Pfc. Stuart Abbott

The 10^th Mountain Division was in training for a much longer period of time than most other units in the US Army. They trained together in some of the most difficult terrain and weather conditions; from the frozen mountains of Colorado to the blazing plains of Texas. The bonds they formed through shared experiences and their common love of outdoor recreation were unique within the army. By the time they reached Italy, Sgt. Ben Duke and Pfc. Stuart Abbott had been in the same company for almost two years. Both were from the Chicago area. Their mothers were part of the so-called “Chicago Mother’s Club;” a small group of the mothers of some of the men of their company who met periodically for luncheons, and in each other found companionship in having their sons together in the service.

It was not uncommon for men to write to the families of their friends after they were killed. Pfc. Stuart Abbott was killed on the morning of February 20, 1945 during the division’s first major offensive. Sgt. Ben Duke wrote to Stuart’s Mother on March 30. The letter provides a unique description of combat operations and of how the men felt about their own mortality and the dangers they faced.

Dearest Mrs. Abbott –

This is my first opportunity to offer you my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. In a smaller way I share your feeling of personal loss – loss of a fine friend. Militarily speaking, we all suffered a great loss – of an exemplary soldier.

I am not at all sure how to write this note, but I hope that I can tell you some things that I know Stuart would have wanted you to know. Being engaged in the precarious business of destruction, our conversations occasionally turned to that ever-present possibility of death. I can remember Stu saying that his main fear was not for himself, but for you. His hope was that you would not suffer for him.

If I can explain to you the circumstances of Stuart’s death I believe it may ease your mind a little. On the 19^th of February we started our attack on Mt. Belvedere. The terrain we had to cover was rough and the enemy positions good – it was a difficult task. I was not in Stuart’s platoon, but was near him during the entire attack and I had an opportunity to see him. I can assure you from personal observation that there was no braver or finer man on the hill that day than Stuart. Because of his stature he was easy to discern and was a great source of inspiration to the men of the company as he moved forward. Our company was in the lead and temporarily pinned down by heavy machine gun fire. While we were pinned down the enemy threw artillery in on us. Stuart was lying in a small depression when a shell landed near him and he as struck by shrapnel. I sincerely believe that he never knew what struck him – it was as merciful as death can be.

We often talked of home and Chicago, and plus the letters mother has written, I feel that I know you. I hope that I shall have an opportunity to see you and talk with you at some later date.

As you know the army promotes friendships, but usually it is a temporary friendship. Stuart is one of the few men with whom I would have wished to have a lasting friendship. As you may know, at one time I was Stu’s squad leader. There was never a more helpful or cooperative individual in the company. With him it was not a question of being his leader, but of being his partner. Stuart, had he cared to, would have been a non-com, but he was too friendly to drive men.

We used to kid him a great deal about his interest in natural history as it was not uncommon for him to drop out of a column to get a better look at some bird or animal. I must admit that I learned a great deal from him. Stu really enjoyed Camp Hale and the outdoor life that used to tax us so. The only difficulty I had with him was when I tried to teach him to ski – but he did learn.

Stuart certainly enjoyed the boxes you sent him, and was most proud of that jacket – and I don’t blame him. He was interested in Italy and the difference in the continental and American way of life – and shared my preference for our own.

Again, my deepest and most sincere sympathy over your, our, loss. Many of us must die if our cause is to be championed – as it will be – and those who die, die knowing that they will never be forgotten, nor that they died in vain. I am only sorry that Stuart was one selected to make the sacrifice.

With the memory of a “good guy” and a brave soldier I remain –

                        Most Sincerely Yours –

                                    Ben Duke Jr.

The war ended for Ben Duke on the evening of April 19, 1945. His platoon was pinned down at the base of a steep ridge by German infantry and armor firing down on them from the crest. The platoon suffered terrible casualties, especially among the leadership. Sgt. Duke took charge of the men and led them in a successful assault on the ridge, but he was felled by machinegun fire during the ascent with a grievous wound to his right hand. Ben survived into old age, but he wouldn’t rejoin his unit until post-war reunions.

Read more about Stuart Abbott HERE.

Special thanks to the family of Sgt. Ben Duke for providing a copy of this letter.

This blog is part of a larger body of research culminating in the publication of the book ‘Heroes in Good Company: L Company, 86^th Regiment, 10^th Mountain Division 1943-1945’ which is available in select bookstores and on amazon.