WWII Congratulatory Letter
The Secretary of the Navy
Washington
November 21, 1945
My dear Mr. Chastain:
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 you 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 range 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 civilian life. Good luck!
Sincerely yours,
James Forrestal
Mr. Ernst Jackson Chastain
Box 717
Pelly, Texas
E. J. Chastain's Navy School Diploma:
Navy Department, Bureau of Navigation
Service Schools
United States of America
This certifies that
Chastain, Ernest Jackson 624-49-01 Flc
has satisfactorily completed the prescribed course of study at the
Naval Training School (Diesel)
Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois
this 31st day of July 1942
E. A. Wolleson, Captain
M. ?ollenn, U. S. Navy, Commanding
Email: gencheryl@yahoo.com
