Letter, General Edward Witsell to Winona Abbott

May 10, 1951
Document

A letter from United States Army General Edward Witsell to Winona Abbott, informing her that there has been no change in her husband, Robert Abbott’s, “Missing in Action” status. Witsell encourages Mrs. Abbott to send his office copies of any documents that claim to have knowledge of her husband. Robert Abbott was not confirmed as a POW in the Korean War until December 1951.

Letter, General Edward Witsell to Winona Abbott

In Reply Refer To
AGPS-0 201 Abbott Robert N.
(10 May 1951) 01285369

Mrs. Winona M. Abbott
6 Aldern Place
Rochester 13, New York

Dear Mrs. Abbott:

I am writing you concerning your husband, Major Robert N. Abbott, who
has been missing in action since 27 November 1950.

It distresses me to inform you that no report of any change in his
status has yet been received. If at the expiration of twelve months a
missing person has not been accounted for, all available information
regarding the circumstances attending his disappearance is carefully
considered under the provisions of Public Law 490, 77th Congress, as
amended, and a determination of his status is made. Occasionally rela-
tives and friends of a missing person receive personal communications
from individuals who indicate that they have personal knowledge of the
whereabouts or fate of the missing person. If you have received any
such communications, and will send them, or photostatic copies of them,
to this office, it will be greatly appreciated. After their review they
will be returned to you if you so desire. However, it is requested that
you not send such items as newspaper pictures, clippings, or information
from persons who do not have personal knowledge of the circumstances, as
none of these contribute to the efforts of the Department.

The Department of the Army is mindful of the anguish you have so
long endured and you may rest assured that, without any further request
on your part, you will be advised promptly if any additional information
concerning your loved one is received. Should it become necessary to
establish his status in accordance with the provisions of the law cited,
you will be notified of the findings shortly after the expiration of the
twelve months’ absence.

You have my heartfelt sympathy in your anxiety and it is my earnest
hope that the fortitude which has sustained you in the past will continue
through this distressing period of uncertainty.

Sincerely Yours,
Edward F. Witsell
Major General, USA
The Adjutant General of the Army

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Decades

  • 1950s