Posted on 05/27/2013 8:09:35 PM PDT by artichokegrower
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Before Cpl. Thomas "Cotton" Jones was killed by a Japanese sniper in the Central Pacific in 1944, he wrote what he called his "last life request" to anyone who might find his diary: Please give it to Laura Mae Davis, the girl he loved.
Davis did get to read the diary — but not until nearly 70 years later, when she saw it in a display case at the National World War II Museum.
"I didn't have any idea there was a diary in there," said the 90-year-old Mooresville, Ind., woman. She said it brought tears to her eyes.
Laura Mae Davis Burlingame — she married an Army Air Corps man in 1945 — had gone to the New Orleans museum on April 24 looking for a display commemorating the young Marine who had been her high-school sweetheart.
"I figured I'd see pictures of him and the fellows he'd served with and articles about where he served," she said.
She was stunned to find the diary of the 22-year-old machine gunner.
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
Wow. He was so handsome.
So sad. I can only imagine how his then girlfriend now feels after 70 years. Wow. RIP Dear American Patriot.
RIP Cpl Jones, thank you for your service and sacrifice.
What a great piece of our history, preserved.
Thank you for your service and rest in peace, Cpl. Jones.
Adding my respect. What a very beautiful story.
A true patriot.
Here’s the story you posted to me earlier.
Well, a version of it.
We will never forget you & those who died for us
BTW, the New Orleans WWII museum is really a jewel. If you're within day-trip distance or happen to be passing through the area, you won't regret taking the time to see it.
BTTT
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