I saw your message for the first time, and thought I'd mention I served on the Clovis Victory on the voyage preceding Okinawa. Our primary trip was via Eniwetok then to Saipan and home. I well remember the Captain, a short frail man with ulcers, who allowed me to bring my dog aboard. In fact the crew loved her so well they fashioned a life jacket for her. We'd take her swimming with us and she soon learned how to hang on to the cargo net hanging over the rail to help us climb in and out of the water. Had I signed on to the Clovis after returning to San Francisco, I would have seen action with some of the crew that stayed on. My next ship was the Philippines Victory which took us to many places, include the Palau Island, Okinawa (late June or early July), the wars end, then to Korea, Philippines, India, China, then home. We didn't miss the typhoon that hit Okinawa, that nearly killed us all. If you'd like to see the crew of my last ship, look on web for the "Philippines Victory." I Am pleased I was able to keep a few. I am a retired AF Major, and a retired Hospital Executive who owes a lot to the Merchant Marine for teaching me the hard way, and to my country for providing me with the G.I. bill and other academic opportunities that allowed me to get multiple degrees. Since the MM did not get similar privileges I continue to support their right to be so honored. Hope this help and with God's support, JWH.

P.S. I am a full time writer who is about to make a movie entitled "Cayman Gold, based novel involving escaping Nazi's and Uboats.