My mothers first DH was killed in Italy April 1945, two weeks before the end. My mom was widow at 24 with 2 kids under 5. She said she knew he was gone when the daily letters quit coming. She said It was 3 weeks from the last letter until the military officials showed up at the door. My Uncle Leo was shot down over Germany and was a POW. My Uncle Jack was one of 40 something survivors out hundreds of men. Both Uncles rarely, if ever talked about their experiences. My brother and brother-in-law are veterans of Viet Nam. I have 2 Uncles that are Vets of the Korean war. My moms family was thankful and proud that all her 4 sons/brothers came home safe from the wars.