Shipboard WWII Military Newsletters [ USS General ML Hersey ]
$850
In stock
Description
Two Shipboard WWII Military Newsletters From The USS General ML Hersey Including Map Of Operation Magic Carpet and Later Retracted Demobilization Promise that Led to Worldwide Protests
[Unknown]. Speed. No. 2. AP-148. 9 September 1944.
Kellman, John Sgt. Ed. Silvey, Tom Sgt. Asst ed. The Hop. January 1, 1946. Major R.G. Hanes. At Sea.
These two newsletters were both typed and mimeographed for distribution to WWII servicemen onboard the USS General ML Hersey (AP-148), a noted transport ship, on two distinct journeys during very different phases of the war.
The first, titled Speed, was written for troops headed toward the Pacific Theater and includes a cartoon illustrated reference to the upcoming Crossing The Line ceremony and the arrival of Neptunus Rex upon the crossing of the equator. Published in September 1944, the issue of Speed also includes coverage of several recent news events including the congressional decision to offer blanket promotions to POWs, the success of a Catalina Flying Boat in a bombing raid off Saragani, and the Destroyer O’Bannon, the US Navy’s most decorated destroyer, receiving its Presidential Unit Citation.
The second, titled The Hop, was published on New Year’s Day 1946 during the Hersey’s return trip from Yokohama, Japan to San Pedro (Long Beach), California as part of Operation Magic Carpet during the demobilization of US Forces. (Specifically, at 30 N 142 W, 1265 miles from their destination). Lighter in tone, in addition to a full page map of the Hersey’s progress entitled “The Magic Carpet”, The Hop also includes a full page guide to civilian life for returning troops including reminders not to treat American women like prostitutes and to become used to using toilets again instead of digging latrines.
The Hop also contains the seeds of another story, noting both a back log of 50,000 serviceman at the San Francisco port of entry and the fact another 600,000 have become eligible for discharge that day. This issue also includes the promise that all enlisted men with 50 points or more would be relieved of duty by the end of January, which was walked back on January 4th for fear of depopulating the armed forces. By January 6th soldiers around the world were engaged in protests.
Speed. 3pp stapled mimeograph newsletter. Folded. Pages toned with sunning and wear to front and verso. Some wear and dogearing to corners. Illustration of Neptune pg 3. Good.
The Hop. 4pp + map. Stapled mimeograph newsletter. Folded. Some toning and wear to edges. Minor staining to back of map. Toning and small tear to bottom of pg 2. Includes art, lettering, and map by Art Gould. Good.
If you liked this collection of newsletters you might also like this original US Army Counterintelligence Travel Guide to Occupied Japan, “So You’re Going To Japan“
