[Received July 5, 1918]
32 Squadron
B.E.F.
France
11th June 1918
Dear Mr. Hooper:
Your son did not return from patrol on the morning of the 10th of June 1918.
He was leading a patrol and the pilots who were with him have no definite information. He was seen to go down very slowly and might only be wounded.
The Germans were making an attack and the patrol were shooting up the troops from a very low altitude and doing most excellent work under his leadership.
The short time that he was in this Squadron he proved himself to be exceedingly brave and a good leader. He will be a great loss to the flying corps, U.S. flying corps and especially this Squadron at the present time.
He would have been with me only a few weeks longer, as I should have sent him, as a flight Commander to the U.S. Flying Corps.
In the mess he was one of the most popular officers and will be greatly missed and I only wish that I had more like him. This whole squadron and myself wish to send you their deepest sympathy and only hope that he is a prisoner in German hands being well cared for.
Yours Very sincerely,
J. C. Russell, Major.
D.C. 32 Squadron.