January 1945
Dear Myron - Oscar (stepson Don), well and strong, here for four days on visit. Talked much of you. Your October card received. Made us all happy to hear again. (Notes this is word 24 - the limit for a postcard.) Dad
Another fine day. Ed Wilbur here for supper. Mrs. Wilbur still sick in Santa Barbara, California. News of invasion of Luzon (largest Philippine Island) by McArthur. War going well in Germany.
Dear Myron, Harlow Reed recently married in New York. Clipping from Reporter about this put in your scrap book which we are keeping for you. Love, Mom and Dad
30 degrees this AM at 6. Ruth Derby home all day account (of) sick mother. Two more cards from Myron dated August 1944 and 14 September 1944.
Sent Myron 3 snaps - Connie and I in Spokane Park. Connie with Wick on Wilber's porch. Our back yard looking east.
27 Degrees this AM at 6 - Received card from Myron dated April 1944. It was a fine card. Also letter from Janet S. telling of a card from Myron on January 18th dated August 1944.
Note from Janet
Dear Myron: Your April 1944 card received. Good news. Will consider farm or anything to bring you happiness. Have mailed some pictures. Will send more. Dad Never received by Myron
Russians pounding Germans on East side of Berlin - Only 90 miles away. 8th Army landed on Subic Bay in Philippines and pushed 11 miles inland headed for Bataan.
February 1945
35 degrees at 6 AM and rained lightly all day. News of raid in Philippines to release 500 plus Yanks from Jap prison, 25 miles behind enemy lines. Great work. (This would have been Cabantuan where Myron had been before being shipped to Japan.)
39 degrees this AM and raining. Sun shone about 10 AM and beautiful warm spring day. 46 degrees at 6:45 PM. Got word to move our office out of vault. Haywire business by clowns who know little about how to run a project.
Sun shining brighter every day bringing hope to all. Keep your ear to ground. Total eight cards received from you. Love, Dad (Ear to the ground meant listen for news of approaching American troops.) Never received by Myron
Washed basement floor. Drove to Post Office with two cards for Myron. Connie went over to see Mrs. Wilber who came home last night. Old Glory flies over Manila tonight. Good news coming in on radio in late PM.
Picture of Janet received by Myron in Zentsuji
- April 1944
Dear Janet, Your letters of 8-27 and 29 strengthen my determination to live in the USA way. No sacrifice too great to keep our patrimony of Christianity, science and Democracy. War affords ways and means for many, Larry no exception, to resettle, if they live, into work commensurable with their new phychology (sic - he never could spell!) of life. May Court's (college roommate of Myron's) mission never cause him to leave Fordie and baby. Baser and soul motivations must form a oneness in my future work, be in army or farming, making no cross purposes and giving peace within, without and with God, I hope. I think too much of you to want you to do anything that would not make you happy. Look to your own future happiness and govern yourself accordingly, that is the greatest thing you can do for me. My best to Court, Fordie, Ken, Kels, Dick, Macy, Johny, Denney, Ray and everybody. Love, MF Wildish
Dear Janet, Your letters of 8-27 and 29 strengthen my determination to live in the USA way. No sacrifice too great to keep our patrimony of Christianity, science and Democracy. War affords ways and means for many, Larry no exception, to resettle, if they live, into work commensurable with their new phychology (sic - he never could spell!) of life. May Court's (college roommate of Myron's) mission never cause him to leave Fordie and baby. Baser and soul motivations must form a oneness in my future work, be in army or farming, making no cross purposes and giving peace within, without and with God, I hope. I think too much of you to want you to do anything that would not make you happy. Look to your own future happiness and govern yourself accordingly, that is the greatest thing you can do for me. My best to Court, Fordie, Ken, Kels, Dick, Macy, Johny, Denney, Ray and everybody. Love, MF Wildish
53 degrees at 6 AM. Myron's watch stopped at 11:20 last night under my pillow, apparently broken main spring. 1st time it has stopped since Myron loaned it to me before the war. Have sure missed it today. (Myron and Fred traded watches just before Myron left in 1941.)
