Above is a note that United States Army T/Sgt. wrote on January 31st , 1942 from Corregidor Island in the Philippines to Marie Stoiber. How this delicate correspondence survived is a miracle in itself. Where did Jacob keep it? Perhaps it was folded neatly and placed in the prisoner of war diary that he so cleverly concealed from the Japanese. The original note and diary remain intact and when this writer read it for the first time in 2001; I wept.
Jan 31, 1942
Corregidor, P.I.
Dearest Darling,
Situation normal.
Johler reporting. Miss you and regret we never came to an understanding.
Have always loved you and perhaps always will. Sorry I never got up enough nerve to tell you.
Am looking forward to seeing you and though I know my hopes are vain, would like to call you mine. Just wanted to have you know I’ve always loved you
Now that the situation is such as I may not return. May you always be happy, prosperous and be loved as you deserve by the lucky man who may rightfully call you his own.
With all my love,
Jack
Say hello to the gang and mom and pop
Johlerpow and Zale et al. 
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