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
Tuesday, August 26, 1975
Tuesday, August 19, 1975
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
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
Saturday, August 16, 1975
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
[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
Friday, August 1, 1975
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
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
