| dc.description.transcription | Kaufman, Texas March 12th 1943- Dear Mr. & Mrs. Carter, After reading today in the Dallas News that your son is reported missing in action in North African area, I am prompted to write to you because of the similarity of the message we received February tenth that our son Lt. Roy J. Chappell Jr was missing in action in same area_ They each had trained at Ft. Knox, were in Northern Ireland and England, landed in North Africa. I feel sure in same contingent that made the wonderfully successful invasion November seventh or eighth- Rog J. was in Btry C 27th Armd F.Z. Bn_ I believe they knew each other, for ti seems I recall having heard Roy J. speak of him last March while I was visiting him his last week at Ft. KNox, when we were mentioning by name the many Texas boys who were in training there. My heart aches for you as you endure the terrible suspense as you wonder, what when and how, somethign has happened to him! Have fiath, hope and courage to believe you will soon hear better news. We had message monday morning March eighth, two daysless ofa month, since recieving our first message, from Adjutant General Ulio, taht Roy J is a prisoner of war of Italian government and a letter follows. The location of his whereabouts we yet do not know, but are hoping to soon hear so we can write to him. Being a prisoner of war is terrible and I visualize his disgust at being one, he can't fight nor write. But to us, to know he is alive is wonderful news, though we know he is definitely feeling he is being cheated in not being able to help "finish up" the Germans and Italians and return home. We derived much comfort from letters so many people wrote to us, desiring to share our anxiety and to hope with us for news of his safety_ So, we want you to know that our hearts reach out to your to seek to share the burden of the terrible suspense you must endure. Through constant prayer, and renewing faith and courage each day, I was able to carry on from day to day feeling that we must meet tomorrow bravely - however much the heart may ach with loneliness, or deep distress. We must go on. We are thinking of you in your great anxiety and holding every faith and hope that you shall soon hear good news of your son. Sincerely, Mr. & Mrs. Roy J. Chappell (Roy & Neelie Nash Chappell) | |
