19 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

19 August, 1945

Nancy

Dearest darling Wilma –

I was pretty lonesome last night, dear, and I just couldn’t shake the feeling. We had somewhat of a party but somehow I couldn’t quite enter into the spirit of the thing. I know why, too. Another one of our officers is leaving for home, today, on the point basis. He has 116. I just felt kind of envious although by no means do I begrudge him his good fortune. He’s a pretty nice guy – Fred Ellis – and he lives in South Portland, Maine. We’ll be able to visit him; he has a cute wife and a little girl 3 or 4.

This is a drab Sunday morning, typically Fall-ish. I remember your once telling me you don’t like the Fall. I do – when it’s bright and cool and crisp outside. It’s anything but that here. There won’t be much doing today but I guess I’ll just sit around and relax. This morning the French are having a rather elaborate parade in Stanislaus Place. A famous French Esquadrille that fought in Africa, Germany, and with the Russians for a time – is being decorated by a French General and the Place is really be-decked with flags. The French really love this stuff and there’ll probably be a big mob downtown this morning. I may take a picture or two if I’m through here in time. [See pictures posted on 01 August 1945.] It’s now 0920 and the boys are still drifting in; it makes me mad. Most of the complaints are insignificant but they just love to come in on Sunday morning, because they have little else to do.

Say I forgot to mention your reaction to Austen Lake’s article about MC’s, rotation – etc. No doubt a good deal that he had to say was true – but the mere fact that he said it – detracts from the whole story. I used to think he was pretty good – but he’s bungled a good many stories and the most recent one concerning that “poor, mistreated” G.I. from Worcester was a lulu. Lake pops off too soon without knowing the facts and he went to bat for the soldier. But the G.I. went on and made a sucker of everyone who helped – showing that the Army, in fact, did know what it was doing. What he wrote about doctors is true enough – but writing about it in a newspaper column isn’t going to help one bit; it only serves to aggravate those at home. The damage has been done, darling, and there’s not a thing to do about it. Excuse me for popping off on Lake – but I felt like popping off on someone and I just happened to think of him – poor guy. And that reminds me – what in hell happened to our Braves and Red Sox? The latter were right up there for awhile and then they collapsed. It’s most discouraging – particularly when my MAC officer happens to come from Detroit! You see, dear, how difficult life can be?

But you could really make my life a lot easier, sweetheart, by being with me – or should I be with you? Yup – I guess that will be more practical at that. Gosh dear – you’ll have to listen to all the gripes I’ve built up in 3 years. I hope you can take it; but once they’re out of my system – I’ll be completely normal – I promise – and I’ll be able to devote myself entirely to loving you and being the husband you want me to be. Because I do love you more than anything else in the world, darling, and promising that to you is going to be very very easy for me.

All for now, dear – be well, love to the folks – and

All my sincerest love

Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about the August Revolution


Ho Chi Minh in 1946

The aspiration for national independence had long burned deep in the heart of every Vietnamese through many generations. They had experienced their share of ups and downs under the millennium-long rule of northern feudalism and the century-long rule of western colonialism. On the web site called "BookRags", the following research article about the August Revolution by Richard B. Verrone was once available:

In Vietnamese history, the August Revolution was the proclamation of a sovereign Vietnamese government in August 1945. The Japanese occupied Vietnam during World War II and allowed the French, who were the colonial power in Indochina (present-day Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia), to continue to administer the region. In May 1941, at Pac Bo in northern Vietnam, the Vietnamese Communists, led by Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969), formed a national front organization, the League for Independence of Vietnam, to fight against both the French and the Japanese. The League, better known by its Vietnamese abbreviated name, the Viet Minh, sought to enlist any Vietnamese citizen who would fight for national liberation from the French and Japanese.

When Japan surrendered at the end of World War II in the wake of Allied victory, Ho stepped in on 16 August 1945 and proclaimed himself president of the provisional government of a "free Vietnam." The Allies had other plans: they had agreed that Britain would occupy the southern part of Vietnam and the Nationalist Chinese would occupy the northern portion of the country. Before the Chinese troops arrived, the Viet Minh marched in and seized power in Hanoi on 19 August 1945. The emperor of Vietnam, Bao Dai (1913–1997), complied with Ho's demands and abdicated and left for exile in France. On 24 August in Saigon (present-day Ho Chi Minh City), Tran Van Giau declared insurrection underway in the south. On 27 August Ho convened his first cabinet meeting in Hanoi, at which it was agreed that 2 September would be set as National Independence Day. On that day Ho publicly announced the formation of the Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (DRV) with its capitol at Hanoi.

