A/N: Since FFN doesn't allow Strikethroughs... —ITALICS— with dashes on either side indicate Strikethroughs. :)

January 26th, 1945

Dear Beatrice,

I'm sorry. I did everything I could, but it wasn't enough. I wish I could say there was something I could do to fix it, to find him and bring him back like before, but I can't. He really is gone. I'm sorry.

I know it won't be much of a consolation, but our mission was a success. We caught the Enemy Scientist we were after. With him we have a good chance to beat the bad guys for good. We couldn't have done it without him, Bea. So it wasn't for nothing. He didn't die in vain. Though, if having him here meant our mission had failed? I'd take it. Even if it meant the War lasted that little bit longer. Especially if it meant having Bucky back.

Your brother was a hero, Beatrice. Don't ever doubt that. He's saved my life and the lives of our teammates so many times during this. On this mission alone, he saved my life, Bea. We truly wouldn't have made it this far without him.

But I know that won't stop you from missing him. I miss him too. I can't even say how much. He was my best friend, Bea. He was always there for me. He always had my back. And he always believed in me.

He was a good man, your brother. I can only imagine what you and your Mother must be going through. Please tell her I'm sorry and that —if I could've traded places with him—that I did everything I could to bring him home. I'm just sorry it wasn't enough.

I'm so sorry, Bea.

The War will be over soon.

I just wish he'd be around to see it.

Sincerely,

Steve

P.S. I managed to convince the Colonel to let me enclose the official letter of condolence with this one and the pack of his personal things. —I just couldn't let it go without adding my own to it.— —I hope it— —I just—

I'm sorry, Bea.

Department of the Army

United States Armed Forces, Europe

January 26nd, 1945

Dear Mrs. Barnes,

I cannot express enough how sincerely sorry I am to inform you that your son, Sergeant James B. Barnes – 32557038, was killed in action on January 23st, 1945. He was a good man and a good soldier. Without hesitation, I speak for all of us here at the S.S.R. when I say that he will be greatly missed.

Both in working with him myself and though conversation with his teammates, I had come to respect him and his dedication greatly. I have been assured that his actions throughout his time as a Howling Commando have been nothing short of heroic and that it is thanks to his continued dedication since the unit's creation that he has safeguarded the lives of his fellow Commandoes successfully on more than one occasion. I am also confident that we would not be in the highly favorable position we are in strategically without his contributions as a member of Captain Rogers' team. I have to hope that the knowledge of your son's invaluable contribution and sacrifice can serve as some small consolation.

Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I can only hope that it will be of some comfort to know that his sacrifice has contributed to our cause and that we will persevere and triumph in our fight. Rest assured that we will ensure that his loss will not be in vain.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Most sincerely yours,

Chester Phillips

Colonel,

Strategic Scientific Reserve, USA

A/N: This one killed me. T.T

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