NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, letters from John, Pete and Mark were to our parents and sister, Ruth; letters from Paul were to his wife, Miriam. Brackets [ ] are used to insert detail not in original text owing to censorship restrictions. PAB
General Lucius Clay, Decision in Germany (p. 44).
The presence of President Truman at Potsdam made possible another event which became a lasting inspiration to all of us who were there. He agreed to attend the official raising of our national colors on the staff in front of our Berlin headquarters. The flag which we used that day had flown over the Capitol on December 7, 1941, had been raised over Rome, and now on July 20,1945, was raised over Berlin before being sent to General MacArthur to be raised over Tokyo and returned home. We had arranged a simple ceremony for this occasion with troops lined up on both sides of the short entrance drive which led from the street to the small courtyard in front of the headquarters. President Truman, accompanied by Secretary Byrnes and Secretary of War Stimson, Generals Eisenhower, Bradley, Patton, and me, walked down the entrance drive between the aligned ranks to stand in front of the flagstaff. A special honor guard of troops was on one side of the court and the band on the other. Slowly, with the soldiers at Present Arms and with the band playing "The Star-Spangled Banner," the flag was raised to full mast. President Truman spoke briefly but impressively to say that the United States wanted neither material gain nor territorial expansion from victory, that it wanted and would work only to secure a world of peace and of mutual understanding.
While the soldier is schooled against emotion, I have never forgotten that short ceremony as our flag rose to the staff. When in later days anyone suggested the possibility of our departure from Berlin before, of our own choice, we left a free Berlin, I could not help thinking that no one who had seen our flag raised by right of victory but dedicated to the preservation of freedom and peace could possibly see it withdrawn until peace and freedom had been established.
PAUL – Berlin – 21 JUL 1945
Yesterday afternoon we had a nice ceremony raising the flag on our USGCC (United States Group, Control Council) flagstaff. They had only put the flag pole up the day before and had to work most of the night to do it. Officers stood under an arcade on one side and enlisted men under one on the other side. A company from the Second Armored Division stood guard. They had a good band on hand also. At 2:00 p.m. we all came to attention at the sound of the bugle. Down the long approach the guards came to a salute one by one as the presidential party approached on foot. With the President were Secy of War Stimson and Generals Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton among the other dignitaries. The band struck up "Hail the Chief." Then Truman made a short address – extemporaneously – and the flag was raised over German soil to the strains of "The Star Spangled Banner." Then it was over. The party retired the way it had come while the band played "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Once more the President would return to Babelsberg (in the Potsdam area of Berlin) to counsel with others trying to achieve better understanding among nations.
Miriam, I am enclosing a clipping from our paper here. I do not have an idea how it will affect my leave. Probably it will not change anything. It was primarily expressed as a policy for the Pacific where, to date, no leaves have been granted. People were just sent back for reassignment – like Pete was.
If I have to wait another six months I'll just die. I've counted so on seeing you soon that nothing else has any importance now. Well I'm not going to worry until the Commodore gets here and I can sound him out.
MARK – USS HOGGATT BAY, Anchored in San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf – 25 JUL 1945
Good Morning Folks,
In fact, a very good morning indeed. It is 0400 and I am on watch. Right now, I am in a cubby hole surrounded by phones of all sorts, and the microphone for the general announcing system for the ship. Now I've moved outside of it to a little desk-like affair as it is cooler and fresher. This morning is a really nice affair. There is a steady cool breeze that is fresh and clean. As I look through the sponson I can see vague early outlines of other ships and the dark cloudy appearance of land on the horizon. This place is getting to be a second home, we've been here for nearly 30 days. We'll probably be here for quite a while more. Every day my men and I do a little more work on the Radar. Right now I'm trying to build some shelves for spare parts boxes. This would usually be done by the C&R (Construction & Repair) Department, but they are so busy now that it would never get done by them.
Although there is the feeling of marking time when you are in port, it is counteracted by the complete freedom from worry and strain of being underway – especially within enemy contact zones. I really enjoy it, in fact I'm not in any hurry to leave at all – except for home, which seems to be out of the question.
