Manila, Philippines Is.

                                                                                    August 15, 1945

 

Dear Mom,

 

            Today the answer to the prayers of people all over the world came true.  At last the Japs gave in, and the war is over.

           

 

            We had a few premature celebrations of victory but none to top this best one of all.  They had to take all the weapons away from the fellows for everyone was firing off their guns and the ‘flak’ was terrific.

 

            The final signing of the peace terms will be in a few days, and then the world can look down the road of peace.  The atomic bomb was the ultimate reason for Jap surrender.  Just think what would have happened if the Japs ever got a weapon like that.  Truly God has been good to the world. 

 

            I know the question that looms in your mind, now.  The same question is on our lips and in our minds.  Men will start to return to the states almost immediately, but first will come the fellows with 85 pts and more.  Some of them won’t even be able to come because of their job.  You see, mom, it will be slow.  An estimate over the radio was the bulk of troops would be home in from 12-18 months.  In any case, for instance, I’m part of a radio station; the station is essential for handling messages and therefore until civilian replacements can be obtained or until the station is no longer useful, I’ll be overseas, although, this may not be as long as expected.

 

            In any event, now that the war is over, I have no complaints.  The government will expedite the return of the boys as soon as possible.

 

            My last job is finished.  The job was to install two transmitter-receivers, and some wire recorders on a jeep.  The jeep was for use of the PRO (Public Relations Office).  They take the jeeps to the front lines, and to men in other sections and record their voices.  It’s quite a setup.  I’ll tell dad the details when I write him.

 

            I got a new job today; we are going to install some more radio equipment.  I’ll be working under Lt. Pousley, again, so that‘ll be a good deal.  It will mean some more pretty busy days, but I don’t mind.

 

            When you guessed I was busy you were quite right.  Today was probably the busiest of all the days as we worked doubly hard to finish up the jeep.

            I received two letters from you August 5 and 6.  You enclosed a brand new dollar in the letter, thanks a lot, mom.

 

            So Fred is a Lieutenant.  He’s a little late for action, for which I am glad.  Being a new comer they’ll probably keep him busy handling stuff going and returning from overseas.  He may even be a replacement for an 85 point man.

           

            Please thank grandma for the $5 she gave me.  I wrote her a letter, yesterday, to let her know of my promotion.  That promotion will come in nice to increase yours truly’s savings.

 

            I don’t know what more to say, mom.  VJ Day will be in a couple of days and then sweating it out until I get home.  The army has a system and no one can rush it, so it will work.  Be a good sport, stay healthy and happy so that e can catch up on the fun when I once more return home.

 

                                                                                    With all my love and a lo of those BBX’s.

 

                                                                                    Your loving son,

 

                                                                                    David