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AMPUTEE APOLOGIZES THAT HE CANNOT RETURN TO DUTY


(courtesy of Rob Gawal)

WARD 17
PERCY JONES GENERAL HOSPITAL
BATTLE CREEK MICHIGAN

Sept. 14, 1944

Dear Sir:

     I am very glad to hear that you are back.  I wrote to Cpl Clyde Devers. The letter was sent back to me.  On the envelope it has MISSING and had your signature. I am sorry to hear that. I hope Capt Diggers [sic, s/b Driggers] got back all right.

     Sir, I was in the Bazooka Sec. after the jump but haven't seen any body I know.  Could you tell me who all in the Bazooka Sec. got back.   I am anxious to know.

     I was a replacement.  I was assigned to the 508th in April.  I am sorry to say I can't be back with the Co. 508th is a good outfit.  I had my right leg taken off 6 in. from the hip. I have been back in the States 1 month.

     Sir is there any chance of you sending me my jump suit.  It is in my duffle bag.  They had to cut my clothes off me.  I would appreciate it if you could send it.  I would like to know how Lt. Curewell Curwell [s/b Gurwell] made out.

Sincerely Yours

/s/ Pvt Alvin L. Richmond

NOTES: 
  1. Pvt Richmond was transferred from FFRD (Field Force Replacement Depot) #8 to Hq Hq on 31 March 1944. 
    1. He was listed as seriously wounded in action on 8 June 1944 and was evacuated to the 94th General Hospital (location unknown). 
    2. Based on his own statement, Pvt Richmond was transferred to the Percy Jones General Hospital in Battle Creek, MI sometime in August 1944. 
    3. The hospital's location may have been inconvenient for Pfc Richmond's family as he was from West Virginia but the facility apparently specialized in amputee treatment.
  2. Pfc Clyde Devers was captured on D-Day and held as a POW
  3. Capt Driggers was seriously wounded on D-Day and was evacuated.  He did not return to the regiment.
  4. Lt Gurwell was wounded on 9 June 44 and evacuated to the 93rd General Hospital.  He returned to duty on 24 July 44,
  5. Battle Creek was, and still is, home to a number of cereal manufacturing plants.  General Foods company provided stationary to the hospital with a large footnote listing all their products knowing that every letter sent home was free advertising.

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