William Rasche Jr-Letters within a family

Through this lesson, suggested activities, assessments, and primary sources, students have a chance to follow the decision-making process of one young Milwaukee man, William Rasche, as he ponders leaving college to serve in WWII. His letters illustrate his doubts and frustrations with school and his parents and his confidence in his decision to join the Merchant Marine, which would ultimately lead to his death. The lesson includes correspondence from his father after his son’s death and his commitment to establishing a war memorial in Milwaukee to honor his son and the 2,640 other service members from Milwaukee County who didn’t survive WWII. This lesson should follow an introductory lesson on World War II.