Orr, John Irwin Jr. LT
121151

(one letter for both Lt Jenney and Lt Orr)

IN REPLY REFER TO
NO. ______________

NAVAL TRAINING SCHOOL (TACTICAL RADAR)
HOLLYWOOD BEACH HOTEL
HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA

28 August 1945.

Captain Charles B. McVay, III, U.S. Navy,
Bureau of Naval Personnel,
Room 4030,
Navy Department,
Washington 25, D.C.

Dear Captain McVay:

You will no doubt not remember me from my address but you will undoubtedly remember "Pickles," Admiral Hart's quarter- master in Manila and China.

Was extremely sorry to hear of your recent misfortune and have just recently gone through one with the loss of the U.S.S. COOPER myself-the reason for my being here on Hollywood at present on the staff.

A shipmate of mine, Lieutenant Jack I. Orr, Jr., a survivor of the COOPER, was serving in your ship, also a staff member from Hollywood, Lieutenant Charles I. Jenney. Would greatly, appreciate it if you have someone who would drop me a note regarding them as I know you will be far too busy to do it yourself.

We are all happy to see this thing over. I am presently submitting the long and tedious application to retain my commission and hope to have the pleasure of serving with you at some later date.

Very respectfully,
Ralph N. Pickles.

()One McVay letter for both Lt Jenney and Lt Orr)

Pers-8249-mjw

3 October 1945

Ralph W. Pickles Naval Training School (Tactical Radar) Hollywood Beach Hotel Hollywood, Florida

Dear Pickles:

Your letter of 28 August 1945 concerning Lieutenant Jenney and Lieutenant Orr has just been brought to my attention.

Lieutenant Orr had the mid-watch as officer of the deck - I talked with him shortly after the explosions occurred and so far as I know he went down with the ship.

Lieutenant Jenney was probably killed instantly as his room was in the path of one of the explosions.

Both of these men were fine officers and their loss will be keenly felt.

Very sincerely,

CHAS. B. MCVAY, III Captain, U. S. Navy