Letter to Doolittle from Hap Arnold

HQ ARMY AIR FORCES

Office of the Commanding General

Washington, 25, DC

Paris

Tuesday, April 10 - 45

LT General J. H. Doolittle

Commanding General,

Eighth Air Force,

APO 634

My Dear Jimmy:

I regret exceedingly that I cannot get to London and see you and some of the units in your command for I have been looking forward to such a visit for a long time. Perhaps at a later date I may be able to make it.

I want to express to you and to every man in your command - yes, and every woman two - my admiration and respect for their contribution toward winning this war. Every day that passes - every critical point captured, brings forth the extent of their contribution. Every mile our troops advance into Germany brings into clearer relief the devastation of German Industries, transportation and other military objectives which is in a large measure due to their efforts, their courage and their perseverance.

Every industrial city bears the Eighth Air Force's mark - and what a mark. The everlasting gratitude of our country - our Allies and of our own Army Air Forces - is deservedly yours.

Godspeed you all in the final operations to complete your task.

Sincerely,

/s/ H. H. Arnold

1st Ind. G-A-12

HQ EIGHT AIR FORCE, APO 634, 15 April 1945.

TO: Commanding Officers, All Organizations, Eight Air Force.

It is very gratifying to the Commanding General to receive the above letter from General Arnold, and it is his desire to congratulate all members of the Eighth Air Force for a job well done.

/s/ Emil C. Kiel

/t/ EMIL C. KIEL

Brigadier General, U. S. A.

Deputy Comdr for Administration

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