Jim, it is always such an honor to be your brother in law (for 27 years now!). Thank you for spending time with Katya and me this week. I so greatly enjoyed our continued discussions about your father (as we discussed, the meaning of) - the "Bad Ad." Your memories of the Pearl Harbor attack are so vivid that one feels he was almost present with you. It has been a great pleasure to coordinate with you on the events and career of your brave father and I look so much forward to completing "our" (your and my) research to ensure we have covered every aspect of his distinguished military career. Just sitting with you the past few days, you provided additional personal insight that is so important to the story! As important has been learning more about your outstanding service to our country in the USMC. It is an important aspect of your distinguished (as we say at VMI) "citizen-soldier" career. In the coming days, I look forward to sending you additional increments. Semper Fi!!

Bill and I just spent two days in Greenville visiting with my brother and Polly. Every minute and every second in my brother’s presence was so special. Of course, you k now he is a very proud and devoted MARINE. Jim Shoemaker, you are the bravest guy I know ! Keep fighting and give some orders !!! Your sister sends love❤️ and Colonel Spicuzza sends Major Shoemaker a big salute 🇺🇸