Please note that the memories and artwork contained herein are copyrighted 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008

The Letter Box

These are impressions that I get from viewing the small box in the photos.

My first reaction to the box is that it is discolored. It used to be a white linen and the embroidery and ribbons were much brighter in color. The discoloration is due to the fact that the box had been sitting in water for several years. This box is part of a collection of items that were recovered from a storage place that I had arranged for back in my lifetime as Manfred. I was a "pack rat" and I had too many things to be dragged around with the Jastas, so I made arrangements to store things away until I could get back to them. This box was one of those items.

My second reaction to the box is that it was created by a lady that I knew, so the box was not a gift from an admirer from afar. I believe that she was one of the pilots sisters, or some kind of relation such as that. I also get the impression that she was a nice person. The box was not made by Margret Voss or my sister Else von Richthofen.

My third reaction is that the box held letters and or photos. The ribbon on the interior part of the box lid held a letter of importance or a photo. I just remember that something was placed within the ribbons.

My fourth reaction to the box was that I got it while in Jasta 2. And as time goes I on, I actually wonder if the box was really mine or that it belonged to Oswald Boelcke. He may have given it to me or possibly it was given to me after his death. My gut instincts tell me that the box belonged to Oswald Boelcke and it was given to me after his death.

Just recently, I was informed by the experts that are restoring the items that were stored away, that the box was a presentation box for a medal awarded to myself and a few others. This kinda explains the fact that I did not feel a strong attachment to the item. Though I still do believe that I put letters or photos in it. This particular award was never given to Oswald Boelcke, so I was incorrect with that thought.