We have a new basketball court now. The old one ran across the ship, this one runs lengthwise and is very nice, regular size. The goals fold up out of the way when they bring planes down to the hangar deck. You'd think you were visiting the local YMCA if you happened to come aboard during a basketball game, and at the same time you would see a volleyball game in the forward elevator pit. Lots of yelling and good fun. You'd be surprised how an hour of volleyball can give you a zest for living that you haven't felt in a long time.
My men and I have a lot of fun working together – I'm afraid I'm not very military or high and mighty. It's pretty hard to be that way when you have to work right with them. They always do what I ask, of course, unless they think of a better idea – which is a good thing too.
Say I'm really beginning to feel quite important – I got another letter from pop! You have no idea how I enjoy them. He is about the funniest and finest man I know. It's too bad he is so busy, because he really writes terrific letters. Thanks, pops, and when you've got some spare time I'd sure like to get another one from you.
As yet, I never have got an answer from Toni on my last letter – is it on the way, Toni? Do you people realize that I've not seen you in more than 6 months. That seems incredible when I compare it with the 9 months of Radar School. Practically all my important and really happy happy life (that is most happy) was during that lifetime of 9 months. And now it won't be long until an equal period of time has passed while I've been away from it all. There is as much difference between the richness and happiness of the two periods as night and day. Yet, I can't say that I am unhappy now. Not at all – I am quite content and really enjoy myself a great deal of the time. It's certainly too bad John didn't get into the navy – I'm sure he would have been much happier. He could have taken showers every day – have a bed and locker and live cleanly. (Physically, of course – he is living cleanly in other respects, of course.)
This is getting to be quite a long letter for me, n'est ce que pas? But I have enjoyed writing it – I also enjoy receiving letters. Please keep in good health and don't work too hard, anyone. It would be a great pity if you became the casualties of this war, while all of us boys returned home as good as new.
I love you all, Marc
Walter Millis, Editor, The Forrestal Diaries (p. 79).
European Trip – 29 July 1945
. . . Lunched at General Clay's visitors' house [Lucius D. Clay, at the beginning of his long service as American military governor in Germany], our temporary headquarters, and brought Averell Harriman back with us. Averell was very gloomy about the influx of Russia into Europe. He said Russia was a vacuum into which all movable goods would be sucked. He said the greatest crime of Hitler was that his actions had resulted in opening the gates of Eastern Europe to Asia. . . . [After finding the scheduled Big Three meeting cancelled because of Stalin's illness we] went back to Averell's house where I met Ed Pauley, American Ambassador for Reparations, and Chip Bohlen. All hands disturbed by Russian negotiations on reparations. They are stripping every area they are in of all movable goods, and at the same time asking reparations and designating the goods they take as war booty. They are shooting and impressing Germans out of the American district.
PAUL – Berlin – 30 JUL 1945
This has been a tough letter to write. I've carried the envelope and paper around in my pocket for a day and a half hoping to get it off. I'm sorry you haven't heard from me regularly. I've tried to average a letter every 5 days but deliveries aren't always uniform.
This last week has been one of my busiest. My activities were broken down to the four following:
(1) Participation in meetings at Big Three conference;
(2) Entertaining Naval officers from Admiral King's Staff;
(3) Supervising getting a mess started, transportation facilities organized, officers and enlisted men's quarters; and,
(4) Acting as liaison officer attached to the Secretary of Navy during his visit to Berlin (3 days).
My participation in the conferences did not, of course, involve attending any meetings where Truman and Co. were present. But our work was at the next level where we discussed the plan we have been working on with Vice Admiral Land who is head of our War Shipping Administration and Maritime Commission. It was gratifying to have him think well of our past efforts. I have a nice little pass which will be a good souvenir of the conference.
To entertain the Chief of Staff to Admiral King and his staff; we had 4 Adm. & 4 Generals plus an Air Commodore – a mutual friend of the Navy and Military Gov't. lined up a private room in a local night club and we had dinner, a floor show, and a little dancing. The dinner almost didn't come off because we couldn't get army rations until we went through a lot of red tape. We didn't want to eat black market food although the manager was quite prepared to serve it. The whole deal was more or less blackmail since the manager knew MG could close him up anytime for his black market activity. We got six gals together for the brass to dance with. These women were recruited from the ranks of MG civil employees. They all seem to have a good time. I didn't do much but try to see that our guests enjoyed themselves. The club proprietor was interesting to talk to. He was a Bulgarian who spoke to me in French but his sentence structure was German.
