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Letter - Hartle to Marshall, 1942
30 December 1942
General George C. Marshall
Chief of Staff
United States Army
Washington, D. C.
My Dear General Marshall:
I wish to express my sincere thanks for your Holiday Greetings and the kind thoughts expressed therein. It, together with a highly appreciated note from Mrs. Marshall, helped tremendously in making me realize that it was Christmas time despite the fact that its celebration was without the holiday normally associated therewith.
The Prime Minister, planning to be at Chequers on Christmas day, gave me an appointment at 1:00 P.M., December 24th, at No. 10 Downing. With several of my Staff officers and Captain Davenport present, I, at that time and place, presented him with the “World” which he thoroughly enjoyed. In fact, if I may so express it, he acted like a small boy with a new toy, pushing it around on its pedestal and glowing with admiration and appreciation. We toasted your thoughtfulness and all of its significance.
After some delay in finding a photographer the Prime Minister had a picture taken of himself and me admiring the Globe, but due to the absence of a flash, I doubt that the pictures were satisfactory. If they were, I shall provide you with copy thereby confirming my observation of the Prime Minister’s appreciation and reaction. Nothing could have pleased him more.
Work here is progressing nicely with the Eighth Air Force taking every advantage of the weather for its productive operations and the ground forces striving to develop along amphibious lines. Needless to say, everyone is highly elated over the North African success. A few more of that type and the “end of the beginning” will be reversed.
With much appreciation of your constant thoughtfulness and with my kindest personal regards to Mrs. Marshall and yourself, I am,
Most sincerely.
R. P. Hartle
Major General, U. S. Army
wcrh014
Russell Hartle
Washington County Free Library
This is a True Copy letter by LCH, presumable Lucile Clark Hartle. The location of the original is unknown.
1942-12-30
Western Maryland Room, Washington County Free Library
United States. Army, Biography; World War, 1939-1945, United States; Hartle, Russell P.
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