typed by Pvt. John J. Reiser (Serial No. 43030851) to Mrs. Jerome B. Lister in Easton, Maryland while he was stationed at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, in the Reconditioning Service, Ward 44. These units were vital during the final stages of WWII, helping recovering soldiers transition back to their companies:

"Hello: Well how is everybody now? Well everything is about the same here. I am going to leave Reconditioning Co. Monday and go back to my co. I hope to get home this week end. Lots of Love, PETE"

Scene: Titled "Apple Blossom Time in the fertile Yakima Valley," the image shows two women admiring blooming apple trees with a snow-capped mountain in the background, celebrating American agricultural abundance during the war.

The printed text on the back mentions the Victory File, which was a program encouraging soldiers to plan their "first after-war vacation."

Postal History: Features the military "FREE" franking in the stamp box, a special privilege granted by Congress in March 1942 to active-duty personnel, allowing them to send first-class mail without a postage stamp.

Era: Post-WWII

Size: The card is a "mini" version of the standard postcard, measuring approximately 3.25" x 5.25". It was furnished for the "convenience of men and women in the armed services" by the Washington State Department of Conservation and Development. 

Type: lithograph

Condition: Visible creases and corner wear. 

This is an authentic vintage item. Use the zoom tool to inspect the photos for a detailed view of the condition.