Our gang is pouring in here now and those that were here early are stuck with various administrative jobs such as billeting and messing. They all came up because the Navy wants to have its own show here.
NOTE: "Toni" is the nickname for Ruth. JJB
PAUL – Berlin – 3 AUG 1945
My dearest Sweetheart:
Just got your letter written from Camp Lake so I thought I could do no less than reply on a piece of stationery from Hitler's office. I had the watch last night and now it is 6:30 a.m. and I am waiting for the cleaning women to come in and for the Yeoman to come back from his ablutions so he can go to chow, so that in turn I will end up getting something to eat also. Last night it looked as though a nice leisurely evening were ahead. I thought I would write a letter or two then hit the sack early. But about 7:30 p.m. things started to pop. No, it must have been after eight because all the chow halls were already closed. Two of our officers and eight men rolled in from Hoechst with a jeep and three trucks. I had to get them fed, go out to the area and get a work party to help them unload (which I did by waiting outside the movie and nabbing them as they came out. . . a dirty trick if there ever was one), get billets for them, then proceed with the unloading of the gear. They brought mail up so that we got it sorted out too. That is how I happened to get your letter sweetie.
By the way, I made arrangements for an extra bond to be sent you directly. It is a 1,000 dollar bond. For our little nest egg you know. It will be mailed to Kansas City. I like those little bonds. . . especially the thousand dollar ones!
I was going to tell you a bit about last weekend. Saturday morning the Commodore called me in his office and said: "The Secretary of the Navy is coming in today. I want you to come with me to meet him at the airport. You will be the Control Council Liaison Officer attached to the party while they stay in Berlin. Get your bag packed and move out to the Guest House." Well, he didn't exactly have to twist my arm off for me to get on the move. That afternoon we met the plane and it had quite a load of brass on it: Secretary Forrestal, Vice Admiral Cook who is Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet, Vice Admiral Cochran who is Chief of the Bureau of Ships, Vice Admiral Ghormley who is Commander U.S. Naval Forces on the Continent. Plus aides and a reporter who turned out to be John Kennedy, former Ambassador Kennedy's son. We went from the airport to the conference area where the Secretary had a meeting with Secretary of State Byrnes. Then to the guest house for cleaning up and a bite to eat. The house is on a lake and one of those mansions out of the book. Rolling lawns, trees, motor boats. . . you know the type.
Z Z Z (Denotes elapsed time of three hours and a change of typewriters to boot).
The next couple days were one round of tours, dinners, conferences, and not without some anxious moments. For, as liaison officer I was responsible to see that everything went off smoothly. We drew our transportation from a motor pool set up for the conference. Many times I would order up the vehicles for a certain time and when the time came they wouldn't be there. I finally learned to raise hell, order up twice the cars I thought we would need, and to tell them to be at a certain place an hour before they were needed. Then my only trouble was getting the men fed. All in all it was an interesting experience and it gave me a chance to see an aspect of the Navy which was somewhat different than my former experiences.
Unfortunately I didn't get to accompany the party to see them off but had to be satisfied to make the arrangements because I was called to an Ocean Shipping conference. Nothing much came of it because of the absence of certain British personnel. By the way, also saw Britain's new Prime Minister ATLEE and Foreign Secretary BEVIN when they came in at the airport subsequent to the tabulation of the British votes.
Well, dear, I'll say so long for now. Always remember that I love you and that you are in my thoughts constantly. Here it is little Nancy's birthday. To think that she is already 4 years old. About this time four years ago we were talking together at the hospital and you had not long been out of the ether. How beautiful you were all in white and happy to have it all over with. Oh to be together again. And we will.
Yours always, Paul.
P.S. The enclosed snaps were taken at a little get together held shortly after our arrival in BERLIN. Unfortunately I didn't know that they were being taken so I didn't smile.
