Cover: red and blue stripes around edge, “Via Air Mail” in blue [don’t recognize the font]

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 26 DEC 1945

Stamp: 6¢ red airmail

5.5” x 9” paper, plain

27 Dec

0815

Good morning, chillun’,

Did you have a jolly old Christmas? We have been enjoying our semi-holiday time.

The Japs were unloaded at Uraga. They were happy to get home—though they hadn’t a chance to see the devastation wrought by the war. The next day we sailed up Tokyo Bay a little further to Yokohama. There the captains of the other ships with us and myself convinced the four-striper in charge that we needed some relaxation. Consequently we were granted five days “availability” at Yokosuku, the large naval base near Yokohama. We sailed here the next day, getting in early so that we could have the days’ liberty.

Gordon and I hitch-hiked to Yokohama, where actually there is little left standing to see. The next day I was able to get my jeep ashore (jeep just procured in Saipan). For of us rode and walked thro’ Yokosuku and Yokohama.

Christmas morning about 0300 I was awakened and informed that a powerful wind and sea had recently arisen, that the small boat that had been tied alongside with jeep in it was now at the bottom of the bay and our anchor bearing had shifted considerably. These facts didn’t faze me, so I went back to sleep. At 0400 again I was disturbed because the anchor was still dragging and we were swinging close to another ship. By the time I had put on my long underwear and other cold weather clothing (and mother could never get me to wear long underwear) we were about 75 yards away from the breakwater (which no one else seemed to be able to see). We got underway, going a goodly distance away from danger.

I slept from 0600 until noon, arising just in time for our terrific Christmas dinner. After dinner Gordon and I drove to and thro’ Tokyo. We were unable to get into the palace grounds, but traveled thro’ the rest of the city. Parts of Tokyo were the only modern-appearing items that we have seen in Japan.

There are few if any souveniers that are worth buying. The streets are lined with souvenier shops and they are having land-office sales. The Japs are all friendly—big teethy smiles.

For now, much love—all wishes for a wonderful New Year—

Bob