Postmarked December 30, 1945

Shanghai, China
Dec. 29, 1945

Dear Folks,

Got your letter of Dec. 8 and was sorry to hear about Ralph and Dotty being sick, but I'm glad they're O.K.

Christmas has come and gone and there was not lack of spirit even tho we are on the other side of the world. We had the traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings as you can see by the enclosed menu. In that respect we fared better than the arny over here who had to be content with chicken.

We are now looking forward to a wild and woolly celebration on New Year's Eve, in which the liquor will flow like the proverbial water. I'm glad I don't have shore patrol that nite.

It is really bitter cold here, and coal is so scarce that none of the bars or nite-clubs have any heat. The only way to keep warm is internally.

I took some more pictures yesterday and will send you some prints as soon as they are developed. by the way, is Ralph still interested in Stamps? If so I might be able to get some Chinese issues for his collection.

I'm glad to here that everyone is getting home, and wish I say the same, but you no doubt know all about the current situation here in China and until conditions become normal wee we probably have to stand by here.

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked December 24, 1945

Shanghai, China
Dec. 23, 1945

Dear Folks,

Got your X'mas package which you mailed in Oct. and I don't have to tell you the the delicacies will be appreciated. I also received packages from the Franks and the Smiths.

Had shore patrol again the other nite and it was plenty cold. We were assigned to a jeep and you now how little protection from the wether they give. However, we made a few stops during the night in various bars and nite clubs, and had a drink here & there and that helped fortify us.

I shot the roll of film you sent me and am enclosing a few prints. I managed to pick up a couple of rolls of Kodak film. They cost me $1.50 a roll but that is less than what some guys are paying. It's simply a case of supply & demand.

The points are coming down to 35 the 15 of Jan. and 34 the 1st of February. At that rate they should continue to come down to 33 the 15 of Feb. and 32 the 1st of March. On the latter date (Mar. 1) I will have 33 1/2 points and thus should be eligible, unless they decide I am essential, in which case I may be stuck for another 90 days. However, there is no use crossing bridges until we come to them and a lot can happen between then and now.

I haven't had any letters from you for some time but I am hoping to hear from you soon

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked December 14, 1945

Shanghai, China,
Dec. 12, 1945

Dear Folks,

Got your letter of Nov. 30 yesterday, so I guess the mail service is speeding up. I also got your package with the camera and I lost no time in making use of it. I hope you can get some ore film, as there is very little available here and the prices are fantastic ($2.50) to $3.00 a roll.) for Kodak or Agfa film If you can get any, wrap one or two rolls and send them by air mail as they will get here much faster that way.

It's getting colder here eery day, and we may see some snow yet this X'mas. I'm still going ashore regularly. You've probably read about Shanghai liberty in the newspapers and know what a wild time the boys are having over here.

Don't worry about the stories you read about ships being fired on. There have bee a couple of incidents, but they happened further up the river where the communists are in control.

Glad to here about George getting home for X'mas. Wish I could say the same, but we'll celebrate here as best we can.

That's about all I can think of, so I close

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked December 10, 1945

shanghai, China
Dec. 9, 1945

Dear Folks,

still here in Shanghai, and am still having myself a good time. By now I know the town pretty well, but a person could leave here all his life and still not know the half of it. There is nothing like it in the world, a combination of western industrialization and eastern backwardness. The main thorofares are modern, but on the side streets and back alleys, you see the real China. The influx of free-spending American sailors and soldiers has brought a boom to Shanghai. Nite clubs and bars have mushroomed overnite. It's like an invasion every nite when the liberty parties come ashore. It's like the old time navy when sailors came ashore to carouse and drink and raise hell in general. Fights are frequent, especially between Americans and Limeys. It's an experience I'll never forget as long as I live.

I had Shore Patrol duty the other nite in the "Metropole Ballroom," a sort bar and taxi dance hall. We broke up a couple of fights and took care of a few guys who'd had one, two, several too many, but we didn't have any serious trouble. On that kind of duty you've got to keep your eyes open and catch the trouble s soon as it starts before it gets out of control. The manager of the place fixed us up with a steak dinner and a few drinks during the evening, all on the house. They have a lot of respect for the shore patrol here, even more than they have for the local police.

As far as the ship goes, everything is pretty much the same. I got the package of super-duper science magazines the other day. They were pretty water-logged but I dried them out and now I have reading matter enough to last me some time.

All my love,

Paul

Postmarked November 30, 1945

Shanghai, China
Nov 29, 1945

Dear Folks,

Finally got two packages from you. The one with the peanuts and the one with the moccosains and miniatures. The shoes fit fine and the brandy is quite a contrast from the local rotgut. If possible, a few more of the same in future packages will be appreciated. I have been accumulating souveniers and knick-knacks to such an extent that they are beginning to crowd me out of house and home. I have scarcely enough room in my locker to keep my clothes, so the first chance i get I will make up a package and send some of it home.

