Shields, Cecil Norris SM2
386 18 11
322 Auburn St
Kennewick, Wash
Oct. 3 - 1945.
Capt. Chas. B. McVay 3rd
N.S. Navy
Washington, DC
Dear Capt McVay-
Rec'd your letter yesterday concerning our Son Cecil, we thank you most gratefully for this letter, we've
been wanting some word, telling us something about him, altho' we realize very little anyone can know
about just how he met his death.
We would appreciate it if you could give us a name of a survivor
If there should be one, from his Div. (Div 3) or Signal Group.
We would like to correspond with some one who might have known him.
And also what has become of the investigation, if any, concerning why the Ship was sent out alone in war
times, unescorted (?) and why 54 hrs. overdue before being searched for. These questions of course are
only to satisfy our longing to know more of the facts
Not that they will bring back our lost Son.
I hope you knew him personally and thank you for your kind words of sympathy.
It is a terrible loss to us, having given up another three years ago in a tragic plane crash. We have
only one son left who is in 3rd fleet in Japan.
Thank you again for your kind thoughtfulness.
Sincerely Mr. and Mrs. Basil H. Shields Jr.
SHIELDS, Cecil
Pers-8249-LK
October 9, 1945
My dear Mr. and Mrs. Shields,
Your kind letter of October 3, 1945 reached me several days ago. I regret that there is little I can add to the information contained in my letter to you of September 27, 1945.
All of the ship's records were lost and therefore the names of the third division men are not available. I have requested the Office of Public Information to send you a complete list of the survivors.
The findings of the Board of Inquiry, which you mentioned, have not been made public.
At the time my last letter was written I did not know that you had previously lost a son. You have indeed suffered great sorrow. In closing, may I again express my deepest sympathies.
Very sincerely,
CHAS. B. MCVAY, III
Captain, U. S. Navy
Mr. and Mrs. Basil H. Shields, Jr.
322 Auburn Street
Kennewick, Washington