In subsequent negotiations with the French, who were allowed to reoccupy Vietnam, Ho agreed to the return of 25,000 French colonial troops in the north for a five-year period rather than face occupation by the Nationalist Chinese. Ho placated his disgruntled comrades with reassurances that colonialism was dying and that the French would have a difficult time reestablishing permanent rule, and reminded them that the Chinese had occupied Vietnam in the past for over a thousand years and were the greater threat. The DRV and the French soon clashed over administrative and military issues after the French returned to Vietnam, resulting in the eruption of the First Indochinese War.

18 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

18 August, 1945      0915

Nancy

Dearest darling Wilma –

Boy – this month’s tearing right along but it’s probably because so many fateful events have occurred this month. To all intents and purposes the summer has been over here since last week. The mornings and evenings are very chilly and when the sun does come out, it’s not very strong. They have a really cold winter here and I just hope I’m not around for all of it.

Yesterday p.m. – I was busy moving again, dear, – but this time only from one room to another. With the Colonel gone, the Major took over his apartment and George Thiessen, now executive officer, moved in with him. That left a nice room vacant and since I’m next in line in seniority, I took it. It’s a nice room with adjoining wash-room etc. Just think, though, darling – I’m actually 3rd ranking officer in a whole battalion – and still a captain. Well – it doesn’t make much difference now. Anyway – I’ve got the room all fixed up and it’s quite comfortable. In the evening we were going to go to the movies but ended up at the Red Cross having coffee – instead. Today, Saturday, is another half-day and I guess I’ll just rest and take it easy. We never did celebrate the end of the war and there doesn’t seem to be much point to it; but you never can tell what will develop on a Saturday night in this outfit.

By the way – today is 21 months and two days since we left New York Harbor. What a long grind it has been, but how nice to have behind you! Looks like we’ll certainly have at least 4 overseas bars on our left sleeve before we make it back, and yet we still see – in this town – outfits with six bars. One such outfit is the General Hospital here – the Second General. I don’t know why they haven’t gone home yet.

I didn’t receive any mail yesterday so I’d better catch up on some of the items you’ve mentioned in some of your previous letters, dear. About those pictures being brown – we never have the same place develop pictures, darling, and sometimes they just foul them up, that’s all. So far – I’ve been pretty lucky; that “car” in Leipzig – I didn’t know what it was either – but that was typical of the variety of vehicles to be seen in Germany today.

I was interested in your comments about work, the summer vacation, your plans for the Fall, etc. I honestly don’t know what to advise you, sweetheart. A course in nurses’ aide is difficult and particularly so at the B.C.H. [Boston City Hospital]. A good many women I know took it at Salem, including several doctors’ wives. As for your phobia about things medical, dear, particularly blood, I wouldn’t worry one bit about that. I see no reason why you’ll ever have to have much contact with it – although if I should have an office in conjunction with our home – as is the custom in Salem – I don’t know. It’s hard to advise you what to do from this vantage point. I know what I’ll do with you when I get home. I’m going to marry you, sweetheart, and I’m going to keep you busy loving you day and night. You won’t have much time for anything else – I promise you, dear. So you can think about that angle. I’ve been telling you on paper for a long time, now, darling, how much I love you. What a thrill to be able to show you. And the day draws nearer.

All for now, dear. Love to the folks and regards from Pete.

All my everlasting love and devotion –

Greg.

* TIDBIT *

about Another "My Day" by Eleanor Roosevelt



18 August 1945

NEW YORK, Friday — The last two days of holiday I have been privileged to spend in New York City. I use the word privileged advisedly, for it has been a privilege to see joy on so many faces.

I don't think I have ever seen so many young people walking hand in hand up and down our city streets. Many of the men are still in uniform, but as I sat in a bus the other afternoon a young couple got in, both looking radiant. The man was in a new civilian suit, wearing his honorable discharge button, and they were laughing and chatting together in the way that indicates, not the forced gaiety that accompanies a man on leave when war is on, but the complete, natural abandon of happy children. It was good to see. And on the same day I saw a mother greet her son who, for the first time in nearly five years, was dressed in civilian clothes. I knew she felt a great thankfulness, since during that time he had flown almost continuously on dangerous missions.

* * *

During a taxi ride, however, my driver seemed to be rather short of temper for such happy days. When a chance came I said: "This is a wonderful day; all of us must be happy!" He turned around and said: "It sure is. But I've still got a boy, a lieutenant in the air force, and I don't know yet if he is safe. I've got a son-in-law in the army and many nephews, so that there have been plenty of worries with us." The worries were evidently still uppermost, as they must remain for many, many people until we hear from the far ends of the world that V-J Day has really come on the islands in the Pacific and in the jungles of Burma.

Nevertheless, the atmosphere of our city has changed, and I am sure that is so of cities and villages all over the United States. The old troubles that accompany the daily round of living will be back with us all too soon. We will have to be reminding ourselves that the big trouble, the weight that has clamped on our hearts and kept our spirits down, has really been removed. We are not free from the accidents of death and disease and misfortune, and sorrow will be with us often, since that is the lot of man. But the war is over. We will not be engaged in the business of killing each other. Mass murder is ended, and we can rejoice.

* * *

On Sunday we will go to our respective churches, or sit at home and listen to our radio services, or perhaps just read our prayer books and speak with our hearts our thanksgiving to God that this terrible period in the history of mankind is past.

Now, we turn to the ways of peace, and coupled with our prayer of thanksgiving I hope there will be a prayer that each one of us may do his full share to bring about the change in mankind and the world that must come in this new atomic era if we are not to destroy humanity. We cannot say any more, "if" we have peace, or "will it be possible to keep peace," since we know that unless we have peace there is no future possible for mankind.

E. R.
(COPYRIGHT 1945 BY UNITED FEATURE SYNDICATE, INC.)

17 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

17 August, 1945      0930

Nancy

My dearest sweetheart –

Today is an official E.T.O. holiday for VJ day, but sick-call goes on just the same. I have a few details to look after this morning and then I ought to be able to take it easy for the rest of the day. As yet – our group of officers haven’t celebrated the end of the war, but truth to tell, darling, there isn’t much heart in it over here. Our first reaction was that of exhilaration, but then the last two days – the broadcasts from London, Scotland, New York, San Francisco – etc. dampened us a bit because it made us realize that after all – a celebration like this one needs those you love to make it real. Well, damn it, we’ll celebrate when I get back – oh! we have so much to celebrate, dear! If I have one drink only for each reason, I’ll be loopy in no time. Say, have you ever seen me really high? I can’t remember.

Well I got a letter from Dad A in Ohio and one from you too, darling – both written 8 August and both mentioning the Russian Entry. I’m just waiting for your letters of the end of the war – I bet they’ll be good. It all ended so suddenly – it still doesn’t seem possible that it’s truly over.

You mention the coming of Billy’s Bar Mitzvah in October; wish I were back to be included in that list of a hundred people. I kind of doubt that the Army is able to work that swiftly, though. Gee – I can still remember mine. I was scared of the synagogue services; I guess every kid was and still is.

By the way – that clipping you sent me of Rodman winning the tennis matches in Paris – refers to Sonny Rodman all right. I see he got his captaincy since I saw him last. And yes – Pete got his Captaincy some time ago. I thought I had mentioned it to you, dear. Oh – and in answer to your question about all the Madames and their husbands – most of the husbands are here with them. You don’t think I’d be going around visiting lonely French madames, do you? Don’t answer! The only French woman sans husband is a Mme Pellet, a woman whom our colonel was seeing a lot of. She’s about 40 and the wife of a French two star General. The latter is sick and has just been operated upon. She’s having a little fun, I guess. But on the whole – French people who are respectable – are tremendously so – more than we are at home. A girl from such a family never goes out with a strange or new acquaintance (male) without her mother – not until she knows the fellow for a long time – and I’m referring to a French man. The kind we hear about – are not from the best class.

But why bother about the French, darling? It’s you I’m interested in and no one else. It’s you I love and no one else and it’s you I’m coming home to, soon, I hope. Until then – sit tight, sweetheart, and I’ll make up for all this waiting. I know I can do it.

And for a while longer – so long, dear, love to the folks – and

All my deepest love and affection –

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Indonesia's Independence Day


Map of Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago
with approximately 17,508 islands.
Today it has 33 provinces with over 238 million people,
and is the world's fourth most populous country.
Islam is the religion of about 86% of its people.

Friday, 17 August 1945, is the greatest day in history for all Indonesian people because Sukarno proclaimed the Independence of Indonesia on that day. After being under Dutch colonialism for more than three and half century and Japanese colonialism for three and half years, the people of Indonesia finally achieved their aspiration to become an independent nation.

In their search for spices, the Portuguese arrived in Indonesia in 1511, followed by the Spaniards. Later, the Dutch also started their search for spices in Indonesia, which they sold in European markets with big profits, and established the Dutch East India Company in 1602. In 1605, Dutch colonialism began to have a foothold over Indonesian territories. The capital of Sunda Kelapa was named "Batavia" by the Dutch.

Sultan Hasanuddin of Goa fought a war against the Dutch in 1666, but he was defeated. Prince Trunojoyo of Madura also fought the Dutch. He was defeated and killed in 1680. In 1740, the Dutch suppressed a rebellion in Jakarta that was sparked by dissatisfied Chinese, who were later joined by Indonesians. Ten thousand Chinese were killed.

In 1714, the British came to Indonesia and built Fort York in Bengkulu on the west coast of Sumatera which was later renamed Fort Marlborough. The British stayed in Bengkulu until 1825. During the Napoleonic wars in Europe when Holland was occupied by France, Indonesia fell under the rule of the British East India Company (1811-1816). After the fall of Napoleon, and the end of the French occupation of Holland, the British and Dutch signed a convention in London on 13 August 1814, in which it was agreed that Dutch colonial possessions dating from 1803 onwards should be returned to the Dutch Administration in Batavia. Thus, the Batavian Republic reclaimed the Indonesian archipelago from the British in 1815.

Soon the Dutch strengthened their colonial rule. But this only sparked rebellions to seize freedom. Thomas Matulessy (Pattimura) staged a revolt against the Dutch in the Moluccas (1816-1818). Prince Diponegoro of Mataram led a fierce struggle for freedom which was known as the Java War from 1825-1830. Tuanku Imam Bonjol led the Padri War in West Sumatera, while Teuku Umar headed the Aceh War in North Sumatera (1873-1903). King Sisingamangaraja of the Bataks revolted against the Dutch in 1907. An attempt by the Dutch troops to occupy Bali in 1908 was repelled by King Udayana. Revolts were also erupting in Goa, South Sulawesi, and in South Kalimantan.

When all those regional wars of independence failed, Indonesian nationalists began thinking of a more organized struggle against Dutch colonialism. The move began with the founding of Boedi Oetomo by Dr. Soetomo on 20 May 1908. This organization of Indonesian intellectuals was initially set up for educational purposes but later turned into politics. In 1911, Sarekat Dagang Islam (the Society of Moslem Entrepreneurs) was formed by Haji Samanhudi and others. Its objective was at first to motivate and to promote Indonesian business in the Dutch East Indies. However, in 1912, this organization turned into a political party and was renamed Sarekat Islam.

In December 1912, Partai Indonesia was founded by Douwes Dekker with Dr. Tjipto Mangunkusumo and Ki Hajar Dewantoro (Suwardi Suryaningrat). The aim of the party was to strive for complete independence of Indonesia. All three leaders of the party were exiled by the colonial government in 1913. In 1924, Perhimpunan Mahasiswa Indonesia (the Indonesian Students Association) was formed by Drs. Mohammad Hatta, Dr. Sukiman and others. This organization became a driving force of the nationalist movement to gain independence. On 28 October 1928, delegates to Indonesian Youth Congress in Jakarta pledged commitment to One Nation, One Motherland and One Language. The "Indonesia Raya" song was introduced for the first time at the 2nd Indonesian Youth Congress by its composer, Wage Rudolf Supratman.

                

Sukarno                                        Hatta

 

In December 1929, the Dutch colonial authorities arrested Sukarno which touched off widespread protests by Indonesians. In 1934, Drs. Mohammad Hatta, Sutan Syahrir and other nationalist leaders were arrested by the Dutch and sent into exile.

After the Japanese attacks of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Japanese Armed Forces occupied several Southeast Asian countries. After the fall of Singapore, Japanese invaded the Dutch East Indies and the Dutch colonial army surrendered in March 1942. Sukarno and Hatta were released from their detention.

Due to the hardships suffered by the Japanese caused by Indonesian rebellions, the Japanese occupation forces in Indonesia finally gave in to recognize the Indonesian Red and White colored flag as the Indonesian national flag, which was followed by the recognition of "Indonesia Raya" as the national anthem and Bahasa Indonesia as the national language.

 

 Flag of Indonesia

The final defeat of Japan after the dropping of the atomic bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki on the 6th and 9th of August 1945 prompted the Japanese to surrender unconditionally to the Allies. This constituted an ample opportunity for Sukarno and Drs. Mohammad Hatta to proclaim Indonesia's independence on 17 August 1945. The draft was prepared on the night of August 16, by Sukarno, Hatta, and a student named Subarjo. The Proclamation of Indonesian Independence was read at 10.00 a.m. on Friday, 17 August 1945. The document was signed by Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta, who were appointed President and Vice-president respectively the following day. Here is what the Proclamation said:

WE THE PEOPLE OF INDONESIA
HEREBY DECLARE THE INDEPENDENCE OF INDONESIA.
MATTERS WHICH CONCERN THE TRANSFER OF POWER AND
OTHER THINGS WILL BE EXECUTED BY CAREFUL MEANS
AND IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME.

DJAKARTA, 17 AUGUST 1945

IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF INDONESIA

SOEKARNO—HATTA

Sukarno ("Soekarno" was the Dutch spelling until 1947) and Mohammad Hatta were appointed President and Vice-president respectively the following day.

The declaration marked the start of the diplomatic and armed-resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution, fighting against first the British and then the forces of the Netherlands. On November 29, 1946, the last of Britain's troops left Indonesia. The Dutch were increasing their strength there, reaching 110,000 troops by May 1947. The Dutch considered themselves the legitimate power in a new state they had created, consisting of the eastern half of Indonesia.

On July 20, the Dutch launched an effort to overpower the Republic of Indonesia's armed forces. The U.S. expressed its disapproval. India's leader, Nehru, was outraged. People in the Netherlands began demonstrating against the war. The Russians sided with the Indonesians, and Australian labor began boycotting shipments of supplies to the Dutch war effort. A war was taking place, a guerrilla war by Indonesians and a police action described by the Dutch. On August 1, the U.N. Security Council called for a cease fire, but the fighting continued in 1949. On March 31, the U.S. told the Dutch that their Marshall Plan aid was in jeopardy. The Dutch finally agreed to a cease fire in August 1949, and on November 2 they signed what amounted to cessation of their hold on Indonesian territory. The Netherlands "unconditionally and irrevocably" recognized Indonesia as a federation of autonomous states. The conflicts between the Dutch and Indonesians brought about the deaths of over 150,000 Indonesians and 6,000 Dutch nationals. In 2005, the Netherlands declared that they had decided to accept 17 August 1945 as Indonesia's independence date.

16 August 1945

V-MAIL

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

16 August, 1945

Nancy

My dearest sweetheart –

I just read your letter of 7 August in which you told me, dear, that you love me – and darned if I don’t love you just as much. It’s a wonderful feeling, too – darling – and I’m sure you know what I mean.

Well – our big VJ celebration fizzed out entirely. At the last minute it was decided that the town would be wild last nite and every officer except the medics went on patrol duty to keep the mischief down. And the same schedule applies for tonight. It makes little difference, really, sweetheart, because I’m fundamentally happy and relaxed over thoughts of our future which now seems closer and closer. Oh boy!! Nothing else for now, darling. Love to the family. I love you!

All my love for now –

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Churchill's Cabinet War Rooms


Churchill in his War Cabinet bunker beneath the London streets

The Cabinet War Rooms are located across from the Houses of Parliament. This sprawling complex, (which today is called "Churchill's War Rooms" and include the Churchill Museum), covers three acres. Winston Churchill and his War Cabinet would convene here when there was a German air raid. From here they guided the course of the war to its ultimate victory. Today, a visitor can visit by entering through a small entrance next to a set of stairs on King Charles Street. This entrance did not exist during World War II; instead, people entered the underground bunker through a stairway located within a building above the bunker.

During the Second World War, from 1 September 1939 until May 1945, London was under threat of air raid. Therefore, underground rooms with reinforced ceilings and walls were used from 1940 to mid-1945. In 1940, shortly after becoming Prime Minister, Churchill stood in the Cabinet War Room and declared, "This is the room from which I will direct the war."

The size of the underground bunker expanded as the war progressed, starting relatively small and growing to approximately 30,000 feet. Many rooms for different functions are housed here. These included communications rooms, a hospital, canteen, firing range and dormitories for several hundred staff.

Churchill War Rooms sleeping quarters were down this hall

When the bunker was closed down on 16 August 1945, many of the men and women working in the shelter cleaned off their desks, shut off the lights, and went home, never to return to the bunker. This meant that in a number of rooms, the furnishings and all the small details of life in the bunker during the war were kept intact. After the war the historic value of the Cabinet War Rooms was recognized. Their preservation became the responsibility of the Ministry of Works and later the Department for the Environment, during which time very limited numbers of the public were able to visit by appointment. In the early 1980s the Imperial War Museum was asked to take over the administration of the site. When reopened, everything was still in its original state, right down to the cigar butts in the ashtray. It's as if the war was over so everyone went down to the pub and forgot the place existed.

The Rooms were opened to the public by Margaret Thatcher on 4 April 1984, in a ceremony attended by Churchill family members and former Cabinet War Rooms staff. Following a major expansion in 2003, a suite of rooms used as accommodation by Churchill, his wife and close associates, was added to the museum. The restoration of these rooms, which since the war had been stripped out and used for storage, cost £7.5 million. In 2005 the War Rooms were re-branded as the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, with 850 square meters of the site redeveloped as a biographical museum exploring Churchill's life. In May 2010 the name of the museum was shortened to Churchill War Rooms. During 2009-2011 the museum received over 300,000 visitors a year.

During its operational life two of the Cabinet War Rooms were of particular importance. (These are shown in the video below.) Once operational, the facility's Map Room was in constant use and manned around the clock by officers of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. These officers were responsible for producing a daily intelligence summary for the King, Prime Minister and the military Chiefs of Staff.

Map still on the wall (above) and its keys (below)

The other major room was the Cabinet Room. Until the opening of the Battle of France, which began on 10 May 1940, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's war cabinet met at the War Rooms only once, in October 1939. Following Winston Churchill's appointment as Prime Minister, 115 Cabinet meetings were held at the Cabinet War Rooms, the last on 28 March 1945, when the German V-weapon bombing campaign came to an end.

Here is a video tour of the Churchill War Rooms today:

15 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

15 August, 1945      0900

Nancy

My dearest sweetheart –

On this – VJ day – I love you more than ever before and I want you something fiercely. I must admit it finally, darling, I’m terribly impatient – more than I’ve ever let you know. With this happy day – there’s no more fighting to be done and I can actually look forward to a day of discharge, with no uniform, white shirt, colored tie and you! What a combination of words, sweetheart – but you know what I mean. Everything that return home and discharge mean, add up to you, and it’s just impossible for me, dear, to tell you how I feel when I know now that I can come home to you and stay – and furthermore – realize that I can get started again in practice. Suffice it to say that I’m tremendously happy that we’ve come this far together. The rest of the way is going to be easy.

We waited up until midnight last night – and still the news didn’t break. But at 0700 today I got BBC and there it was. Some of the boys wanted to celebrate last night but we held off. But today we’ll make up for it. VJ Day comes once in a lifetime and I want to remember it. Now no one knows how the deployment back home will work – but once they get rid of those outfits who are already in the staging areas – they’ll probably go by units and by priority – and this outfit is certainly up in the first third, I should say. So keep waiting, sweetheart!

I got a letter from you yesterday – 3 August – and a card from Dad A. The letter mentioned he had heard from Lawrence in Manila and I’m glad he arrived safely. He’ll probably have to sweat out the occupation of Japan – but at least it will be safe.

Your letter was sweet, darling, as are all of them. You mentioned the fellow from Portland calling you and your refusing to go out with him. What interested me mostly was your reasons for refusing, sweetheart – and I love your sincerity, faithfulness and patience.

Say, I had no idea you knew so much about the horses. I’m afraid, dear, you’ll find me very ignorant about that particular sport. I’ve just never cared for it – and I guess you’ll just have to classify me as a non-gambling man. However, if you want to go from time to time – we’ll go – if I can get away.

And now, darling, I’ll have to quit. There are still some patients to see. I wrote in between sick-call – because I couldn’t wait to tell you how much I love you and want you – and how happy I am that the day of our being together again comes closer now – by leaps and bounds. Sit tight, sweetheart – and I’ll be getting back to you.

Love to the folks – and

All my sincerest and deepest love –

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about The War is Over!!!

In the following video, Truman announces the surrender of Japan to the press in Washington, D.C. on 14 August 1945. The picture below the video shows the press listening intently...

In the following picture, British Prime Minister Clement Attlee (right) and Foreign Secretary Ernest Bevin are photographed at 10 Downing Street, London, UK at midnight on 14 August 1945. They had just announced, in a speech broadcast to Britain and the Empire, the news of the Japanese surrender.

Also on 14 August 1945, Japanese Emperor Hirohito recorded the news of Japan's surrender to his nation.

So it was that at noon on 15 August 1945, for the first time in history, the voice of the Japanese emperor was heard on the radio. His Imperial Majesty Hirohito had recorded the message the previous day, and he spoke to his people in the very formal language of the Imperial Court, which many of his subjects could not understand. Here is the beginning of his speech:

To Our good and loyal subjects: After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining to Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the provisions of their Joint Declaration.

To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our Subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors, and which we lay close to heart. Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandisement. But now the war has lasted for nearly four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone -- the gallant fighting of the military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of the State and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people, the war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to damage is indeed incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should We continue to fight, it would not only result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the millions of Our subjects; or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the Acceptance of the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers...

The following video is typical of most showing the celebrations across the United States upon the surrender of Japan...

