Treasures in My Heart

Paula Freeman was the sweetheart and eventually the wife of Sgt. John Ray, who was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division. He participated in the invasions of Africa and Italy and then was sent into France on D-Day. The inspiration for this story comes from 333 love letters written to Paula by John from January 1941 through June 6, 1944, when he made his fatal jump into Ste. Mere Eglise, France. Using these letters, along with her thoughts, memories, and a diary, Paula has reconstructed a beautiful love story that stirs up memories of World War II and what it was like to send a loved one off to war. Paula was never told how John died. It wasn't until she read Stephen Ambrose's book, "D-Day June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II" that she discovered that her husband was a hero. She learned that John was associated with some of the best trained, most capable, and intelligent men in the world and was defending our country. Paula's goal in writing this book is to tell the world about this brave young man and to give him the honor, respect, and gratitude that is due him.