World War II-dated TLS signed “H. H. Arnold,” one page, 7 x 9, War Department, Commanding General, Army Air Forces letterhead, May 18, 1942. Letter of sympathy to Earnest B. Harris, in full: “It is with deep regret that I have learned of the death of your son, Second Lieutenant John Edward Harris, May 9 1942, in an airplane accident near Hahira, Georgia. Lieutenant Harris established a fine academic and flight record as a flying cadet at Barksdale and Dorr Fields. Later, as a commissioned officer, he displayed an unusual capacity for leadership. He was a young man of high ideals whose fine character won the respect of all who knew him. My deepest sympathy to you and to other members of the family, and if there is anything we can do to help, do not hesitate to call upon us.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Harris was a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Air Corps of the 462 School Squadron. He and his copilot, 2nd Lt. Gresham P. Redden, were killed in the line of duty aboard AT-17 #42-108 in a midair collision with another AT-17 trainer aircraft seven miles northwest of Moody Field, Georgia. The pilots of the other plane—2nd Lt. James H. Harper and 2nd Lt. John W. (Jack) Prinz, Jr.—were also killed.
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