Evening star., 1938-09-22
AIR CH|EF'SL0SS
SHOCKS LEADERS
Roosevelt Sends Message
of OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES,
Craig Cite Service.

- ~'AS~Aso AsSSSc>'SAey A>SSAS "a
War Woodring. Secretary OF the Navy
Swanson and Gen Malin Craig. Army
chief of staff, last night paid high
tribute to Maj. Gen. Oscar West
over, agreeing that his services had
been invaluable and that his loss is
great one to the Nation.
Shortly after the news Of the air
mans crash was carried to Mrs. West
over at her apartment in the Kennedy
Warren. Secretary and Mrs. Woodring
called on her to offer their condolences.
Gen. Westover's body will be brought
back to Washington Immediately for
burial in Arlington National Cemetery,
the War Department announced De-
tails for the funeral and for other
services here have not been completed.
Mrs. Westover and her daughter,
Mrs. Patricia Freudenthal are ex-
pected to remain here until the funeral
arrangements are completed.
Presidents Message.
In a message to Gen. Westover's
widow, the President said:
Il am deeply distressed to learn OF
the sudden death OF your distinguished
husband. He was a gallant soldier-a
true friend-one whose loss neither
the Nation nor his friends can afford
That his death occurred in line OF
duty fails to soften the shock that all
who knew him must suffer tonight be-
cause Of his untimely departure.
In statement issued from his Office
Secretary Woodring said:
THE loss of Maj. Gen. Westover i.
the greatest in the history of the All
Corps. His services and advice were
always invaluable. He has been .
splendid executive and administrator
during the past few years In which
we have been building up the All,
Corps. cannot pay too high a tribute
to his contribution to the national de-
fense. I valued his friendship and
trustworthy counsel on all occasions ;
Secretary Swanson sent the fol-
lowing message to the Secretary Of
War:
1T Is with deep regrets that I have
learned Of the death Of Mai. Gen.
Oscar Westover, chief Of the Army
Air Corps. On behalf of the naval
establishment I wish to express to
you our deep sympathy in the loss
of an officer Of such outstanding
achievements"
Loss Held Irreplaceable.
Gen, Craig made this comment:
THE death of Maj Gen. Westover
is an irreplacable loss to the Air
Corps and Army as a whole. During
the years he was assistant chief and
later chief of the Army Air Corps
he developed that arm until 1t has
become one of the greatest air forces
in the world. More than any other
individual, by reason of his con-
scientious endeavor, his intense loyalty
and clear vision, he has been re-
sponsible for the phenomenal prog.
ress of his branch in the Army Of
the United States. Twill be acutely
conscious of the loss Of Gen. Westover
In the future administration of the
Air Corps as he exemplified the high
est type Of Army officer in ability, in
training and in his remarkable talent
for transcending others in the de-
velopment of the military aiyplane."
Army Loses Great Leader.
Maj. Gen. George Van Horn Moseley
commander Of the 4th Corps Area, said
the Army Air Service had lost its out.
standing leader.
In my opinion the Air Corps owed
more to Gen. Westover than any Other
officer who has ever served in the
corps" Gen. Moseley said.
He inherited serious problems from
his predecessor, all of which have beer
thoroughly solved in the best interest.
of the Air Corps and the Army
"Westover himself was an outstand.
ing character and his passing is . ter.
rible loss to the service"
Assistant Secretary johnson issued
q statement saying:
Gen. Westover, q distinguished sol.
dier and gentleman, was one of the
worlds outstanding authorities on both
heavier and lighter than air aviation
The Army Air Corps made great
strides under his leadership ano
inspiration. He will be greatly
missed. "
+ Gen. Westover was . life trustee o.
the National Geographic Society ane
for years has been prominent In 1t.
council. He took q keen interest II
thn x~s>a pehas na-4nA a~~ - H. ~k>k