Commander John Shea served aboard the U.S.S. Wasp, an aircraft carrier, during WWII. He wrote this letter to his young son, and it still stands as an example of honor, patriotism, and Catholicity.
June 19, 1942
Dear Jackie:
This is the first letter I ha e written directly to you my little son. I am thrilled to know you can read it all by yourself. If you miss some of the words, Mother will help you, I am sure.
I was certainly glad to hear your voice on the long-distance telephone. It sounded as if I were right in the living room with ou. You sounded as if you missed Daddy very much. I miss you too, more than anyone will ever know. It is too bad this war could not have been delayed a few years, so that I could grow up again with you and do all the things I planned, when you were older.
How nice it would have been to come home early in the afternoon and play ball and go mountain climing and see the trees and brooks, to learn all about woodcraft, hunting, fishing, swimming and other things like that. I suppose we must be brave and put these things off now for awhile.
When you are a little bigger, you will know why Daddy is not home so much any more. We have a big country, with ideals as to how people should live and enjoy its riches, how each is born with equal rights to life, freedom, and pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, there are countries in the world wehre they don't have these ideals; where a boy can't grow up to what he wants to be -- such as a great priest, a statesman, a doctor, a soldier, or a businessman.
Because of these countries who want to change our nation, its ideals, its form of government and way of life, we must leave our homes and families to fight. Defending our country, ideals, homes, and honor is a duty which Daddy must do vefore he can come home to you and Mother. When it is done, he is coming home to be with you always and forever. So wait just a little while longer. I'm afraid it will be more than the two weeks you told me on the phone.
Meanwhile, take good care of Mother, be a good boy, and grow up to be a good young man. Study hard at school. Be a leader in everything good in life. Be a good Catholic, and you can't help being a good American. Play fair always. Strive to win; but if you lose, lose like a gentleman and a good sportsman. Don't ever be a quitter, either in sports or in your work when you grow up. Get all the education you can. Stay close to Mother and follow her advice. Obey her in everything, no matter how you may at times disagree. She knows what is the best and will never let you down or lead you away from the right and honerable things of life.
If I don't get back, you'll have to be Mother's protector because you will be the only one she has. You must grow up to take my place as well as your own in her life and heart. Love Grandmother and Grandad as long as they live. They, to, will never let you down. Love your aunts and see them often. Last of all, don't ever forget Daddy. Pray for him to come back; and if it is God's will that he does not, be the kind of boy and man Daddy wants you to be. Kiss Mother for me every night. Goodby for now. With all my love and debotion for Mother and you,
Your Daddy.
Commander Shea went down with his ship during the Battle of the Solomons in November 1942, just 5 months after writing to his son.
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