WW2 Chapter 75 - End of European War (and Back on Leyte)

Newspaper, May 8, 1945

5/11/45

Dear Dad,

     It's over -- finally. Now maybe after a few months, we'll get some of those badly needed supplies, planes, and men. I'm glad that the Russians took Berlin -- and I hope they gave them hell. We would have been too easy on those Germans. The men over here are damn sore about the freedom allowed the Italian and German prisoners back in the states. Whoever is responsible for it seems to have forgotten that they were once killing American soldiers -- and if they weren't there they'd be killing American soldiers -- and if they could have escaped, they'd still be killing American soldiers.

     We didn't do any celebrating -- don't think I heard anyone even cheer. The war is over --- As far as expressing emotions, it might have been announced that there was to be mail call, or good chow, tonight, or the Russians had advanced 20 miles, or we were to get a three day pass. The same with men shipping home. I've often wondered how I'd feel if and when the time ever came. I've been with and known many men who were fortunate to go home -- I've helped to carry them aboard ships; and again it might be that three day pass, or good chow tonight. It seems strange, doesn't it -- but it's true.

     Have sent you two issues of "Yank" magazine. There's nothing special in them -- thought you might like to look them over.

     It doesn't rain as much as it did last fall -- only at night -- when we want to go to the theatre. Unfortunately, it still manages to get as hot as ever [on Leyte]. The rain is accompanied by thunder and lightning -- and all day the air feels like it does at home just before a thunderstorm.

    Have you been able to get any more cigarettes? At this place, we are rationed four packs of cigarettes a week. Haven't seen any matches since I've been here -- or any beer.

     Been down at the finance office -- having my money exchanged. When we were at Biak (just off New Guinea, and part of N.E. Indies), we could spend Dutch, Filipino, English, and American money -- but only the Philippine is good, here.

Much love,

Franklin