March 1945
Dear Myron, No word since October, but always thinking of you and hoping. Spring in air here and everything O.K. Banked your February allotment yesterday. Love, Dad
39 degrees. Fine day. Lined up with Rector for handling Red Cross drive for Government employees. Rode home with Shepperd. Connie ironed today and Mrs. Wilbur helped cover the lower left side of davenport. Americans across the Rhine.
Mild but little sunshine. We drove to Post Office and Red Cross in AM to put up bulletin board. Out couple of times helping F. Smith with his fence in his back yard. Light rain drove us in during PM. Wilbers came over at supper time to play pinochle. Good news continues to pour in from all war fronts. Can't see how Germany can last many more weeks.
Lining up with Clark for Portland trip. Mountford in to see me about ??? sounding off about Hanford Energy Works. First time any mention given of bombing of the Island of Shikoku (Japan). Lowell Thomas spoke of it in his broadcast this evening at 7:15.
Light rain and cloudy most of the day. Reversed living room rug. To Red Cross to put pulls on drawers of work cabinet. Working on round stool from Boberg. Pulled sod (from) along fence behind house so Connie could paint. In PM we drove to trailer storage, Post Office, river front, and to lumber salvage pile. Yanks on the loose again. Germany seems to be crumbling.
Fred writes looking for news of Myron
April 1945
Yanks landed on Okinawa this morning - morning Japan time - Won't be long now for those yellow B....Ed and I went with dogs at 7:30 AM for lumber out east of Sewage Treatment Plant. Spreading manure and Connie set out some flower seeds. Moved plants over here for Clarks. Making design for our new fence. Had our big flag up - Easter. Weather pretty good. Drew Parson predicted Germany finished in April and Japs this year.
Beautiful day. President Roosevelt died in PM at Warm Springs, GA. Put last lath on new fence.
Received letter from a Captain Morrett who knew Myron in the Philippines and saw him last in October 1942. Had Richland jeweler adjust my (Myron's) watch. Connie spent PM at the Red Cross and brought me home in car with Mrs. Flanagan.
Warmest day this spring. Connie to Red Cross all PM. I made two trips to Chapter House. Met Chairman Sommers on 2nd trip and division made to give $1,000 to Camp and Hospital. Mowed lawns in evening and Jimmie moved day lilies from flower garden to along north fence. War news getting better every day and I listen at 6 AM and Lowell Thomas at 7:15 PM.
Russians in about one third of Berlin and going strong.
Radio broadcast said this AM that Shikoku was bombed by B-29s for first time. Surely Myron knows now that the Yanks are coming. Beautiful day. Connie spent most of it at Red Cross getting ready the program for the annual dinner. I came over about 1 PM.
May 1945
Urine sample this morning OK. (For diabetes.) Got bank statements for Red Cross and spent most of PM checking. Rode home with Tracy's. Connie at bridge club. Borrowed Smith's ax and draw knife and dressed down 2nd hand stair stringers for 2 by 4 rail on fence. Weather warm. Report that rat Hitler is dead.
Another u (urine) sample at bedtime okay. Connie spent all day at Red Cross. Rode home from work with Mrs. Tracy. Took shower before supper. Warmest day this spring. Germanys about gone. Berlin fell and over 1 million of enemy surrendered in Italy.
Radio at 6 A.M. says end of European war probably today. At 7 got news of surrender of Germany. Took radio to office, but could not get any news account of static.
Connie got up with me to hear President Truman declare end of European war. Also heard Churchill, Eisenhower, Bradley, Devers, Stark, etc. This is a great day of happiness that this war business is half through.
Big day - 9th card received from Myron dated December 1944. Sure made us happy. He seems to be okay.
Dear Folks: Glad two grand has collected. Use it if you need it. Wish I could spend some of it now. Sure wish Bud and Don the best of luck for their sake, as well as my own. Keep, healthy, happy, hoping. Love, MF Wildish
Another card from Myron dated November 1944. Spent most of day on Red Cross books. Went over there in PM with Connie in our car.
