Description:

LETTER FROM NAGASAKI, 1945
Superb content letter regarding the atomic bombing of Nagasaki signed "Marshall", 3pp. 8vo., Nagasaki, Sept. 26, 1945, a letter from Navy Lieutenant W. Marshall Shepperd to friends in North Carolina. Shepperd recounts his landing at Nagasaki after its Aug. 9, 1945 bombing, in part: "...I made the landing here with the Marines from our flagship, the heavy cruiser, U.S.S. Wichita, and believe I was the first naval officer to land. My boss, Admiral Fahrion, is in command. We have encountered 9047 Allied prisoners of war, some of whom are in pretty bad shape. I've never smelled anything like this city in my life. As I pushed my gun over the sea wall during the landing, I slipped and fell on a dead Jap. Some of my men vomited before they had advanced 3 yards. The ATOMIC BOMB that blew this place to hell really took a toll...". Shepperd goes on to recount their official capture and occupation of Nagasaki: "...I took the sword of the Governor of the Prefecture; also, from the Japanese general in command of the area...This has been a fitting climax to Okinawa and the war, in general. Frankly, I never thought I'd live through Okinawa, where we fought for 64 days and nights without stopping, except to load ammunition...". The USS Wichita saw heavy action in the Pacific Theatre, and rescued over 10,000 Allied P.O.W.'s when she struck port in Nagasaki. Included is the transmittal cover, with scarce postal markings: two "Nagasaki" stamps in both English and kanji; stamp canceled from Sasebo on the 28th of September by US Navy personnel, with a 6-ent B-29 bomber stamp. Folds, else fine, and cover is slightly toned, with frayed corners and minor soiling spots at the return address and right Nagasaki stamp.

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January 21, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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