Letter to Hedley Madgett's mother from and acquaintance in the United States

Letter to Hedley Madgett's mother from and acquaintance in the United States

Letter from Philip B Stapp who was a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserve noting that Rosemary had told him that Hedley was missing. Hedley had stayed with Stapp family in February 1942. Writes that British effort means the United States would not have to intervene this time.

1943-10-05

One page typewritten letter and envelope

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EStappPBMadgettAG431005

U.S. NAVAL AIR STATION
SAN DIEGO. CALIFORNIA
5 October 1943

Dear Mrs. Madgett:
In the mail today I received a letter from Rosemary with the news that Hedley is missing in action.
This brave and intrepid boy deserves a full life and our prayers will be added to yours that he has been able to make a safe descent, even though in the hands of the enemy.
Your son was our guest in our home at Ann Arbor, Michigan in February of last year. He was a fine looking, wholesome clean cut lad with high ideals and he made such a good impression upon us all. He was eager to get to England and in the skies against the Jerries and we all admired his dauntless spirit.
We in America realize how much we owe to your son and the gallant sons of many other British mothers. It is our determination that this time we shall see this thing through to the end that the next generation of our boys do not have to do this again.
We are happy to have known Hedley. He brought an inspiration into our lives when we needed it. His heroism will cause us to redouble our efforts in whatever our tasks may be in this deadly war.
May God strengthen and sustain you.
Sincerely yours,
[signature]
Philip B. Stapp
Lieutenant USNR
[page break]
[front of envelope]
[date stamp]
SAN DIEGO CALIF OCT 6 9.30PM 1943
Mrs, Madgett
127 Longlands Road
Sidcup
Kent,
England
[page break]
[back of envelope]
[underlined] MRS. PHILIP B. STAPP [/underlined]
QUARTERS N, NAVAL AIR STATION, SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA