Parents relief end of war Archives

Dear Folks:

Well I have taken the first step towards getting home. Two days ago I left my outfit and have moved to the Personnel Center where we are processed and grouped prior to departure. I will be discharged at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. I tried to get it changed to Ft. Logan but said they couldn’t do it. But I guess it doesn’t make much difference as long as it is in [the] States. I think I will be here only a day or two before we get on the boat. I feel like a rookie all over again going through this processing – checking records and equipment, but as long as it means getting home, it’s okeh.

Had a letter from Dad the day I left my outfit. It was certainly a good one. I can imagine how Mom feels about us boys getting home and I feel the same way. The boat ride will seem forever. I heard today that points are lowered to 70, October first. Now Dick will be eligible although it will probably be several months before he gets back.

I know I won’t be disappointed in either of you. Being away so long, being more around all the time, and seeing so much construction, home will be more of a castle than ever. I just hope I haven’t changed too much and can be successful someday and be what you expect me to be. I really intend to try. As we are so near to getting home we often talk about what we will do after the war and I think that a decision now will make or break a lot of guys. More and more I believe Dad’s philosophy that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. I want to get a good education first and I would like to put what dough I have into something for the future and maybe Dad has some ideas. But [we] will talk it all over soon.

Saw the stage show ‘This is the Army” last night. Very good. Some liberated prisoners of war were guests.

Well I may be on my way in a day or two so get ready and don’t let Mom faint when I walk in.

Love,

Dear folks:

Had a nice letter from Mom today so before the show maybe I can answer it. I could tell in your letter how relieved you were and the end of the war made me think of your relief more than mine.

We are sitting around living from day to day for our orders to come through. I think it will be very soon and I’m hoping I can be lucky enough to fly back two days that way, and 18 by boat. I wish I could tell you definitely but we don’t know that. Dick has gone to Tokyo. He was looking forward to it. He flew. It will be quite an experience and he will probably get back fairly soon. He will have plenty to tell you on his return. There’s no need telling you how great my anticipation is after four years. Nancy grown, Phil engaged, Katie married with a child, besides all the other changes around town. And how I’m going to enjoy being lazy around the house. I know you know how I feel. Had a letter from Gladys Johnson, formerly Gladys Davis and she says by all means go back to school and take the room I had lived in. She says her mother has been waiting four years for me to be back in my room. If I get back by the middle of October I’ll have a good stay at home before going to Lincoln [to go to college]. But I’ll have to get a lot of new clothes first. I can use the three hundred [dollars] I get on discharge for that.

Here on the island, Jap officers and enlisted men are roaming around the hills getting what Japs remain to surrender. But I’m in no danger. Our area is a big one like a city, not isolated like in combat. And of course I’m being careful and making sure I’ll get back. And I pray plenty for that and thank God we have been so fortunate. Dick has told me he prayed plenty. That time he was pinned down for four hours while the Japs tried to get him, he knew he was going to die and wished they’d hurry up and kill him. He’s had some close ones. But it has affected him and you’ll be proud of him when he gets back.

Well, it’s about time to go to the show. If you don’t hear from me for a week, don’t write any more because I’ll be on my way. But I’ll write at least that often until I leave.

Love,

21 September 1945

30 August 1945