Never far from her thoughts was the fate of her brother, Herbert. It had been several months since he was first reported MIA and still no word. Harriette wasn't about to accept that. "A young lieutenant friend of mine requisitioned a jeep and we drove up toward Cassino where the 36th Division was encamped.
I remember it was cold and damp, a miserable day. We parked the jeep near Headquarters and the Lieutenant went inside to check with the C.O. about casualty and MIA reports. I was really worried and nervous. While I was sitting in the jeep, I saw this man walking on the muddy road coming toward me. He had his arm in a sling and as he got closer, I just couldn't believe my eyes ­ it was my brother! I practically fell out of the jeep getting out ­ we grabbed each other and held on for dear life ­ couldn't say a word, just crying and hugging. I still get chills to this day thinking about that moment."

Herbert had been wounded and cut off behind German lines. Eventually, he worked his way back to the 36th Division and, with Harriette's help, he was transferred to a general hospital for treatment and rehabilitation. But the war was over for Herbert and he was sent back to the States because of his injuries. For Harriette, too, the war was almost over. After a 16-month tour of duty, she was finally rotated stateside for duty in Miami.