<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

Letter: An end to the war was right decision

By
Published:

I was a sailor aboard a Navy transport ship anchored just off shore in Okinawa in August 1945. Transport ships were assembling to load assault troops for Japan’s homeland.

I question Chris Langlois’ May 17 letter, “Apologize for Hiroshima,” that we could have done other things to cause Japan to surrender, such as blockades or just bombing military targets instead of dropping two atomic bombs. He also finds it not credible that attacking the home islands would cost the projected loss of life on both sides. Half-a-million casualties were predicted on the Allies’ side. With Japan’s code against surrender, the prediction was civilians would also be on the beaches and there could be a million causalities.

If all soldiers, Marines and Navy personnel who were scheduled to ride into the beaches in assault craft were given a vote, I’m sure it would have been unanimous to back President Truman’s decision. As one who was in my ship’s assault craft group, I got to come home by Truman’s action, along with thousands of others.

President Obama is to apologize for the two bombs? Not necessary.

If Langlois had been in harm’s way in 1945, I’m quite sure, given his alternative choice of blockades or military targets for several more months against dropping a weapon that could and did end the war, he would choose to end it.

We encourage readers to express their views about public issues. Letters to the editor are subject to editing for brevity and clarity. Limit letters to 200 words (100 words if endorsing or opposing a political candidate or ballot measure) and allow 30 days between submissions. Send Us a Letter
Loading...