DIY History | Transcribe | Nile Kinnick Collection | Nile Kinnick correspondence, March-October 1943

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Nile Kinnick correspondence, March-October 1943

1943-06-12: Page 03

was clear of the plane, but I didn't get any signals from him when I passed over. After circling a few times and marking the spot, I returned to the approaching crash boat and led them to the spot, but by this time there was no evidence left of either plane or Nile. We searched the area for three hours, planes and ships, but to no avail. Those are the facts as I saw them. The crash boat arrived as soon as it could, and we searched for as long as possible. Knowing the exact position, I'm afraid that it was a hopeless task. We can only speculate as to what could have happened. The only logical conclusion is that Nile was rendered unconscious when the plane hit and was thrown clear. I am not ashamed to relate that I was stunned by his disappearance, and knowing how close Nile was to his family, I realize the shock you must have had upon hearing the tragic news. Nile often talked of his good times at home in which his father played such an important part. Frank and I couldn't have asked for a better companion in our room, and I feel without my right arm in the air. My wife, Clarita, wishes to add her feelings of regret.  Sincerely,  Bill Reiter

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was clear of the plane, but I didn't get any signals from him when I passed over. After circling a few times and marking the spot, I returned to the approaching crash boat and led them to the spot, but by this time there was no evidence left of either plane or Nile. We searched the area for three hours, planes and ships, but to no avail. Those are the facts as I saw them. The crash boat arrived as soon as it could, and we searched for as long as possible. Knowing the exact position, I'm afraid that it was a hopeless task. We can only speculate as to what could have happened. The only logical conclusion is that Nile was rendered unconscious when the plane hit and was thrown clear. I am not ashamed to relate that I was stunned by his disappearance, and knowing how close Nile was to his family, I realize the shock you must have had upon hearing the tragic news. Nile often talked of his good times at home in which his father played such an important part. Frank and I couldn't have asked for a better companion in our room, and I feel without my right arm in the air. My wife, Clarita, wishes to add her feelings of regret. Sincerely, Bill Reiter