NOTE: Red is inserted by Website Admin and not part of the original letter. Names in brackets are correct spelling.
March 30, 1946
Dear Ray (Hornbuckle):
I sure was surprised and glad to receive your letter. I have wondered how I could get in touch with you, as
I realized there were things you would like to know about our gang.
Ray, there were so few of us left. I cannot believe yet that it is true. That men we learned to know
and like so well had to die such a hard way. It was hell to see men give up all hopes of being rescued.
And many men did just that; others went crazy, and that was a very terrible sight to see and remember.
Ray, I along with the men that were saved was so very lucky. God spared us. Can we ever repay him I wonder.
I along with 175 men spent five days and nights in a kapok life jacket. Of the 175 men I was with, we only
had 62 saved. Men of our old gang who were with me were
Strain,
Schollter,
Righter,
John Wallace,
Kozik,
Rothman,
Dean,
Shorty Cane,
all these men died out there. Lederman, Aulschuler, Kenley, and myself were saved. We were picked and
taken to Peleliu by the Cecil B. Doyle.
Other fellows were taken to Samar. We were all moved to Guam later, where we learned about what happened
to others in our groups. Their hell was just as bad as ours.
Groce
died in Tommy Reid's arms, he knew he was going.
Condon
was killed outright, as were a couple of new
men.
Heggie
was trapped in the aft mark 28. By the way, his mother died in the last of October from a broken heart.
Ray, I wish I had good news I could give you about
E. J. Wallace
but there is not. He died in the same group that
Groce did.
I know it must have been a terrible shock to his wife and family. One thing I cannot
forget is that
Strain,
Schollter,
Righter,
Wallace and
Kozik
died the last day before we were rescued.
That sure was a bad thing. Sure hurt me, because we sure stuck together out there, prayed together and
hoped together. The first few days we kidded one another and talked a lot about home. Well, Ray, I will
close for this time, realizing there is much more to tell you, but will leave it to later. Excuse my
writing, Ray, I am a little nervous yet, but I will be OK. And I do get pretty blue when I write about
these fellows. About the men you would like information on.
Ray, write and I will do my best to tell you. . .I will try to answer any questions you might ask. So long
for this time.
Your old shipmate and friend. Kenny Mitchell
I am sure this list will bring a tear to your eyes like it does mine.
Men Who Died:
Saved:
| Jerkawitz - not spelled right Jerk | |
| Underwood | Anders |
| Lederman | Kenley |
| Ault | Gettleman |
| Aulschuler | Rogers |
| Reid | Mitchell |
, Tom Brokaw, 2001, Random House. Pages 213-216; ISBN 0-375-50581-4