PETE – Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Kingsville, Texas – 14 AUG 1945
Dearest Mom, Pop & Toni,
It's a wonderful feeling to know the war is really over with! It's hard to believe it's true, but there's no doubt about it anymore. I had just left the hangar and was on my way to the barracks when I heard loud shouts from all over the station. I knew then that the end of the war had been announced. I went to town to eat something as I was too late for regular chow. The whole little town of Kingsville is in an uproar and everybody seems to be so very happy that the war is over.
I feel especially glad and thankful that our family has not been broken and that John and Mark are no longer in danger. I couldn’t help worrying about them sometimes. The big question now is how fast will they release men from the service? It can’t be too soon to suit me.
JOHN – Iwo Jima – 14 AUG 1945
The news is very good today. I was going to write sooner, but was waiting to see if the war was over or not. This morning at 10 o'clock we received the news that the war was over. I know this is what all at home have been waiting for, for so long. I am also thankful because of Mark, Pete and Paul.
I don't know when I'll get back myself, but glad I can say: I was in the service from start to finish. I wouldn't have felt right about getting home before my brothers. But that is all over with now. Now when I return I'm there to stay. That's a wonderful feeling. I just can't make myself believe it. God bless you all.
PAUL – [Berlin] – 15 AUG 1945
Dearest Sweetheart:
The war is over and I know we both rejoice together that with the cessation of hostilities fewer people will suffer. We have much for which to thank God. For many civilians, however, there is no peace. Hardships suffered by many are not lessened by peace and winter in Berlin will be a terrible ordeal for thousands. And this is not the only place! If one is to keep his sanity it is necessary to view many things in an impersonal sense. Not allow oneself to become an organic part of the situation but be an observer. This may appear to be the coward's way out. But it is more. For there are rules to obey and then – where can you get food for all who are hungry?
I think much of you these days. In a way I've never felt more lonely and old. It is partly because of the inactivity of the last few days. We are waiting for a paper from Washington and cannot do much but sit and wait. I must stay in the office because the Admiral is in town again. Each day I hope to be able to see light about when we will be together again. Always something comes up to delay matters. On August 27-29 I go to Frankfurt to attend a conference of military government officers from the U.S. Zone at which I am to make a talk. I should start working on that but there is still plenty of time yet.
Of one thing I am sure: as soon as I see you all will be well. I love you very much and all else seems unimportant. With the war over, it may mean that any preceptive delay in leave would result in my coming home for good. How does that sound? But it is all guesswork. By training and experience I am committed to some type of post-war work. With you, Miriam, it would be a pleasure.
All my love, Paul
MARK – HOGGATT BAY, Steaming for Adak, Aleutians – 16 AUG 1945
It's been years since I've written you all; I'm a bad boy. Lots has happened since then, both to the world and to me. Who would have dreamed that the war would end so suddenly and dramatically? It's still hard to believe. I'll bet mamma went out and got drunk in celebration, (heh, heh.)
According to the latest Navy point system, I will have to stay in nearly 3 more years before I am eligible for release. However, this system will almost surely be relaxed a bit and the time reduced. I venture a guess at between 1 & 2 years. Out of this I should get some shore based duty which should help. This is all guess work, however. We, aboard, were of course very happy and excited over the news of peace. Yesterday was a regular holiday and we had a big feast. (I sent Margaret the menu in case you are interested.) We have 3 reporters aboard and they took some pictures – it is possible that some of them will appear in Life Magazine sometime. The reporters are very disgusted about the peace – ; they had orders to report to Tokyo immediately and instead, they are aboard our ship, a million miles from nowhere. They claim to be the reporters the farthest away from Tokyo when peace came.
I can tell you now that I participated in the Okinawa campaign for several weeks. In another letter, I will tell you all the places I've been, but I'll have to make a list first in the right order. Anyway, at Okinawa, we saw our only true action against the Japs. We were very lucky and only got in one real scrape. In future letters I'll tell you more. But for now, I must close. I love you all and am very happy. John should get to come home very soon now, don't you think?
Love & kisses, Mark.