We have just gotten word of a point reduction. Critical scores will be reduced to 38, Dec.1, 37 Dec. 15, and 36 Jan. 1. Beyond that we have no word, but if the reduction continues at that rate I will be eligble for release around March. As I have 31 points now and the will continue to accumulate at the rate of 3/4 pt. per month. On the other hand, we just got a notice from Pacifac Fleet Hdqtrs. that all engineering personnel (including me) will be frozen. So I'm not counting on anything too much.

From the latest available dope, the "Samar" will probably be in this area until April or May, acting as a "service station" for small craft of the Yangtze River Patrol.

From your letter of Nov. 15, I gather that Henry is already home. I guess he is pretty glad to be out. I also got a letter from Dotty today. She writes pretty good.

I hope the package with the camera gets here soon, and in as good condition as the other have.

That's about all, so thanks again for the packages

All my love,

Paul

Postmarked November 19, 1945

Nov. 18, 1945
Shanghai, China

Dear Folks,

Received our letter and am glad to hear about everyone getting home. Naturally I'll be glad when my time comes, but until then, I'm thoroughly enjoying myself here. The Navy has opened up an enlisted men's club on Bubbling Well Rd. Which is sort the Broadway of Shanghai. It has among other things, American beer, which is quite an improvement over the local variety of bellywash. It' really de luxe, too, with white-coated Chinese waiters.

We are planning to move alongside a dock within the next few days, which will make it much more convenient to go on liberty as it will then not be necessary to wait for a boat to go ashore.

I got your clipping regardly the fleet review on Navy Day and I can imagine what an impressive sight it must have been to see those battle-wagons and cruisers lined up in the Hudson. Well, maybe some day in the not too distant future you may see the mighty "Samar," plowing majestically up that same river (wishful thinking).

I always had heard about the poverty in China, but it is something that has to be seen to be believed. Sampans cluster around our fantail, and fight over the garbage from ships present. I've never seen a sea gull in this river, the Chinese clean all the garbage out. Ashore, you can't walk along the street without being beseiged by beggars, and if you give anything to one, you will have a mob following you wherever you go.

Thanksgiving will be this Thursday, and we will no doubt have a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. I guess we've all got a lot to be thankful for this year. That's about all, so I will close with,

All my love,

Paul

Postmarked November 7, 1945

Shanghai, China
Tuesday, Nov. 6

Dear Folks,

Our mail is finally beginning to get straightened out, in the past couple of day I've received several letters, some of them were pretty water-logged, so I guess our mail got fouled up in that typhoon off Okinawa a few weeks back.

I got those clippings Dad sent regarding the "Houston" and "Bowers," and found them highly interesting. The latter must have gotten hit about the same time and place as the "Witter."

I'm glad to hear the Henry is getting out and hope the I will being doing the same before too many months have elaped. We have already sent over 100 men back with many more slated to leave next month. Unless we get some replacements, we will soon be left with but a skeleton crew.

I'm still having myself a good time here, making liberty every other day. Prices have come down some, since sailor wrecked a couple of joints recently which tried to charge exorbitant prices, the Shore Patrol is doing a good job here, checking up on these joints and placing "out of bounds" those which overcharge or do not meet sanitary standards.

I certainly ope that camera arrives O.K. for with so many interesting sights, I certainly would like to have some record of them.

That's about all so I hope everyone is O.K. and everything is running smoothly.

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked November 3, 1945

Shanghai, China,
Nov. 1, 1945

Dear Folks,

Got your letter of Oct. 8, and sure was glad to hear from you. OUr mail is still pretty fouled up, but I hope it gets straightened out soon. I am having myself a swell time here in Shanghai, going on liberty every other nite and painting the town red. They are having a runaway inflation here. Since we got here the exchange rate has skyrocketed from 700 to 1 U.S. dollar to 1600 and still going up. The money rate is going up so fast that the prices can't keep up with it, so we are getting things cheaper.

There is a large community of German and Austrian-jewish refugees in the Hangkew section of Shanghai. I have been there a few times, and have got me a couple of Jewish girl friends.

As you know, the Navy has begun to cut down the point system. The way I figure it, I should be eligible for discharge about the end of April.

In any event, I hope to enjoy a couple of moths vacation before starting school in the fall. I haven't decided where, but I think I would like a college somewhere in Southern California where the climate is pleasant and feminine companionship plentiful. But George and I will decide that among ourself. Regardless of where we go to school, I will try to have a good time, but at the same time do my best to get something out of college besides just a diploma to hang on the bulkhead. I would like to take a course in Mechanical Engineering and I think my Navy experience we give me a pretty good foundation to work on.

I was glad to hear about Dr. Clayman's safe arrival in Frisco. I guess he we relly have some stories to tell when he gets home.

There are all kinds are rumors going around the ship that we are going home soon, but I don't put too much stock in them. With all the civil strife in China, the U.S. Navy will proably have to stand by to protect Ameircan interests.

That's about all so I will close with

All my love,

Paul

Postmarked October 16, 1945

Shanghai, China
Oct. 16, 1945

Dear Folks,

Our mail is still fouled up, and I haven't heard from you since I last wrote. I've made several liberties in Shanghai, and it is quite an interesting place. The first few days after the fleet came in everything was dirt cheap, but, as usual, the American sailor started throwing his money around and spoiling things for himself. As a result, prices now are three and four times what they were a couple of weeks ago.

