Such a sad thing for any mother! But on a happier note, I have a Rocketeer just like yours and the cabinet is also identical!!! I also bought my 500A from a yardsale but only paid $10 for it. Mine belonged to a patient I once took care of in the hospital.

Maybe the thrift store might know who brought the machine in to them. They may be breaking up a parent's home. It might mean a lot if the son is still alive and got the letters it would mean a lot to him that they kept if all these yrs. Sue

Beautiful machine also and a nice cabinet. Sue

I think you should play detective and see if you can find the family. What a heartbreaking way for a mom to find out such news and for such a war. I am a real history buff and would love to know, did he come home, who was Amelia, is he or his mom still alive, ect.? I bet to his family those may be treasures. He also had lovely penmenship. His mother must have felt him close keeping them in the sewing cabinet.

I will pray you have success in your search. The machine is gorgeous, even moreso knowing about the letters. You are blessed.

Great treasure with relevant documents.

You really scored on this one,.... awesome!

Wow, what a find. The machine is just beautiful, but the letter is priceless. Hope you find the family. Let us know as the story unfolds. I will bookmark to follow along. Thanks for sharing. :-D

What a great story, but also kind of a sad one too, good luck in finding the family. Cute machine too!

Gorgeous machine...smiled when I heard the name...Ruth was the name of my former MIL. I loved her dearly and was heartbroken when she died. Good luck with the search, would be nice to send the letters where they belong.

I am sure you can do a search on Vietnam casualties to find out if he made it. Maybe look up names on the Wall?