Headquarters 486^th Bomb Gp (H)

Office of the Chaplain

APO 559, % Postmaster

New York, N. Y.

 

27 October 1944

 

Mrs. Mabel Jackson

2824 Pillsbury Ave. “S”

Minneapolis, Minn.

 

Dear Mrs. Jackson:

 

          The Commanding General of the Eighth Air Force has asked me to write to you regarding your son, Sgt. John W. Jackson, 37559342, Killed in Action, on 15 Oct. 1944.  My Commanding Officer joins me to offer you the deepest sympathies of our hearts.

 

          Army regulations prohibit my giving you any information pertaining to the action in which your son was killed.  Information relating to the location of his grave will be given by the Quartermaster General, ASF, from Washington, D.C. as soon as military security permits.

 

          I conducted the funeral for your son in a beautiful spot of England.  Many of his friends were there to pay him the honor he so richly deserved.  Then after “Taps” was played, we returned to continue the work your son would have desired of us.

 

          My words of comfort, I am sure, are very inadequate, but I am certain that God can give you the courage and strength that is so needed just now.  If I did not believe that with all the firmness of my soul, I would not be a chaplain to these men who love God and loved ones more than they do life itself.

 

          I pray that God will richly bless you in the trying days of loneliness that you must feel.  Please read and think of Philippians 4:19 for the comfort it will bring you.

 

                                     Sincerely Yours,

                                     [signature]

                                     Robert L. Costner

                                     Chaplain