July 21, 1945 -- The USS Pickens had been traveling toward San Francisco for days, leaving the South Pacific war zone after almost a year. We had been in two vital battles -- Iwo Jima and Okinawa and now we learned we would pick up troops, return to action with an invasion of Japan.
To a certain extent we were briefed. It was no secret that we would be a part of the world''s largest collection of war ships. The invasion would be costly, the navy predicting 50 per cent casualties. I don't recall much concern; we were looking forward to liberty and possibly leave.
To a certain extent we were briefed. It was no secret that we would be a part of the world''s largest collection of war ships. The invasion would be costly, the navy predicting 50 per cent casualties. I don't recall much concern; we were looking forward to liberty and possibly leave.
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