HEADQUARTERS
FAR EAST COMMAND
APO 500
CHIEF OF STAFF
1 MAY 1953
My Dear Miss Wilson:
I am an aide de camp to the Chief of Staff Far East Command, but have until 2 weeks ago been serving with your friend John C. Beechler, 1st. Lt. Artillery, in the 39th Artillery Bn. in the 3rd. Division in Korea.
As you know, he has been rather extensively wounded and will be hospitalized for a sizable period. I have been to visit him twice in the past few days, and wish to assure you (as I have also done his grandmother, Mrs. Denniss) that he is resting in as much comfort, safety, care, and treatment as is possible to imagine.
Having been a patient in the very same bed, room & ward of Tokyo Army Hospital myself, I talked to the medical officers in care of John and he has a most optimist outlook. It is hoped to save John’s both eyes, and he will, I am most hopeful, have a total recovery.
I feel you deserve to know that even before the heroic action in which John received these wounds, he demonstrated himself at all times highly competent and creditable officer and man in every way. I myself, as assistant operations officer, was especially fond of him, and - as I told him to his embarrassment - considered him The red hot Lieutenant of that red hot battalion.
But his performance on the night of his action both before his being severely hurt and -- more especially and heroically-afterwards -- are the kind of things you read about.
Please do not worry unduly about him, but rather take comfort that he is receiving the most superb care both professionally and for his welfare, that is obtainable. But more rewarding still, be assured that he has by his service proved himself as fine and gallant an officer as one ever is privileged to meet.
I sail for the States tomorrow and will unfortunately not be in a position to help or watch over him further. But I look forward to seeing him (and I hope yourself) again someday. Until then, God bless you both and bring you soon together.
Major
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