MESSAGE FROM HER BROTHER IRA LEYTE ISLAND, PHILIPPINES 7 SEPTEMBER 1945

Departure June 7 from San Francisco Harbor via naval transport
U.S.S. Ponderosa, under the Golden Gate Bridge into the wide,
Wide Pacific. Goodbye home, family, and country.

Twelve days later the ship docks at Einewitok in the Marshalls.
The ship refuels and GI's disembark via assault boats for
Coke rations and swimming. What a beautiful place! White
Islands bash in the hot sun against blue skies flecked with
Huge white clouds; the shallow waters are a brilliant green
Against the white coral beach floor; further out scores of
Naval and transport boats patrol the area.

Three weeks after departure, the Ponderosa arrives in the
Philippines. First view of Leyte Gulf--staggering! Hundreds
Of ships, uncountable, are everywhere--transports, battle
Ships, heavy cruisers, cargo ships, aircraft carriers. The
Combined navies of the world can not duplicate the scene.

Few signs of battle remain--mostly blasted coconut trees. This
Is a land of rice paddies, banana and coconut trees, and huge
Tropical plants.

World War II is past history, so it's back to the good old
U.S.A. soon. LOVE BLESS AMERICA!