Page 93 - Family History

Family Stories

Backie’s Award

6 October 1945

Dear June,

Every officer on the ship salutes you with a respect that they accord only a

few. With courage and a love that is supreme over pain, you have seen fit to

comfort us. With Backie, we too, take pride in you and in David Scott. Your

spirit, your understanding and resolution have humbled us and show us again that

quality which we don’t have but secretly adore with awe in our wives and

mothers. There is sadness and pathos in life but you have shown us that courage

can transcend them. We’re proud of you, June and grateful.

Backie evidently was saving the story of his medal so that he could tell you in

person. He was and should be proud of this award but I know that its real value

to him would be the pride and love in your eyes as he told you. The plaudits of

the world are nothing compared to the appreciation of your wife and babies. I wish

that I could see you and tell you not only that story but more in person. I had

intended to but we returned to San Francisco and now I’m heading east with a

draft of separatees. Your country is God’s country and so someday I plan to see

you again, you and your son.

But I would like to tell you now of Backie’s award – for you and for David.

On March 1, 1945 the Indiana was cruising with the Task Group some one

hundred and twenty miles southeast of Okinawa. Our carrier planes were

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