My letter to my Uncle Al, KIA, 1944 over Europe
Dear Uncle Al,
I never knew you, but I can never forget you.
I keep your picture hanging in our home for all to see. I made copies and gave one to each of my sons...that same picture of you as a young man adorned in your Army Air Corps uniform so they can keep them and nerver forget. I hope they take it with them through life as I have done...never to forget you or the sacrifice you and your family made for me, and for everyone living in freedom today.
You were my mother's only brother...my maternal grandparents only son.
You were a newly wed with most of your life laying before you.
You were will liked and well thought of by everyone I have ever talked to who knew you personally.
You were just 21 years old when you joined the military on the eve of World War II determined to defend your liberty and the liberties of your family, friends, and nation. You were just 25 years old when you died in 1944 doing just that.
I have often thought of the smile and obvious joy and pride that shines through your eyes in that picture, which is now set into a frame along with the announcement to a mourning wife, parents, sisters, relatives and friends of your death over Europe that year of 1944.
I have read of your death ... of that mission when an 88mm German anti-aircraft projectile exploded in your bomb bay before the bombs could be dropped and caused an explosion that obliterated your aircraft. Of the words from other U.S. personnel in othe B-17s that "no one could have survived"..."no chutes". It was supposed to be your second to last mission...but it turned out to be your last.
I am grateful that you, in all likelihood, at your bombardier station, never felt a thing.
I have tried to imagine the anguish of a father, particularly now that I have sons and daughters of my own...and now that I have grandsons of my own...upon hearing the news that his only son had been taken. Of having no remains for a long time until, years later, some remains were found in a farmer's field there, and returned home to your family.
I know my grandfather was proud of his only boy, the son of a first generation immigrant from Europe whose was willing and ready to fight for his father's new nation...for his own nation...and the freedoms it provided for all.
I know your mother, my grandmother, was proud too, and sorrowful. She loved and missed her son greatly. Your picture was proudly displayed in their home for all to see until they died. It is displayed in my home and and intend that it always will be.
I know how your sisters missed you and loved you. My Mom told me...and showed me.
Most of them are gone now...having joined with you there on the other side of Jordan in the Peaceable Kingdom. My mother, your oldest sister passed in 2012, to join her husband, also a World War II veteran. Your mother and father, four of your five sisters...all have passed on and are with you now. Only your sister, my Aunt Esther, remains. But you have not been forgotten, or they, and the sacrifice. Nor will they be so long as I have breath.
I just wanted to write this to you on Memorial Day, 2014, Uncle Albert...and once again thank you.
I never knew you...but I will never forget you.
...and I look forward to meeting you there when my time comes. To shake your hand, to hug you and thank you in person for the liberty, the life and the experiences that your sacrifice made possible.
If it takes an eternity, I will do the same to every other patriot who honorably died for this great Republic. I know that is where I will find you, there in the Peaceable Kingdom, with all of your comrades.
Your Nephew,
Jeff Head
Idaho, USA
Monday, May 26, 2014
