A Thank You Letter My Grandfather Received After Serving In The Army Air Corps During World War II
When my grandfather was returning from World War II to civilian life in November 1945 he managed to accumulate a bunch of ribbons and medals during his years in the service. He was quick to put the war behind him, discarding much, except for a few precious possessions.
My grandfather saved some photographs of his fellow soldiers and all the correspondence exchanged to and from my grandmother.
Recently I was going through his things and I was a bit surprised that he saved what appears to be a form letter of sorts.
General Fay R Upthegrove
The short letter is personally addressed to my grandfather from Brigadier General Fay R. Upthegrove (that is quite a name).
But I would think that every soldier serving under General Upthegrove received this letter. Maybe not.
The General
General Upthegrove took command in June 1942 of the 99th Bomb Group at Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz., taking it to Gowen Field, Idaho, Sioux City, Iowa, and then to North Africa in January 1943. A year later he assumed command of the 304th Bomb Wing, 15th Air Force, in Italy.
Returning to the United States in August 1945, General Upthegrove assumed command of the 76th Flying Training Wing at Smyrna Field, Tenn., and at the time that this letter was written, General Upthegrove was commander at the flying training school at Maxwell Field.
Regardless that it is a form letter, my grandfather felt it was something worth saving. He never showed it to me.
Maybe it was special to him because many of the soldiers he trained and served with did not come back from the war.
The letter is beautifully written. And the sentiments expressed feel genuine and patriotic.
Re-reading the letter today I only wish all Americans were united in the belief that war is horrible. Yet, liberty is one of the things worth fighting… and sometimes dying for.
Memorial Day and Independence Day are not three day breaks for shopping and vacations. Veterans Day on November 11 is not a meaningless quasi-holiday. Each serves a purpose. Those days are set aside to remind all Americans of an intrinsic truth.
That for over 250 years before you or I got here, there are millions who have served and in many cases died to preserve freedom and the United States.
The Letter
Here is the letter with full text below and above the image of the original. I have redacted my grandfather’s name for privacy reasons.
HEADQUARTERS
ARMY AIR FORCES EASTERN FLYING TRAINING COMMAND
MAXWELL FIELD, ALABAMA
12 November 1945
Dear Mr. *****
Upon the occasion of your return to civilian life, I wish
to express my personal appreciation for the services you have
rendered the Army Air Forces.
Your contribution toward the victory for which we fought,
and which, after almost four long and trying years, we so
recently won, has earned the undying gratitude of our country.
The personal sacrifices you have made and your unselfish
devotion to duty are beyond material repayment. In its stead,
a grateful nation offers you its earnest thanks and the opportunity
to build, upon the victory you so valiantly helped to
achieve, a peace that will bless our country and all mankind.
I hope, in the years to come, you will cherish the associations
you have made while a member of the Army Air Forces.
Our experiences in a great many respects have been the same.
They, and the cause for which we fought, form a bond between
us that time will not easily erase.
God speed you home and the best of good fortune in the
peaceful years ahead.
Sincerely yours,
FAY R. UPTHEGROVE
Brigadier General. USA
Commanding
