Torn and taped

Cover: plain

From: Lt(jg) CR Cummins

USS LST 661

FPO San Fran Cal.

To: Mr. Donald L. Cummins

6109 Greenwood Ave.

Chicago, 37, Illinois

Postmark: U.S. NAVY 9 SEP 1945

Stamp: 6¢ red airmail

Censor: double line, PASSED BY NAVAL CENSOR, with AIR MAIL below, initials THS(?)

8 Sept

2200

Hi! Kiddo,

I do owe you several letters, I know—but not so very manu.

I appreciate your concern over my punishment—in fact, I am sorry I mentioned it, because it caused so much concern in the family circle—and to me it meant nothing at all. For I felt that essentially I had done nothing wrong It gave me a rest, and caused no ill-feeling in any particular.

Your baseball success has been fun to follow Congratulations are in order for winning the letter, as a beginning toward several others. I was amazed that Wheaton happened to beat the U. of C. in one baseball game, though I am sure it was because Kile was saving his strength for stronger opposition.

You must have enjoyed your trip to Texas. According to the Texans, there is no state can compare with it. In fact, they disdain to consider it part of the Union. They certainly do talk endlessly about their “wonderful” corner. No one has ever given me an unprejudiced viewpoint of “Sugie,” but I am sure that she must be super-special. Just remember that your school and studying is important about all else. Other than this, more power to you.

We have been to Japan, now are on our way back to Okinawa (all censorship regulations have been lifted). We were the first six LST’s to beach on Jap soil, we brought in the first group of sea-borne troops, we were the first ships at Kyushu, Japan—though minesweepers preceded us in. While we were there we had ample opportunity for looking around the towns. We beached in a large bay in southern Kyushu, near the Nagaya airfield—a tremendous field at one time but long since deserted by the Japs going further north. The field was covered with hundreds of wrecked Jap planes. All the hangers, buildings, and installations were completely demolished. All we salvaged from the planes were compasses and radios (tubeless).

We didn’t know what to expect from the Jap population, consequently doing our careful exploring with .45 pistol in hand. As it turned out, the vast majority of the civilians had fled to the hills, fearing death at the hands of the Americans. The Jap army and police were plentiful, to handle work details and police duties. They did not seem greatly burdened with humility, though they said they were happy the war is over. We went through several of the cities, thro’ their homes, school-houses, temples, etc. Found some worthwhile articles—I have a commercial radio, a large pendulum clock, two Jap pistols, many small articles.

Tonight we are travelling with lights on and ports open for the first time—so it looks as if the war is really over, though it is difficult to believe—

Bob

Cover: plain

From: Lt(jg) CR Cummins

USS LST 661

FPO San Francisco

To: Mr. & Mrs. CM Cummins’

6109 Greenwood Ave.

Chicago, 37, Illinois

Postmark: U.S. NAVY 17 AUG 1945

Stamp: 6¢ red airmail

Censor: double line, PASSED BY NAVAL CENSOR, with AIR MAIL below, initials THS(?)

16 Aug

2000

Hello, yo’ all,

Halleluliah! The war’s end is here—that is, the fighting is—but there will be many of us that remain out here for a considerable length of time. The cessation of hostilities paradoxically enough, means that this ship will reach the states long after it would have if the war had continued.

It is hard to believe that it as has ended. It seems I must tax my memory to go back to those years when there was no war. To think that we will one day fairly soon return to home—to wives, families, civilian clothes, our private lives! What a glorious day that will be! –and not a little awesome.

We are hoping, since we must be kept out here, that we will get to go up to Japan, and to some cities of China.

For the time being we have duty transporting natives from their old homes to new ones. Until a person actually sees something such as these natives and the way they live he has no conception of the great things that U.S. culture consists of. The natives here have nothing at all that would be acceptable by the poorest American standards of comparison.

They seem to be a happy people. The women are pushed into the background, and are consequently shy. The men doff their hats, bowing again. The children are just like children all over the world—the boys are probably best friends—they readily pick up English expressions. The people have, typically Oriental, stoically accepted their fate as to having been a battleground. they have not caused any dangerous trouble whatsoever. They have been treated rather well by the good-natured Americans.

Our days have been full and interesting. The homeward stretch is here—

Love and kisses,

Bob

Cover: plain

From: Lt(jg) CR Cummins

USS LST 661

FPO San Fran. Cal.

To: Mrs. D.F. Matchett Jr.

6243 Kimbark Ave.

Chicago, 37, Illinois

Postmark: [top invisible] NAVY 20 AUG 1945

Stamp: 6¢ red airmal

Censor: double line, PASSED BY NAVAL CENSOR, with AIR MAIL below, initials THS(?

