Dear Tom: The news that one of my friends is soon to retire always comes as something of a shock.1 On such occasions, my immediate reaction is that the calendar has gone completely crazy.
In your case, your vitality and vigor make it difficult to grasp the reality of your departure; moreover, it seems more than unfortunate that your wise counsel and steady judgment will not be available, on a daily basis, to the Army.
Naturally, my mind goes back to the days that we served together. Of all of them, I think that the most exciting and possibly the most significant were at the beginning of World War II when we were both in the Operations Division in the War Department. Though then of relatively junior rank--by inflated postwar standards--we had jobs that required so much in imaginative thinking, incessant work, and ready acceptance of responsibility that I always look upon that period as one of the most challenging I have experienced. In any event, I know this beyond any doubt--you were a tower of strength to me, and your later successful conduct of the affairs of that office when you became its Chief of Operations provided ample proof of your capacity and stature.2
Of course your later tasks have been important and big, and I was always pleased that, in Europe, I could spend my own final months in the Army in close contact with you and your nice family.
As you go into retirement, Mamie joins me in sending best wishes to you, to Mrs. Handy,3 and to Mary.4
With warm personal regard,5 As ever
