Bernie's story

Margie and I spent time today going through a packet of letters and photographs concerning her brother Bernie’s death in Arkansas when he was training to be a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces. I’ve transcribed his last letter (handwritten, unsigned) and a paragraph of the letter of the same date (typed, signed) from his commanding officer.

7-3-43

Dear Folks,

Right now I’m just waiting to go up for my second night flight. I’m sure glad tomorrow is Saturday. At least we’ll be able to sleep a little and make up for lost time. Grandma’s letter sure was nice, thanks for sending it.

We had some nice cool weather here for the last few days, but tonight the heat has moved in again and with a bang. At least it’ll be nice and cool while we’re flying.

I just got a letter from my friend Nat who I took the C.P.T. course with at home. He got through his primary O.K. and he was sent to a basic school in Georgia.

That’s all for now, I’ll write again in the morning.


3 July 1943

[Condolences].…Your son was killed in line of duty in an airplane accident in the vicinity of Newport Army Air Field. At the time of his death he was alone in the airplane, undergoing local night flying transition training. Within a period of minutes and without prior warning, small clouds formed in the vicinity of Newport Army Air Field and all students were ordered to land at once. In accordance with the account of the Aviation Cadet who was to follow him in, your son was last seen making a shallow descending turn preparatory to landing. It is believed he became confused and by not referring to his instruments, was unaware of his low altitude and at the same time lost his visual horizon. The airplane flew into the ground at a slight angle of descent, and your son was instantly killed in the crash.

I have instructed….


The main is a photo of Bernie, one of Margie (16 when Bernie died) with their dog Snubby, and Bernie’s last letter. Extras are a photo of Bernie in uniform and the letter from the officer; a photo of their mother (who Margie perceived as fierce and frightening); and a professional portrait of Margie (at right, the youngest) with her sister Helen and Bernie.