The following video has rare color images of the celebration in New York on 15 August 1945. It also has some sobering thoughts beyond that exultant day.

14 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

14 August, 1945      0930

Nancy

Dearest darling Wilma –

Having been away most of yesterday, I didn’t get a chance to look at my mailbox until this a.m. and what do you think – letters from you of the 4th, 5th, 6th of August – and if you don’t think those 3 letters put me right up there with all the fleecy clouds, well, darling, you’ve got something wrong with you. Yup – I feel swell; and why not? You love me, I love you and can you tell me a better combination?

As I wrote you yesterday, dear, I went down to St. Die. Today I’ve got to go to Toul. You see, darling, we have small M.P. detachments in various outlying towns and I’ve got to visit them from time to time. In the evening – we just stayed around. Most of the boys were still tired from Saturday night.

I was interested in your reaction to your visit to Norwood at the Kleins. I think a lot about where we’ll live – I mean what kind of set-up we’ll have – and I must admit, it isn’t quite fully crystallized as yet in my mind. My set-up was simple when I was in Salem, because I was single. The place where my office was – was a good spot and chances are I can have it back if I want it. It’s on a good street and near most of the doctors. Also – my former patients know where it is. One other very important feature is the telephone service. With Mrs. Tucker and Maude presumably still running the Nurse’s Agency – her phone is always covered and so would mine be. You realize of course, dear, how convenient that would be. That would mean then – that we would have to find a place for ourselves. The other alternative would be to find a place from the start that would take care of everything. It sounds difficult now – but in fact, sweetheart, it’s so nice to think about. The conversation around here recently has been about how much time the various fellows were going to take off – after discharge – before getting started again as a civilian. Hell – the way I feel now – I don’t want any time off at all. I’m just rarin’ to get started and build that practice up again. Hell – I’m going to have responsibilities, aren’t I?

Boy – I really feel on the ball this morning! I wonder why; could be I’m in love with you and those 3 letters, too; could be I’m very happy you love me, too; could be my thoughts of the future with you are very nice, bright and rosy. Yes – I‘m sure it’s all of that, darling – and let’s hope soon!

So long for another little while, dear, and my love to the folks – and – remember –

I’m yours alone for always

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Toul, France

Toul is located between 12 miles (19 km) west of Nancy, and is situated between the Moselle River and the Canal de la Marne au Rhin. Consequently, it was once an important port. The barges known as péniches still navigate these watercourses commercially, typically carrying steel, though in the summer much more of the water traffic is for pleasure.

Map showing Toul (west of Nancy) and St. Die (southeast of Nancy)

Toul was known to the Romans as Tullum Leucorum. By the Treaty of Meerssen of 870, Toul became part of East Francia, the later Holy Roman Empire. During the High Middle Ages, it became a Free Imperial City. Toul was annexed to France by King Henry II in 1552; this was recognized by the Holy Roman Empire in the Peace of Westphalia of 1648.

The most striking features of Toul are its impressive stone ramparts. There appears to have been a fortified town at this location since the earliest recorded history. Those that exist today are the work of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, Louis XIV's military engineer. In 1698 he designed a new enclosure and work began in 1699-1700. The fortifications were strengthened again after the Franco-German War of 1870. During the siege of 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War, the last time that Toul's defenses were used as a classic fortress, 64 guns opened fire at 6:00 a.m. on 23 September, and the fortress surrendered at 3:00 p.m. after 2,433 shells had been fired.

Rampart with water surrounding

Today, the ramparts encircle and define the old town. They are built of dressed white stone, and topped with grass, and in places are over five meters high.

Toul is surrounded by ramparts.

The city was also the primary base of the United States Air Service - predecessor to the United States Air Force - during World War I. As such, it was a base for many of the 45 war time squadrons. The former fortress town was rebuilt after World War II, during which whole sections were devastated by fire.

The old town's architecture is dominated by past glories in various states of decay, including a major Gothic cathedral, which is in a poor condition and is being slowly restored. Many of the houses were built as canonical residences in the Late Middle Ages and bear vestiges in the form of ornamental stonework. Notable churches that have survived including the restored cathedral of Saint-Étienne, dating from the 13th century, and the 13th–14th-century church of Saint-Genoult.

Saint-Étienne Cathedral's Gothic facade.


Cloister garden of Cathedral St. Etienne


Cloister Church of Saint-Genoult


Museum of Art and History

13 August 1945

438^th AAA AW BN

APO 513 % Postmaster, N.Y.

