Remarkable archive related to American soldier Michael Leschuk, who was held as a prisoner of war by Japan and killed in an American bombing of a Japanese prison ship. The collection is highlighted by a TLS by Douglas MacArthur to Leschuk's mother, one page, 8 x 10.5, General Headquarters, United States Army Forces, Pacific letterhead, November 21, 1945. In full: "My deepest sympathy goes to you in the death of your son, Second Lieutenant Michael Leschuk, who died in action against the enemy. You may have some consolation in the memory that he, along with his comrades-in-arms who died on Bataan and Corregidor and in prison camps, gave his life for his country. It was largely their magnificent courage and sacrifices which stopped the enemy in the Philippines and gave us the time to arm ourselves for our return to the Philippines and the final defeat of Japan. Their names will be enshrined in our country's glory forever. In your son's death I have lost a gallant comrade and mourn with you."
Includes items chronicling Leschuk's tragic experience overseas: a TLS from Leschuk to his mother from Manila, July 6, 1940, noting, "I like soldiering in the Philippines because it is much easier than in the States and I like the weather. The days go by fast and in October I'll have completed a year over here. The only time I feel lonesome for the States is the nights I have to stay in the barracks"; a Western Union telegram dated May 15, 1943, to Leschuk's mother from an adjutant general: "Report just received through the International Red Cross states that your son Second Lieutenant Michael Leschuk is a prisoner of war of the Japanese government"; and two Imperial Japanese Army POW postcards filled out with standard responses, one reading: "I keep praying that I shall see you again, Father & Eva." Additionally includes a Christmas card from Leschuk, a glossy 1944 official US Navy photograph of General MacArthur on the ladder of the USS Nashville, and a newspaper clipping about Leschuk's tragic death. In overall very good condition, with wrinkling, staining, and toning to the MacArthur letter, and various chips and large tears to the POW postcards.
Second Lieutenant Michael Leschuk was taken prisoner by the Japanese Army while fighting in the Philippines in 1942. He was among 750 American POWs held in the cargo holds of the Japanese ship Shinyo Maru. On September 7, 1944, the USS Paddle, not knowing of the prisoners on board, fired torpedoes at the ship off the coast of Mindanao. Some Japanese guards shot at prisoners as they struggled to escape while the ship was sinking. In all, 668 POWs, including Michael Leschuk, were killed in the incident.
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