Smyrna times., 1944-05-18

/ the hrSt OF our 1OrceS 10 see dcllOIli
as it strikes me. I know if it were
not for the Merchant Navy, this
theatre of operations wouldn't be
in operation. We have to depend
on the Merchant Navy for all of
our supplies. I also know that
other theatres of war are very
much in the same position as ours.
They too have to depend on our
Merchant Navy for their supplies.
The boys in the Merchant Navy
are doing a wonderful job. would
gladly share anything l have with
them. They bring the things we
need to bring Victory to the United
Nations cause.
AS ever,
Carroll
Pfc. Carroll F. VanPelt
A. S. N. 324S5218
A. P. o. 637, C Postmaster
New York City, New York
My young friend, Dribbles would
be more than surprised if you had
not written as you did in regards
to the U. S. Merchant Navy, and
those men which makes the move
ment of these ships possible. Car
roll, we are quite sure that both
Dad and Mother will be very proud
to know that you've written in and
expressed your opinions in the
manner that you did. Most people
seem to feel the same way about
the subject of public recognition
for our Boys in the u. S. Mer-
chant Marines. They have, by
their own heroic action, earned the
right to place in our hearts
along with our Boys and Girls in
the Service. Some folks seem to
think that only certain chosen ones
should be worthy of special con-
siderations. This thought is one
that belongs better to the past
than to the present.
An all out war, such as we are
now experiencing, in reality calls
upon everyone to do their bit to-
ward final Victory. Each and
every one should assume their
share of the burden which modern
warfare calls for, since each and
every one has much to lose or gain.
The peoples of this United States
actually seek nothing in the way of
material gain-their gain being to
retain those blessed privileges
which mean so much to all Amer
leans.
Carroll, it is not Dribbles' wish
nor desire to champion the u. S.
Merchant Marine as such. My only
motive in expressing myself on the
Harvey Gardner, Jr., case, was to
attempt to secure justice to all who
deserve the honor and praise of a
grateful nation. God bless this
young sailor, wherever he may be,
and thanks a lot for writing in.
Let's hear from you again before
too long. Sister has been passing
along your address from time to
time while you have been in the
Service. A very nice young lady
we think.
I suppose you are still the great
big Grasshopper. jumping about
from place to place. Well, jump to
it and drop us a ling telling all
your friends all that the censors
will allow to be tod. We're all in
terested to know how you are MAX
ing out overseas.
Smyrna, Delawaer
Dear Dribbles:
1 thought 1 would pass along a
few lines to be printed in your
weekly column.
My son, Sgt. George Langrell,
and his wife were recently home on
a furlough. They enjoyed their
brief visit with us, but said that
Smyrna did not seem like the same
town with SO many of the folks
away in service.
This last trip home made
Georges fourth furlough from Fort
Benning, Georgia. In over two
years of Army service, my son said
that he had only met three Boys
from around here. They were Roy
den Cox, Harry Killen and John
Melvin.
Well, pray that this war will be
over soon, and know that my
prayer is echoed by lots of other
people. Then our Boys can all
come home to us to stay.
I will let you know if any change
of address occurs with George at
some future date.
Yours truly,
Mrs. George Langrell