Dear Folks: Heard from Aunt Victoria (sister of Myron's deceased mother); also your letter of 8-2 about Winifred and from Miss K.B. Nemeth. Think of Reeds often and the good cooking there. (I believe Reeds were a destitute family in the Downers Grove area who did not do well in the Depression) Would like you to work with me on some kind of farm. Keep up the good work. Love. MF Wildish
June 1945
Warm - Connie to Red Cross as usual all PM. We drove home together. Helped Harrison with arch to hold vines on his front porch in evening. General Eisenhower in Washington, big celebration. General Buckner killed on Okinowa.
Myron's Words:
June 25: From Zentsuji to Rokuroshi
After Zentsuji, in mid June 1945, I was sent to Rokuroshi, up in the mountains on the island of Honshu. At least for me, it was the last. There was a single, one car road up to this camp. (They arrived at 3:00 a.m. in the morning and had five mile hike to get to camp after arriving by a railcar in the area.) There was one telephone or electrical line - now I can't recall. We had no heat, and there was still snow. We figured it was going to be a long cold winter.
(Later Myron said he felt if the war hadn't ended that summer there was no way they could survive another winter in this brutal location where they were told they would have to grow their own food in such a short growing season. The elevation was 2000 meters, around half the height of Mt. Rainier, in an area called the Japanese Alps. I believe the area is a ski resort now - Betsy)
There was a one Japanese there who was very dark skinned. We called him Blackie. He seemed to be a good natured guy. We were supposed to be making charcoal, and on top of that, we were supposed to be clearing the land to put in sweet potatoes to eat in the winter. The snow was just going away in April, (He said June but documents say they arrived in June) and I imagine it starts coming again in October. It seemed ridiculous to try to grow sweet potatoes in that short a growing season.
(Later Myron said he felt if the war hadn't ended that summer there was no way they could survive another winter in this brutal location where they were told they would have to grow their own food in such a short growing season. The elevation was 2000 meters, around half the height of Mt. Rainier, in an area called the Japanese Alps. I believe the area is a ski resort now - Betsy)
There was a one Japanese there who was very dark skinned. We called him Blackie. He seemed to be a good natured guy. We were supposed to be making charcoal, and on top of that, we were supposed to be clearing the land to put in sweet potatoes to eat in the winter. The snow was just going away in April, (He said June but documents say they arrived in June) and I imagine it starts coming again in October. It seemed ridiculous to try to grow sweet potatoes in that short a growing season.
July 1945
Very hot again - To Red cross at noon but did not see Harkins, no refund of $100.00. Connie drove to Pasco with Mrs. Harrison in their car. Ate supper in basement and spent most of the evening down there. Japs catching hell now. Shikoku (location of Zentsuji Prison Camp) mentioned on radio.
To Ration Board in morning - received certificate for grade A tire #B6368518. Ed took our spare to be repaired and we put in on front right in evening. Rode bus to work and home with Jacko.
August 1945
Left Manzanita about 7:30 AM and drove to Portland - 93 miles. Got double cottage #7 at Guest Motor Court. Dinner at ??? Saw paper telling of use of atomic bomb from this job against the Japs on Sunday for first time. All the work and expenditures here at the H.E.W. (Hanford Energy Works) has proved a success.
Myron's words "Nijuku! Nijuku!"
After the atomic bomb went off, which saved our lives, we were in Rokuroshi. This Japanese guy (guard) got up on a stand and spent two or three hours talking to us through an interpreter. He said something like, "This has been a tough war Japan has been fighting, but something has happened. We thought we were fighting a worthwhile enemy. But were fighting a bunch of hopheads or nuts. They're so low-down, these people that are are fighting, and we thought we'd honor them as foes. But they turned out to be a bunch of scum. So we have decided we're not going to fight anymore. It would be embarrassing to us to fight a bunch like that.
We tried to figure out what was going on. We didn't hear the bomb go off, didn't see it or anything like that. Didn't know anything about it. We did know they were B-29 planes flying overhead. The Japanese called them "Nijuku! Nijuku!" They'd be screaming. We didn't know what the planes were doing, but we could see their contrails. They were bombing Japan."
We tried to figure out what was going on. We didn't hear the bomb go off, didn't see it or anything like that. Didn't know anything about it. We did know they were B-29 planes flying overhead. The Japanese called them "Nijuku! Nijuku!" They'd be screaming. We didn't know what the planes were doing, but we could see their contrails. They were bombing Japan."
