Batenhorst, Wilfred John MM3c
357 11 63

October 7, 1945 Wildorado Tex

Please let us know at once. We must know account of the application for Death Gratuity.

Dear Sir,

Am writing you a few lines first to thank you very much for the nice letter you wrote us inn regard to our Dear Son Wilfred John Batenhorst who lost his life on the U.S.S. Indianapolis July 30. Now will you please solve this problem for us.

Was he a 2/c Machinist Mate or a 3/c MM.

He had a diploma when he was home on his second last leave last fall nearly 1 yr. ago showing he was 2/c MM. and didn't get his rating as such for nearly 10 mo's [sic] or so later. If I remember right this certificate or diploma whichever it was was issued him June 10 - 1944 He also was a Petty Officer I think 2/c. But he wrote us first a short time before this happened that he had rec'd his rating of M.M. 2/c. so that is what his last address to us was.

But when you and the Navy Dept. write to use concerning him you write M. M. 3/c. Will you please let us know which is right since would like to know. Thanking you. Yours Truly, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Batenhorst

Pers-8249-LK

October 13, 1945

My dear Mr. and Mrs. Batenhorst,

Your letter of October 7, 1945, concerning your son, Wilfred John Batenhorst, reach me today.

I have checked John's service record and also the crew list, and find that he is carried on both as a Machinist's Mate third class. What I believe must have happened was that he wrote you that he had passed the required examinations for the next higher rate; and expected to be advanced very shortly however, since men were only rated as of the first of each month, he would not actually have been advanced to the rating of Machinist's Mate second class until August 1st.

The diploma you speak of is probably the certificate that is issued each man when he has successfully completed a Bureau of Naval personnel rating course. This, however, does not entitle a man to advancement, It is only one of the requirements, he must also pass an examination.

I am very sorry I cannot write more favorable news.

Again may I express my deepest sympathy to you.

Very sincerely,
CHAS. B. McVay, III
Captain, U. S. Navy

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Batenhorst
Box 52
Wildorado, Texas