Monday Dec. 6, 1943 Dear Mr. Krippner; I am sorry to hear that you have been living with the assumption that Howard is still missing. In defining the word I'm sure you feel that there is still some hope. The telegram you received from Army Headquarters should have read "Killed in action". I'm sorry if I sound so blunt but that's it exactly. Major Forsyth tells me that you never received my letter of condolence. Actually it was written by Lt. Romney Masters a longer friend of Howard of whom I think you know. Romney came to me asked if he could write the letter beacause he felt Howards death so. I read the letter in it he mentioned he was writing it for me as squadron commander. I am surprised you didn't get it. Howard and I were the best of friends. The day he made captain I gave him my captains bars, that same day I got my majority. Krip and I were very much pleased that he could wear my captains insignias: for the fact that army tradition considers it good luck to wear the bars of another lucky officer. I have been very lucky. You are interested to know where this misfortune happened. We were on a strafing mission, five of us. A convoy of Japanese trucks going to Yochow (sometimes called Yoyang) was our target. Page 2 I was leading the flight when I spotted the convoy we immediatly went down to strafe. At the completion of my first run I was turning into position to make a second run. It was then I saw a large explosion on a hill top. I couldn't imagine what the explosion was. A thought flashed by, maybe it was a new type anti-aircraft gun: nevertheless, I continued my second run and it was here I picked up a bullet that caused oil to cover my windshield. At the end of the run I circled getting the men in formation I counted only four ships. Then on the radio I called the pilots individually by name. Krippner never answered. It was then I knew what the explosion was. Evidently a sniper got a lucky shot and killed Howard instantly otherwise he never would have hit the hill so far left of our strafing run. Some day I don't know when I'll be in to see you. I want to meet you and tell you what intimate things I remember of him. Yours sincerely Robert Costello P.S. Back of this sheet is the area.