Nurse Ruth Beery: Correspondence with Next of Kin (Letter 6)
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321 Elder St.
Council Bluffs, Ia.
Feb 21, 1946
Dear Captain Berry:-
Thank you so much
for your kind letter stating
that my husband, Lt. Jerry A
Madden was cared for in a
hospital. You said that you
could give me no more information
than I have received – which
was nothing but May 13, 1944
in Italy – . Somehow your
letter makes me feel that
you know something more. At
least something prompted you
to write – could you tell me
what? I have a feeling that
something has been withheld
that I should or would
like to know.
Somethings seem uncanny -
for instance – Our boy was born
on the 20th of February, 1943 -
Jerry landed in Italy Feb 20, 1944.
And your letter – the first I have
had of the type for a long time -
received Feb 20, 1946. And on top
of that I sensed the letter before
it arrived. Don’t misjudge me
as one who believes of mystics
and the like but too many peculiar
things have happened. Jerry’s ring
came back on his father’s birthday -
and his clothes arrived at the house
on his sister’s birthday.
If you know anything
more about Jerry or if you
were with him would you
let me know. I think it only
fair that his children should
know all they can of him. I
have two – Jerry Jr. who was
three yesterday and Patricia
who was born in July after
the notice of Jerry’s death. Yet
they don’t know what they have
lost but someday they must
know as much as I can tell them.
If you do know nothing
more will you please write
me as to why you wrote the
first letter? Was it prompted
by inquiries by Jerry’s father?
Mr. Madden hasn’t been able
to accept the lack of information
which we have received.
Thank you again for your
kind note.
Sincerely,
Lucille Madden
[envelope marked "ans"]
Box/Folder: 33/009