I had some pictures taken ashore and here is one of them. Yesterday the first group left the ship to go back to the states for discharge. There were about 60 and maybe you think they weren't a happy bunch. As for me personally, I am not breaking my neck worrying about it, mainly , because it wouldn't do any good, but also because I find this peacetime navy not to hard to take. I have an interesting job running the deisel generators. I don't work too hard and the liberty is good, (that is the most important point, I guess). Chow has greatly improved lately, we get more fresh provision and less dehydrated stuff. The weather has been perfect, just cool enough to be comfortable in blues. So, all in all, I'm not having to bad a time of it. Naturally, I will be glad to get home, but so long as I have to stay in, I'd just as soon be here as any place I've seen.

We are attached to the Yangtse Patrol Force of the 7th fleet. Among the ships in are the cruisers "Nashville" and "St. Louis," the repair ships "Dixie" and "Sierra,' the "Rocky Mount" and the hospital ship "Repose. British ships here include H.M.S. "Bermuda" and "Belfast."

I hope they get our mail straightened out, as I would like to here from you. As it is, I've about wrote myself dry so will close with

All my love,

Paul

Postmarked October 8, 1945

Shanghai, China
Oct. 6, 1945

Dear FOlks,

Well I went ashore in Shanghai yesterday and it is quite a place. The only trouble is you have to be a human adding machine to understand the finances. There are two kinds of money in circulation. First in China National Currently, which has an exchange rate of about 700 to one U.S. dollar. The other is Central Reserve Bank notes which were put out by the puppet Jap. govt. It has an exchange rate of about 150,000 to one American dollar. So, when we hit the beach, I headed for one of the numerous money changers booths, and for $5 I got a stack of $5000 and $10000 bills that would choke a horse. We then hopped a riksha and rode thru the streets of Shanghai. The street are jammed with Chinese trying to sell everything imaginable. You can't walk two steps without being mobbed and no matter how you chase them away tey still keep coming.

There are a number of cabarets and nite clubs operating.

The local beer is not too bad and costs anywhere from $60,000 to $80,000 a quart bottle. Russian vodka is also plentiful. The stuff is colorless, odorless and practically tasteless, but it really hits you a couple of minutes after you down it, as I found out.

I certainly hope you can send me that camera I asked for, as film is avaibale here, and I certainly would like to take some snap shots.

The weather is just perfect. We wear blues for liberty and sleep under blankets at nite So all in all, I have nothing to complain about , and as long as I have to be here, I can think of lots worse places to be. We have a Chinese tailor aboard to clean and press our blues and also a shoemaker.

I got you letter of the 25th Sept. and am glad to hear that Dotty is getting over her whooping cough. I'm glad you got the package off and I assure you its contents will be appreciated. That's about all, so I will close with,

All my love,

Paul

Enclosure Oct. 3, 1945: SOPA Instructions

1 October, 1945/

INFORMATION CONCERNING SHANGHAI QUOTED FROM SOPA* INSTRUCTIONS
*senior officer present afloat

Liberty Hours

Non-rated men - 1300 to 2230 daily
Rated men - 1300 to 2400 daily
Liberty expires on the dock at the above hours.

Uniform

(a) Enlisted Men - Undress whites with neckerchiefs and white hats.
(b) C.P.O.'s - Grey or Khaki, with neckties, coats optional.

Conduct Ashore

(a) Men ashore on liberty are to conduct themselves in such a manner as to reflect credit upon the United States.
(b) Men going ashore are to at all times be friendly and respectful in their relation with the Chinese. Chinese do not like to be touched and they have no respect for a man who becomes intoxicated.
(c) Men ashore should travel in pairs.
(d) Men ashore should avoid all contact with Japanese.

Restricted Areas

(a) The areas north of Soochow Creek is filled with Japanese and is out of bounds at all times.
(b) The Old Chinese ity is out of bounds after 1800.
(c) All brothels are out of bounds.
(d) The Cathay Hotel is restricted to officers only.

Liberty Landing

(a) this ship will land liberty parties at the Customs Jetty.
(b) Men are not permitted to use sampans for transportation to and from ships, unless authorized by the Commanding Officer.
(c) Men returning from liberty will remain off thepontoon until their boat is alongside.

Currency Exchange

A. Personnel of this vessel will be paid in U.S. money and personnel exchanging money do so at their own risk.
B. There are two types of currency in general use in Shanghai:
(a) Central Bank of China. This money is issued by the Chinese Nationalist Government. Current rate of exchange is about 400 to 1.
(b) Central Reserve Bank of China. This money was issued by the Japanese puppet government and is rapidly depreciating in value. Current rate is about 150,000 to 1.
C. Men going ashore should exchange only enough money for their immediate daily needs.
D. There are many money changes near the liberty landing.

1300 Shopping

The best shops are located on Nanking Road.

[End of Page 1]
[Page 2 is missing]

700 Health and Sanitation

707 Venereal Disease Control

Personnel going ashore should be issued prophylactic kits and warned to report to the nearest prophylactic station after exposure occurs. the following stations have been set up ashore and are manned from 1200 to 2400 daily:
(a) Mezzanine Floor, Glen Line Bldg. #2 Peking Road.
(b) Foreign YMCA, Nanking Road near the race tract. This is an army station.

