“all of us offer you our deepest sympathy that he did not live to receive the cross. I saw your husband shortly before he died, & I am quite sure that although so severely wounded, the shock was so great that he felt no pain. I could not help noting that he seemed extraordinarily bright & cheerful, & certainly was a splendid example of a magnificent man…Your husband will remain a hero to this battalion as long as it exists, & his name will help its members to try to live up to his magnificent example”