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Douglas MacArthur Letter on the Loss of a Soldier

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,000.00 USD
Douglas MacArthur Letter on the Loss of a Soldier
<B>Douglas MacArthur Letter on the Loss of a Soldier at Corregidor</B></I> Very fine content typed letter signed, "Douglas MacArthur", 8" x 10.5", "General Headquarters Army Forces In the Pacific," February 5, 1946 to Arnold L. Atkinson sending his condolences for his son who died in the Philippines. MacArthur writes:,"My deepest sympathy goes to you in the death of your son, Sergeant George Lane Atkinson, who died in action against the enemy. You may have some consolation in the memory that he, along with his comrades-in-arms who died on Bataan and Corregidor and in prison camps, gave his life for his country. It was largely their magnificent courage and sacrifices which stopped the enemy in the Philippines and gave us the time to arm ourselves for our return tot the Philippines and the final defeat of Japan. Their names will be enshrined in our country's glory forever. In your son's death I have lost a gallant comrade and mourn with you." Japanese forces landed on the Philippines on December 8, 1941. MacAurthur concentrated his forces on the Bataan Peninsula but left on orders of the President on March 12, 1942 (vowing "I shall return") leaving General Jonathan M. Wainwright in Commanded of U.S. Forces in the Philippines. Wainwright was forced to surrender U.S. forces to the Japanese on May 6, 1942. He and his men spent the balance of the war in Japanese prison camps. Allied forces liberated the Philippines in late 1944. Light vertical crease otherwise very bright and clean and in excellent condition. A touching, evocative piece of history. <I>From the collection of Bradley O'Leary.</B></I> <I>Accompanied by COA from PSA/DNA.</B></I>