Russia declared war on Japan and her armies started across the Manchurian border.
Very fine day. We washed all windows, fixed Harrison chairs so they would roll, repaired radio. Rumors all day of Jap surrender and actual report in evening but later recalled. We did much thinking and talking of Myron.
One of the great days in history. Japan surrendered at 4 PM. We left the office pronto. Wilbers here for supper. We went to church to thank God in evening. Wire from Iliza Proctor in Knoxville saying they were rejoicing with us that the boys will soon be home.
Radio Announcement: http://www.otr.com/ra/news/vjdaymix.mp3
Radio Announcement: http://www.otr.com/ra/news/vjdaymix.mp3
Put up our large flag. Holiday. We drove to farms near Kennewick in AM with Wilbers for cream and eggs. After lunch to point for bread and gasoline on which rationing is now removed. Spent most of day listening to the radio for news. (What Fred did not know is back in Rokuroshi a fellow POW of Myron's had hidden an American flag in a pillow case for the entire duration of his captivity. After the end of the war was declared, the US flag was raised on the flag pole over the POW camp.)
Another holiday - up early. Some rain but sun came out later. At 8 AM Connie and I drove to Red Cross and office. Made paper napkin rack. Took nap in basement after lunch. Wilbers and Abbeys here while we churned. To Abbeys for supper. Mussirs called in evening. Wrote 1st letter to Myron that Japs would not see.
Text of letter sent that night
(Fred still thinks Myron is in Zentsuji)
Dear Son: Just learned thru Red Cross we could now write to you without restriction and knowing that the Japs will not see it. You probably know by now of the great news that the world has been waiting, hoping, praying for the last several years. It means that only in a matter of days you will be breathing the air of freedom, and be returned to your native land for which you have suffered and endured much. It will be the happiest moment of your life and no words can express what it means to us. Only God in heaven can understand. We have been repeatedly requested not to go to the fort when you arrive, so don't be disappointed if you don't see any familiar faces. Contact us as soon as possible at 1327 Mahan Drive, Richland, Washington. Our home phone is Richland 178 and we will stand by day and night to hear your dear voice again. David is flying for the Navy and should be in Hawaii. Donald in on a Coast Guard ship heading west across the ocean. You will be interested in knowing that Dave has moved his family and established a home at 3055 Avon Lane, Richmond, California. Our prayer is that you will be here by your birthday on August 28th, but if that is not possible know that our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Only a little more of the patience you have shown these long years and we will be together again. Enclosed is a snapshot we hope you will enjoy. Until we see you again, dear son, may God bless and keep you. Love, Mother (Connie) and Dad
AUGUST 17 - ROKUROSHI POW CAMP - Prisoners informed by guards work details are suspended. NOT informed of Atom Bombs or that war has ended.
Office as usual - Home with Jack's in evening. Connie spent PM at Red Cross. Drove to Pasco in morning with Alice and baby to shop and see Dr. Epley. Took Jimmie and Alice with us to movie at Theater #2 - Not much good. Radio gave description of Jap Envoy enroute to Manila to surrender.
Spent much time on radio for news of release of Jap prisoners but very little news came. Jimmie and Alice here for supper and evening.
AUGUST 18 - ROKUROSHI POW CAMP - Guards disappear
AUGUST 22 - Rokuroshi POW CAMP - Prisoners informed war has ended, Japanese commander surrenders sword to Col. Unruh
Myron's Words - Approximately August 25
"Then one day some American soldiers in their command cars came and gave us the word. The war was over, and they'd been trying to find us for two or three weeks. That was the most emotional thing. (As this point, some 50 years later Myron blue eyes still look amazed and begins to cry.) They were in these little command cars, and they came up there, healthy guys, about 25 years old, I suppose. Loaded with ammunition, American flag flying. They jumped out and ran up, asking, "How are you?"
I tell you, you can't imagine the relief at seeing those guys. And they were loaded for bear (with weapons). If any Japanese (guards) had been around there, they probably would have killed them. There were about three cars with 20 men. They ran around camp, checking things out, did what they could, gave us all the food they had, all the cigarettes, everything except the guns.
