January 19, 1945.

My dear Mrs. Dunlap:

At the request of the President, I write to inform you that the Purple Heart has been awarded posthumously to your son, Private Willard E. Dunlap, Infantry, who sacrificed has life in defense of his country.

Little that we can do or say will console you for the death of your loved one. We profoundly appreciate the greatness of your loss, for in a very real sense the loss suffered by any of us in this battle for our country, is a loss shared by all of us. When the medal, which you will shortly receive, reaches you, I want you to know that with it goes my sincerest sympathy, and the hope that time and the victory of our cause will finally lighten the burden of your grief.

Sincerely yours,

Henry L. Stimson