13 August, 1945

Nancy

My dearest sweetheart –

The French call it “somber lundi” instead of “blue” – but anyway, I just don’t feel like that this morning. It’s clear out and for some reason or other, darling, I’m all pepped up. Of course it could be because I’m so much in love with you and I know that one of these days you’re going to me mine alone! That’s a good enough reason for me – and I’m not going to look for another. Sweetheart – I do love you so – and I miss you – but not in the blue way I used to, dear. It’s probably because of the good news we’re getting these days. I miss your presence, your contact, you – but I know I’m going to have you with me and that feeling helps tremendously. You’ve been patient, darling – very patient – and don’t think for a moment that I’m not aware how difficult it has been for you. And I know, too, how easy it could have been for you to date from time to time. I could hardly have objected, either. But I love you all the more for your will-power and your determination to wait for me and me alone. But you’re going to have an awfully attentive and steady guy to date you once a certain fellow gets home. I’ll give you no more hint than that dear.

I’ve told you from time to time, dear, about the French, their customs, etc. I don’t think I’ve told you about the hair – I mean the color. The French women are crazy. Of course – a peroxide blonde is nothing – and even women of very respectable families bleach their hair. But when they start dying it different colors – well that’s too much. I’ve meant to tell you about it before and forgot – until this morning when I saw a new color – pink! Yes – a nice rosy pink and it looked weird. Up to now I’ve seen purple hair, steel blue, light blue and green! And some women streak their hair in combination colors – like blond – with a two inch path of green – or purple – etc. It’s absolutely bizarre.

Well yesterday we rested all day. The binge Saturday did materialize and we managed to get the Colonel highly plastered. Liquor was scarce but the variety was wicked and it didn’t take much to make a fellow high. I used to think my “Purple Jesus” was potent – but I know some other combinations that make that one seem mild. We sang, one of the fellows played the piano and everyone was gay. Incidentally – there was no one at breakfast except me. Sunday morning, I had to be at the Dispensary at 0800 to see a couple of sick guys.

And this morning we all said ‘goodbye’ to the Colonel and he took off for Reims. He’ll be there for awhile and then will probably fly back by way of Dakar.

This p.m. I have to go to St Dié and that will take most of the rest of the day, dear. I’ve got a couple of things to do now and then I’m going back to quarters and get ready. So for now, Sweetheart, I’ll say ‘so long’. Be with you tomorrow in writing – although I’m always with you in between. Love to the folks – and

All my everlasting love, dear

Greg

* TIDBIT *

about Saint-Dié and the Naming of America

Saint-Dié, France is located in the Vosges Mountains 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Nancy, on the Meurthe River.

Saint-Dié-des-Vosges, France

The center of Saint-Dié was largely destroyed by the Germans in November of 1944, although there was no military necessity to do so. This is about what it looked like when Greg made his visit.

Saint-Dié, France as Greg saw it in 1945


Saint-Dié, France: Then (above) and Now (below)

Due to the necessity of rebuilding, much of the city has a modern look with many properties featuring 1950s style facades. However, the history of Saint Die stretches back through many centuries.

In the early 1500's, Vautrin Lud, Canon of St-Dié in charge of the mines of the valleys, was the chaplain and secretary of René II, Duke of Lorraine. The Duke set up a very early printing-establishment at St-Dié and facilitated reflections on the theme of Earth representation, or, mapping. He convened a meeting with several scholars including the German cartographer Martin Waldseemüller and the Alsatian professor Matthias Ringmann, who would be called "geographers" today.

While having an edition of a Latin translation of Ptolemy's "Geography" produced in 1507, René II received the "Soderini Letter," an abridged account of the four voyages of Amerigo Vespucci. [It seems that in his accounts, Vespucci falsely claimed that he had discovered the continent which we now know was discovered by Christopher Columbus.] Lud had this letter translated into Latin by Basin de Sandaucourt. The translation was completed at St-Dié on 24 April 1507; it was prefaced by a short explanatory booklet written by Waldseemüller, entitled Cosmographiae Introductio. This booklet can be seen as the baptismal certificate of the New Continent. Waldseemüller and the scholars of the Gymnasium Vosagense then made a capital decision, writing: "...And since Europe and Asia received names of women, I do not see any reason not to call this latest discovery Amerige, or America, according to the sagacious man who discovered it".

The first and second printing appeared in August 1507 at St-Dié, a third at Strasburg in 1509, and thus the name of America was spread about. In 1513, Waldseemüller, having become better informed, inserted into other maps the name of Columbus as the discoverer of America. But it was too late to alter the name of the continent; "America" had been already firmly established.

Thus, Saint-Dié-des-Vosges is honored today with the title of "godmother of America," the city that named America.