GENERAL JAMES A. VAN FLEET - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 06/29/1972 - HFSID 172065

JAMES A. VAN FLEET
James A. Van Fleet sends a typed letter to an old colleague reminiscing about the Army Navy Game of 1914.
Typed Letter Signed: "Van," 1p, 8¼x11. Athens, Greece, 1972 June 29. To Colonel A. M. Wayand USA (Ret), Wantagh, New York. In full: "A brief note from Dad Herrick refers to the three of us playing in the Army Navy Game of 1914, and reminded me that you and I are the only living starters of that Game. We all have a very vivid memory of those gallant moments when we were giving our best to the Army Black Knights of the Hudson. Yes, we have lived a long time and indeed have happy memories of all our football days then and since, I know you have fallen for the Game intensely and have contributed greatly to the present welfare of our national sport. I come to Greece frequently on business and pleasure. It is a lovely place and the present Government has done more for Greece than perhaps any previous regime. The people indeed are spirited, intelligent and friendly and this Government is making a beautiful impact on its development. Today it is the number one tourist center of Europe. All this is most pleasing to me because of those very difficult and hardship days of the late 1940s when I was here to direct the military operation against the communist guerrillas. Greece today is our most friendly ally and we need her even more than she needs us. When I am not here or in Korea, I try to spend more time in my little farm and beach house in Florida. Occasionally I see some of the West Pointers at local reunions and I wish that Dad Herrick would come again and you also dear Babe. With all good wishes, Cordially," Van Fleet commanded the 8th Infantry and went ashore on Utah Beach on D-Day. He took part in the sieges of Brest and Metz and broke through the Siegfried Line in February, 1945. In the Korean War, he succeeded General Ridgway as commander of the 8th Army, commanded it through months of bitter fighting, and was promoted to General in July, 1951. Fold creases not near signature. Lightly creased at corners and chipped at bottom edge. Otherwise, fine condition.