Everett Schafer's Letters
Letter #19
The Pacific War Is Nothing To Sneeze At
To Mrs. Dora Schafer
13 May 1945
May 13
Rest Camp[1]
Dear Mom
This is Sunday morning and it is a very warm morning altho it’s still early. In fact it’s just like any other day here, but it’s Sunday, and that just makes it peaceful.
A week ago today I came out here to this island paradise or as most of the men think the nearest thing to it. It’s a convalescent camp built in among a lot of shade trees on the ocean beach. It’s fairly cool all day long, especially if you just lay around and enjoy life. There aren’t too many men and they get everything they want. If you want to sleep all day you can, or swim all day, that’s OK. The chow is good and no lines to stand in. There are movies each night and a beer garden where you may drink all you want without fighting for it. So you can imagine how restful it is. I’ll be here another week.
I’m still standing by for my health record to show up and then I’ll be in all probability heading for the States.[2]
I know you are anxious to see me but you will know when I’m coming so don’t be worrying about it.
A couple of days before I came out here I went aboard Delwin’s ship and spent the morning with him. He was sure a lot happier than the last time I saw him, and he seemed very content. He’s getting along very well and no need to worry. His ship left the next day so his letters will probably be far apart.[3]
I suppose now there may be a let up in the States on a few things now that the war in Europe is over. I know all the men in the Pacific was sure glad of it, but they also realize that the Pacific war is nothing to sneeze at.[4] But one thing is sure, this war here can be speeded up and the more the better.
Well I can’t think of any more to write for now. Tell Doris what I said about Delwin, it will make her feel better I know.
With love to all
,
Your loving son
Everett
Footnotes
1. Everett is still on the rolls of the Transient Center, but apparently has been sent to one of the rest and recuperation camps set up near Pearl Harbor.
2. His transfer went through on 26 May, sending him back to California.
3. The Buckingham departed Pearl Harbor on 4 May, carrying troops and equipment to the Mariana Islands.
4. While V-E day was widely celebrated in the continental US, there was a considerable degree of resentment among servicemen and civilians in the Pacific over the impression that the war was over. For troops preparing to invade Japan, there still seemed to be plenty of fighting on the horizon.