From these letters emerge the personality of a man - a Navy surgeon, a husband, a father and a "man's man." Some are routine, meant only to convey love and reassurance. Many are touching, full of memories, longings, hopes, and dreams of life after the war. From a few, frustration boils over at the war, the fragility of life and surgical skills underused. These letters were a lifeline to escape from the danger, death, and disease that surrounded Doctor Mac. They take us back to a different time and place, but create a memory that will endure.