In 1941 following the attack of Pearl Harbor, Redd was drafted into the U.S. Army and sent to the South Pacific. While stationed there and influenced by the devastating scenes of war in the jungles, he wrote the song, 'Soldier's Last Letter.' 
Recorded first by Ernest Tubb, it became 'an instant national hit,' staying at the top for 4 weeks out of a 7 month stay on the Country charts, and crossing over to the Pop chart Top 20.
Soldier's Last Letter (1944)
Written by Sgt. Henry Stewart (Redd) and Ernest Tubb
Recorded by Ernest Tubb Listen to Song (Vocals - Redd)
The postman delivered a letter
And it filled her old heart full of joy
But she didn't know 'till she read the inside
It was the last one from her darlin' boy.
Dear Mom was the way that it started,
I love you so much it went on
Mom I didn't know that I loved you so
But I'll prove it when this war is won.
I'm writing this down in a trench Mom
Don't scold if it isn't so neat
The way that you did when I was a kid
And I'd come home with mud on my feet
The captain just gave us our orders
And Mom I will carry them through
And I'll finish this letter the first chance I get
But for now I'll just say I love you
The mother's old hands began to tremble
As she fought against tears in her eyes
But they came unashamed for there was no name
And she knew that her darlin had died
That night as she knelt by her bedside
She prayed 'God above hear my plea
Protect all the boys that are fighting this war
And dear God keep America free
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