Hamlin (AV 15) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 50 text:

K1 0 9613 To the curiosity of Americon servicemen, Tokyo ond suburboin cities were fertile fields for investigoltion. The exotic people, stronge custcrrs, novel oirchitecture ond vvoy of living vvois ci source of keen interest. Liberty whites ond khokis were dug out of seobogs ond lockers. Soilors, soldiers ond nforines desired little more thon to trornp through the streets sightseeing, to pick up ci few souvenirs ond to olttempt converscition with the people. It surprised rnony thot Tokyo ond Yokohcimo were octuolly lorge, modern cities, with toll buildings ond industries much like ony stote-side city of comporoble size. The people soon leorned thot Americon G.I.'s were nct the horsh conquerors they expected and it oippeoired thot the occupotion would function smoothly.

Page 49 text:

We llilll I llllll Aerial photcgraphs of fleet anchorages and shore installations, as well as the ap- pearance of the Bay area, convinced us that the Japanese were beaten even without the Atomic bomb or the entrance of Russia into the vvar. The destruction wreaked by air and sea bombardment had impoverished The Jap war machine past the stage required to wage even defensive combat. A handful of fighting ships remained, a small task force in comparison with the Allied naval might which filled Tokyo Bay. It was fortu- nate for this yellow race that they sur- rendered in time for they faced complete annihilation. E , f W , of ff f'-.Wa-4 gf X KN Wm-. '4fbTw'Yf1 L If! i 'lf Page 47

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1 l Parkway surrounding lhe palace of The Emperor. It is a question of who is more puzzled. Page 49 1 I e white uniforms overflowed every road and shop. ' l 1 i I Y f 3 v l x i The Dief Building in downtown Tokyo. ' 1 I fi l, l 4, in gl li ik 1 Qi :J ,. ly ii l M I, vl- ll l is I i i. l l l H I x 1 5