19 August

Little sister,

You know I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I owed you a letter, especially since one came just yesterday. I’ll answer you letters first thing—

I agree with you—that Russia did the right (strategically) thing in waiting until we were ready to invade Japan before declaring war. I do think that Russia must be handled with kid gloves, and rightfully so—for if there is another was soon it will be with Russia.

I had anxiously awaited news of Loyd’s last interview with the new specialist.

I did thank the Forum for my Christmas gift—you sweet, charming, innocent little child. Ted De Looze’s letter in the latest “Flash” struck home, for we are transporting these same natives on the 661.

I didn’t call from Hawaii because personnel assigned to ships was not permitted to call—I did try every angle, but didn’t want to take any chances of getting someone into trouble. Either Hugh isn’t assigned yet to a shop or the regulations have been changed—or he may have pulled some deal.

David’s guess as to my location was correct. I don’t have much idea of how long we’ll be here. We are hoping to have some glimpse of Japan—we are so near now.

I am quite ready to have some of your cooking—it sounds good in writing, anyway. (? icing ?)

It has only been about a month since I last wrote you.

Well, this takes car of my unanswered letters of yours.

Naturally we are happy and relieved that we can now see our homes in the relatively near future.

There was no great jubilation (except the premature firing when a number were hurt)—most of us just had that certain smile on our faces. Our enthusiasm was dampened by the knowledge that we would be here for quite some time to come.

Now our feeling against the regular navy and stateside boys have been much deepened by the Navy point system—no credit for overseas duty or combat. How they can sit back in their plush chairs and just forget about those who have risked their lives and have been away from home I cannot imagine. I realize they need to keep many ships operating—but why not let the lads who have been fighting the war by their firesides come out for a while. Our idea is to require one year of sea duty before a person can be considered by discharge—brother, wouldn’t you have a run for their nearest congressman or naval patron!

Just this morning I heard that any marriage before Aug 15^th would count under the point system. This eliminated a dire grievance of mine, for I had been penalized in points because Joan was in the service.

I am not one given to complaining schwester, but they have committed a great wrong in establishing such a point system. They have ruined all their chances of having any sizable number of Reserve officers and men stay in—of those afloat.

Ta, Ta, sis—just for a few days, of course  — Bob

P.S. How does Dave stand?

Torn and taped

Cover: plain

From: Lt(jg) CR Cummins

USS LST 661

FPO San Fran Cal.

To: Mr. Donald L. Cummins

6109 Greenwood Ave.

Chicago, 37, Illinois

Postmark: U.S. NAVY 9 SEP 1945

Stamp: 6¢ red airmail

Censor: double line, PASSED BY NAVAL CENSOR, with AIR MAIL below, initials THS(?)

8 Sept

2200

Hi! Kiddo,

I do owe you several letters, I know—but not so very many.

I appreciate your concern over my punishment—in fact, I am sorry I mentioned it, because it caused so much concern in the family circle—and to me it meant nothing at all. For I felt that essentially I had done nothing wrong. It gave me a rest, and caused no ill-feeling in any particular.

Your baseball success has been fun to follow Congratulations are in order for winning the letter, as a beginning toward several others. I was amazed that Wheaton happened to beat the U. of C. in one baseball game, though I am sure it was because Kile was saving his strength for stronger opposition.

You must have enjoyed your trip to Texas. According to the Texans, there is no state can compare with it. In fact, they disdain to consider it part of the Union. They certainly do talk endlessly about their “wonderful” corner. No one has ever given me an unprejudiced viewpoint of “Sugie,” but I am sure that she must be super-special. Just remember that your school and studying is important about all else. Other than this, more power to you.

We have been to Japan, now are on our way back to Okinawa (all censorship regulations have been lifted). We were the first six LST’s to beach on Jap soil, we brought in the first group of sea-borne troops, we were the first ships at Kyushu, Japan—though minesweepers preceded us in. While we were there we had ample opportunity for looking around the towns. We beached in a large bay in southern Kyushu, near the Nagaya airfield—a tremendous field at one time but long since deserted by the Japs going further north. The field was covered with hundreds of wrecked Jap planes. All the hangers, buildings, and installations were completely demolished. All we salvaged from the planes were compasses and radios (tubeless).

We didn’t know what to expect from the Jap population, consequently doing our careful exploring with .45 pistol in hand. As it turned out, the vast majority of the civilians had fled to the hills, fearing death at the hands of the Americans. The Jap army and police were plentiful, to handle work details and police duties. They did not seem greatly burdened with humility, though they said they were happy the war is over. We went through several of the cities, thro’ their homes, school-houses, temples, etc. Found some worthwhile articles—I have a commercial radio, a large pendulum clock, two Jap pistols, many small articles.

