Angelo Labate: A soldier's journal

Submitted by Josephine Labate Gallagher

This is an entry from my father’s World War II journal. His name was Angelo Labate and he was a sailor on the USS Kitkun Bay.

They were involved in the battle of Leyte Gulf, the battle off Samar Island. The ship was damaged by a kamikazi plane. They survived, although with casualties.

I picked this entry, because along with the joy of the Japanese surrender, there was reflection of the price paid by fellow sailors.

Then later that night came the thought of partying, American style.

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Aug. 15, 1945:

The day that we all been fighting for. On this day Japan accepted our terms of unconditional surrender. When our skipper announced the official news, we all just sort of stood right where we were, not moving or making a sound.

Finally when we seemed to come to our senses, we discussed the latest news with beaming smiles. There was not loud shouting or celebrating, instead most of us gave silent thanks to God because we were able to survive the horrible war.

Then our thoughts wandered to our shipmates who gave their all for the cause and each sailor went his own way in deep thought.

That night the fellows in the gear shack brought forth bottles of liquor we’d been saving for just this sort of an occasion. We bribed the fellows who took care of our ice machine aboard with a couple of shots. Thusly we received the ice we need.

Then we went to the galley and got some orange flavoring to make the punch with. We made a very fine punch which was enjoyed by all. Toward the end of the celebration we managed to get some beer, which we promptly poured into the punch.

Despite the fact we were miles away from the U.S., we had an American party with all the trimmings.