COLONEL DARRELL G. WELCH - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/05/2004 - HFSID 308780

DARRELL G. WELCH
The World War II fighter ace explains why he fought in that war, and likens Hitler to Saddam Hussein.
Autograph Letter signed: "Darrell G. Welch/Col. USAF Ret", 2 pages, 8½x11. No place, 2004 January 4. To "Dear Lori, Carleton, Gunnar Thomas, Evan & Luke", in full: "I am sending you a picture of me made while I was in North Africa, and a biography which the American Fighter Aces uses to give to new members of 'Friends of the Aces'. [Items not included.] You asked about 'why we have to go to war at times'. There is no question that war is terrible and has caused much suffering throughout man's history. Man has always prayed for Peace. However peace without freedom is incomplete. World War II, 'my war', was fought to stop a tyrant who was intent on ruling the world. Hitler had to be stopped. I volunteered for the Army Air Corps to do my part in bringing about that end. Saddam Hussein is today's Hitler. Both have killed many of their own citizens, as well as invading neighboring countries. Appeasing tyrants does not lead to peace. Chamberlain tried it with Hitler. The USA & UN tried it with Hussein. I will always choose Peace over War, but the peace must be with freedom! Lori, I salute your efforts as a parent. May you all have a happy 2004! Yours truly". Army Air Force ace Darrell G. Welch scored five victories fighting in the Mediterranean Theater of World War II with the 27th Fighter Squadron, 1st Fighter Group, the first unit to receive the new P-38 fighter. Scoring his first kill in North Africa while escorting B-17 bombers (January 1943), he later scored three aerial victories in a span of 25 minutes. Welch, who later served in the Pacific, retired from the Air Force as a colonel in 1970. Normal mailing folds. Lightly creased. Otherwise, fine condition.