Tonight we are travelling with lights on and ports open for the first time—so it looks as if the war is really over, though it is difficult to believe—

Bob

No cover

17 Sept

Hello, all!

Well, we have been wandering around the high seas seemingly for weeks now. I wonder if Loyd let you read the letter that was addressed to him.

We left Okinawa carrying ground forces of the 5^th Air Corps to Kyushu (Kagoshima Bay),–returned to Okinawa, immediately got order to go to Wakiyama (near Kobe and Osaka) to pick up Prisoners of War. Here no personnel were allowed ashore. There was no need for the ships here. Consequently orders came to return to Okinawa. Just after we had gotten underway we were told to report to Nagasaki (on the west coast of Kyushu) to pick up POW’s. We weren’t so far from there when we were ordered to turn back to Wakiyama because of the typhoon coming up the narrow channel between the Japan Sea and the West China Sea. At the moment we are a hew hours from Wakiyama. We have had consistently bad weather—which makes even the ordinary amenities of human existence difficult to perform—it is almost impossible to sleep, you don’t feel equal to eating much, you break a leg taking a shower, etc.

This whole operation has been rather well fouled-up.

Enclosed are pictures that are not the most becoming.

A box of chocolate chip cookies come just before we left Okinawa. They tasted very fresh—naturally had been well-wrapped as pop did the wrapping. Thanks much—Tom sends his thanks, too, for they are his favorites.

Don’t’ send Christmas packages. If I am not home by Christmas it will only be a month or two after that. Just two weeks ago I received three of last year’s Christmas packages.

We are all in the best of humor, though maybe we haven’t been overworking ourselves for a while.

Lots of love,

Bob

Cover: plain

From: Lt(jg) CR Cummins

USS LST 661

FPO San Fran. Cal.

To: The Cummins’

6109 Greenwood Ave.

Chicago, 37 Illinois

Postmark: U.S. NAVY 30 AUG 1945

Stamp: 6¢ red airmail, 2 3¢ postage due, pen cancelled

Handstamp: POSTAGE DUE, 6 CENTS, purple

Censor: double line, PASSED BY NAVAL CENSOR, with AIR MAIL below, initials THS(?)

1 Oct

2000

Well,

Your long lost son finally returns to pen and ink. You undoubtedly must think that I have long since been consigned to Davy Jones.

We pulled the other LST off the beach, two tugs pulled off a second one, and the third was left there to rot—on Japanese soil. None of the men of any of the three LST’s that were thrown on the rocks were injured, but the damage to the ships was great. About half a dozen men were lost that harbor that night. the crew of a YMS (small minesweeper) abandoned ship just before the ship crashed on the beach, a PBM (float plane) was thrown ashore—each of these lost men—and a few were washed overboard from other ships.

I don’t know what damage was done in other harbors in the area, though we did hear of some ship casualties.

It was definitely a rough night. Early in the evening I went to Bates’ ship. The storm was brewing and I could only stay for a few minutes. They were intending to go to sea to ride out the storm.

It took about four days plus the highest tide of the year for us to pull the LST 965 off the beach. The day after this we left for Okinawa—two LST’s towing two others. This four day run was uneventful. Upon arrival in Okinawa I was well prepared mentally for a few days quiet rest at anchor. the was not to be our fortune. the very same day the four of us were given orders to go to sea to avoid another storm. We went directly west until we were warned that we were in the center of a Jap mine field—over a hundred miles off the coast of China. By this time it was time to start back for Okinawa. We will be in early tomorrow morning. We evaded most of the storm—the only part that we encountered were huge swells (long, low waves). We rolled unpleasantly on these for several days. The towing cable between the other two ships parted once—this was the only towing casualty. We had to travel at one-third speed to minimize the strain on the towing cables. Consequently there were times when we were hardly making any progress.

Upon our last arrival in Okinawa I expected all our mail (3 weeks) to be awaiting us and to be able to get off a letter in answer immediately. The was not to be the case, as they had forwarded all our mail to Kyushu (where we were scheduled to go before the first typhoon.

A number of our men with enough points have been sent back. The captain has enough points. I have been concentrating on navigation so I can take over the job of executive officer if required. The exec will have enough points in a month—I don’t know what will happen at that time. We all think there is a mighty good chance of the ship being back in the states before the end of the year. We are one of the oldest ones out here, and they should have sufficient LST’s without us.

