[noinfringers3]

I was standing in a line of replacements on Leyte getting battle gear for the invasion of Japan. We had heard bits of info about the big bombs but really were more concerned as to what unit from Okinawa to which we would be assigned. I was about 10th in line when a Lt. came out and told us to go back to the tents becuse the shooting was all over. I can tell that there was very much relief among the G.I.s. With me it was a mixed emotion. I can honestly say an invasion of Japan would have given me a chance to pay back for the death of my brother who was killed on Okinawa and I was very much aware that infantry casualties for an invasion of Japan were expected to be very high. Once the real meaning of the end of shooting was realized apart from the gung ho infantry training attitude the feeling of gratitude for a life certain took over. .

[Shalmaneser]

That is a moving story. I’m sorry for your loss.

Thank you for your service and for sharing your experience of the end of the war.

[Roccus]

A late friend was a combat Marine in the Philipines and a “...couple of other God forsaken islands.” This man was a solid Conservative who used to say, “Harry Truman became my hero when he dropped those bombs.”
Wounded several times, he knew what they would be facing had they needed to invade.

[WorkingClassFilth]

My father was on a Martin Mariner in Manila bay when the end of the war came. As he tells it, he was sleeping in the bunk when all kinds of firing started. He thought the Japs were flying in kamikaze attacks and the air was filled with tracers. He couldn't make sense of any target and started the aircraft's generator to tune in the radio. Then he heard the news. He said every weapon on every ship and the shore was up and firing. Must have been quite a scene...