Esc. N. 124. Secteur 24, June 26, 1916.
Dear Mamma,—Oliver Wolcott, who has been cantoned near by with the American Ambulance, is going home to serve with the militia and is to take this letter with him.
No news of Freddy this past week. The training is so thorough at these aviation schools that he risks but little while there. Probably he won’t get to the front for another month.
Poor Victor Chapman! He had been missing for a week and we knew there was only a very remote chance that he was a prisoner. He was of tremendous assistance to me in getting together the Escadrille. His heart was in it to make ours as good as any on the front. Victor was as brave as a lion and sometimes he was almost too courageous,—attacking German machines whenever and wherever he saw them, regardless of the chances against him. I have written to Mr. Chapman—a rather difficult letter to write to a heart-broken father. Victor was killed while attacking an aeroplane that was coming against Lufberry and me. Another unaccounted for German came up and brought Victor down while he was endeavoring to protect us. A glorious death—face à l’ennemi and for a great cause and to save a friend!
Your affectionate son,
Norman.
Escadrille N. 124, Secteur 24, June 29, 1916.
Dear Mamma,—Enclosed is a photograph of Victor Chapman and myself, taken two days before his death. It is a print of what is probably the last photograph taken of him. I have sent one to Mr. Chapman.