Letter, General Edward Witsell to Winona Abbott

December 1950
Document

A letter from United States Army General Edward Witsell to Winona Abbott. Witsell follows up on his telegram alerting Mrs. Abbott that her husband, Robert Abbott, had been reported “Missing in Action” since November 27, 1950. The letter explains what will happen next, in terms of an ongoing search for Major Abbott and the continuation of benefits for his family.

Letter, General Edward Witsell to Winona Abbott

In Reply Refer To
AGPS-0 201 Abbott Robert N.
(4 Dec 1950) 3685

Mrs. Winona C. Abbott
504 West Brighton Avenue
Syracuse, New York

Dear Mrs. Abbott:

I regret that I must confirm my recent telegram in which you were
informed that your husband, Major Robert N. Abbott, 0-12855369, Infantry,
has been reported missing in action in Korea since 27 November 1950.

I know that added distress is caused by the failure to receive more
information or details. Therefore, I wish to assure you that at any
time additional information is received it will be transmitted to you
without delay.

The term “missing in action” is used only to indicate that the
whereabouts or status of an individual is not immediately known. It is
not intended to convey the impression that the case is closed. I wish
to emphasize that every effort is exerted continuously to clear up the
status of our personnel. Under battle conditions this is a difficult
task as you must readily realize. Experience has shown that many per-
sons reported missing in action are subsequently reported as returned
to duty or being hospitalized for injuries.

In order to relieve financial worry on the part of the dependents
of military personnel being carried in a missing in action status,
Congress enacted legislation which continues the pay, allowances and
allotments of such persons until their status is definitely established.

Permit me to extend to you my heartfelt sympathy during this period
of uncertainty.

Sincerely Yours,

1 Inclosure                                     Edward F. Witsell
Bulletin of Information                    Major General, USA
The Adjutant General of the Army

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  • 1950s