Letters from the Book:
| The chapter of
Valor at Polebrook entitled Letters contains 36 letters written and
exchanged by the surviving crew and family members shortly after that
fateful February day. Experience the profound emotion that was shared as
you read word for word the letters that were exchanged over 50
years ago. |
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| In a letter written for Mother's Day of 1943, Walter told his mother what was most important to him, and prophetically acknowledged the ultimate consequence of war. | |||
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"It takes times like these to show a person how much his mother really means to
him.. What this letter is trying to say is that I realize, and have always realized what a wonderful mother I really have.
If it were possible for me to be with you, then it would be a simple matter for me to express myself.
But as it is, words must suffice." "I want to thank you for the countless hours you have spent worrying about my welfare, as well as the years |
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spent in raising me from childhood to the man I am today.
My life has been such that I would not trade one minute of it for anything worldly.
As it has turned out, that you had to raise me in the years foreboding conflict, there is still no regret in my heart.
Now, I see my duty to see this war through to a most successful
conclusion, so that in the days to come my life can be better for it.
When we are together again, God willing, you will realize just how my feelings are towards
you." "If it is my lot to be one of those who suffer the extreme sacrifice, I will be proud to do it if our way of life will continue. It is much better for a man to die for his country and for his God if it is to a successful conclusion so that both the kingdom of God and our country will survive..." "My reason for saying this is to let you know that it is possible that we may never meet again. If this is the case, I just want you to know that regardless of what happens, it is for the best. I wasn't going to mention this, but I might as well pour out everything in my heart." "In closing, let me say that I hope you have a most wonderful Mother's day. A day so nice as to be worthy of a mother like you. May our Lord bestow his richest blessing upon you and keep you until the day when we can spend a memorable reunion day together." With all my love, Mom Your boy, Walter |
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| From Bernice Bartley (Ronald
Bartley's widow) to Mrs. Nelson |
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 Ronald Bartley, while stationed in North Africa. |
April 11, 1944 Underwood, N. Dak |
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| Dear Mrs. Nelson, Was so very glad to receive your letter. There is so very little I can say, but am beginning to realize that God had "other plans" for our boys, and we must do our best and carry on until we meet again. Am enclosing a clipping from the Oakland Tribune as I read it on February 21. I was in California at the time. It is needless to say that for the next ten days I prayed that Sgt. Moore had been transferred to another crew (as so often happens). But then my message came! |
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| I then realized that I
was only trying to push the burden on some other soul, who probably
couldn't have shouldered it, as the Lord has given me strength to do. I am very sorry that I didn't get to meet you folks while you were in Alexandria, but perhaps we shall someday. I too, would like to write to the families of our boys, but have only the addresses of Mrs. Martin, and Mrs. Russell Robinson. Would you be so kind as to send me the others? Would appreciate it deeply. Thinking of you as Dick's mother, I am, Sincerely yours, Bernice Bartley |
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