[End of Page 3]

Postmarked October 3, 1945 - again

Oct. 2, 1945
Shanghai, China

Dear Folks,

We are now anchored in the swirling muddy waters of the Whungpoo River off that fabulous city of song and story, that teeming metropolis of the Orient, Shanghai.

The river is alive with junks, sampans, and bumboats etc. They come alongside in droves hawking everything imaginable. The only way we can get rid of them is to turn a fire hose on them. The inflation is terrific, the exchange rate is about 150,000 to 1, and changes every day. I haven't been ashore yet, but I will rate liberty tomorrow, so in my next letter I will tell you all about the city itself.

Effective yesterday I am motor-machinist's mate third class. Yes at long last the navy has finally come to appreciate my talents.

We haven't had any mail as yet, but I am hoping to hear from you soon. The place seems to be in pretty good shape. There is some damage along the docks and waterfront, but the city itself seems virtually intact, from what I can see of it.

We have three minesweeper alongside for repairs already so we have our work cut out for us.

That's about all, so I hope to here from you soon and I certainly hope you can send that camera & film and I would very much like to take some snaps.

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked October 3, 1945

en route to
Shanghai, China
Sept.28 1945

Dear Folks,

By the time you get this we we be in that famous city of song and story Shanghai. We left Okinawa this morning and expect to arrive Sunday afternoon Sept. 30. We will probably be there for a good while, anywhere from 3 to 6 months. I hope to see some interesting sights, although after 8 years of Jap occupation I imagine the place is somewhat the worse for wear. At any rate it will be change in scenery from the endless monotony of coral atolls and cocoanut palms.

I went ashore at Okinawa and viewed the scene of perhaps the bloodiest battle of the Pacifac. I explored a couple of the caves in which the Japs had taken refuge and they were full of shattered bones and skulls and the smell was overpowering. I tried to find a fairly solid skull for a souvinier, but the place had been picked pretty clean and the few that were left were so battered as to be unrecognizable.

I got your letter of the 14 Sept. I'm glad that Dad enjoyed his vacation, and was sorry to hear about Dorothy's whooping cough. I hope she is over it by now.

We when we reach Shanghai, I will be as far from home as it is possible to get and still stay on this earth. I'll write when I get there and maybe send you a pair of chopsticks.

With all my love,

Paul

Samar Log October 1 , 1945 - March 6, 1946

For five months [Oct 1, 1945 – March 5, 1946], she remained at Shanghai to provide necessary services to ships supporting American forces there to oversee a peaceful turnover of power from Japanese to Chinese hands.

Postmarked September 24, 1945

Hagushi Bay
Okinawa
Sept. 23 1945

Dear Folks,

Arrived in Okinawa yesterday, and we were all dissappointed in not finding any mail awaiting us. I guess it's around somewhere and will eventually catch up to us. We don't expect to be here more than a few days, according to the best reliable scuttlebutt, we are going to Shanghai, and that seems as good a guess as any. If so, we should see some interesting sights.

Is film any more plentiful than it was? The reason I ask is that wartime regulations regarding cameras have been relaxed somewhat, so if you can get film, I'd like my camera, as I would like very much to take some pictures in Shanghai or wherever else we may go.

That weather around here is not as unbearably hot as it was further south, and for that we are thankful. We still have plenty of rain tho, and it seldom fails to pour during the movie. By the way, we can show movies at sea now and can also leave doors & hatches open at night. The latter makes a big difference in the temperature of the living spaces below.

We have quite a few fellows aboard with 44 points or more and they are impatiently waiting to get off. I figure I should be eligible for discharge by spring or early summer at the latest. I hope I'm not being over-optimistic. George and i are making plans (by mail) to start college next Sept. We haven't decided where, but, as George puts it, it will have to be a school that is co-educational and with reasonable opportunity to enjoy same.

I guess the kids are happily back in school. Another year or so should see Ralph graduating.

That's about all for now, so I am hoping to hear from you soon.

All my love,

Paul

Samar Log September, 1945

At Okinawa on 22 September, she reported for duty to ComSerDiv 101 and then proceeded to China. On the 30th, she arrived in the Yangtze; and, on 1 October she moored in the Whangpoo (Hwang Pu) at Shanghai. Within hours of her arrival, Within hours of her arrival, she had six vessels alongside under repair.

Postmarked September 12, 1945

Saipain

September 10, 1945

Dear Folks,

We are now at Saipan in the Marianas Is, the scene of some of the bloodiest fighting of this war. I've been ashore a couple of times and have observed some wrecked Jap pillboxes and guns etc. there are still a few Japs hiding out in the jungles in the hills, even though its been over a year since we took this island. There are several sunken Jap ships in the harbor.

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend Rosh Hashonnah Services on the beach. The services were conducted by a Marine Corp chaplain. there were about 25 men present including men from all branches of the service.

