Phil Wood's Letters
Letter #83
Such Strong Faith In People
From 1Lt. Frederic A. Stott
To Margretta Wood
Late 1944
[Undated]
Dear Mrs. Wood,
I am so glad that my letter has arrived and that it is so welcome. As you know I thought as much of Phil as any man that I have ever known. And I was not alone in that feeling! I am sorry you have had so little direct word – it’s due to casualties among friends, distances involved, and censorship which prohibits such letters until we have been assured that the next of kin have notification.
I would that I could do something concerning the government and the pension.[1] Maybe time will eventually result in some action, and I know how Phil would feel, though he would never grieve in public. He had such strong faith in people and in their ultimate goodness.
Sgt. Ervin’s wife’s address is:
Mrs. Odina Ervin
644 West Avenue
Los Angeles 28–Calif.[2]
I should like to hear from either you or Phil’s sister whenever you would like to write. And when and if I return, be assured that I shall come see you.
Yours,
Fred Stott
Footnotes
[1] Like all servicemen, Phil had a $10,000 life insurance policy. It sounds like Margretta may have had some difficulties with the red tape, although this is not known for certain.
[2] After hearing of Sergeant Arthur Ervin’s sacrifice, Margaretta wrote to several officers to obtain Odina’s address. She doubtless sent a letter; whether she received a reply is unknown.
Coming soon.