When they pulled in there... you know, you dream about it. For three years uou wonder what it would be like to have it actually happen. I still get emotional about it. Fantastic. Seeing them jump out of the command cars just shocked me."
Myron is 28 years old and we hope and believe that this birthday is a happy one for him. 4th birthday in prison camp.
Quite warm - Jimmie painted lawn chairs a second coat of white. Connie discussed trip to San Francisco with Mrs. Abbey and Joe for late next week. Connie away most of evening in car. Mrs. Brooks called here in evening. Not much new on prisoners although we spend much time listening to the radio.
Busy on SH and W modifications at office. Also took off Red Cross trial (?) balance. Connie spent evening at Red Cross. Listening on radio for news of prison releases as American forces land on the home islands.
September 1945
At 6:30 PM listened on radio to the surrender of Japan, hearing McArthur, ??? and President Truman speak. Over to Abbeys. Connie to take care of Anita while Jim and Alice went to dance. I came home at 9. Card #11 from Myron written April 1945. Looks like our boy was still going strong.
a Dear Folks: I wrote POW Information Bureau to buy retrospective bonds with accrued and future pay. Easter, no good, make it Labor Day for your straw hat. Are you going to manage our farm while I work at chemical engineering for awhile? Love, MF Wildish.
(At this point Myron must have had some indication things were hopeful for a resolution and a "straw hat" celebration of the end of the war by Labor Day. Another attempt to communicate to his folks without alarming censors.)
(At this point Myron must have had some indication things were hopeful for a resolution and a "straw hat" celebration of the end of the war by Labor Day. Another attempt to communicate to his folks without alarming censors.)
Myron's Words - Food Drop September 2nd
Shortly after that day, our ears again picked up the sounds of planes. But this time it was different, for the sound seemed to be growing closer, greater. Suddenly we realized they were aiming for us. When the bomb bays began to open, the planes did not seem so friendly. Terrified, we began to scramble for our lives. But as the "bombs" began to descend, we realized they were friendly bombs made of wooden skis attached to parachutes that carried food, clothing and candy. Shortly afterward, trucks came to take us to the coast to begin the long trip home via ship. (Note: According to the Rokuroshi Prison Camp Timeline available on the internet the recovery team arrived arrived September 7th and evacuations began September 8th. Myron would later recall that from this point on for most of a month he would gain up to a pound a day.)
Recovery Team Photos September 7-8th
(Myron under arrow, second from left.)
First holiday except Christmas since job began two and half years ago. Drove downtown with Wilburs to see parade at about 11 AM. Much listening to radio but no info about POWs.
Still no news about our boy: Being patient is hard.
A week goes by.
??? told of Ensign Olcott released from Zentsuji so we should hear from our dear son soon now.
Alice here for supper. Churned butter - white stuff. Mrs. Wilbur here most of the evening talking about lunches for tomorrow. Sore when I spoke sharp to their dog. Washed windows of the car. Went to Western Union but no word from Myron.
More than a month since the surrender...
Connie spent PM at Red Cross and we rode home together in our car. Letter from Mrs. Splady and card from Nethal that her Uncle Peter was in LaGrange, (Illinois). No news from Myron.
Ideal weather. Nothing doing at Red Cross - Harkins to Yakima in station wagon. Mrs. Abbey and daughter overnight. We went over to visit Mrs. Abbey in evening while her children went to movie. No word from Myron.
Harrison cut our lawns. I trimmed his trees and roses. Connie went to church with Mrs. Wilbur and Ruth. Wick and I drove down to Post Office. Sent letter to Adjunct General Office about Myron.
SEPTEMBER 24,1945 FINALLY ARRIVES
Wire from Zeke about 4:30 PM sent 22nd from Manila "Yours 17th August, our family is more than lucky. Arrived Manila Sept 20, leave approx 10 days by boat. Love, Myron Wildish." Wired Don, Laura and Janet. Many phone calls regarding news and neighbors come in.
Connie wrote 15 letters and I wrote 10 regarding Myron's cable. Connie and Wick to Red Cross at noon. To Abbeys for supper with the 3 Wilburs. Long distance call from sister Laura at 10PM regarding Myron. First time I have heard her voice since 1933 - 12 years ago. She phoned from her home in Los Angeles.
