Van Stockum fondly remembered John Shea, author of the heart-rending letter to his son, as a fine naval officer who hid his intellectual capabilities from his fellow sailors. Van Stockum recalled that Sherman was a kind and reasonable officer who transformed the atmosphere on board. Van Stockum was replaced by a Capt. Some weeks later, Van Stockum received a “very fine” letter from his successor. Throughout the rest of World War II, during which Van Stockum fought with the Marine Corps with distinction in the Pacific theater, he survived many other close calls.

Source: New York Times April 12, 2019 13:07 UTC