CA1307

Letter of condolence from Lt. Col. Hartney re Charlie Rudd
(C. Avis Catalog entry #1307)
(Document ID #308)


Mrs. James C. Rudd,
    916 South 1 st.
        Temple,
            Texas


H. E. Hartney, Lt. Col.
War Department 
Office the Director of the Air Service
Washington

Postmark:
WASHINGTON
D. C.
DEC 20
330 PM
1919

[2 cent stamp]


                                    December 20, 1919

My dear Mrs. Rudd,
    On my return to the city today I was deeply grieved to learn of your son's death in an aeroplane accident last month.
    I am writing to tell you how kind and helpful he was to me at Reno Nevada on the recent transcontinental test when he was stationed there and I had the pleasure of making his acquaintance on passing through in my plane.  His energy and thoughtfulness made my short forced soujourn there pleasant when it would otherwise have been so tedious.  
    His loss so sudden and unexpected will be terrible for you; to the air service it will be inestimable, and to his friends, of whom I am proud to have called myself one it will be irreplaceable.  Let us hope that the memory of his life so lived and thoughtful of others will help you bear this great sacrificed you have been called upon to take.  With deepest sympathy, I am 

            Yours Sincerely,
                Harold E. Hartley
                    Lt. Col. Air Service