September 2, 1945

Flying over the U.S.S. Missouri – The day that the peace treaty was being signed we flew a “Power Display” mission. It was a “Maximum Effort” and B-29s’ seemed to be everywhere. We had four passengers along; one of which was a combat photographer. He took many photos and after they were developed, he gave us each a set. We assembled in formation a few miles south of Tokyo. After flying in formation for a while, we left to see other sights. The photographer wanted to get some pictures of the “Missouri” where the peace treaty was in the process of being signed. As we flew low over the “Missouri” I could see the decks lined with Sailors dressed in white uniforms and many flags from various countries. We then decided to Buzz Main street, Tokyo. As we watched the traffic, I noticed that they drove on the left side of street. There were a few Street Cars operating that appeared to be worn out. If I could read Japanese, I could have read many things. The only sign of English was the word “THEATER” written on one of the buildings. We then tried to locate the Emperor’s Palace. After hunting for almost an hour, we finally located it. We buzzed it two times at 200 feet altitude and were able to get some good pictures.

September 6, 1945

Boxing Match – Our Squadron decided to challenge another Squadron to a boxing match. I happened to be selected to represent our Squadron. The fight was limited to (5) three-minute rounds. We were about the same height and weight. I ended up with a black eye, bloody nose and a sprained wrist. I was able knock my opponent down twice and in the 5th round I knocked him down again. They then called off the fight and declared me the winner. I vowed never to box again as even winning is not worth the beating we both took.

September 15, 1945

Japanese P.O.W.’s - After the peace treaty was signed I was given the task of supervising some of the Japanese P.O.W.’s I was assured that the six men assigned to me had been screened and were not dangerous. My job was to take them to an inactive part of our airstrip to clean and spray army trucks and other vehicles with cosmolene for storage. You may imagine how I felt the first time I picked up these prisoners in a utility truck. (Larger than a Jeep, but smaller than a troop carrier truck) I had my 45-caliber pistol in my shoulder holster and a 30-caliber carbine slung over my shoulder. The only draw back was that I was alone and had to drive the truck. You can well imagine how I felt driving like this with 6 Japanese while going from the P.O.W. compound through the jungle to the airstrip. I was only 19 years old at the time, but a lot of us had to grow up quick at this time in History. Everything did work out O.K. or I wouldn’t be here writing about it. The P.O.W.’s were very energetic and responsive to any request I made. Since I didn’t speak any Japanese and they didn’t speak any English, we related to each other in sign language and drew some in the sand. I would do things I wanted them to do first and then turn the job over to them. This method worked out fine. They could not pronounce my name “Richard”, but did get to call me “Ricardo”. Some where along the line they must have known a little Spanish. After about a week of this work they started bringing me gifts. Four of them were paintings of Japanese women with background of Japanese scenery. These were drawn on white lien handkerchiefs. Where they got them is still a mystery to me. Everything that we wore was Olive Drab. Two of the prisoners autographed a “Peso” bill that I had. Their names were Namoto Su-Su Mi” and “Nesh a-mi Shimo”. If I understood them correctly, they were from the Yokohoma area. I still have these souvenirs and value then greatly.

January 15, 16, 17, 1946

Manila – I was given a leave to visit Manilla in the Phillipine Islands. We flew in a B-29 and landed at the Air Force Base there. While visiting a bar, some girls came up to us and indicated they wanted to dance. I could not understand their language nor could they understand mine. We did dance a few times and then decided it was time to leave. As we were leaving, they held their hands out and asked for “Pesos”. Since they asked us to dance we did not feel obligated to them. After all, we did just place our lives on the line to rid them of the Japanese. When we refused to pay them, they called some of their friends to take the money from us. They came at us with knives drawn. We were wearing our “45s”, so we drew them from our shoulder holsters and backed out the door. We didn’t want to cause any more trouble, so we got into our Jeep and returned to our base.

April 14 thru 21, 1946

U.S.S. Cape Cleare – My way of returning to the States proved to be much slower than when we came over. Several hundred of us came by this route. The first day at sea it seemed that everyone was Seasick and spent most of the day at the rail heaving everything in their stomach and more. I didn’t get sick and had the Mess Hall just about to myself. I always had a good appetite and motion sickness never bothered me, (Famous last words) but after watching all of the heaving over the rail, in the latrines and everywhere else, it did get to me and I finally joined them. The second day, I and a few others, felt better and did get some food to stay down. The trip was during “Lent” period, so it made fasting somewhat easier. We watched movies in the evenings and during the day we would stay on the “Golden Gate” bridge, I was thinking that (1) I had drawn on this bridge while working at “Mare Island” Navy yard (2) flew over it as I left the States and (3) and was presently sailing under it. The U.S.A. certainly did look good to me!!!

April 29, 1946

Camp Atturbury, Indiana – This was the separation center that I was assigned. My last day was spent being issued severance pay and getting a physical examination. I felt that I was very lucky coming out of the war alive.

I also feel very fortunate to have been associated with the crew I was assigned with. All of us worked as a team and if any one of them hadn’t done their jobs well, none of us would be here today.

I have received visits from John Thompson (C.F.C. Gunner), Robert Eblen (Right Gunner) and Harry Slater (The only survivor of the crew that David and the rest of his crew were lost).