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Tuesday Night Dear Mrs. Sturgeon: I'll admit I was surprised but very glad to hear from you. I have often wished that I had Norman's home address so I could write and tell what I can, because I know that you all would like to know just what happened-but I didn't have the street address until I got this letter from you yesterday. And I wish I could help you with the other boys' home addresses, but I can't. I do know the cities they live are from - but I haven't the street number. The mail has been coming thru to us badly lately and that's the reason for my not getting your letter sooner. I hope this one reaches you sooner cause I know you are anxious to learn what you can. And may I take time out here to say that Norman was one of the best boys I have ever know[n] - he was tops in every way - and his death was a shock to me. Altho I had only known him about five months - but when you live with someone - you get to know them pretty well. He was well liked by everyone in the squadron - and the best pilot they had too. Now about the accident we were starting on our third mission and crashed just after take-off. I remember very little about what happened but I'll always believe it was material failure that caused us to crash. I'm sure it wasn't Norman's fault. We had to make an instrument take off that morning and I believe the instruments weren't working properly. Thre of us - Lt. Root, the bombardier; Sgt. Heatherberr the engineer, and myself were thrown clear - the others were killed instantly. They are buried here in England in a Military Cemetery. I wanted to go to the servies, but was in the hopsital at the time. I have been to serves there - and they nice - and it is very pretty place. It is near Cambridge. I don't know if Norman told you or not - but we lost our bombardier-Sgt. Schuengel on our second mission. He too is buried there. The Lt. Root I mentioned above was filling in for him. There is only two of our original crew left - and Sgt. Heatherberry is in the States now. Since my release from thehospital here, I have been working in group operations - so it loos as if I'll have to stay 'til it's over. But when I do get back and if I possibly can, I'll come to see you all. I can tell you lots more than I can put down here. I am well- and hope I can hold this job for the duration. I have often thought why things like that accident have to happen - and why we three were spared instead of the others - but answers to such questions will never be known. I know his death was a great shock to you all - and I hope this letter doesnt open old wounds. If there's anything else I can tell you - anything that I can possibly do, please feel free to call on my at anytime. I do hope this letter helps straighten up a few of the facts - and if there's something I've left out - please write again. Wishing you all a much happier New Year than the past. I was about to forget this - my home address is as follows: [ omitted ], Union City, Tenn. Wish I could help you with the other fellows addresses and if I do find out any of them I'll surely let you know. Love to you all, |