WWII Confidential USS Salamaua War Diary, Dec.1,1944-Sept. 30,1945

121pp, measuring 8" x 10.5", aboard the USS Salamaua, dating December 1, 1944 to September 30, 1945. A typed record of the ship's movements and activities during the war, mainly in the area of Makin Island and Okinawa.

Two of the more interesting entries come from the end of the war, when Japan finally surrendered. Dated August 14, 1945, it reads in part: "Yesterday's news despatch [sic] brought word that the Japanese Government had proposed surrender and that a clearification [sic] of terms acceptable to the allied nations had been delivered to Tokio [sic]. A radio broadcast picked up aboard ship from an unofficial source in Tokio announced, this afternoon, that our terms had been accepted and that an official announcement from the throne would be forthcoming soon. An air of optimism prevailed throughout the ship, awaiting official confirmation although all hands were cautioned against any relaxation of present security measures." And the following day, August 15, 1945, the entry reads: "…Pursuant to orders of Commander Seventh Fleet received at 1304, offensive action by these units ceased. Escorts of the screen and patrolling SALAMAUA aircraft were notified, and all were directed to take only the necessary precautionary measures for self-defense. Though the surrender has not been signed, offensively, the war has ceased…This ship's Chaplain offered a prayer of thanks for this long awaited day and the Commanding Officer concluded by reading a congratulatory despatch received from Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable James FORRESTAL." Pages are held together with a metal hole punch clip. With creased corners and minor chipping to the page edges.

The War Diary is accompanied by a "Historical Narrative of the U.S.S. Salamaua", 8pp, 8" x 10.5", no place, circa 1945. A short, typed summary of the history of the vessel, from its commission in Oregon on May 26, 1944, to the end of the war and its participation at the signing of the formal Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945. The Salamaua had flown special photographic missions covering the landing of U.S. forces on the Yokohama docks as the document was being signed aboard the U.S.S. Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Two holes punched at the top edge of all pages. With creased corners and minor chipping to the page edges.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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