HELICOPTER TRAINING SQUADRON EIGHT ALF ELLYSON FIELD PENSACOLA, FLORIDA 1m REPLY REFER TO XO: WGS:mm 1 November 1960 ‘ATR MATL SPECIAL DELIVERY Mr. and Mrs, Walter Brightwell 3016 Garey Lane Louisville, Kentucky Dear Mr. and Mrs. Brightwell: It is with the deepest_regret that I write you concerning the passing away of your son, John David. As previously informed, you are aware that your son died of gun- shot wounds, and the preliminary investigation has disclosed the following facts: John David, with other sailor friends, responded to a bona fide plea for help, and was shot by a civilian who was in the process of criminally assaulting a lady. He passed away instantly, and, accord- ing to the police, in all probability was materially responsible in saving the lady's life. The police are holding the civilian on a first degree murder charge. John David was an outstanding sailor and expertly carried out the responsible functions of coordinator assistant om the Bell Helicopter maintenance line. Normally this job of handling all the important paperwork on aircraft discrepancies and man-hour accounting is held by a senior petty officer, but John David's attention to detail, capability, and intelligence won him the position. John David has many close associates here at Ellyson Field and was well thought of by allv T'would like fo express my personal and sincere sympathy, along with that of all his shipmates. We feel that we share in your great loss in losing an outstanding sailor who was a credit to his country and the Navy. AL of John David's personal belongings are being inventoried and will be shipped to you in the near future. His 1951 Plymouth Sedan is in good condition for the age of the car and can be driven to your home by one of his close friends, If I can be of service in eny way, please feel free to call or write. cerely yours, pe ~ F. WUNDERLICH Commander, U. S. Navy Commanding OfficerIst, Bal, 4 Aug 1958 DUSTA: HELTRARON 8, Ellyson Field, P: 3 RIGHTVELL, John David, 269 7219, ADR3, USN CRSA AOS “iparcue Glwowmearruu U8. 0135 Died on 1 Nov 1960 at Pensacola, Florida, on authorized liberty; wounde sustained in answer to bona fide call for help from civilian woman being Result gunshot orininally assaulted by civilien mie. 5 BREE AND FCAGE GF BINT, RACE, AECRIOUS PREFERERER 1939: Louisville. Kentucky; Cauc; Protestant fi, ATE Allo HLAGHE= EAar miITgY OV ACTIVE DUTY IN CURRERY STATUS AND NOM OF RECORD AT TiN g isville| Jefferson, _Kentuc! iguisd le, Kontu jou 4; Ech; Over 2 Yrs.; $150.00 s rigs tists : oe TI, 7 Walter Daniel Brightwell 3016 Garey Lene, Louisville, Kentucky Martha Virginia Brightwell Sas HELICOPTER TRAINING squab. ELGHT, Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Fla. SHOW Eee ee Eada pox! of ho, igenol stony fo: Giaulty pay be vent thors fo xo calving wila 2 chitd «en dostonolod ca secaed ef emerdoney dato.HELICOPTER TRAINING SQUADRON EIGHT ALF ELLYSON FIELD PENSACOLA, FLORIDA sm REPLY REFER TO 18 November 1960 Dear Kr, & Mrs. Brightwell: IT guess you have asked yourselves this question many times "Why?" “I don't think there is an answer to this questicn that would satisfy any parent whe has just lost their son as you lost yours, Let us just say that John’saw a jcb that had te be done and in doing this job his life was taken from him. For John the scng, "Scmedav There Will Be No Tomarrow" is a true fact and how I for a11 my men that they may realize the need for God today (n 4 November 1960 I conducted a Memorial Ser ny shipmate and your son. I read from 3T. John, verse 13 and read the following quote by Brooke To: estcott; "Great occasions do not make heroes cr cowards, they simply il them to the eyes cf men. Silently and inperceplibly wake or sleep, we grow strong or we grow weak, and ab last some crisis he did @ heroes dee ct, which any parent jroud. The e cf life, after all, is duration, but its do If you could nh of men who attended this service you would kno ked-and. willbe, wissed bi -bdsachtpmateser Though sorrow has prevaded your hom Lord for str and consclance for and give u If I can ever be o you now or in the futur ice for apter 15,