General Lucius Clay, Decision in Germany (p. 44).
The presence of President Truman at Potsdam made possible another event which became a lasting inspiration to all of us who were there. He agreed to attend the official raising of our national colors on the staff in front of our Berlin headquarters. The flag which we used that day had flown over the Capitol on December 7, 1941, had been raised over Rome, and now on July 20,1945, was raised over Berlin before being sent to General MacArthur to be raised over Tokyo and returned home. We had arranged a simple ceremony for this occasion with troops lined up on both sides of the short entrance drive which led from the street to the small courtyard in front of the headquarters. President Truman, accompanied by Secretary Byrnes and Secretary of War Stimson, Generals Eisenhower, Bradley, Patton, and me, walked down the entrance drive between the aligned ranks to stand in front of the flagstaff. A special honor guard of troops was on one side of the court and the band on the other. Slowly, with the soldiers at Present Arms and with the band playing "The Star-Spangled Banner," the flag was raised to full mast. President Truman spoke briefly but impressively to say that the United States wanted neither material gain nor territorial expansion from victory, that it wanted and would work only to secure a world of peace and of mutual understanding.
While the soldier is schooled against emotion, I have never forgotten that short ceremony as our flag rose to the staff. When in later days anyone suggested the possibility of our departure from Berlin before, of our own choice, we left a free Berlin, I could not help thinking that no one who had seen our flag raised by right of victory but dedicated to the preservation of freedom and peace could possibly see it withdrawn until peace and freedom had been established.
PAUL – Berlin – 21 JUL 1945
Yesterday afternoon we had a nice ceremony raising the flag on our USGCC (United States Group, Control Council) flagstaff. They had only put the flag pole up the day before and had to work most of the night to do it. Officers stood under an arcade on one side and enlisted men under one on the other side. A company from the Second Armored Division stood guard. They had a good band on hand also. At 2:00 p.m. we all came to attention at the sound of the bugle. Down the long approach the guards came to a salute one by one as the presidential party approached on foot. With the President were Secy of War Stimson and Generals Eisenhower, Bradley, and Patton among the other dignitaries. The band struck up "Hail the Chief." Then Truman made a short address – extemporaneously – and the flag was raised over German soil to the strains of "The Star Spangled Banner." Then it was over. The party retired the way it had come while the band played "The Stars and Stripes Forever." Once more the President would return to Babelsberg (in the Potsdam area of Berlin) to counsel with others trying to achieve better understanding among nations.
Miriam, I am enclosing a clipping from our paper here. I do not have an idea how it will affect my leave. Probably it will not change anything. It was primarily expressed as a policy for the Pacific where, to date, no leaves have been granted. People were just sent back for reassignment – like Pete was.
If I have to wait another six months I'll just die. I've counted so on seeing you soon that nothing else has any importance now. Well I'm not going to worry until the Commodore gets here and I can sound him out.
MARK – USS HOGGATT BAY, Anchored in San Pedro Bay, Leyte Gulf – 25 JUL 1945
Good Morning Folks,
In fact, a very good morning indeed. It is 0400 and I am on watch. Right now, I am in a cubby hole surrounded by phones of all sorts, and the microphone for the general announcing system for the ship. Now I've moved outside of it to a little desk-like affair as it is cooler and fresher. This morning is a really nice affair. There is a steady cool breeze that is fresh and clean. As I look through the sponson I can see vague early outlines of other ships and the dark cloudy appearance of land on the horizon. This place is getting to be a second home, we've been here for nearly 30 days. We'll probably be here for quite a while more. Every day my men and I do a little more work on the Radar. Right now I'm trying to build some shelves for spare parts boxes. This would usually be done by the C&R (Construction & Repair) Department, but they are so busy now that it would never get done by them.
Although there is the feeling of marking time when you are in port, it is counteracted by the complete freedom from worry and strain of being underway – especially within enemy contact zones. I really enjoy it, in fact I'm not in any hurry to leave at all – except for home, which seems to be out of the question.
