My uncle has a veterans trip to D.C. later this fall.
Part of it is a "mail call" and I'd like to know how to properly address the letter I'll be writing for him.

He served in the Navy late in the 50s and early 60s, and was a Signalman 3rd Class according to his wife.

The rest of the innerwebs can't agree on much as usual, so here I am asking genuine experts.
Thanks in advance.

I would start off the salutation with "Petty Officer <his last name>/".

Hope this helps.

JP

I would address it your uncle by name, not his rank.

Its a personal letter and the formalities would come across awkwardly to me if I received one.

Is this question about the salutation within the letter, or the address on the envelope?

I would address the envelope to "John Smith, SM3" and in the letter I would say something like "Dear Uncle John."

Dear Uncle Squid,

Blah blah blah

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Is this question about the salutation within the letter, or the address on the envelope?

I would address the envelope to "John Smith, SM3" and in the letter I would say something like "Dear Uncle John."

Thank you

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Is this question about the salutation within the letter, or the address on the envelope?

I would address the envelope to "John Smith, SM3" and in the letter I would say something like "Dear Uncle John."

I absolutely concur with this approach!
Very Respectfully,
CAPT USN (ret)

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
Dear Uncle Squid,

Blah blah blah

"Dear Squidly Diddly"

(recommends the retired squid. )