I had a rather embarrassing moment the day before yesterday when we pulled into port. A launch was lowered to take the skipper ashore and I was the engineer. It was a beautiful bright sunny day. We shoved off smartly and I settled back to relax and enjoy the ride to the beach. We hadn't been running five minutes when you guessed it, without warning the engine conked out. All efforts to start it were futile and to further complicate matters, I found that someone had removed the tool kit from the boat. Fortunately, the skipper was in a good humor. Later, we found that the fuel lines were full of water which confirmed my original diagnosis of the trouble, and, after working the water out, she ran as good as new.

That's about all for now. I hope to hear form you soon.

With all my Love,

Paul

Postmarked September 5, 1945

Sept. 4, 1945

Dear Folks,

Just got word that all censorship regulations and restrictions on personal letters had been removed. So now it can be told.

We are now one day out of Eniwetock, Marshall Islands en route to Saipan in the Marianas. We will arrive Friday, Sept. 7.

I guess might as well trace back to the beginning. We left Norfolk the 21st of July and arrived at Coca Sola, Panama, the 28th. We went thru the canal the next day, and headed for Pearl Harbor. We arrived there Aug. 17, two days after Japan surrendered. I went ashore in Honolulu a couple of times while we were there and we pulled out Aug. 21 for Eniwetock. We arrived there Sept. 1, and left the next day. I guess that brings things pretty well up to date.

I got a couple of letters from you at Eniwetock and was glad to hear from you. Too bad I didn't get a chance to see Henry. I guess he should be getting his discharge before long.

We've been having swell weather all the way and it's sure a lot different than the lst time I was in this area. I guess we'll be having movies at sea before long.

While I was home, Dad made a suggestion of sending a couple of miniature shot bottles in a package. I don't know whether he was serious or not but I think it would be worth trying, if you wrapped them carefully enough. since this ship does not carry torpedoes, we don't have any 197 proof alcohol which was the main source of stimulation aboard the "Witter," so see what you can do.

That's avout all for now. I write you when we reach Saipan and tell you about it.

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked September 2, 1945

Somewhere in the Pacifac

Dear Folks,

I guess you're wondering why you haven't heard from me more often. Well, there are no mail buoys at sea (although it's fun to tell a boot to look for one). As usual, there is not much to say, we are all patiently (?) waiting to see what develops. the weather has been fine and I'm getting a pretty good tan.

I suppose the kids are "eagerly" looking forward to resuming school in a couple of weeks. Ralph should be graduating in another year or so if I remember write.

As you know, we have a fountain aboard and it is well patronized. Aboard the "Witter" ice cream was an almost unheard of luxury, so I really appreciate being able to get it.

There isn't anything I really need, but if you could manage it, I could use a pair of moccasains (size 10C) for lounging around. Also a couple of miniatures if possible.

That's about all for now. By the way, had you heard anything about Bob Marshall lately? It was a year ago March when I last saw him and I cretainly would like to hear from him.

All my love,

Paul

Postmarked August 26, 1945

Aug. 22, 1945

Dear Folks,

Got your letter and was glad to hear from you. As you can probably guess, the number one question aboard here is, when do we get out? I don't mind telling you we are not at all satisfied with the present system, which give no credit for sea duty or battle action, but I guess that will be changed in time.

Although the Japs have surrendered we are still on the alert, for you know how much those yellow b_______'s can be trusted. I guess it won't be long now until Admiral Halsey takes his ride down Tokyo's main street on the Emporer's white horse.

I see that gas rationing has been lifted and I guess you have been getting more use out of the car lately.

I can appreciate Ralph's feelings about the White Mts. I know I nearly went nuts the short time I was up there.

I guess that's about all, so I'll close

With all My Love,

Paul

Postmarked August 19, 1945

Aug. 16, 1945

Dear Folks,

Well, at last its over. I needn't mention the enthusiasm with which the news was received on board, although, being at sea as we are, there was some regret about not being able to celebrate in the accepted appropriate manner.

We held a Thanskgiving ceremony o board the afternoon and I am sending you a copy of same.

I Imagine that the question uppermost in your minds now is, when will I come walking in the door? Well, I don't want to be over optimistic about things, for as you know, we will have to keep the fleet out here for some months to come, so we still have some time to sweat out. It remains to be seen what sort of discharge policy will be followed. When you think of the millions of men who will be discharged within the next few months, you realize the problems involved.

However, if things go well, it shouldn't be too long. At least we know for sure that we'll be getting out eventually.

The skipper gave a little talk to us this A.M. and he said something about feeling joy and sadness mixed regarding out shipmates who are not present to celebrate this happy day. In my case that struck pretty close to home when I think of some of my buddies on the "Witter" and how easily it might have been me. We owe it to them to make damn sure that we don't make the same mistake as they did after the last war. Those yellow b_____s will bear plenty of watching, and, even if I have to stay out here a few more month for that purpose, it wil be worth it in the end.

Now that I have finished philosophizing, there isn't much more to write. so I hope you al are O.K. and everything is running smoothly.

All my love,

Paul

V-J DAY THANKSGIVING DIVINE SERVICES U.S.S. Samar (ARG-11)

V-J DAY THANKSGIVING DIVINE SERVICES
[Held aboard U.S.S. SAMAR August 16, 1945]

Reading of Proclamation of Peace - Lee J. DELWORTH, Lieut.Comdr., U.S.N., Executive Officer

National Anthem - SAMAR Band.