We have a new basketball court now. The old one ran across the ship, this one runs lengthwise and is very nice, regular size. The goals fold up out of the way when they bring planes down to the hangar deck. You'd think you were visiting the local YMCA if you happened to come aboard during a basketball game, and at the same time you would see a volleyball game in the forward elevator pit. Lots of yelling and good fun. You'd be surprised how an hour of volleyball can give you a zest for living that you haven't felt in a long time.
My men and I have a lot of fun working together – I'm afraid I'm not very military or high and mighty. It's pretty hard to be that way when you have to work right with them. They always do what I ask, of course, unless they think of a better idea – which is a good thing too.
Say I'm really beginning to feel quite important – I got another letter from pop! You have no idea how I enjoy them. He is about the funniest and finest man I know. It's too bad he is so busy, because he really writes terrific letters. Thanks, pops, and when you've got some spare time I'd sure like to get another one from you.
As yet, I never have got an answer from Toni on my last letter – is it on the way, Toni? Do you people realize that I've not seen you in more than 6 months. That seems incredible when I compare it with the 9 months of Radar School. Practically all my important and really happy happy life (that is most happy) was during that lifetime of 9 months. And now it won't be long until an equal period of time has passed while I've been away from it all. There is as much difference between the richness and happiness of the two periods as night and day. Yet, I can't say that I am unhappy now. Not at all – I am quite content and really enjoy myself a great deal of the time. It's certainly too bad John didn't get into the navy – I'm sure he would have been much happier. He could have taken showers every day – have a bed and locker and live cleanly. (Physically, of course – he is living cleanly in other respects, of course.)
This is getting to be quite a long letter for me, n'est ce que pas? But I have enjoyed writing it – I also enjoy receiving letters. Please keep in good health and don't work too hard, anyone. It would be a great pity if you became the casualties of this war, while all of us boys returned home as good as new.
I love you all, Marc
Walter Millis, Editor, The Forrestal Diaries (p. 79).
European Trip – 29 July 1945
. . . Lunched at General Clay's visitors' house [Lucius D. Clay, at the beginning of his long service as American military governor in Germany], our temporary headquarters, and brought Averell Harriman back with us. Averell was very gloomy about the influx of Russia into Europe. He said Russia was a vacuum into which all movable goods would be sucked. He said the greatest crime of Hitler was that his actions had resulted in opening the gates of Eastern Europe to Asia. . . . [After finding the scheduled Big Three meeting cancelled because of Stalin's illness we] went back to Averell's house where I met Ed Pauley, American Ambassador for Reparations, and Chip Bohlen. All hands disturbed by Russian negotiations on reparations. They are stripping every area they are in of all movable goods, and at the same time asking reparations and designating the goods they take as war booty. They are shooting and impressing Germans out of the American district.
PAUL – Berlin – 30 JUL 1945
This has been a tough letter to write. I've carried the envelope and paper around in my pocket for a day and a half hoping to get it off. I'm sorry you haven't heard from me regularly. I've tried to average a letter every 5 days but deliveries aren't always uniform.
This last week has been one of my busiest. My activities were broken down to the four following:
(1) Participation in meetings at Big Three conference;
(2) Entertaining Naval officers from Admiral King's Staff;
(3) Supervising getting a mess started, transportation facilities organized, officers and enlisted men's quarters; and,
(4) Acting as liaison officer attached to the Secretary of Navy during his visit to Berlin (3 days).
My participation in the conferences did not, of course, involve attending any meetings where Truman and Co. were present. But our work was at the next level where we discussed the plan we have been working on with Vice Admiral Land who is head of our War Shipping Administration and Maritime Commission. It was gratifying to have him think well of our past efforts. I have a nice little pass which will be a good souvenir of the conference.
To entertain the Chief of Staff to Admiral King and his staff; we had 4 Adm. & 4 Generals plus an Air Commodore – a mutual friend of the Navy and Military Gov't. lined up a private room in a local night club and we had dinner, a floor show, and a little dancing. The dinner almost didn't come off because we couldn't get army rations until we went through a lot of red tape. We didn't want to eat black market food although the manager was quite prepared to serve it. The whole deal was more or less blackmail since the manager knew MG could close him up anytime for his black market activity. We got six gals together for the brass to dance with. These women were recruited from the ranks of MG civil employees. They all seem to have a good time. I didn't do much but try to see that our guests enjoyed themselves. The club proprietor was interesting to talk to. He was a Bulgarian who spoke to me in French but his sentence structure was German.
