This was sent to me by Tom Helvig. You may remember Tom's name from previous posts, for he is the editor for The Jerseyman, a "Keepsake Journal" for Battleship New Jersey. My condolences to Tom, and all the friends and family of Hamp.

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With great sadness, we have been advised by Hamp Law's daughter Terri, that her Mom died on December 14th, and her Dad died on December 22nd - only 8 days apart. Delcie and Hamp Law would have been married 60 years in February of 2010.

Hamp was 86 years old at his death, and celebrated his birthday on November 13, 2009. He served in USS Tennessee (BB-43) as a Seaman 1/c during World War II, in the First Division, Turret #1, and he was involved in nine battle campaigns with his ship.

What is little known about Hamp Law, is that in addition to his many great navy cartoons, he also created hand-drawn get-well cartoon cards and cartoon envelopes, sending out 50 or so each and every month. A deeply religious man, Hamp considered this as his "cartoon mail-out ministry for shut-ins".... For many years, he also taught The Timothy Sunday School Class of the First Baptist Church in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Hamp's many navy cartoons will continue in The Jerseyman as a tribute to as fine a shipmate as any of us could have known, and he will be greatly missed for his wonderful sense of humor, and for his caring.

In his funny and informative letters that accompanied his cartoons for The Jerseyman, he would always sign off with "Yours with a smile..."

With a smile Hamp, and thanks.

Tom