Father & Son

Earl Brown of Childress, Tex. and his 19-year-old son Jack joined the Marines together. Once Jack was transferred to another company, but he raised such a row they moved him back. He and Pop, who was a veteran of the last war, would serve together or go to the brig together. Together they were in the attack on Kwajalein. It was Jack's first and last action.

Sergeant Earl Brown wrote his wife:

"As I look back on it I think I have expected this all along. Jack and I had the longest visit with each other the last week that we ever had. I will never be sorry I was with him at that time. He did not expect to get back and told me all of the things he wanted done. . . .

"I miss him like hell but we will just have to keep our chins up. We have done that several times together but this time it will be alone for the present. I am sorry that I am not with you, it would help us both, but we have to take life as it comes. . . .

"I know of no other way I would rather die, or my son, than for his country. I have never been able to understand why young people die, I guess I am not supposed to. I have lived to see a good many things that looked bad at the time turn out for the best later. This one I will never be able to see. I had figured on trying to get out after this summer but I will stay for the duration now. I hope and believe you will understand. This is the first time in my life to know what the word hate means. . . .

"I love you and the girls more than ever if that is possible. This I promise, I will be back. You can count on that. Love, Earl."

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