letter
Catalog Number
2022.30.20Description
Letter, hand-written, one page, sent to Herbert Chapman March 10, 1943. Written by his father Rex Chapman. Tragically, Herbert died in a plane crash one month later."Dear Boy of mine,
As you fly on high through the clouds and the sunshine way up in the sky. May your eye be keen and your judgement clear. Your hand always steady. Your heart free from fear. As we here at home wait daily to see you words of courage, love and good cheer.
We want you to know that each moment that passes our prayers and our love to you ever flashes."
History
Herbert E. Chapman was born July 15, 1919 in Holland MI. to Rexford and Wealthia Chapman. He graduated from Holland High in 1937 where he was class valedictorian.In June of 1941 Herbert graduated from Michigan State College ROTC, He became survey officer of the 160th field artillery before his promotion to intelligence officer at artillery headquarters in Texas in 1942.
Herbert passed away unexpectedly on April 11, 1943 in Lynchburg, Virginia when the military plane he was riding in crashed. The plane took off from a liaison field near Camp Pickett, VA to observe field artillery placements.
Herbert's funeral was the first military funeral of WW2 held in Holland, MI (Holland Sentinel front page, 4-14-1943). He was buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Holland, MI.