I have responded to Col. French MacLean:Dear Col MacLean:
I am a former US Marine Infantryman (1984-90) and am now a researcher. While investigating a claim by Douglas Duane Dietrich that his father, George J. Dietrich (USN Ret) murdered MSgt John C. Woods on Eniwetok Atoll in 1950, I came across your books "American Hangman" and "The Fifth Field".
I have previously investigated Dietrich's claim and found it to be false.
https://rkcolejr.blogspot.com/2021/07/dietrich-claims-his-father-killed-msgt.htmlAfter Dietrich recently repeated his claim I am revisiting the history of MSgt John C. Woods and found your website etc.
I am interested in knowing how the US Army could promote Woods from Pvt to MSgt in a day with only a year of active duty service. And how is it that Woods is shown in uniform in photos taken in 1946 wearing 7 service stripes indicating 21 years of active service? I believe this may be unprecedented.
Specifically, I am interested in the details of the official US Army Report of Investigation into the death of Woods on Eniwetok Atoll in 1950. I have yet not obtained your books on the subject but find it fascinating. I would like to obtain a copy of the US Army Report of Investigation. Unfortunately, the National Archives and NPRC have a backlog of any such requests due to COVID.
I consider you to be the most authoritative source on the subject and would appreciate any assistance you may offer. My intentions are to further expose Mr. Dietrich's fraudulent claims while providing a more accurate and substantiated view of the story of MSgt Woods.
Please contact me at any time, and thank you for responding.
Respectfully.
Richard K Cole Jr