Call to Worship

Doxology - Sung. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. ---AMEN

Prayer - E.S.B. SZWAKOP, MM2C

"America" - Played by Band and Sung.

MY COUNTRY 'TIS OF THEE
[words to four verses here]

Address - A.M. HARVEY, Comdr., U.S.N., Commanding Officer.

Scripture - J.E. YERKES, MM3c

Scriptural Comment - G.R.ABERNATHY, LIEUT., U.S.N.R., CHAPLAIN.

Navy Hymn. "ETERNAL FATHER STRONG TO SAVE"

Eternal Father strong to save,
whose arm doth bind the restless move,
Who bidd'st the might ocean deep,
its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we ry to thee for
those in peril on the sea.

O Trinity of love and power, our
brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go,
Thus ever let there rise to thee glad
hymns of praise from land and sea.
------AMEN.

Benediction.

"God Bless America" - SAMAR Band

Postmarked August 1, 1945

July 30, 1945

Dear Folks,

I guess you've noticed the change in our F.P.O. adress [from N.Y., N.Y. to San Francisco, Calif.], and I guess no further comment or explanation is necessary.

I got a letter from George and he seems O.K. I am still hoping to run into him some day.

I want to wish Ralph a very happy 16th birthday even if I am slightly late. It seems hard to believe that he is almost as old as I was when I left. he will no doubt be quite a man by the time I get back.

I was pretty surprised to read about that plane crashing into the Empire State Bldg. I can imagine all the excitement it caused.

We haven't had many cases of sea=sickness but the weather has been pretty good so far. But I guess as soon as we hit some really rough seas, then ail squad will be lining the rail. We've been having movies every nite underway, something unheard of on the "Witter." It's really nice to sit back on the well deck and watch a show amidst the cool breezes, tropical moonlight while the ship ploughs thru the water. List to me going romantic! Am I getting Asiatic already?

That's about all so take care I've things until I get home for good.

Love to all,

Paul

Postmarked July 28, 1945

July 25, 1945

Dear Folks,

Hope you are al feeling O.K. As you can see it's the old story, I can't tell you anything as to where we are or what we are doing, except that we are somewhere at sea.

This ship, as you can guess, is quite a bit different from a D.E. In some respects better, in that their are more facilities than we had. But the Witter was a fighting ship with a crew too match, and she really has the spirit. I didn't think so when I was on her tho, then I was always griping about it. It just show you that a guy is never satisfied, altho I was lucky getting transferred when I did. I hope the next time I come home it will be for good.

I guess you people have been sweating out the dog days of mid-summer while I am enjoying the cool sea breezes etc.

I guess Dorothy is having a good time at camp, and Ralph is having a better time now that she is gone.

Naturally, we haven't had any mail for seeral days, but I hope we will find some waiting for us when we hit port.

I guess that's all for now.

All my love,

Paul

Samar Log July, 1945

Following shakedown, Samar sailed for the Panama Canal Zone.

Arriving at Coco Solo on 28 July [1945], she transited the canal and departed Balboa on the 29th. En route to Pearl Harbor, she received word of the Japanese surrender but continued on across the Pacific.

Postmarked July 20, 1945

July 17, 1945
Norfolk, Va.

Dear Folks,

Got Ralph's letter and I sure had a good laugh hearing about Vickies exploits and especially Uncle Willie's "faux pas." I can just picture the whole think and I bet it was a riot. I guess Uncle Will will look at signs in the future when he opens a restroom door.

Its been raining almost steadily for the past week and I mean really raining. I sure am glad I have my raincoat for without it I could never have even left the ship it has been pouring so hard and you no how long it would take to soak a pair of white in a heavy downpour. about 5 seconds.

How is the meat situation. The reason i ask is that the other night I had a steak in a restaurant that would know your eye out to see. It was over a foot square. i must have weighed over a pound and was juicy and tender. For $1.75 it was the best steak I ever had in a restaurant. You would ordinarily pay that for one half its size. I wish I could have taken a picture of it to send you. All right, Ralph, stop drooling all over the paper.

That's about all so I will close

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked July 14, 1945

Norfolk, Va.
July 14, 1945

Dear Folks,

Got your letter of July 9 and was glad to hear from you. I tried to get the weekend but it was no dice. I don't imagine will be around hear much longer.

As I told you over the phone, I saw one of the Levine kids the other day. I don't know which one as I still can't tell you apart. He's on an aircraft carrier that got hit and is in for repairs and wll probably be in for several months. It just shows how some guys get the breaks.

Any day now, I guess we wil be headed for the big ditch. I I hope we cross the equator so I can take it out on those poor polywogs and make up for the beating I took going across. Oh, I admit it was fun, but it will be lots more fun dishing it out than it was taking it.

I can't think of much more to tell. I hope Ralph does not miss Dorothy too much now that she is at camp. I can just picture him eating his heart out.

Hoping to hear from you soon, I close with

All my love,

Paul

Postmarked July 10, 1945

July 9, 1945

Dear Folks,

Sorry I haven't written in so long but as I told you over the phone, we were out for a couple of weekends & I didn't have the chance.