Our gang is pouring in here now and those that were here early are stuck with various administrative jobs such as billeting and messing. They all came up because the Navy wants to have its own show here.
NOTE: "Toni" is the nickname for Ruth. JJB
PAUL – Berlin – 3 AUG 1945
My dearest Sweetheart:
Just got your letter written from Camp Lake so I thought I could do no less than reply on a piece of stationery from Hitler's office. I had the watch last night and now it is 6:30 a.m. and I am waiting for the cleaning women to come in and for the Yeoman to come back from his ablutions so he can go to chow, so that in turn I will end up getting something to eat also. Last night it looked as though a nice leisurely evening were ahead. I thought I would write a letter or two then hit the sack early. But about 7:30 p.m. things started to pop. No, it must have been after eight because all the chow halls were already closed. Two of our officers and eight men rolled in from Hoechst with a jeep and three trucks. I had to get them fed, go out to the area and get a work party to help them unload (which I did by waiting outside the movie and nabbing them as they came out. . . a dirty trick if there ever was one), get billets for them, then proceed with the unloading of the gear. They brought mail up so that we got it sorted out too. That is how I happened to get your letter sweetie.
By the way, I made arrangements for an extra bond to be sent you directly. It is a 1,000 dollar bond. For our little nest egg you know. It will be mailed to Kansas City. I like those little bonds. . . especially the thousand dollar ones!
I was going to tell you a bit about last weekend. Saturday morning the Commodore called me in his office and said: "The Secretary of the Navy is coming in today. I want you to come with me to meet him at the airport. You will be the Control Council Liaison Officer attached to the party while they stay in Berlin. Get your bag packed and move out to the Guest House." Well, he didn't exactly have to twist my arm off for me to get on the move. That afternoon we met the plane and it had quite a load of brass on it: Secretary Forrestal, Vice Admiral Cook who is Chief of Staff to the Commander in Chief of the U.S. Fleet, Vice Admiral Cochran who is Chief of the Bureau of Ships, Vice Admiral Ghormley who is Commander U.S. Naval Forces on the Continent. Plus aides and a reporter who turned out to be John Kennedy, former Ambassador Kennedy's son. We went from the airport to the conference area where the Secretary had a meeting with Secretary of State Byrnes. Then to the guest house for cleaning up and a bite to eat. The house is on a lake and one of those mansions out of the book. Rolling lawns, trees, motor boats. . . you know the type.
Z Z Z (Denotes elapsed time of three hours and a change of typewriters to boot).
The next couple days were one round of tours, dinners, conferences, and not without some anxious moments. For, as liaison officer I was responsible to see that everything went off smoothly. We drew our transportation from a motor pool set up for the conference. Many times I would order up the vehicles for a certain time and when the time came they wouldn't be there. I finally learned to raise hell, order up twice the cars I thought we would need, and to tell them to be at a certain place an hour before they were needed. Then my only trouble was getting the men fed. All in all it was an interesting experience and it gave me a chance to see an aspect of the Navy which was somewhat different than my former experiences.
Unfortunately I didn't get to accompany the party to see them off but had to be satisfied to make the arrangements because I was called to an Ocean Shipping conference. Nothing much came of it because of the absence of certain British personnel. By the way, also saw Britain's new Prime Minister ATLEE and Foreign Secretary BEVIN when they came in at the airport subsequent to the tabulation of the British votes.
Well, dear, I'll say so long for now. Always remember that I love you and that you are in my thoughts constantly. Here it is little Nancy's birthday. To think that she is already 4 years old. About this time four years ago we were talking together at the hospital and you had not long been out of the ether. How beautiful you were all in white and happy to have it all over with. Oh to be together again. And we will.
Yours always, Paul.
P.S. The enclosed snaps were taken at a little get together held shortly after our arrival in BERLIN. Unfortunately I didn't know that they were being taken so I didn't smile.