"The Sun Shines Again" - Letter to Janet
Dear Friend,
Here is some news which we think will make you happy.
Yesterday we received a cable from Myron written from Manila P.I. on 9/22 saying he arrived there on 9/20 and expected to sail for home in about 10 days.
The sun shines again for us as our dear one comes back after 3 and 1/2 years of a living death.
Kindest regards to you and yours.
Sincerely,
F. Wildish
Here is some news which we think will make you happy.
Yesterday we received a cable from Myron written from Manila P.I. on 9/22 saying he arrived there on 9/20 and expected to sail for home in about 10 days.
The sun shines again for us as our dear one comes back after 3 and 1/2 years of a living death.
Kindest regards to you and yours.
Sincerely,
F. Wildish
Took car over for gas, oil, water and drove to Post Office. Churned butter, Ed here. Connie went to church with Mrs. Wilbur. Set clocks back one hour to pre war time. Myron due to sail from Manila today.
October 1945
Good letters from Janet, Laura, Louie, Don and Dave. Weather warm, almost hot. First work day on pre war time. Took John Musser to Red Cross Bldg after supper to turn off ???.
Quite a real dream about Myron early today.
Ed W. left early to drive to Abbey farm above Waitsburg to hunt. I stayed home hoping to hear from Myron. To Red Cross from 10 AM to about noon on budget meeting with Sommers and Harkins. Connie spent all PM at Red Cross planning her Recognition Tea with Hill and Lincoln. Wick and I loafed hoping for word from Myron. Took nap in den. Watered flowers. Took walk. In the evening we played cribbage and read. Card #12 from Myron dated February 1945.
Another week goes by...
Mowed lawn. Leveled stove. Potted ivy plant for Connie. Game season opened and we could hear firing all around village early this morning. Drive to Post Office in late PM and over to ??? on Wright Avenue. Telegram at 5 PM from Adjunct Generals Office Wash said Myron returned to military control on 8 September '45 and physical condition fair. (Government inefficiency disgusting for such a wire 2 months after Japan surrendered.)
Sent wire to A.G.O. (Adjunct General Office) for Myron at 9:45 AM. Daughter born to Mr. and Mrs. Norm Fuller at 8 AM.
REWIRE: Following for Lt. Myron F. Wildish: "According to your Manila wire, you should be almost home now. Anxious to know ship and port so we can meet you.
Love Dad"
Love Dad"
Cloudy most of day and a little cooler. Wire from (stepson) Don giving his new C.G.address in Chicago. Dark now at suppertime. Listened to Fibber McGee and Bob Hope programs. Wick and I went for walk to Torbett St. before bed time. No word from the boy.
Another day for history. We received in PM that Capt. Myron due in San Francisco Sunday. Wired Laura, Agnes, Don, and Har. Connie had Harkins, Lincoln, Hill and new Miss Brown for lunch. Left office about 4 PM and drove car to service station after taking Connie home. Busy packing and to bed at 7:30 PM.
From Connie's Recollections:
Telegram came saying our son, Myron, would arrive in San Francisco in TWO days. I called Myron's father out at Hanford at the Atomic Bomb job to inform him about Myron's arrival and said we could talk about going to SF when Dad (he) came home from work. At dinner we talked about leaving early in the AM. Spent the PM getting clothes ready for the trip.
Connie up at 1 AM and I got up about 2. Left home about 3:30 AM with initial car mileage of 78816. Picked up a sailor, LD Schmidt, Box 492, ???, who rode with us an hour or two. Dinner at Bend and pulled into Klamath Falls about 4 PM and finally got room at ??? hotel. None too good. Rotten supper and early to bed. Car running good. - 79250 mileage. Drove 397 miles.
Breakfast and left KF's at 6:27 AM. weather ideal and feeling fine. Met. Mr. English, formerly of White Bluffs, at inspection station as we entered California. Good dinner at Red Bluffs. Arrived at (stepson) David's home about 5 PM. 3305 Avon Lane, Richmond and met Agnes and the three girls and little Dave.Car mileage 79619 - Total of 803 miles since leaving home. We called Jack Perrins (sister Laura's husband) in evening from public phone booth.