To Art's family, friends and those who flew with him, my condolences for the loss of a beloved father, friend and fellow crewman. 

Although he sent me my group membership card every year, I never met Art Sr. Still, I grieve over his loss, as I do over the loss of each and every World War II vet who passes on, taking with them their little piece of World War II history.  These men and women are gallant individuals from a vanished era when life was far simpler and the values of God, duty and country seemed to mean much more than they do now. I miss them all, and unfortunately, we may never see their likes again.

My heart goes out to all who knew Art, especially to you, Art, Jr. because I know, like all too many of us in the kid's squadron, what it's like to lose a beloved father as I lost mine in 2004. You lose your grounding, the sense of where you came from, for awhile. But, in time, you get your bearings back, and you will find that, although the grief never quite leaves you, it reshapes itself into fond remembrances that will always bring about a smile.  

I wish you and your family the very best in this difficult time. Take heart that the worst of it, like all things, will come to pass.

And to Art, Sr.:

Rest in peace, gallant hero.

We will miss you.

Sincerely,

Merrylee Lanehart

Proud Daughter of Cpl. Marvin G. Althuaser

Motor Pool, 774th BS, 463rd BG