For now, love and hugs,

Bob

7 Nov

1030

Dear ones,

I have been extremely negligent in my correspondence—there is really no excuse.

Much has been happening. The LST complement has been reduced to five officers (we will have six) and about sixty men. Tomorrow Siders Replinger, and Robertson leave the ship for the officers’ pool on Guam—to be reassigned to another ship. McAfee and Stenger will be leaving about the 12^th of the month. At this time I will be executive officer and navigator (probably still gunnery officer, as I asked to retain my division). We will have an imported commanding officer. This will leave the new commanding officer, myself, Shockey, Foveaux, Gordon, and Schmidt—a select group, if I may say so (except for the commanding officer). Stenger and McAfee are leaving under the point system—will travel to New York on a CVE, arriving there Dec 20^th—fortunate!

Of the thirteen men in my division three have already gone, three will be leaving (under the point system) Thursday, another Dec 1^st—making six gunners left on board. We have been playing inter-division basketball and with these few men we have a team that is much superior to the other divisions with overwhelming manpower—our record: 7 wins, no defeats—mainly by top-heavy scores. I have been playing, but am of no great value to the team. Today a box is leaving—it should be at 6109 before Christmas. There is nothing of any real intrinsic value in it, just a few items that I picked up here and there. These will have to suffice for Christmas. The point system will have me released probably Feb 1^st (according to the latest scuttlebutt Jan 1^st)—and I would much rather procure a few items on my homeward trek personally than send money to have everyone buy presents for everyone else.

Aug 16^th I sent a letter to Bureau of Personnel requesting that I be released to enter medical school. any answer is lost or strayed in the Okinawa mail. (We have about three weeks mail missing, though our up-to-date mail is now arriving with fair regularity). It is too late now for even a slightly [carat: possible] affirmative answer to help me any.

Yesterday I applied to Bu Pers for 30 days rehabilitation leave in the states and then reassignment. It will take approximately six weeks to hear from this.

In today’s mail is my request for a place in the Sept 1946 class at N.U. medical school. The reply is to be written to Joan, so you will have all the information first hand.

As for the ship: it will be our here in indefinitely. We had a bad break: if any other officer had inspected us we would probably have gone back—whether we went or not depending upon the length of time the repairs would occupy. We are now alongside the repair ship. We should be here at Saipan approximately three more weeks. Life is fairly pleasant here, though the thermometer is high. My radio is an excellent companion, we can go ashore when we desire, etc.

I am happy to see that you are doing some “gallivanting around.”

The typhoons were an experience. We were probably fortunate in avoiding casualties to men and equipment. Our main concern was whether or not the ship would hold together. In such weather there would hardly be a chance of surviving in the water. that Okinawa storm center is definitely to be avoided. The typhoon season is over, so I doubt if we see again a similar storm—even if we return to Okinawa.

I am not losing my hair—possibly a few strands gone and a few more gray ones, but that’s all.

LST duty for me has been about the best sea duty there is—though the old 661 may look dingy, on the interior it’s clean, very well painted, excellent living conditions. My room has a very “chummy” atmosphere, is the most comfortable of any. If I can’t be with Joan, I desire no other environment during the waiting period. Life is easy, my life is my own, literature is plentiful, I am more than happy—though I am doing everything possible to get home.

Love Bob

Cover: red and blue stripes around perimeter

Stationery: plain 6 X 10

From: Lt(jg) CR Cummins

USS LST 661

FPO San Fran Cal

To: The Cummins’

6109 Greenwood Ave.

Chicago, 37, Illinois

Postmark: U.S. NAVY 30 NOV 1945

Stamp: 6¢ red airmail

29 Nov

2200

Greetings and salutations,

Well, much of the missing mail of September and October caught us—that that the typhoons scattered around with the post office.

About your canning: there was a cartoon I was going to send but I can’t find the magazine now. This harassed couple, in a kitchen that looks as if an atomic bomb had hit it, wondered if the “Campbell people” had that much trouble in doing their canning.

Pop, your calculations as to the amount of education I am entitled to under the GI Bill is not quite correct. I will be entitled to three (at least) calendar years, that is, thirty-six months which is the equivalent of four school years. I will receive $500 for tuition and books for each of this four school years. For subsistence they will give me $90 a month, if Joan goes to school we will get an additional $60 or $150 in cold cash. Who could ask for anything more? This subsistence will of course not be granted during the summer months. I am sure this is all correct.

Pater, as executive officer I too have a new desk. It has huge shelves and drawers galore. I stayed in my cubbyhole, as there wasn’t much difference in the size of the staterooms—my room is co0ler, quieter, the radio would be difficult to change, etc. (Now (from 2200 to 2300) the only station on the air is one that broadcasts to the Japs in Japanese from Saipan).

