Letter from James Wright to his parents, August 22, 1945
USN Receiving Ship
Navy #140 c/o F.P.O.
San Francisco, Calif.
August 22, 1945
Dear Folks:
Got your V mail telling me about the insurance setup in yesterday’s mail. DON’T SEND ME ANY of the papers! Please go as far as you can (see Earl Worth) without my signature; and if it is necessary that I sign anything; try and get 30 days grace so that I can be sure and have a mailing address. I do want the $1,500 term insurance converted to 20 pay life, as the rates are supposed to be frozen as of the date of the issuing of the original term insurance. There will be a lump sum owed or the difference in the premiums, so if it is as I remember, please draw the money from the bank and complete the transaction.
As you can see from the return address: I’m back in a receiving ship. I don’t know when or where I’m going; but we all suspect we’re “stateside” bound. The orders came in to Base 3 the day before the Japs asked for terms, so the progress of the war hasn’t caused the change of duty. Don’t start making a lot of plans because I have no idea as to when we will get transportation or to where. If I do get to the states: I’ll phone as soon as I can; but don’t expect to hear from me for several weeks.
I’m enclosing three negatives and a print of a “steak” breakfast we had out at one of the french restaurants a couple of weeks ago. The fellow with me in the group is Bob Haynes.
According to the radio; it looks as if the Jap war is over. McArthur [sic] is going to dictate the terms within the next few days. It seems funny; but none of the fellows are overjoyed; not that they want the war to last; but they are just so numb from a series of emotional shocks that they don’t show any visible elation over anything.
Well: I guess I’d better quit now -
Lots of Love
Jim
From the Papers of James Wright, Archives Branch, Naval History and Heritage Command
