Everyone here wishes to extend thoughts and prayers to Chucktoo, who is recuperating from an operation, earlier this summer. We hope you continue to regain your strength, and hope you are back posted again in the near future.
Or as it is know commonly in Japan (according to Wikipedia) "memorial day for the end of the war" (終戦記念日, Shūsen-kinenbi); the official name for the day, however, is "the day for mourning of war dead and praying for peace" (戦歿者を追悼し平和を祈念する日, Senbotsusha wo tsuitōshi heiwa wo kinensuru hi). This is observed on the 15th in Japan and 14th in the US due to the time difference.
At 0904 on the 15th (just over 67 years and 2 hours ago for me as I write this) the first signature was affixed to the surrender document by Japanese foreign minister Mamoru Shigemitsu the others followed shortly thereafter.
The surrender delegationThe famous picture of the victory flyover
This is an interesting shot I had never seen before yesterday. From Wikipedia:Taken during the Japanese Surrender Ceremony by Ted H. Lambert, from his B-29.
It is an unfortunate fact of life that every time I send out a letter to the old Seahorses still on our roster that I get bad news. Our numbers keep dropping so we particularly value any one who is left even if we can't get to see him. At our reunion every year we drink a toast to the memory of all our departed comrades. Your loss is ours as well, and may he rest in Peace
36 Engineers are rugged......John T Fallon II. Capt. USA Ret.
Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2012 08:27:40 -0400
John,
It is with deep sadness that I must report to you that my father, Harry R. Moran, passed away on May 3, 2012, one month shy of his 92nd birthday.
Harry enlisted in the Army on October 24, 1941 prior to the U.S. entry into World War II. He served during the war as a Sergeant in Company D of the 36th Engineers Combat Regiment. Harry fought in several major campaigns, battles and invasions including Algeria-French Morocco, Tunisia, Sicily, Salerno, Anzio, Southern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was wounded March 2, 1944 at Anzio and awarded the Purple Heart.
His service with the 36th Engineers was a matter of great pride for him as it was for his family. He appreciated receiving your letters and announcements and was greatly disappointed when his health would no longer allow him to travel to the reunions.
I hope your upcoming reunion is a memorable success. God bless you and the rest of the Seahorses.
I have attached our newsletter. In a couple pictures there is mention of the 540th and the VI Corps. Thought you might be interested.
May all be well with you and yours. tom petty
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Hi Marion:
I got this e mail from a friend and thought you might be interested in it. This picture plus a few others will be in the 697th newsletter in about a week or less. Did you want me to send you the newsletter on a regular basis? I just published the July letter a short time ago.
I have put your website up as a link at the beginning of our newsletter.
I didn't realize the attachment was so large but at least now you can download it and it will be usable elsewhere, like print it off on an 8 X 10. I get so upset when I get stuff (in an e mail) that can be viewed very well on the computer but when you go to print it off it is absolutely worthless! Drives me nuts. Oh well.........
Hope all is well with you and yours! tom petty
Hi Tom,
I was reminded last week that we are coming up on August 15th which would be the 68th anniversary of the invasion of southern France.
If you are looking for an item for the August newsletter you might want to consider a photo I sent you earlier this year captioned " August 16, 1944 - Camel Green Beach at Cape Drammont" This photo is National Archives Image #111-SC-341577. The caption also includes additional information about the photo. Beach and (dirt) road improvements from the LSTs to the coastal highway during the invasion were provided courtesy of the 540th Combat Engineer Regiment and the 8th Naval Beach Battalion.
Received your latest mailing today. I haven't opened it yet. I expect it might be sometime this fall before I can even think about it!
The surrender delegation
The famous picture of the victory flyover
