Company “G” 26th Inf.
A.P.O. No. 1, N.Y.C., N. Y.
Mrs. Louise M. Johnson
256 Cloverdale Road
Montgomery, Ala.
My Dear Mrs. Johnson:
You have already been officially informed by the War Department that your husband, William D. Johnson, Jr., 34945847, was killed in action on 17 April 1945 in the vicinity of Schierke, Germany. Your husband is buried in an American Cemetery near Ittenbach, Germany. A Protestant chaplain officiated at an appropriate burial.
At 0700 hours on the morning of 17 April 1945 it the mission of your husband’s company to attack on foot in the vicinity of Schierke, Germany. As the attack progressed cross-country our forces encountered fanatical resistance from snipers and enemy riflemen. As another measure of resistance to halt our advance, terrific artillery barrages were laid down on our positions. It was during this bitter fighting that your husband, heroically performing his duties as acting squad leader, was shot and killed by an enemy rifleman. As his Commanding officer, I want to assure you that he died as a soldier, fighting on the field of battle against the enemies of our country. He was killed instantly with no suffering or lingering pain.
His presence in the line was always an inspiration to his comrades, and they miss him deeply. Through me, his commander, all men of his unit wish to extend their sympathy to you in your bereavement, and t assure you that his death was not without purpose, but that he made a real contribution to the final victory over the enemy.
Very sincerely,
Beason B. Walker
Capt. 26 Infantry
Commanding