Ronald Morgan Letters Sent to Family, February 1945 - September 1945

Containers:

01.0362 - Box 1, Folder 003

Scope and content:

The letters describe the final weeks of Morgan's basic training, including a meeting with a special agent from Washington D.C., resulting in his first overseas assignment in the Philippines as part of a reconnaissance outfit. Morgan is moved to Fort Ord and prepares to ship out on the S.S. Lurline. He arrives in the Phillippines in May. He mentions homemade wine that the Marines made from fermented coconut milk, includes a description of the ration system and describes practice jumps. While in the Phillippines, Morgan and some other soldiers have a monkey in their camp which eats their playing cards. He mentions military destruction in Manila. In July he is promoted to P.F.C. and receives his jump wings while training in Luzon. He also contracts malaria and dysentery and is hospitalized. Censorship is lifted beginning with the September 7th letter, and Morgan is stationed in Atsugi, Japan. Morgan lists his travels from Fort Ord to Finschafen, New Guinea, to Manila, to Luzon, and then to Okinawa. While leaving Luzon, the plane meant to transport his outfit overshot the runway and crashed, and he was temporarily presumed to be dead. Morgan spent time with the 5th Cavalry and 11th Airborne and took over as troop clerk while stationed in Japan. The He describes daily activities while stationed in Japan, descriptions of "Jap souvenirs" and interactions with Japanese civilians, police officers, and Imperial guards. Morgan receives a liberation ribbon for his service in the Philippines. September 30th letter mentions combat experience in Luzon.

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