Missoula, Montana
- Mareh 8, 1943
Dr. Forrest C. Allen
University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

Bear Dr. Alien:

I am writing you to ask if you would favor me with a
letter of recommendation for a Gommission in the Naval Reserve.
i realize you must be swemped with similar requests from your many
proteges of years past and preseit. But, I also realize the prestige
a letter from such a national figure as you are, gives to-one.

I'il give you a little of my background, so that you
will remember who I am. The last time I saw you was in April, 1939--
when my wife and I stopped in your office, and you gave us tickets to
the Kansas Relays that week-end. I was picked by you in 1928, as
Senior Manager of the Kansas Relays Comittee, after serving on it in
1925,-26 and 27. The watch which was given me that year is still my
most prized possession.

I was a member of the Athletic Boerd in 1927 and can
weli remember one meeting at which we offered Ad Lindsey--then going
to Oklahoma as head football coach--an assistant coach job, in a noble
effort to try and save him for K.U. A few years later you were able to
get him to return as head coach. I was also a member of Sachem, advert-
ising manager of the Daily Kansan, Member of the Men's Student Council
and Varsity Dance Manager in 1928.

Also, I might mention I was born and raised on a farn,
five miles east of Lawrence, living there until I started to high school.
We then moved to 700 Mississippi St., in Lawrence, where my mother
still lives. I can well remember a few times when your oldest son,
who later died, rode out on his bicycle--with another boy, to our farm.
You would drive out and bring them back to town in the car.

Am enclosing a self Addressed envelope, since the % copies
of the letter --each on ietterhead and each signed--should be returned
to me for enclosure with my final application. Thev should be addressed
to DIRECTOR OF NAVAL OFFICER PROCUREMENT
117 Marion St.
Seattie, Washington.
I am not making application for ae commission in a last
minute attempt to beat the draft, as I am in 3-A. I have worked for
the Telephone Company ever since my graduation in 1928. My wife and
three year old son are in full eccord with my wish to help the war effort
in any way the Navy might be able to use me.