May 8, 1945 - This is our first anniversary of our life on the good ship USS LST 740. One year ago today we boarded her in Dravo ship yards in Pittsburgh PA. and started down the Ohio River for the Mississippi, the Gulf and finally the Pacific. To celebrate we really did have a fine dinner…we had turkey, ice cream, and all the fixings. Evening - The captain called me and Morrow into his cabin and gave us back our rates and in their place gave us three liberty restrictions. This sure was swell of him. Noon - we heard over the radio that Germany had surrendered unconditionally and everyone sure was happy to hear it although most of us were expecting it anytime.

January 1, 1945 - had turkey dinner and firing practice.

December 25, 1944 - had good turkey dinner. Night - Captain furnished crew with some liquors which was mixed with some orange juice. Everyone had about as much as they could drink and everyone was feeling pretty good. Everyone was singing (over the PA part of the time) and no one was allowed to sleep. I got to sleep about 3 and had to get up for an 0400 to 0800 watch.