WORLD WAR 2 DIARY - U. S. C. G. - San Clemente, Ca. - 1942 - 1945
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:379800 |
This is an original "SERVICE DIARY" kept by "CHARLES THOMAS ALDRICH, RANK A.S. - SERIAL NO. 676.040 - U.S.C.G. - UNIT, COAST PATROL - STATIONED AT SAN CLEMENTE, CA." It measures approx. (4 3/4" x 6 1/4"). There are over (100) full page entries written in both period ink and pencil. Some pencil is light, however, readable with no problem. Kept from the first day he entered service "DEC. 3, 1942" until "AUG. 15, 1945" with his last entry being "TODAY THE GREAT NEW...S CAME PEACE IS DECLARED-NOW THE BATTLE BEGINS-I HOPE TO GET OUT OF THE SERVICE WHEN I GET BACK". He tells of his travels aboard various ships going to San Fransisco, South Seas, Australia, Manilla, Etc. Along the way he mentions seeing bloated body in water, friends shooting and bayoneting dead "Jap" that he thought was discraceful, shipmates talking about all coloreds should be shot, Democracy only for whites, at Manilla ship bombed by Jap aircraft very little damage, saw sinking ship torpedoed 180 men's lives snuffed out, distruction in Manilla, Etc. He also writes that many of his shipmates are drunk all of the time and have broken bones from fighting and many with whores. Finds the whole situation disgusting and mentions that he entered the service being very patriotic and now that he has seen the reality of what happens aboard ship and in the service, he is very disalusioned with the democratic way of life, etc. Much more and very interesting reading! Very good, solid and clean condition. Thank you. MVN
