Hendersin Letters

Mr. and Mrs. Scott Hendersin of Sparta, Wisconsin befriended members of the 100th Infantry Battalion (Separate) while they were stationed at Camp McCoy. Welcoming the soldiers to their home, the Hendersin family offered a rare sense of comfort, warmth, and normalcy to young men far from Hawaiʻi and preparing for combat.

This collection includes letters from many of the soldiers who visited their home during this period. The letters reflect deep gratitude for the Hendersins’ kindness and hospitality. Soldiers wrote of the joy of simple, everyday experiences — sharing meals, attending holiday gatherings, singing songs, and spending time together as if among family. For many, visiting the Hendersin home was a “unique experience,” especially for those encountering farm life and the rhythms of rural Wisconsin for the first time. Beyond these moments of joy, the letters also capture the uncertainty and emotional weight of wartime. Soldiers wrote while awaiting orders, with their future still unknown. Even in these circumstances, their words often returned to appreciation — for the Hendersin family, for friendship, and for the sense of belonging they were given during this brief but meaningful time.

The correspondence also reveals the strong bonds formed between the soldiers and the Hendersin family. Many expressed heartfelt thanks not only for themselves, but on behalf of their fellow soldiers, describing how deeply the experience had affected them. Together, these letters offer a poignant glimpse into the human side of military life —where kindness, connection, and shared humanity provided strength and comfort in the face of uncertainty.

Read more about the Hendersin Family