This fob of executive officer is just one headache after another. I have had almost no time for reading—at least, not as much as I would like to have to myself. All this blasted paper work!

There is a possibility that I’ll be commanding officer of this tub soon—if so, then I can just sit back, taking life easy, signing my name here and there. to the best of my knowledge I’ll be eligible for discharge Feb. 1. From Saipan they’ll allow you to leave 21 days ahead of time. Eligible men are leaving the island rapidly now. If I were commanding officer it would be more difficult to get an officer to replace me, causing, in all probability, more delay. Consequently I am indifferent towards the prospect.

The ship itself will probably go back in two or three months. They have some insane plan whereby the new ships go home for overhaul and then come back here to relieve the old ships that will be junked. So—we lie at anchor for three or four months—with thousands of other ships.

The time is passing rapidly, strangely enough—and I certainly realize that everything can’t be done at once.

Goodnight, loved ones, with plenty of big hugs and kisses—

Bobbie

Cover: plain

From: Lt(jg) CR Cummins

USS LST 661

FPO San Fran. Cal.

To: The Cummins Mansion

6109 Greenwood Ave.

Chicago, 37 Illinois

Postmark: U.S. NAVY 7 DEC 1945

Stamp: 6¢ red airmail

note-sized paper

6 Dec

2200

Guten Abend,

Meet the new commanding officer! Thus it has been for several days now—and the ship is still afloat. The captain left two days ago for transportation to the states and discharge. Tom is exec.

From now on I should have a life of semi-ease—that which comes with “responsibility.” The captain’s quarters are sumptuous indeed—living room, bedroom, head and shower—enormous desk, a couch, breakfast table—what a life!

I had begun to worry about my mental state—with all those transfers—I had nearly a hundred while I was exec. Everywhere I would turn there was something else to do. The hectic period is all past now—but ahead is the organization of close to a new crew.

My other item of new is that we’ll be shoving off soon—tomorrow or the next day—of all places: to the Palau Islands to repatriate the Japs that we shot up about a year. I believe we’ll take them to Yokahama (another place was mentioned, but I forget its name—never heard of it before).

This is the news up to the minute brought to you by your favorite announcer.

I plan to be at Palau in time to have more mail to you by Christmas. If this shouldn’t be the case you do know were I would like to be—and an, except bodily.

Yesterday I had letters from you and Louise. My little sister has probably abandoned hope for me—concerning letter-writing only, of course—maybe I am a hopeless case.

My admission into medical school was the best news I have had in many a day. The future is shaping up wonderfully well—with school and the apartment settled. It’s going to be marvelous to have our own home and lives after so much indefiniteness for so long. The buying of the apartment did take a large chunk of our bank account—but that is what we have been working and saving for. It is by far the soundest investment I could think of.

After getting back I plan to relax for a month or two—after this—before school—I am lacking plans, except for much study—but I’ll have to have some source of income.

The name of that other place that we might take the Japs is Uraga.

Ta, ta—be seeing you—

Love and kisses,

Bob

Cover: plain

From: Lt(jg) CR Cummins

USS LST 661

FPO San Fran. Cal.

To: Mansion Cummins

6109 Greenwood Ave.

Chicago, 37 Illinois

Postmark: U.S. NAVY 12 DEC 1945, stamped “AIR MAIL”

Stamp: 6¢ red airmail

7” x 10.5” paper, gold embossed USN shield, “United States Navy”—also embossed, plain

11 Dec

2300

And soon St. Nicholas will be here—

(That quotation isn’t quite correct, but I never was much of a poet).

This letter at Christmastime is from the same place as last year’s—such an unkind Fate, indeed.

Well, I wonder if you’ll have a tree this year—oh, I know you will—everybody else will be doing the work decorating the tree and pater will sit back in his plush chair surveying the proceedings. Mother would quite likely be in the kitchen baking ice-box cookies (oooh—my mouth waters). Loyd would be complaining because I had a larger handful of icicles than he had. Schwester would be arbitrating—or plotting where to conspicuously plant the mistletoe so that unexpecting David might be caught unawares.

We arrived this afternoon—a bay a short distance north of Peleliu. We now have 800 Japs on board—shove off tomorrow on a ten day trip to Tokyo Bay. The Japs are a miserable looking lot—all army, navy, and marines. Their stay on Babelthoup (sp?) for the last year was not exactly beneficial. Seemingly they have been affected by half the diseases known to man—largely due to lack and quality of food.

May you have a lovely Christmas and an extraordinarily humpty-dumpty superb New Years—

Bob