This is the letter sent to Louise by Lt. Bert Jacobs, David’s platoon commander, informing her of the circumstances of David’s death. David’s mother Ruth sent a copy to Richard (Rip), along with the following hand-written note:
Dearest Richard,
This is the letter from the Lt. who commanded David’s platoon. I think it is a mighty fine tribute to David. I sent one to Macey, thinking he might get in touch with David’s out-fit that way.
Love Mother
____________________________________________
Lt. Bert Jacobs – 01318802
Co. G – 26th Infantry
APO # 1 c/o PO
New York, N.Y.
9 June – 1945
Dear Mrs. Johnson,
I find it particularly hard to write you this letter because David was not only a member of my platoon but a valued friend as well. He was killed during a very fierce battle that we had on 17 April.
Our division was given the task of clearing out the Hartz mountains and on 17 April my platoon was leading the attack when we ran into a whole battalion of Jerries dug in in a large forest. It took the better part of a day to clean them out and the platoon suffered disastrous casualties. At the time he was killed your husband was leading a squad having taken over in place of an injured squad leader.
While I realize that a heroic death can in no way ease your pain, I hope that you will derive some small comfort from his manner of dying. Unfortunately the men that have to do the dirty mean jobs of winning this war never receive the credit which is unfairly showered on the more spectacular exploits of the more glamorous branches of our armed services. In extending you my sincere sympathy I can only add that he rated the highest accolade that one infantry man can say of another, that of being a “good Joe”.
Sincerely
Bert Jacobs.