I got your package with the swimming trunks and sent the towels and skivvies you asked for yesterday. I hope you get them O.K.

I tried to get the week-end off to come home but it was do use. It looks like we won't be around here much longer.

As you can guess it is plenty hot down here, as as bad as the Pacifac.

I guess everything at home is running normally and I imagine it is pretty quiet around the house with Dotty gone off to cap. I bet it just breaks Ralph's hear.

That's about all, so I will close with,

All my love,

Paul

Postmarked June 21, 1945

June 19, '45

Dear Folks,

Well, we are in Norfolk now, and the place is the same as the last time I was here, it hasn't changed at all. If anything, it's worse.

We are still busy loading up, I sometimes wonder where all the stuff goes, it's like dropping it into a bottomless pit.

It has been plenty hot down here, but the last day or two has given some relief. By the way, when you send a package, I could use a pair of swimming trunks. Also, you might hint to Uncle Julius that I'd like some fishing gear. By the way have you been doing any fishing lately? or have you been to busy.

I guess school is about over and Dorothy will be going off soon to camp. That must really break Ralph's heart.

I'll try to phone some night this week but the phone service is no better now than it was two years ago. You can place a call fast from the coast than you can from here.

That's about all, so I will close with

Love to all,

Paul

The Samar Was a Liberty Ship

During the early years of World War 2, enemy minefields, aerial and U-boat attacks seriously crippled the Allied cause, by sinking a vast number of merchant ships carrying vital military equipment, supplies and Troops. In order to build ships faster than the enemy could sink them, the United States of America under the leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, organised an emergency Shipbuilding programme which between 1941 and 1945 produced over 2,700 Liberty ships. “The Cargo-carrying key to victory”

The first of these Liberty ships, the SS “Patrick Henry” was launched at the Bethlehem Fairfield Shipyard in Baltimore on September 27th 1941. By the time the programme ended in 1945, Eighteen shipyards on the Atlantic, Pacific and Gulf coasts had participated in the effort.

The Liberty ship design was based on the British plans modified to conform to American Practices and to make full use of mass production methods. The ship being 441 feet 6 inches in Length, with a beam of 56 feet 10 ¾ inches, a draft of 27 feet 9 ¼ inches, and could hold about 8500 long tons of cargo. Power coming from a triple expansion steam engine developing 2500 HP at 76 RPM for a top speed of 11 knots. Two oil-fired boilers generate steam at 220 psi and 450 degrees.

About 2,500 Liberty ships of the over 2,700 built, survived WW2 but now only the “John Brown" survives. This magnificent ship serves as a reminder of the hard work, sacrifice and Patriotism which so enabled the cause of freedom.

The last Liberty Ship delivered by Beth-Fairfield shipyard was the USS.Samar, a Navy crewed vessel which became commissioned on 31st October 1944 [sic]. “Samar” was the 384th “Liberty” delivered.

U.S.S. Samar Invitation to Commissioning on June 5, 1945

The Captain, Officers and Crew
of the
U. S. S. Samar
request the honor of your presence at the
Commissioning Ceremonies
at
The Bethlehen Steel Company
Key Highway Plant, Baltimore, Maryland
on
the 5 day of June
nineteen hundred and forty-five
at 3:30 P.M. o'clock

CONFIDENTIAL

Please present this card

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S.S. Samar II

The second Samar (ARG-11), a Luzon Class Internal Combustion Engine Repair Ship, was laid down on 21 September 1944 by Bethlehem-Fairfield, Sparrow's Point, Md., under a Maritime Commission contract (MC hull 2683); launched on 19 October 1944, sponsored by Mrs. Elsie M. Alexander, delivered to the Navy on 31 October 1944, converted to an internal combustion engine repair ship (ARG) by the Bethlehem Steel Co., Key Highway Plant, Baltimore, Md. and commissioned on 5 June 1945, Comdr. Andrew M. Harvey in command.

The Samar was a Liberty ship

Postmarked May 15, 1945

May 15, 1945

Dear Folks,


Well, I got back O.K. Sat. A.M. and got settled in the old routine. As yet I am still not assigned to anything definite, but ma by any day now.

I went to Fall River, Mass. on liberty last nite on liberty and had a pretty good time. Its about 16 miles from Newport and takes about 45 minutes by bus. As it stands now, I should rate the weekend, but nothing is positive up here, so don't count on it too much

I still haven't heard any definite dope on what happened to the "Witter" but on the train coming up here I talked to a couple of "Waves" who worked in the Bureau of Personell in Washington. They told me that they had received several casualty reports from her but didn't know anything. I am going to write to a couple of shipmates on the "witter" and see if they can tell me anything.

Thats about all for now, so I hope to see you this week-end but as I said before don't count on it.

