Letter from Sec. of Navy

My dad passed away earlier this year at age 92. During WW II he was a junior officer aboard the U.S.S. McCracken (APA 198).

Shortly after the war, he--and millions of other Navy vets--received a letter from James Forrestal, then Secretary of the Navy. Yes, it's a form letter, but the content is so heartfelt that I thought some of you might be interested in perusing it.

Here it is:

Dear Ensign XXXXXXXX,

I have addressed this letter to reach you after all the formalities of your separation from active service are completed. I have done so because, without formality, but as clearly as I know how to say it, I want the Navy's pride in you, which it is my privilege to express, to reach into your civil life and to remain with you always.

You have served in the greatest Navy in the world.

It crushed two enemy fleets at once, receiving their surrenders only four months apart.

It brought our land-based airpower within bombing reach of the enemy, and set our ground armies on the beachheads of final victory.

It performed the multitude of tasks necessary to support these military operations.

No other Navy at any time has done so much. For your part in these achievements you deserve to be proud as long as you live. The Nation which you served at a time of crisis will remember you with gratitude.

The best wishes of the Navy go with you into your future life. Good luck!

Sincerely yours,

James Forrestal
Secretary of the Navy