Feb. 22nd, 2000
Letter from May Mosebrook, 60 year companion of Veteran Roy Allen Mosebrook

Dear Sandy,

I am writing about the information in the SLC newsletter about the USS Salt Lake City. My husband was on board the ship when it accompanied the "Doolittle Raiders". He received his certificate of Recognition and I think he received all the medals he was entitled to. I can not say for sure what rate he was then, but he retired as CBM (Chief Boatswains Mate) in Dec. 1953.

I am sending a book on my life because there is some information about Roy that may be useful. There are also some article clippings enclosed from the Brooksneal Union Star Newspaper. Roy and I were both interviewed after he retired. I hope they will be of some use to you also.

Thank you for your job as Historian. I know it is a big task.

Good Luck,
May Mosebrook

My grand daughter sent me a print out of the article on the internet and it was wonderful. I learned some things that Roy would not talk about, but I could relate to the times those things happened.

When the 15 men were killed (See Interview link below), one of our good friends, Gus Kronquist, was among them. They sent his wife Lillian back to the states (from Pearl Harbor) immediately and I lost all contact with her. She was also a good friend.

The article was so well done and I am proud to be a part of it. Roy would be proud to if he were here.

Thank you so very much. The Salt Lake City is very fortunate to have you as their historian. Keep up the good work.

Thank you again,
Sincerely,
May Mosebrook

What a delight to read the history of the USS Salt Lake! I was the Pastor of the rural Campbell County, VA, Diamond Hill Presbyterian Church where Roy and May were active members and was privileged to have known this "salty" old Pennsylvania Dutch sailor. Roy was a great man "rough around the edges" but with a big tender spot in his heart. I was with Roy and his family at his bedside when he breathed his last and joined his warrior shipmates on that sad Christmas Day evening. Our tiny country church was filled with many friends and a great many veterans when he was laid to rest, having sung the Navy Hymn. Roy was proud of his service to the nation and we were/are proud of him. We all miss him dearly.

Roy was one of several in our church to serve in WWII. Another was wounded twice in the Army following the Normandy invasion and the drive into Berlin. Kenneth Dawson was only 19 when his APC was hit by an 81mm mortar shell. His LT was killed and their vehicle was destroyed. In 1956 a German Lutheran Pastor returned his Bible found on the battlefield. It is a treasure of the Dawson family. He and Roy were great friends.

Thank you for a great page on his life and a fine job on the history of a great ship. Keep up the good work honoring the greatest generation to have honored our country.

Lee Hähnlen

Pastor, Diamond Hill Presbyterian Church