World War II-dated ALS signed by Ensign James C. Keating, "Jim," six pages on five sheets, 8 x 10.5, September 4, 1945. Keating writes home to his mother from Iwo Jima, with an eyewitness account of the surrender ceremony of the Bonin Islands. In small part: "After a short discussion, the whole party—US and Jap—came back to the fantail for the signing ceremony. That was an event I'll never forget. All the Japs were dwarfed by the burly American crew standing by—the general was a wee-fellow, bowlegged, about 60 who had great trouble with the roll of the ship. Several times members of the crew had to steady him to keep him from falling down—his hobnail boots didn't help any. Other destroyers were patrolling about us, P-51 Mustangs were flying overhead, Navy and Marines planes were swooping low over the ship to take pictures, photographers were grinding away like mad, our crew was slick and at a rigid attention—and there in the midst of this hub-bub was this beaten, little Jap general signing everything that was placed before him. It was a scene I can't do justice to—but, believe me, it was a real thrill. The end of the war was brought home to me—the treacherous enemy was doing things our way‚and offering no complaint.
Somehow the whole affair had an air of unreality for me—it was like a dream—here was the enemy, men I had almost come to think were from another world—men so violently different from us in ideals, religion, and culture—men I hated and feared—the men we've been fighting these last four long years—these men actually around our ship, taking our orders—it was weird…I was fascinated when they laughed, frowned, bowed politely when cigarettes were offered, admitted no guilt, asked no forgiveness—and maintained their dignity at all times…The big formal surrender was aboard the Missouri—but being so close to this one was much better than being an outsider at that one." In fine condition, with intersecting folds. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope.
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