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It
is very hard for me to yet realize this has actually happened
- and after the "big job" is done. Dendy was part of my
life out here that I cannot explain - and I cannot get
him out of my mind. I'll always remember as he was out
here - he was always happy-go-lucky - full of enthusiasm
- and for me, it was a new but deep friendship that I'll
always cherish. Be proud of him - & try to be brave in
his memory of real courage. They don't come any better
- or braver - he was a dear friend - & a man.
Dendy
was a good pilot too - they made the flight to Korea &
back that Sunday - for a "show of airpower" - 18 hrs non-stop.
Back at North Field that nite, Dendy made the landing
- his first at nite - and they told me it was perfect.
I
think that you should know that his papers for 2nd Lt
came thru the morning he left - he was to be sworn in
that day.
I
know that there is no such thing as consolation for you
- but want to say this, in my deep sympathy & small share
in your suffering: After 13 missions over Japan, Dendy
had a real - more than average - personal share in the
victory that is ours, the living. And it is now up to
us not to waste it. At least too, he lived to see the
fruits of his courage - the end of the war.
Although
it is impossible to seek an explanation of why this happened
now & to Dendy - I want you to know that I will never
believe in "fate" in any of its forms - & that this accident
was just that - an accident, no more - yes that probably
could have been prevented, but wasn't. It was perhaps
a chance in a hundred - but the wrong one out of 99 others
- which could have more easily happened when I flew over
Rota that day but didn't.
But
it does make me believe more firmly something that a great
poet once wrote - that "the good go first, the bad linger
on to plague us" I guess that's why it didn't happen to
No. 33 over Rota that day. Of all the friends that I have
lost in the war - is my best friends that are gone.
I'll
be back in the states as early as the middle of Nov but
not later than Xmas I believe, & if there is any more
of my knowledge of the accident that you will want me
to share with you then - please ask me.
My
heart breaks for you - & somehow I feel strangely close
to you in sharing at least a small share of your great
loss. So if there is ever anything that I can do - or
can be to you - please let me - .
With
love & sympathy,
Bob
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