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked April 24, 1945

Newport, R.I.
April 24, 1945

Dear Folks,

Well I got back O.K. and in plenty of time. So far what we are doing seems like boot camp all over again. Intelligence tests, classification, different eye tests, etc. I went into Newport last nite on liberty and didn't think much of it, the town I mean. It's pretty much like Norfolk, so full of sailors that they outnumber civilians, but that's the way it is around most big stations. It is pretty cold up here as you can imagine. I still down know what I'll be assigned to, but I'll probably find out within a few days. that's about all, so I close with,

All my love,

Paul

Telegram Received March 10, 1945

TERMINAL ISLAND CALIF MAR 9
LEAVE DELAYED STARTING MONDAY WILL WIRE BEFORE LEAVING HERE HOPE YOU ARE ALL FEELING OK AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU BE HOME NEXT WEEK

Postmarked February 26, 1944

Feb. 24, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got your letter of Feb. 10, and was glad to hear from you. So George was aboard the Witter a couple of weeks after I left. I guess he was kind of dissappointed in finding me gone. I'm sorry to hear that he is out in the Pacifac, as I had hoped to see him when get home. As it is he will probably be a long time in the Pacifac.

I wentashore today and managed to get a couple of pictures taken. I know you have been asking about pictures for some time, so here it is. It's just a snap but it was the best I can do and I hope you like it. You'll be seeing me in the flesh before too long. Until then this will have too do.

I guess that's about all, so I will close

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked February 16, 1945

Feb. 15, 1944

Dear Folks,

Finally got some mail and was sure glad to hear from you. I'm sorry Ralph feels so bad (?) about missing two weeks of school, I can see he is all but broken-hearted about it.

It is now permissible to tell you, as you've undoubtedly guessed, that the "Witter" took part in the invasion of Leyte. I can't give you any details, but you can be sure there weren't many dull moments while were up there. I'll tell you all about it when I get back,

So you are having some rugged weather? That seems hard to conceive of out here. I hope it isn't tooo cold when I get back, after a year in the tropics I will have to get acclimatized to the cold again.

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked February 13, 1945

Feb. 8, 1944

Dear Folks,

Got some mail from the "Witter" and was glad to hear from you all. I imagine that you are all burning with curiosity and impatience, but all I can tell you is that I expect to be back in the states in the near future.

I see by the mail that you have mailed me a years subscription to the reader's digest, which I appreciate very much, but, before leaving the "Witter," I told the boys to divvy up any packages, newspapers, etc. as there didn't seem much point in having them forwarded back to the states, so I guess you can consider your gift as for the crew of the "Witter."

That is about all, so I hope you're all well and that I'll be seeing you soon.

With all my Love,

Paul

Postmarked February 3, 1945

Jan. 30, 1945

Dear Folks,

As usual, not much too write. I am still aboard the "Houston" and probably will be for some time.

I hope you aren't too bewildered by all the changes in adress. I wish I could straighten you out.

Naturally I haven't had any mail since leaving the "Witter" and probably won't for some time. By I don't mind lack of mail and other discomforts when I can look forward to being home [censored]. I'm sorry I can't be more specific than that. I hope everyone at home is O.K. and not too impatient about hearing from me.

From what I read, you are having an acute cigarette shortage in the states. I don't want to rub it in but we have all brand at 50 cent a carton. Too bad I can't send you some

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked January 28, 1945

Jan 25, 1945

Dear Folks,

As you can see from the return adress, I am now aboard the light cruiser "Houston." I will probably be aboard for some time, so you can disregard any previous instructions regarding mail and write me at this adress.

It's quite a change from a DE to a cruiser. I am just beginning to find my way around aboard her. It's like changing from a Ford to a 10 ton Mack truck, but I guess I will get used to it.

Naturally, I haven't heard from you since I left the "Witter" and probably won't for some time but I don't mind as I will be seeing you all I hope in the not too distant future.

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked January 22, 1945

Jan. 21, 1944

Dear FOlks,

Don't write to me at Navy 3205 any more, instead use my future adress on the envelope, and I will pick it up when I get there. Naturally I haven't received any mail since leaving the [censored] and probably will not till I get to Frisco. It will be great to see the states again, but I would rather have gone back with the "Witter." She's a good ship with a good gang of shipmates, and I guess I grew kind of attached to her in my year abroad. I hope my next ship has a nice a bunch of fellows. That's all I have time to write so I will close

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked January 17, 1945

Jan. 15, 1944

Dear Folks,

You've probably noticed my new [return] adress. I was transferred off the Witter today and will probably be seeing you in the near future. Until you here otherwise, write to me at the return adress, but don't send any packages or newspapers. Got a load of mail from you yesterday and also two packages one of which contained the pocket knife which I have waited a long time for. I was glad to get the picture of the pups, they really are cute. Glad that Henry is home, I hope I get to see him. I got a big kick out of Dorothy's letters.

My transfer came as a complete surprise. I was notifies at about 9:00 A.M. and left early in the afternoon, so you see I was pretty rushed the last few hours getting my gear packed and my affairs in order.

Dorothy bawled me out in no uncertain terms about the way I closed my letters, so to keep her queit I am changing it thus,

With all my love,

Paul

Postmarked January 16, 1945

15 January 1945

Notice of Change of Address

New Ship or Station R/S/ San Francisco, Calif

Old Address Was U.S.S. Witter (DE636), c/o FPO, San Francisco, Calif.