6 October 1945
Dear Mom:
Well, we are approaching our destination. It is now 6:30 p.m. We should enter Tokyo Bay about 5 a.m. and dock in Yokohama around 11 a.m.
When we tie-up in Yokohama it will mean that we have completed a trip of better than 7,000 miles from Seattle.
Since we left Guam, the weather has turned cooler and the seas have been running heavier. It is quite bouncy now but I am glad that it is. It is not quite so monotonous.
The last few nights I have been sleeping right on deck. It is always nice and cool up there and the air is so fresh.
These novel envelopes were mimeographed aboard ship. Make a nice souvenir. I am enclosing a smaller one and also a copy of the ship’s paper. Would like for you to keep all of these for my scrap – book.
I don’t know whether we will be able to see Mt Fujiyama from Yokohama or not. Anyway, I intend too see it. We are going to be close to Tokyo and other Jap cities. I certainly intend to see all of Japan I can.
I’ll close this letter for now but won’t seal it. If I get time tomorrow morning, I add a few lines. If I don’t get the time, I’ll seal it and get it in the mail as soon as possible.
7 Oct 1945
Well, we saw the first piece of Japan this morning about 6 a.m. We are now entering the Bay.
So far, there isn’t much to see. Just island rising out of the sea.
We can see quite a few of our warships lying on the horizon.
Well, I could probably wait and add a few more lines. However, I am going to close. Will write you at the first opportunity ashore.
Love to all
Billy