PETE – Naval Auxiliary Air Station, Kingsville, Texas – 14 AUG 1945
Dearest Mom, Pop & Toni,
It's a wonderful feeling to know the war is really over with! It's hard to believe it's true, but there's no doubt about it anymore. I had just left the hangar and was on my way to the barracks when I heard loud shouts from all over the station. I knew then that the end of the war had been announced. I went to town to eat something as I was too late for regular chow. The whole little town of Kingsville is in an uproar and everybody seems to be so very happy that the war is over.
I feel especially glad and thankful that our family has not been broken and that John and Mark are no longer in danger. I couldn’t help worrying about them sometimes. The big question now is how fast will they release men from the service? It can’t be too soon to suit me.
JOHN – Iwo Jima – 14 AUG 1945
The news is very good today. I was going to write sooner, but was waiting to see if the war was over or not. This morning at 10 o'clock we received the news that the war was over. I know this is what all at home have been waiting for, for so long. I am also thankful because of Mark, Pete and Paul.
I don't know when I'll get back myself, but glad I can say: I was in the service from start to finish. I wouldn't have felt right about getting home before my brothers. But that is all over with now. Now when I return I'm there to stay. That's a wonderful feeling. I just can't make myself believe it. God bless you all.
PAUL – [Berlin] – 15 AUG 1945
Dearest Sweetheart:
The war is over and I know we both rejoice together that with the cessation of hostilities fewer people will suffer. We have much for which to thank God. For many civilians, however, there is no peace. Hardships suffered by many are not lessened by peace and winter in Berlin will be a terrible ordeal for thousands. And this is not the only place! If one is to keep his sanity it is necessary to view many things in an impersonal sense. Not allow oneself to become an organic part of the situation but be an observer. This may appear to be the coward's way out. But it is more. For there are rules to obey and then – where can you get food for all who are hungry?
I think much of you these days. In a way I've never felt more lonely and old. It is partly because of the inactivity of the last few days. We are waiting for a paper from Washington and cannot do much but sit and wait. I must stay in the office because the Admiral is in town again. Each day I hope to be able to see light about when we will be together again. Always something comes up to delay matters. On August 27-29 I go to Frankfurt to attend a conference of military government officers from the U.S. Zone at which I am to make a talk. I should start working on that but there is still plenty of time yet.
Of one thing I am sure: as soon as I see you all will be well. I love you very much and all else seems unimportant. With the war over, it may mean that any preceptive delay in leave would result in my coming home for good. How does that sound? But it is all guesswork. By training and experience I am committed to some type of post-war work. With you, Miriam, it would be a pleasure.
All my love, Paul
MARK – HOGGATT BAY, Steaming for Adak, Aleutians – 16 AUG 1945
It's been years since I've written you all; I'm a bad boy. Lots has happened since then, both to the world and to me. Who would have dreamed that the war would end so suddenly and dramatically? It's still hard to believe. I'll bet mamma went out and got drunk in celebration, (heh, heh.)
According to the latest Navy point system, I will have to stay in nearly 3 more years before I am eligible for release. However, this system will almost surely be relaxed a bit and the time reduced. I venture a guess at between 1 & 2 years. Out of this I should get some shore based duty which should help. This is all guess work, however. We, aboard, were of course very happy and excited over the news of peace. Yesterday was a regular holiday and we had a big feast. (I sent Margaret the menu in case you are interested.) We have 3 reporters aboard and they took some pictures – it is possible that some of them will appear in Life Magazine sometime. The reporters are very disgusted about the peace – ; they had orders to report to Tokyo immediately and instead, they are aboard our ship, a million miles from nowhere. They claim to be the reporters the farthest away from Tokyo when peace came.
I can tell you now that I participated in the Okinawa campaign for several weeks. In another letter, I will tell you all the places I've been, but I'll have to make a list first in the right order. Anyway, at Okinawa, we saw our only true action against the Japs. We were very lucky and only got in one real scrape. In future letters I'll tell you more. But for now, I must close. I love you all and am very happy. John should get to come home very soon now, don't you think?
Love & kisses, Mark.
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