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